Western Canada Theatre has announced its 2026/27 season, introducing a refreshed artistic direction from Artistic Director Kelli Fox and positioning the upcoming year as a bridge between the company’s 50-year legacy and its future.

Marketing and Communications Director Kirk Smith says the season is the result of a year-long process of community engagement and artistic planning following Fox’s arrival in summer 2025.

“Kelli spent the last year getting to know everybody, getting to know the community, getting to know what people like, what people don’t like,” Smith said in an interview. “Now she gets to finally unleash the season that she’s planned. And it’s looking really, really good.”

Smith said the guiding idea behind the lineup is growth and continuity.

“The sort of theme of the season is Where Stories Grow,” he said. “We’ve been planting these seeds through our 50th anniversary year… but now we get to think about where we’re going to grow into the next 50 years.”

Opening with family magic and “a wild rumpus”

The season begins in September with a special presentation of Where the Wild Things Are, adapted from Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book. The immersive production at the Pavilion Theatre is designed for younger audiences and includes student matinees and public performances.

Smith said the company wanted to ensure strong programming for families early in the season.

“We have a special presentation in the fall for little kids, like three to seven years old,” he said. “Making sure we get that family content in there.”

A cult musical returns to Kamloops

The Sagebrush Series launches with Little Shop of Horrors, the darkly comedic musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

Smith said the production fits the season’s theme in unexpected ways — even though its story of a carnivorous plant is decidedly more literal than symbolic.

“It is about a plant that grows and develops a taste for blood,” he said. “It’s a big hit wherever it goes. It’s going to be tons of fun.”

New Canadian work and personal storytelling

In November, audiences will see Son of a Preacherman by Ins Choi, creator of Kim’s Convenience. The autobiographical play blends storytelling with live music as Choi reflects on growing up in a religious household while pursuing an artistic career.

Smith said the production has already proven its popularity nationally.

“It was a huge hit in Vancouver a couple of years ago, and it’s going to start making the rounds,” he said. “We’re glad to have that here.”

Holiday season reimagined

Instead of a traditional large-scale holiday production, Western Canada Theatre will stage a two-person adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis at the Pavilion Theatre.

Smith said the production is designed specifically for the intimacy of the smaller venue.

“It’s really imaginative,” he said. “Two of the kids have grown up, they go back into the wardrobe, and they start pulling out things and becoming all of the characters. It’s really creative, immersive storytelling. That smaller space really fits.”

World premiere and returning Canadian classics

The new year opens with Wake, a world premiere by Congolese-Canadian playwright Rachel Mutombo, co-produced with Persephone Theatre. The play explores family tensions, grief, and long-buried secrets following the death of a patriarch.

Smith emphasized the importance of supporting new work.

“It’s always great to premiere new work and brand new shows,” he said.

The season continues with Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout by Tomson Highway, directed by Kevin Loring. The production returns to a work originally commissioned by Western Canada Theatre and the Secwépemc Cultural Education Society.

Smith described it as both local and historically significant.

“It’s a very local story, told in this coyote trickster sort of way,” he said. “It compresses a hundred years of history into one day. It’s cheeky, witty, funny — but also tackles big topics.”

A hometown hit returns

The Sagebrush Series concludes with Made in Italy by Farren Timoteo, a solo show that originated at Western Canada Theatre and has since toured nationally.

Smith said audiences remain deeply connected to the production.

“A lot of people loved this show,” he said. “I know people are going to be excited to see it again. I already know people who are like, ‘I’ve seen it three times — I can’t wait to see it again.’”

Intimate theatre closes the season

The Pavilion Theatre will also host Guilt: A Love Story by Diane Flacks, a solo production from Tarragon Theatre exploring family breakdown, memory, and personal responsibility.

Smith said the venue plays a key role in shaping the experience.

“With that small Pavilion space, we’re using it for those really personal stories where you want to be right front and centre,” he said.

Reflecting on a milestone year

The announcement comes as Western Canada Theatre wraps its 50th anniversary season, a year that has included sold-out performances, community storytelling projects, and a major fundraising celebration.

Smith said the milestone highlighted the company’s long-standing place in Kamloops.

“I keep talking to people who have been subscribers since the 70s,” he said. “Some families have three generations sitting together watching the same story. It shows how important live theatre is in this community.”

He added that the experience of shared live performance remains central to the company’s mission.

“When you sit next to a couple hundred people and watch something together, it sparks parts of your brain that don’t happen when you’re at home watching TV,” he said.

Subscriptions now available

Season subscriptions are now on sale through the Kamloops Live! Box Office, with early-bird pricing available until May 31.

Smith said subscription packages offer flexibility and value, from full-season passes to flexible ticket bundles.

“You can subscribe to all seven shows or choose a flex pass,” he said. “And if you get a seven-show subscription before May 31st, you’re getting 25 per cent off.”

He also noted that subscription prices remain comparatively affordable.

“It’s kind of nuts,” he said. “You can subscribe to all seven shows in the best seats in the house for less than two tickets to a single show in Vancouver.”

As Western Canada Theatre prepares for both a new season and a new artistic era, Smith said the momentum coming out of the 50th anniversary is strong.

“It’s exciting for us,” he said. “And it’s exciting for Kelli to get to launch this.”