Police were forced to evacuate the Festival Theatre and Avon Theatre in Stratford after a bomb threat was made Monday evening.
The Stratford Police Service said both theatres were evacuated after officers received a call around 6:45pm that explosives had been placed "at the Stratford Festival".
Opening night of the Stratford Festival was quickly cancelled as a result of the threat.
"The Stratford Festival is saddened to announce that a bomb threat was made against the theatre tonight," festival officials said in a statement. "On the advice of police, we have cancelled tonight’s opening night performance of 'The Tempest'. To ensure the ongoing safety of our patrons and staff we have evacuated and secured all festival premises."
Stratford officers maintained a safe perimeter around the area until an explosives-trained canine team from Hamilton arrived.
Both buildings were searched, but nothing suspicious was located. Both properties were cleared by 4am Tuesday.
The Stratford Police Service has turned its focus to a criminal investigation into the incident.
All of Tuesday's performances, including the opening of "The Music Man,'' will go on as scheduled, with increased security. All ticket purchases will be honoured and ticket holders for Monday's performance will be contacted by festival staff.
