This volume investigates the historical development, key figures, and institutional evolution of theatre within the Canadian cultural landscape. Editors Eugene Benson and L. W. Conolly, both established scholars in the field of drama, compile extensive research to provide a comprehensive reference framework. The text synthesizes decades of performance history, examining how regional traditions and national identity have shaped the Canadian stage. By organizing entries alphabetically, the authors offer a structured approach to understanding the complex interplay between playwrights, directors, and the socio-political environment of Canada.

Scholars and theatre practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for the study of Canadian performance history. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a reliable resource for researchers and students alike.