Western Canada Theatre History

Western Canada Theatre, Kamloops’ nationally recognized professional theatre company began 45 years ago as the result of a high-school drama teacher’s courage to dream, dedicated students with an ambition for theatre, and the persistent support of parents and teachers within the community. WCT’s beginnings as a community youth theatre have shaped it as much as its activities as a professional theatre.

Operating under the name of North Kamloops PTA Theatre Wing during the early 1960s, the fledgling group provided students with performance experience and promoted artistic pride within Kamloops. Even in its first decade, the theatre group achieved recognition, when it received the Best Director Award in the Canadian Finals at the Dominion Drama Festival.

In 1969, under the name of Western Canada Youth Theatre, the company experienced its first formal introduction to the theatre world with a tour of Britain, presenting the world premiere of Jump in London and Fragments and Chamber Music in Edinburgh. In 1973, the LIP Grant (Local Initiatives Program) sent them off to Britain once again, this time presenting the European premiere of George Ryga’s The Ecstasy of Rita Joe in Scotland at the Edinburgh Theatre, where WCYT won the Best New Production award.

The transition from amateur youth theatre to professional theatre began in 1975, when the newly renamed Western Canada Theatre Company (WCTC) was officially incorporated. The next year, WCTC became a professional theatre company, with its 1976/1977 Season engaging artists under standards set by the Canadian Actor’s Equity Association.

WCT continues to grow and evolve to this day but has not forgotten its roots in youth theatre. The importance of youth education in the arts and providing children and youth opportunities to express their passion through theatre – as audience members, acting students or production interns – still persists within WCT. Thousands of students enjoy school matinees every season; for many, it is their first introduction to live theatre. Through WCT’s Stage One Theatre School, children and youth have found their voice and confidence, skills they take into other areas of their lives. The energy of youthful ambition continues to drive Western Canada Theatre forward into its fifth decade!