Our Roots in Theatre

Founded in 1990 as Theatre Beyond by Paul Gelineau, the company became The People’s Theatre Kingston in 1992 and had two more Artistic Directors under that name: Kathryn MacKay (1993-94) and Kathleen LeRoux (1994-97).

In early 1998, AD Craig Walker (1997-2007) shortened its name to Theatre Kingston and moved into the Baby Grand Studio in Kingston’s historic Grand Theatre, where it began offering a full season of four or more productions a year (with occasional expeditions to alternative venues in Kingston and Toronto).

During the tenure of AD Kim Renders (2008-2011), the company initiated several TYA initiatives to engage the next generation of theatre-goers in the region:  the ‘Children’s Drama Club’ and a summer Drama camp for school-aged children.

The company was then helmed by Artistic Producer Brett Christopher, with a renewed mandate to hire professional artists and produce theatre at the highest standard of quality.  When Brett Christopher left to helm The Thousand Islands Playhouse the company is run by Interim Artistic Director Kathryn MacKay.  

Currently, Rosemary Doyle is the Artistic Producer, a title which combines the role of Artistic Director and General Manager. Theatre Kingston produces up to three shows annually, a series of child/youth engagement activities the Store Front Fringe - a ten day, 3 venue, festival of 18 different shows.  Theatre Kingston also collaborates with local theatre practitioners to build a strong cultural voice in the region.