Accessing the NAC Back Stage
If the mainstream jazz and pop artists who play the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival main stage in Confederation Park like Wynton Marsalis or Sarah McLachlan draw the lion’s share of the public’s attention, connoisseurs and adventurers know that the Festival’s real gems are often to be found just a block away in the National Arts Centre. This year’s new Discovery Series showcases jazz’s most visionary, uncompromising talents in the NAC’s Back Stage, a venue specially opened to house these talents.
Replacing the traditional Fourth Stage (currently under renovation), the Back Stage will allow audiences to catch musicians the calibre of Colin Stetson & Sarah Neufeld, The Claudia Quintet and Myra Melford in a part of the NAC only artists and staff are traditionally privy to.
NAC Access Info
On foot: To access the Studio and Theatre, the NAC recommends you use the Mackenzie King Bridge entrance. Follow the colourful directional signs.
There is also an accessible entrance with elevators to the Back Stage on Mackenzie King, with drop-offs after 5pm.
The Back Stage is around the corner from Confederation Park at Gate 5 (refer to map) by Lawrence Freiman Lane adjacent to the Canal. Patrons are asked to line up by the Stage Door!
By car: Use the NAC Garage entrances on Elgin/Slater and at Albert Street. All accessible parking is on level P1. Once at the NAC, take the escalator up to the lobby, follow the pink signs to the Back Stage. Helpful staff are posted to direct you to the Studio, Theatre and Back Stage. Parking is also available at City Hall!