Posted on: October 23rd, 2020 by KW Musical Productions
KWMP members are invited to our online Annual General Meeting, on November 22 at 4 pm.
At the meeting, we will share what KWMP has been working on for the past year, answer your questions, collect your feedback, and elect a new Board of Directors.
Due to the unprecedented global pandemic, the KWMP Board of Directors has approved a motion to temporarily eliminate the $25 membership fee for the 2020-2021 season.
Members may vote either in person or by proxy by one of the following: Download: Proxy Form Mail: 14 Shaftsbury Ave, Kitchener, ON, N2A 1N5 Scan & Email: info@kwmp.ca E-Proxy Form: Click Here
In 2018, the KWMP membership approved a by-law amendment to move our year-end to June 30, to be more in line with our season. This is also in line with our membership period which is from July 1 to June 30 of each year. This presents a challenge, as the majority of our members do not renew their membership on July 1st, and instead renew or become members when they start production of one of our shows.
In order to ensure we are representing the KWMP membership, and have quorum at the AGM, we have proposed a motion that would extend the membership period to the end of the AGM of that fiscal year.
Motion 1. Motion to amend section 24 of the K-W Musical Productions By-Laws from: “The membership period is July 1st to June 30th of each year,” to “The membership period is July 1 to the end of AGM of that fiscal year.”
When we started production of Addams Family the Musical over a year ago, we had a clear plan for how the show would come together. Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other ideas. Since we put the production on hold in March, a lot has changed in the world. We have been watching the developments of this pandemic closely and have been deferring to Health Canada and other authorities for guidance on how to proceed. As you probably know, singing represents a higher risk of spread of the virus. Based on what the experts are saying in the best-case scenario, we would not be able to safely get back together until May, a date that may change, and we would still need 2-3 months of rehearsal to put the show together.
Our original plan for Addams Family the Musical was clear; we knew when, where and how we would put this production together. Despite all our hard work, forces beyond our control have continually altered that plan. It doesn’t seem reasonable to expect that a cast and crew would stay committed to a show when we do not know when, where and how the show can be safely staged.
The KWMP Board of Directors has made the hard decision to end our production of Addams Family the Musical and release the cast and crew from their commitment to the show.
On behalf of the K-W Musical Productions’ Board of Directors, I wanted to thank our cast and crew for their hard work on this production. We are incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish together and look forward to working with you again in the future.
We will continue to explore other options of how we can produce shows safely in a post COVID world, with the goal of producing a show in the Summer or Fall of 2021. In the meantime, we are working hard to implement the Your KWMP Action Plan.
Our Current Financial Situation
KWMP and the whole Performing Arts Community is facing unprecedented financial challenges. We are unable to produce shows or rent our building out for the foreseeable future.
We are working to reduce costs and apply for any appropriate funding opportunities. We have a healthy reserve fund and no outstanding debts. We are confident it will help us weather these challenging times.
Your KWMP Action Plan Update
Over the summer of 2019, the K-W Musical Productions Board of Directors engaged the KWMP membership and members of the local arts community with a series of surveys, focus groups and conversations, to help our organization evolve and represent the dreams of our membership and community.
Over 200 people responded to our online survey, including current and past members, audience members, and community supporters.
The Board of Directors hired Lynda Abshoff to facilitate group discussions with 40 members, who in small groups shared their thoughts, ideas and brainstormed what they thought the future of KWMP should look like.
Members of the KWMP Board of Directors have met with representatives of dozens of performing arts organizations, community members, city and regional staff and local politicians.
Based on these conversations, we have identified four themes that included:
The KWMP Board of Directors has been working for the past year and a half to implement the plan’s priorities. Our efforts have been significantly hampered by the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, we are still making progress on several themes:
Culture and Community
Community is core to KWMP’s mission. Every year we come together to produce high-quality community theatre. We do it because it is something we love; it brings people together, provides a creative outlet, and allows us to develop new skills.
Sometimes, when a show ends, that community is lost. We are working hard to provide opportunities to stay connected between shows through regular social events and training sessions. The events committee has adapted their plan to run more events out of our hall towards online events. We have hosted several virtual cabaret nights and a musical watch party.
We look forward to returning to in-person events next year.
If you would like to join the events committee, please email the Chair of our events committee, Gary Shantz, by clicking here.
Resources and Training
KWMP is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization with limited resources. We are working towards bringing on additional resources, training and more diverse representation in our leadership team.
Artistic Vision
We look forward to getting past COVID-19 and returning to a place where we can produce two musicals per year.
KWMP is also working on expanding our reach, by partnering with other arts organizations to provide space and resources to produce additional content. For the past several years, we have partnered with Stage School to provide performing arts classes and camps for children and youth.
This year we also partnered with Agnew Acting Studio to produce a Livestream children’s production of Charlotte’s Web. We have also supported the work of a new original musical production and many others.
Rehearsal and Performance Space
There is a real need for affordable rehearsal and performance space in Waterloo Region. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, theatres were at capacity and turning groups away.
It has been difficult for us to find space to produce high-quality shows that you have come to expect from KWMP due to cost and lack of theatre space availability. KWMP is not alone in this, but we are in a unique position, as we own a building and have access to available capital.
KWMP has been actively exploring opportunities to increase the availability of affordable rehearsal and theatre space in Waterloo Region.
We can not do this alone and have been in talks with other performing arts groups, community members, community organizations, and both politicians and staff from all levels of government.
We are investigating large and small changes we could make to our current space at 14 Shaftsbury Drive in Kitchener and exploring partnerships with other organizations to bring together existing spaces and run them collaboratively or creating a brand new space.
It took the vision for the KWMP Board of Directions to purchase our building in 1964 and then add a significant addition in the 1980s. That vision has helped us produce over 100 musicals and provide rehearsal and production space for hundreds of productions, workshops, events over the years.
As KWMP and the local arts community continues to evolve, we are committed to honouring that vision and looking to the future. We believe that KWMP can act as a community leader and support a viable, sustainable plan to create additional affordable rehearsal and performance space, benefit not only KWMP but also the whole community.
Shaping the future of Your KWMP
KWMP is facing unprecedented challenges, we have an ambitious plan to move KWMP forward, but we need your help. We need our members to join a committee or join the Board of Directors and help shape the future of KWMP. In particular, we are looking for people with knowledge of one of the following areas: marketing, fundraising, finances, or theatre production.
Posted on: December 3rd, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
Bring your class to Grease – the #1 musical in the world. Your students will love the music and experience the rush of watching one of the most famous stories live on stage with all their favourite characters. Get ready to shout “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!”
Recommended for students in grades 7 and up due to content.
Please see our Student Matinee information package for ticket prices and to request seats.
Posted on: June 25th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
Please read all instructions carefully before booking an audition. The fundraiser cabaret is only open to alumni who have performed with KWMP previously. If you have ever been on stage with KWMP, you are welcome to audition!
Performance dates
Wednesday, November 4 – 7:30pm
Thursday, November 5 – 7:30pm
Friday, November 6 – 7:30pm
Saturday, November 7 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Tech rehearsal dates
Sunday, November 1 – all day
Monday, November 2 – evening
Tuesday, November 3 – evening
Rehearsal schedule
Thursday evenings, Sunday afternoons, Sunday evenings. Sunday afternoons will be opening and finale numbers (large groups). A schedule will be drawn up once auditions are complete and program sketched out. Rehearsals may begin in August where possible for certain groups, but rehearsals officially commence in September and run through October.
Who can audition
As this is a cabaret, the creative team is open to group auditions. People can choose to audition on their own or they can bring a duet, trio, quartet, or group. Whether or not a group number is included in the show is at the full discretion of the creative team. Dance numbers as well as short monologues or skits are encouraged as well.
What material to choose for the audition: COMEDY!
Choose something funny that shows off your comedic talents!
Dancers may choose to choreograph a routine to a comedy song and the creative team may add a vocalist later if that number is chosen. Actors please ensure your monologue or skit is no longer than 3 minutes. NOTE: This is a PG-13 show, so please refrain from material that uses excessive foul language or is vulgar. This doesn’t mean all racy material is out, it just means be mindful of content.
How to audition
Click here to book your audition. In the case of group auditions, designate one person to sign up on behalf of the group. When booking, please indicate the song, monologue, or skit title being presented in the “city” slot (the address slot is not used). If your song selection changes, please let us know ASAP as the list is being sent to our Music Director, Bob Lee, in advance of auditions.
What to bring
Vocals – sheet music (feel free to email sheet music in advance for the Music Director to auditions@kwmp.ca). Dance/musical production – CD, MP3, etc.
Audition dates
Tuesday, July 21 & Wednesday July 22, 7:00pm to 9:30pm – 5 minute slots
Video auditions welcome!
Send all video auditions to auditions@kwmp.ca in an appropriate format for the production team to view (YouTube/Vimeo clips preferred). Deadline to submit a video audition is July 22.
Posted on: May 17th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
It’s time to kick off summer with your friends at KW Musical Productions. Reconnect with cast and crew mates and join us for a BBQ potluck followed by our Annual General Meeting. This is a time to celebrate the 2014/2015 Season and hear about what’s coming in the year ahead. The BBQ & AGM will take place on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the KW Musical Productions Rehearsal Space at 14 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener.
Meat and veggie burgers are supplied, but please feel free to bring your favourite side dish or appetizer. At the meeting members will hear the report and statements required by the Corporations Act, to be read and laid before the Members of the Corporation; elect Directors to our Board; and appoint the auditors and fix, or authorize the Board to fix, their remuneration.
Want to join the Board of Directors? We are always looking for new people to help govern this longstanding organization. By-Laws state that anyone wishing to seek election or re-election as a Director must file their intentions in writing with the Secretary of the Corporation, at least 72 hours in advance of the Annual General Meeting. Send us an email of interest to info@kwmp.ca.
The Board of Directors invites you to join us for this fun-filled event – we are having a blast and getting down to business at the same time!
DETAILS
Kitchener Waterloo Musical Productions BBQ & AGM
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2015
BBQ: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
AGM: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night: 8:30 p.m. onwards
Location: 14 Shaftsbury Ave, Kitchener, ON
WATERLOO REGION – Before Beatlemania, before Bieber Fever, came the original rock ‘n’ roll heartthrob, the one and only Conrad Birdie. KW Musical Productions brings you back to the 1950s with the Tony-Award Winning musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. On stage from February 12th to 21st, this is one musical hit you won’t want to miss.
Bye Bye Birdie centres around rock ‘n’ roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley), who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the army by Uncle Sam. Birdie’s manager, Albert, and his secretary/girlfriend, Rosie, cook up a plan to send him off in style with a hit new song and one last kiss from a lucky fan on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” A town full of colourful characters including crazed teenagers, a jealous boyfriend, and spotlight stealing father make for a rollicking good time.
The upbeat score of Bye Bye Birdie features classic songs such as “Put On A Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” “The Telephone Hour,” “Kids,” and “One Last Kiss.” Winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Bye Bye Birdie will keep you humming these classic tunes for days.
“If you loved Hairspray, you won’t want to miss Bye Bye Birdie,” says John Bigelow, President of KW Musical Productions. “Delightfully humorous and wildly entertaining; this family musical brings you back to a simpler time.”
The story is anchored by Tim Clarke as Conrad’s bumbling manager Albert, the role made famous by Dick Van Dyke. Local jazz singer Rebecca Binnendyk takes on the leading role of his sultry secretary and would-be fiancée Rosie. Binnendyk is well known for her stellar voice and charisma having performed regularly in town at The Jazz Room, as well as in the U.S. and overseas. The show further stars Reuben Eby as the teen idol superstar Conrad Birdie and Sarah Bowman as Kim, the lucky fan who gets to give Birdie one last kiss. Trevor Middleton plays Kim’s boyfriend Hugo, Rob Bridel and Sarah Willett portray her father and mother, and Ryan O’Donnell joins the family as Kim’s little brother Randolph. Other leads include Amy Leis as Kim’s best friend Ursula, Shelagh Ranalli as Mae Peterson, and Amie Debrone as Gloria.
This show features a cast of over 40 local actors including Jocelyn Bannon, Caitlin Bergauer, Conor Bergauer, Nathan Chaytor, Shaylynn Diebolt, Gabe Guerra, Maya Holmes, Charlotte Kingston, Kelsi Knowles, Madeline Lehmann, Kayla Liebig, Ciara Moules, Monika Plauszta, Destiny Rettinger, Hayley Sopik, Ruth Tierney, and Alten Wilmot in the Teen Chorus. Diana Barber, Amy Barber-MacLean, John Bigelow, Steve Brown, Sebastian Mateus, Gabe Namtu, John Payne, Amy Sproule, and Randy Streich round out the talented adult ensemble.
The creative team for Bye Bye Birdie includes Director David Atkins, Music Director Michael Brown and Choreographer Christine Watson. The 1950s set is designed by Samantha Burson with complementary lighting design by Laura Johnson-Sherratt and lavish period costumes designed by Ann MacKenzie. Props created by Claudia Riggi with hair, wigs and make-up by Ene Billings. Nadene Riehl is the Stage Manager with Ian Huggins, and Stephanie Bradshaw as Assistant Stage Managers.
For the past 66 years, KW Musical Productions has given local residents an opportunity to shine both on and offstage. No one in the cast is a professional performer and for the majority of the production team theatre is not their full time job. Having successfully produced over 75 productions since 1948, KWMP continues to stay true to its mandate and provide community members of every age and background the opportunity “to experience and participate in high quality musical theatre.”
“You don’t need to have any experience to be involved with KWMP, just a passion for musical theatre,” says Bigelow. “I encourage anyone who is interested in being involved onstage and off to contact us through our website – we are always happy to welcome new members. Our members not only have a fabulous time putting on shows, but also form lasting friendships.”
Bye Bye Birdie is proudly sponsored by Ottawa Heritage Dental, Swanson’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Rogers Radio Group including 96.7 CHYM FM, 106.7 Country and 570 News, 98.5 CKWR, The Waterloo Region Record, Kitchener Post and the Waterloo Chronicle. One For The Wall Photography is the photography sponsor.
Don’t miss the knee slapping excitement of this smash hit family musical. Bye Bye Birdie is on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 12th to 21st. Tickets are $35 plus HST and can be purchased online at www.kwmp.ca, in person at the Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling 519-747-7788.
For more information please contact: Brenden Sherratt
Publicist, KW Musical Productions
marketing (at) kwmp.ca
519-591-0095
Rebecca Binnendyk as Rosie and Tim Clarke Albert
Sarah Bowman as Kim and Reuben Eby as Conrad Birdie
Posted on: September 23rd, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
Many of you may have noticed the recent media coverage about the Centre In The Square. Over the last two years the Centre In The Square has gone through substantial organizational changes in order to streamline their business, including increasing their rental rates for community groups. With so much competition for entertainment dollars in Waterloo Region, the Centre In The Square faces the same financial challenges as most not-for-profit arts organizations in the country. We have encountered many of the same hurdles and can appreciate their situation.
KWMP has produced musicals at the Centre In The Square since 1980. Over the last five years, our sales for shows at that venue have declined substantially due to the rising costs and the number of seats in the theatre that must be sold in order to reach our budget threshold. After disappointing sales for Anne of Green Gables last fall, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision not to renew our annual contract. We are extremely proud of our 34 years at this world class venue, but we must be financially prudent in order to preserve the legacy of our organization.
Over the last few months, the Board of Directors has diligently explored other venue options. It is with great excitement that we formally announce our plan for the coming Season. As many of you know, rehearsals have already begun for The Drowsy Chaperone which will be produced at The Registry Theatre from November 6 to 15, 2014. We are very excited that longtime performer Eric Da Costa will step behind-the-scenes to direct this fun-filled comedic production. Eric was part of our mentorship program as the Assistant Director for Anne of Green Gables last fall. It’s exciting to see him take the next step and be at the helm of a production.
Earlier this year, we had the great fortune of returning to the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse after a seven year hiatus. Our production of The Full Monty, staged in February, was a bit of an experiment to see if we could produce larger scale musicals in this venue. The Full Monty was a critical and financial success paving the way for a new vision for KWMP.
Our major musical for the coming Season will be Bye Bye Birdie presented at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 12 to 21, 2015. We anticipate a cast size of around 40-50 people, so although our big musical will not be quite as large as it was at the Centre In The Square, there will still be plenty of cast and crew positions available for aspiring artists on stage and off. David Atkins and Michael Brown will return as Director and Music Director, and Christine Watson, who choreographed The Full Monty will join their ranks as Choreographer.
This season was full of new projects – we undertook our first fundraiser in May and it was a rousing success both artistically and financially. We have decided to make this an annual event and look forward to the return of Broadway Our Way next spring, which will be extended over two weekends from May 21-30, 2015. We will produce the fundraiser at our building on Shaftsbury Avenue – this is the first time we will have produced a show in our own space and we look forward to that exciting challenge. Please watch for our call for volunteers in early 2015.
We know that change can be unsettling, but we want to assure you that the organization you know and love will continue to produce high quality musical theatre and provide opportunities for the community to be involved at all levels. The big bonus here is the reduction in ticket prices – you’ll notice that all our shows are now under $40 before tax. We are thrilled that our musicals are more affordable than ever.
The Board of Directors is confident that the changes to the venues and structure of our Season will maintain the vitality of our community theatre organization for generations to come. In closing, we invite you to become a member and reconnect with the KWMP family. Whether you were involved last season, or haven’t been a member for years, we want you to be part of the 2014/2015 Season. KWMP is built by and for the membership. Email us at info@kwmp.ca to renew your membership today.
Posted on: June 12th, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
KWMP is looking for a number of volunteers to help bring its production of The Drowsy Chaperone to life. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a KWMP production, or are wondering what happens behind the scenes to make these shows happen, this is your opportunity! This is also a great opportunity for High School students looking to complete their volunteer hours.
See the volunteer positions PDF for details on all the volunteer positions we have available.
Please fill out and print this audition form to bring to your audition. Please bring a head and shoulders photo to attach to your audition form
Please come prepared with 16-32 bars of two contrasting musical theatre pieces, one being in the style of the show (but not from the show). You may be asked for one or both. You may bring sheet music (a pianist will be present) or an MP3 of the instrumental music to accompany you. You may bring an accompanist if you so choose
Movement/dance will be a component of the callbacks
Lead roles, then named roles, then ensemble will be notified within three days. All auditionees should be notified by July 15th
Video Auditions
Video auditions will be accepted from those who are unable to attend one of the audition evenings, but must be received before July 7. A video should include both styles of songs and evidence of movement/dance ability (YouTube links are acceptable). Please send to auditions@kwmp.ca; include the completed audition form and a digital photo in your email
Cast Requirements
Cast are expected to learn parts before September 4 (subject to change). Costumes and sets may begin in intervening months. Individual and/or group dance , and/or vocal rehearsals may occur over summer at the discretion and availability of cast and Directors
All cast will be required to purchase a membership ($25), a script ($10) and provide a $50 cheque as deposit toward production hours (refunded on completion of 10 hours)
Important Production Dates and Times
Rehearsals: begin September 4th and run Thursdays from 6:30pm to 10pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 10pm (optional Wednesdays if needed for choreography or leads dependent on availability of space and at discretion of directors)
Posted on: April 30th, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
KWMP is now accepting applications for the creative teams for their next two shows: The Drowsy Chaperone and Bye Bye Birdie. All applications must be received by May 10, 2014. Audition information will be posted at a later date.
Posted on: March 3rd, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
Join us as we celebrate KWMP’s 65-year history and look towards a bright future! Enjoy performances of some of the biggest Broadway hits as well as some undiscovered gems by contemporary composers. This event includes live entertainment, cash bar, silent auction, and door prizes… all in support of KW Musical Productions, Waterloo Region’s premiere community theatre company and one-of-a-kind training ground for aspiring performers. Buy your tickets here.
Bring your class to Grease – the #1 musical in the world. Your students will love the music and experience the rush of watching one of the most famous stories live on stage with all their favourite characters. Get ready to shout “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!”
