If you love watching live productions, then you’re going to love what the theatre groups in Kingston, Ontario have to offer.
Below we’ve featured the key theatre companies in Kingston, Ontario, have summarised their activities and highlighted their upcoming performances.
1. King’s Town Players
A theatre company that specialises in drama, comedy and family shows, King’s Town Players is a great choice if you’re looking to volunteer and put on fantastic stage shows year round. A non-profit group, King’s Town Players was founded 6 years ago and has flourished in that time. Now a group of over 120 volunteers, the main aims of the group are to entertain the community, get people interested in the Arts, and promote culture in the city. Operating with the ethos of community involvement in cultural projects, and the use of theatre as a creative outlet for the youth and something to bring people together.
Putting on 5 plays every season, with 8 performances for each one, King’s town players is a very active theatre group which is reliant on the hard work and application of its volunteer base. Open auditions are held often, so there are many opportunities to try out for the group, and there are also a variety of backstage roles that are available.
With a number of shows coming up next year, the last running show in 2019 is their production of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire. With performances of the show from September through October at the Kingston Grand Theatre, this is a fantastic opportunity to see what the group is all about, and whether you would be interested in auditioning to join.
Address: King’s Town Players
202-506 Days Road
Kingston ON
K7M 5R4
E-mail: info@kingstownplayers.com
Telephone number: (613) 583-7529
2. Bottletree Inc
Founded over 30 years ago, Bottletree Inc is a group which encompasses all elements of theatre production, ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field. There is no age limit at Bottletree Inc, meaning you can attend classes and pursue your passion in theatre whether you’re a young child or a senior adult, however there is a particular focus on youth programmes. The group is a good choice to attend if your aim is to make friends with similar interests, or perform regularly in spectacular shows for the community.
Offering a range of youth classes that cater to all levels of ability from beginner to advanced, Bottletree Inc provides a supportive environment in which you are allowed to truly thrive and grow into your acting abilities. As well as traditional stage production acting classes, the group also puts on singing lessons and is well-equipped to develop children in the field with the highly qualified teachers Anne Marie Mortensen and Charles Robertson.
The company is known for their children’s developmental programmes, and as such offer a wide variety of them. Right now, their summer courses are in session. If you would like to participate, or have a child keen to explore their artistic side, then consider signing up for the “Cinderella” musical theatre programme. Just 2 weeks, the programme runs from Monday to Friday at Saint Andrews Presbyterian church.
If you‘d like the opportunity to see them perform on stage, then make sure you check out their upcoming show “Matilda” on September 13th and 14th at the Grand Theatre.
Address: 130 Clergy St E, Kingston, ON K7K 3S3
E-mail address: info@bottletreeinc.com
3. Blue Canoe Productions
A youth-oriented theatre production company founded in 2006, Blue Canoe Productions was established by students from local high school RND. Blue Canoe Productions is open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 30. The non-profit organisation is all about generating opportunities for younger members of the community through the medium of theatre productions and the arts.
Blue Canoe Productions offers its members the chance to take part in local arts festivals such as Juvenis festival, Viva Voce and Songs & Spirits. Each of these festivals are unique and allow the members to express themselves artistically and tell their story in a highly creative way – through spoken word or even singing in concerts. As well as participating in these cultural festivals, the theatre group also puts on a variety of shows throughout the year. If you’re interested in seeing them perform live, then you should check out the summer performance of “Disney Freaky Friday”.
In addition to this, Blue Canoe Productions also offers a variety of training programmes if you’re looking to get involved with or perfect the trade. The Intensive Summer musical course is ideal if you’re interested in learning more with your spare time in the summer. From August 5th – August 23rd, you can head down to their stage on Sydenham street and join the programme, or enroll your child, for $500 per session.
Address: 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston (Sydenham Street United Church)
E-mail: education@bluecanoetheatrical.com (For more information on the educational programmes)
bluecanoeproductions@gmail.com (For production enquiries)
4. Kingston Community Theatre Group
Founded in 2002, the Kingston Community Theatre group community focuses, and aims to get local people involved in the Arts. Performing regularly at the Kingston SE town hall, the group is made up of dedicated members of the community who are enthusiastic and passionate about entertaining the public. Holding workshops from time to time such as the recent sound workshop which covered digital sound desks for those interested in the backstage side of theatre production.
Check out their latest performance of “Love” at the SE town hall, running from August 8th to the 10th, to see the lively group in action. A play based on the simple premise of what you would choose to save if there were an approaching storm threatening you and your loved ones.
Follow the group on Facebook for more information about upcoming shows, as well as interviews and entertaining videos with the cast.
