Centre In The Square Unveils a Show-Stopping 25/26 Presenting Season:From Canadian Legends to Broadway Blockbusters —Plus New Funding and Partnerships!
Kitchener, ON — Centre In The Square (CITS) is proud to announce an exciting lineup for its 2025/2026 “Centre In The Square Presents” Season, featuring a dynamic mix of live music, dance, theatrical productions, comedy, and culturally rich performances. From iconic rock bands to international stage sensations, the Season is packed with bold, unforgettable experiences for all audiences. Today’s announcements include over 30 new shows to hit the stage of the Raffi Armenian Theatre and the Studio Theatre of Kitchener-Waterloo’s premiere destination for live experiences. New shows will be announced throughout the summer and the fall, so stay tuned for even more must-see performances coming your way.
This year, Centre In The Square is also proud to share several major milestones that underscore the strength and growing impact of its programming. The Centre’s signature Destination programming has been awarded $125,000 through the Experience Ontario 2025 program, recognizing its powerful contribution to tourism, community engagement, and cultural vibrancy. Long-time Season Sponsor Heffner Lexus Toyota has increased its support through a renewed three-year commitment, while ENOVA continues to sustain its generous support as the Presenting Sponsor of ever-popular Classic Rock Series. The Centre also continues its valued partnerships with The Walper Hotel, The Waterloo Region Record, and many hospitality partners, including today’s lunch sponsor Borealis, enhancing both the patron experience and community reach. CITS’ team is grateful for the major cornerstone funding received from the City of Kitchener.
“This Season is an invitation to enjoy your favourites, explore something new, take a chance on the unexpected, and feel every moment,” says Executive Director Eric Lariviere. “We’re honoured to receive the new support from the Government of Ontario, along with the sustained and generous funding from the City of Kitchener. We are also excited to welcome audiences to another Season of world-class live entertainment in downtown Kitchener.”
This year’s Centre In The Square Presents Season is thoughtfully curated into a range of exciting series that highlight the diversity and depth of live performance. Whether you’re drawn to international spectacles, iconic rock concerts, Broadway blockbusters, beloved Canadian artists, or family attractions, there’s something for everyone seeking the best of live experiences. Explore our five-signature series below, each offering its own unforgettable lineup of shows and experiences.
Canadians Series
- CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Unsilent Night – Fri., Dec. 19, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Blue Rodeo – Fri., Jan. 9 & Sat., Jan. 10, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Gowan – Sat., Feb. 14, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Irish Rovers – Tues., Mar. 17, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Men of the Deeps – Fri., May 1, 2026, 8:00 PM
International Series
- The Australian Pink Floyd Show – Tues., Sept. 23, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Soweto Gospel Choir – Wed., Nov. 26, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas: Graceland Edition with Steve Michaels (co-presented with Icon Productions) – Thurs., Dec. 18, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Drum Tao – Sat., Jan. 17, 2026, 7:00 PM
- The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (Created by Robert Lepage and Guillaume Côté) – Thurs., Mar. 5, 2026, 8:00 PM
- The Peking Acrobats – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026, 7:00 PM
- Step Afrika – Thurs., Apr. 30, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Pavlo & Daniel Emmet – Fri., May 8, 2026, 8:00 PM
Broadway & Beyond
- Menopause The Musical (Co-presented with Modo Live) – Fri., Sept. 26, 2025, 8:00 PM
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour featuring Patricia Quinn – Wed., Oct. 29, 2025, 8:00 PM
- TINA – The Tina Turner Musical – Fri., Nov. 28, 2025, 8:00 PM & Sat., Nov. 29, 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – Live-to-Film – Thurs., Dec. 11 & Fri., Dec. 12, 2025, 7:30 P(Co-presented with Glatz Concerts featuring members of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony)
- Mike Super: Magic & Illusion – Sat., Mar. 7, 2026, 7:00 PM
- STOMP (Co-presented Innovation Arts & Entertainment) – Fri., Apr. 17, 2026, 8:00 PM & Sat., Apr. 18, 2026, 2:00 PM (Co-presented with Innovation Arts & Entertainment)
- Starvox Entertainment Presents Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience – Apr. 27–May 3, 2026 (Studio Theatre)
ENOVA Presents: Classic Rock Series
- Classic Albums Live: Michael Jackson’s Thriller – Fri., Oct. 31, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Get the Led Out – Sat., Nov. 15, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Classic Albums Live: Prince’s Purple Rain – Fri., Mar. 6, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Classic Albums Live: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours – Sat., May 2, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Jeans ‘n Classics: Heartland – Current & Classic Country – Thurs., Feb. 26, 2026, 8:00 PM
Pat The Dog Series in the Studio Theatre
This Season, Centre In The Square is proud to collaborate with Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, under the direction of Lisa O’Connell to bring a full Season of bold, original, and thought-provoking theatre to the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
This exciting alliance champions Canadian voices and elevates underrepresented stories through intimate performances in the Studio Theatre.
Audiences can expect innovative storytelling, powerful themes, and unforgettable live experiences—all rooted in community and creativity.
Pat the Dog Theatre Creation Series at Centre In The Square:
- Calling the Rock Home – Oct. 15–18, 2025, 7:30 PM
- {dis}Ability Unleashed – Wed., Dec. 3, 2025, 7:30 PM
- Femme Folks Fest – Mar. 7–14, 2026, 7:30 PM
CITS Education Programs & Summer Camps
Centre In The Square remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, thinkers, and arts lovers through its growing lineup of Education Programs and Summer Camps. These initiatives are designed to ignite creativity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire young audiences through live performance and hands-on experiences.
This year’s Education Series brings curriculum-connected programming directly to students and educators across the region, featuring imaginative storytelling, STEM-based exploration, and culturally enriching experiences. Performances are tailored for elementary and middle school audiences and take place during school hours at the Centre’s Raffi Armenian Theatre (Main Theatre). Learn more about our Education programs at centreinthesquare.com.
2025/2026 Education Series Lineup:
- Will et Seeka – Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
- Dr. Kaboom: Under Pressure – Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
- Shaun Boothe & The Unauthorized Biography Series – Monday, February 23, 2026 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
- Dino Light – Monday, April 20, 2026 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
- Step Afrika – Wednesday, April 29 & Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
In addition to school-year programming, the Centre’s popular Summer Camps return this July and August with a variety of one- and two-week sessions designed for children ages 6 to 13. Led by professional artists and arts educators, these camps offer a welcoming space to build confidence, express creativity, and make new friends—culminating in a final showcase performance for family and friends. Learn more and register at centreinthesquare.com/summercamps.
Tickets & Memberships
Tickets on sale for:
CentreStage Members: Thursday, May 29 at 12:00 PM. – 15% discount until June 30.
General public: Monday, June 9 at 12:00 PM.
CentreStage Memberships are available for purchase now, with new exclusive benefit of a special discount of 15% offered on select shows, until June 30, 2025. Members enjoy early access to tickets, premium seating options, and exclusive perks throughout the Season.
For full details on the 25/26 Season or to purchase tickets, please visit Centre In The Square’s website.
Media Contacts
Eric Lariviere
Executive Director, Centre In The Square
416-557-8498
ELariviere@centreinthesquare.com
Jonathan Randall
Director, Marketing & Development
519-578-5660
JRandall@centreinthesquare.com
About Centre In The Square:
Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. (CITS) is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to managing Kitchener’s premier performing arts theatre. With over 140 annual events, CITS showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural landscape with concerts, plays, lectures, and more. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the theatre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, CITS offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.
