Kelowna's Theatre Scene: Performing Arts in Kelowna

Posted by Dave Kotler on Monday, January 24th, 2022 at 2:24pm.

Theatre Organizations in KelownaLife in Kelowna isn't all orchards, wine tastings and sailing on the lake. There's a vibrant arts scene in Kelowna for audiences and performers alike. From performances to classes, the city's theatre scene is always busy. Here are some of Kelowna's theatre organizations.

Musical Actors and Singers of Kelowna

One key player in the musical theatre scene includes Musical Actors and Singers of Kelowna (MASK), a group of unpaid amateur performers who rehearse weekly and put on one or two shows a year. This group of talented men and women perform around Kelowna and the area and are often called upon to sing the National Anthems at Kelowna Rockets hockey games.

Kelowna Actors Studio

Another more active group in the city is the Kelowna Actors Studio Inc. This organization was founded in the spring of 2003 to produce and perform top-notch favourites from Broadway. It was started by Randy Leslie from Toronto and Nate Flavel, who cut his teeth on musical theatre in Kelowna. Leslie's role is that of Artistic Managing Director and heads up the education curriculum at KAS. Students that have been through his programs have gone on to study at Sheridan College in Toronto, the renowned Julliard in New York, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.

Offstage, KAS provides learning experiences for school students. In all, KAS is a quality theatre company that provides cultural enrichment throughout the Okanagan. The Studio promotes other musical theatre events in B.C. and often organizes bus trips to Vancouver to catch productions on the West Coast. KAS has presented more than 86 stellar productions. Kelowna audiences have been treated to performances of classics such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Sweeney Todd, Oliver, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady and many more. A Broadway Junior program has engineered high calibre productions such as West Side Story and Guys'n'Dolls.

Education

The educational arm is a non-profit, charitable entity that provides quality education through the Kelowna Actors Studio Academy Foundation. Some of the programs they offer include classes after school, camps during the summer holidays and spring break, acting and dance for musical theatre. Students studying through distance programs earn credits in performance arts at the KAS studio.

KAS Studio

The group operates out of studios located across the street from the Kelowna Public Library at 1379 Ellis Street in the Cultural District of Downtown Kelowna. The 11,000 square-foot space has four areas, including a 230-seat theatre that also has seating for dinner theatre; a rehearsal studio for stage and dance productions complete with mirrors on the walls; an area where sets can be constructed and stored; and an area with an office, a kitchen, and a licensed bar facility.

Get Involved

Whether you want to play a part in an upcoming production or would like to volunteer, opportunities are always posted on the KAS website. Volunteers, ushers, and ticket takers are always needed, and it's an excellent opportunity to see a Kelowna show for free. Singers, dancers and actors are invited to send in resumes and headshots throughout the season. Auditions for specific parts are listed on the website along with Dropbox access to music so applicants can rehearse before audition dates.

Kelowna Actors Studio not only offers a dinner theatre but also offers educational classes. If you want to expand your stage presence, Kelowna Actors Studio has a class for you. Acting classes are great when trying to help a child develop their social skills. You can register online for classes or visit the Kelowna Actors Studio box office.

Those who have attended classes at KAS have gained a wealth of guidance. Some have even gone on to seek a career in theatre arts.

Take in Kelowna's Theatre Scene

The theatre arts scene in Kelowna is thriving. Between the many different options for audience members and actors, there's bound to be something that suits your taste. If you're looking for a show with great local talent or want to explore what Kelowna has to offer, then go check out one of these organizations or their shows.

Dave Kotler

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