Each summer, the Kamloops Arts Council puts together an acting troupe known as the Rivertown Players, which is composed of post-secondary theatre students who work tirelessly to present accessible, free, family-friendly theatre performances at parks and events throughout Kamloops. After a year of innovative virtual performances, the Rivertown Players are thrilled to be returning to local parks and other outdoor venues live and in person! Under the tutelage of a local theatre professional, the students create a full-scale production from scratch, which they then perform live five days a week. From scripts to sets to costumes to direction, the students are involved in every aspect of theatre production and learn just what it takes to mount a series of plays on a tight schedule.
The troupe’s debut performance kicks off at Art in the Park as a part of the Canada Day festivities and from there can be spotted all over Kamloops and the surrounding areas. Previously, the Rivertown Players have taken to the stage at Sun Peaks, Overlander Days, and a variety of local parks all over Kamloops, delighting audiences both young and young-at-heart with their interactive shows, songs, and stories. While performances are targeted at children, the Players encourage audiences of all ages to soak up the sun during one of their comedic, one-of-a-kind productions. Performances typically last anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes and can cover a wide variety of topics such as environmentalism, friendship, and everybody’s favourite, superheroes. With the guiding hand of Randi Edmundson, Artistic Producer for Project X Theatre, at their disposal, the Rivertown Players are sure to create some highly inventive stories this season.
Entering its 23rd year, the Rivertown Players hopes to continue to foster the talent of the next generation of performers while simultaneously providing entertainment and inspiration for children and families. Participants have brought the tools honed in the program to their professional careers as drama teachers, artistic producers, directors, playwrights, designers, actors, screenwriters, and facilitators. An important fixture in the live theatre community, it is a delight to welcome the return of the Rivertown Players to our local public spaces.
For more information, visit https://kamloopsarts.ca/program/rivertown-players/.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Rivertown Players, please contact Tanya Nielsen, KAC executive director at 250.372.7323 or at info@kamloopsarts.ca
