The Proprietor Review

The Western Canada theater has a lineup going into the next season. We think the theater is a tremendous lift to all who participate in these particular community semi-volunteer things and those that go on to other venues.

Tenure

The Western Canada Theatre (WCT) is a professional theatre company based in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, with a rich history spanning over five decades.
Founding and Early Years:
WCT’s roots trace back to 1969 when local drama teacher Tom Kerr founded the Western Canada Youth Theatre. This group, initially comprised of Kerr’s Grade 12 drama students at Kamloops Secondary School, focused on theatre for young people and even embarked on international tours. In 1975, the company formally incorporated and broadened its mandate, becoming a fully professional theatre company known as the Western Canada Theatre Company.
Growth and Venues:
After Kerr’s departure in 1976, the company was led by artistic directors Frank Glassen (1976-1979) and D. Michael Dobbin (1979-1983). During Glassen’s tenure, WCT oversaw the substantial reconstruction of the Kamloops Secondary School auditorium, which reopened in 1978 as the Sagebrush Theatre. This 714-seat (now 681-seat) proscenium theatre became the company’s mainstage. Later, in 1988, they added the Pavilion Theatre, a 165-seat (now 150-seat) black box theatre, for alternative and experimental productions.
Notable Artistic Directors and Their Contributions:
* **Tom Kerr (1969-1976): Founder of the Western Canada Youth Theatre, instrumental in its early development and transition to a professional company.
* Frank Glassen (1976-1979): Oversaw the creation of the Sagebrush Theatre.
* D. Michael Dobbin (1979-1983): Raised the company’s profile with critically acclaimed productions.
* David Ross (1983-2009): A significant figure in WCT’s history, serving as Artistic Director and Producer for 25 years until his death in 2009. He played various roles including director, actor, producer, designer, and manager, and during his tenure, WCT produced over 100 works and several important Canadian premieres.
* Daryl Cloran (2010-2016): Directed twenty productions over nine years, including the premiere of the musical Glory by Tracey Power.
* **James MacDonald (2017-2025): Directed numerous popular productions like Jesus Christ Superstar, Shrek, The Wizard of Oz, and GLORY. He also has a strong background in developing new Canadian plays. He departed the company in January 2025.
* Kelli Fox (appointed May 2025): The newly appointed Artistic Director, bringing extensive experience from renowned Canadian and US theatre companies.
Artistic Mandate and Notable Productions:
WCT presents a season of five mainstage works at the Sagebrush Theatre and two alternative/experimental productions in the Pavilion Theatre, typically running from September to May. They are a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and are committed to entertaining, educating, and enriching the cultural mosaic of their community.
WCT has a strong track record of premiering new Canadian works and has gained national recognition for many of its productions. Some notable Canadian premieres and productions include:
* Eric Nicol’s Free at Last, Ma!
* Jeff Pitcher’s Christmas Carol and The Honourable Member
* George Ryga’s Ploughmen of the Glacier and The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (co-production with the National Arts Centre)
* Tomson Highway’s Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout (2004), which later travelled to the Magnetic North Theatre Festival.
* Kevin Loring’s Where the Blood Mixes (2012, co-production with Theatre Aquarius and Theatre Network).
* Michel Tremblay’s For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (2013, at the Magnetic North Theatre Festival).
* David Van Belle’s Liberation Days (2014, co-produced premiere).
* Tracey Power’s musical Glory.
Western Canada Theatre continues to be a vital cultural institution in British Columbia, contributing significantly to the development and presentation of Canadian theatre.