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Kimberley Summer Theatre returns for 14th year
By Tony James
In Canada, from coast to coast, summer theatre performances of all varieties attract and embrace local residents and visitors alike, such as the case with Kimberley Summer Theatre, in a significant and vibrant way each year.
A seasonal opportunity for multigenerational audiences to come together for a professionally produced theatre experience where each can enjoy, not only the exciting live entertainment value of the productions, but also engage and learn about the company behind the presentation as well.
Kimberley Summer Theatre, established in 1997, is a not-for-profit professional charitable theatre organization located in Kimberley, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The primary objective of the organization is to provide affordable but professional theatre for an international audience.
As a leading summer theatre company, Kimberley Summer Theatre continues to build upon its reputation by blending local talented performers and volunteer personnel with professional performers and production staff from across Canada and beyond.
The company, led by a passionate board of directors, has built a significant foundation that incorporates both live performance and a comprehensive and interactive summer theatre school that nurtures the artistic and professional development of young aspiring artists.
Throughout its history, Kimberley Summer Theatre has employed more than 300 performers and production personnel, produced over 25 plays and musicals and performed before tens of thousands of theatergoers making it one of the leading summer theatre organizations in Canada.
Highlights of past shows include Sweeney Todd, Spirit of the Sullivan, Beauty and the Beast, The Glass Slipper, Pirates, Fool’s Gold (original work), In the Money, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, By Jeeves, The Butler Did It Singing and Lend Me A Tenor to name just a few.
As Kimberley Summer Theatre embarks upon its 14th season it once again blends professional performers, from as far away as Montreal and New York City, with aspiring local artists, as young as seven-years-old, for some very exciting performances this summer. These young artists, many of whom will be making their stage debuts, not only have an opportunity to be mentored by seasoned professionals, but an opportunity to showcase their talents to a local and visiting audience right in their home city.
This in itself is a further example of how important the company has become within the theatre industry. It provides a platform for artists and production personnel to come together, in a collaborative manner, to entertain, educate, experiment and provide an experience for all to enjoy, both on and off stage.
It is a family of creative artists united together to produce exceptional, top quality professional theatre that audiences can be proud to call their own. It is these fundamental values that make the theatre arts so integral to a community who has a cultural pulse and thrives on its appeal to locals and tourists to make it sustainable and ever-evolving. The Kootenay Region has proven itself to be a leader in this movement.
With significant cuts to arts and culture funding over the last several years, Kimberley Summer Theatre has relied heavily on the support of its members, donors, volunteers, audiences and local and provincial government granting bodies to keep it moving forward. Without this consistent generosity summer theatre couldn’t exist.
The need of an eclectic and versatile mix of arts and culture programming in the region has never been greater and Kimberley Summer Theatre is proud to be leading the cultural charge and enhancing the regions artistic landscape one season at a time.
Kimberley Summer Theatre is proud to offer audiences two exciting and entertaining productions this summer.
First is the hit Norm Foster comedy Self Help. The story of a married couple, both second rate theatre actors, who cast themselves as nationally renowned self-help gurus. Their lives unravel in a farce as they try to conceal a body and hold on to their falsely won fame. A smart and sassy look at love and the self-help industry and what the couple will do to stay on top!
Next is L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic The Wizard of Oz. The story of a young farm girl who gets swept away to the Land of Oz and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who she hopes can help her return home. Featuring your favorite songs and a hilarious cast of characters, this classic musical is an unforgettable introduction to theatre for your young ones – and a joyous rediscovery for the child in all of us; a truly magical adventure for the whole family.
For information on the company, and the 2013 season, including how to purchase tickets, please visit www.kimberleysummertheatre.ca / Box Office: 250-427-4080 from Monday to Tuesday (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and Saturday (12 – 4 p.m.)
Kimberley Summer Theatre
