Putting together summer theatre in Kimberley, B.C.

A team of talented people—including professionals and volunteers—come together to make summer theatre magic in Kimberley, B.C.

Kimberley Summer Theatre is alive and well in the charming city of Kimberley, B.C.—and this season, there is not one, but two shows happening. Norm Foster's Self Help runs July 9 to 27 with performances at Centre 64, and The Wizard of Oz shows are staged at the McKim Theatre between August 3 and 14.

Some may not know that the Kimberley Summer Theatre Society is a not-for-profit, professional and charitable theatre organization that has been running since 1997. It is now one of the leading summer theatre organizations in Canada, showcasing performers from near and far.

Summer theatre success

Tony James, the new executive producer and publicity director for the society, is excited to be involved with Kimberley Summer Theatre this year. In his 30 years of show business, James has enjoyed a rewarding career—acting, writing and producing—and is the recipient of a number of awards: most recently, a prestigious award from the National Geographic Society for his work and support of global education and exploration.

James said that the goal of the summer theatre society is to provide affordable but professional entertainment for an international audience, and Kimberley Summer Theatre has been doing this every year for almost 15 years—having produced more than 25 productions in Kimberley as well as providing a comprehensive summer theatre school for young aspiring performers. Some of these performers have, in fact, gone on to be very successful actors: Alicia McKenzie starred in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Jeremy Raymond can now be seen in the latest Star Trek movie, Star Trek Into Darkness.

A lot of hard work

There is an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes for the shows to go on, James said.

“The society is run by an enthusiastic board of directors chaired by Shirley Rossi, who has been involved since 1999, and her vice-chair, Bud Abbott, who is 92 years young,” said James. “That they have stuck with the society for this long is something to be proud of in itself.”

In addition, James said, there is the society staff and the creative team—which takes care of everything from sound and lighting to vocal coaching and costumes.

"I have assembled a team of about 15 this year, and I could not be more proud," said James. “They are incredible, competent, amazing people who are all talented in their crafts, and when you blend all these people into one room, magic happens—and that is rolled over to the audience. Our two directors are Tanya Laing Gahr (Self Help) and Truus Verkley (Wizard of Oz), who are extraordinary.”

Community support

James said that the society is fortunate to have a good base of support to build on in Kimberley.

“We look to the community as our ambassadors,” said James. “They are the voice of the company, and we need them to share our good name and to encourage their colleagues, friends and families to come out and support us.”

This year, James said, the society is aiming to intrigue audiences. Dinner theatre packages are being offered as well as other promotions.

For more information and details about this year's productions, tickets and volunteer opportunities, check out the society's new website or Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the box office at Centre 64 and over the phone at 250-427-4080.