Kelowna Actors Studio
The Kelowna Actors Studio is a dinner theatre company located in Kelowna, British Columbia. The studio is located at 1379 Ellis Street, across from the Kelowna Public Library. Recently renovated, the theatre offers approximately 11,000 square feet and seats over 200 patrons per performance. In addition to the stage and audience areas, the theatre facilitates a mirrored rehearsal/dance studio, set and props construction & storage areas, costume workshop & storage areas, a kitchen, licensed bar and a general office area. Since its formation in May 2003, the company has produced over 50 plays and musicals.
Productions
The studio's season runs from September to August, and includes a total of 10 productions in four series: mainstage, concert, children's theatre, and Mandatory Expression. Shows play at 8pm everyday of the run, with the addition of a 1pm matinee on Saturdays.
Mainstage Series
Forming the bulk of the company productions, the Mainstage Series includes six full-scale productions (usually four musicals and two plays). In previous years, mainstage productions ran Thursday through Sunday for four weeks, but have recently changed to Wednesday through Sunday for three weeks. The series has included such musicals as The Producers, Sweeney Todd, Singin' in the Rain, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and such plays as Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, Arsenic & Old Lace, Brighton Beach Memoirs, On Golden Pond, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Concert Series (Music Stand Series)
In addition to the mainstage series, the Actors Studio produces two musicals "In Concert." Similar to the famous Encores! productions at the New York City Center, the Concert Series (formerly known as the "Music Stand Series") musicals are performed on book, where the actors perform from music stands with the aid of their scripts. During the performance, the actors may leave their music stands and perform with the ensemble behind. These productions focus on the music of the shows and the vocal talent of the performers. Concert productions run Thursday through Sunday for one week. Past productions include Anything Goes, Brigadoon, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Children's Theatre
Starting in February 2013, the Actors Studio will produce full-scale productions tailored towards child and family audiences. Children's Theatre Shows will feature additional performances at 11am and 6pm, with matinees moved to 2pm. The first Children's Theatre Production will be the Disney musical My Son Pinocchio.
Mandatory Expression Theatre Company
Mandatory Expression is a separate theatre company that exists with the support of the Kelowna Actors Studio. The aim of the company is to produce contemporary theatre for alternative adult audiences. The first production will be the Pulitzer Prize winning play Angels in America and will take place in June 2013.
Dinner
The Kelowna Actors Studio is, by nature, a dinner theatre. A menu is designed specifically for each production. It features a three course dinner designed by executive chef Neil Schroeter, served at the patron's table, and includes an appetizer, choice of main course and dessert. The menu also includes vegetarian options, as well as the ability to meet other dietary concerns. A selection of cocktails, wine, beer, champagne and after-dinner drinks are available to order from the table, or at the bar in the lobby.
10th Anniversary Season
The 2012/2013 season marks the studio's tenth anniversary. In celebration, the studio has lined up a season of returning classics and smash hits straight off broadway. The season includes productions of Kiss Me Kate, Barefoot in the Park, Miracle on 34th Street (The Musical), Guys and Dolls, Noises Off, My Son Pinocchio, La Cage aux Folles, Nine to Five and Spamalot.
Theatre School
Throughout the year, the Kelowna Actors Studio provides a variety of theatre classes for children and youth. There are three semesters: Fall, Winter and Summer, and additional camps over spring break. During the course of a semester, there are several classes tailored to unique age ranges (usually ages 4 to 6, 7 to 12, and 11 to 18). More than half of the classes offered focus on the rehearsal and performance of a play or musical. Past productions include such classics as Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh (based on the 2011 motion picture), and Mamma Mia! The studio also offers a variety of classes which focus on theatre in general, rather than on a specific play or musical. These include instruction in improvisation and theatresports, and the basics of theatre and film acting, dance, and script work. The Actors Studio is also working with the Kelowna Actors Studio Foundation Board to establish a post secondary performing arts school in Kelowna's Cultural District.
Performance Troupe
The Senior Performance Troupe is the Kelowna Actors Studio's very own youth theatre company. The troupe welcomes children ages twelve to nineteen and acts as a hybrid instructional class and engaging theatrical experience. The troupe begins rehearsals in the fall in preparation for a multi-performance run in March. Performances take place on a full stage, in costume with microphones and make-up. Past productions include school editions of The Lion King and Les Misérables. In March 2013, the troupe will perform the hit musical Rent.
Adult Education
The studio also provides a few theatre classes tailored towards adult performers looking to further develop their skills. Programs include improvisation classes, and a yearly masters class for skilled performers.