Blog

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 […]

Centre In The Square Diversifies for Upcoming Season

Centre In The Square’s upcoming season is making headlines! We’re excited to share that our 2025–26 season launch was recently featured in a CTV News article, which highlights the diverse lineup of performances and events coming to our stage. This season, we’re expanding our programming to offer more variety than ever before, with over 30 productions spanning music, comedy, theatre, and family entertainment. The new season is designed to welcome a wider range of audiences and reflect the growing interests of our community. Even as we bid farewell to a longtime staple, we’re committed to ensuring Centre In The Square […]

SAMAJAM Brings the Beat to Over 3,500 Students at Centre In The Square

Centre In The Square was bursting with rhythm, colour, and pure excitement as SAMAJAM hit the stage for two unforgettable performances as part of our Education Series. More than 3,500 elementary students from across Waterloo Region filled the theatre and became part of the show in a fully interactive musical experience. From the moment the lights went up, students were clapping, drumming, singing, and dancing along. With instruments in hand and smiles on their faces, the young audience helped bring the performance to life in true SAMAJAM fashion. For many, this was their first time attending a live performance in […]

Centre In The Square’s executive director talks about efforts to rejuvenate performing arts space

It’s been just over a year since Eric Lariviere became executive director of Kitchener’s Centre in the Square. He started in the role just months after the city owned performing arts space’s calendar was left with large holes due to the bankruptcy of the K-W Symphony. But he had a goal to help revitalize and rejuvenate the iconic space.  Lariviere joined CBC K-W’s Craig Norris, host of The Morning Edition, to talk about the direction of the city-owned space. Audio of this interview can be found at the bottom of this story.  This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Craig Norris: Last […]

‘Crown jewel of the performing arts’: Kitchener’s Centre In The Square fills void left by symphony with diverse programming, community outreach

A revitalized Studio Theatre and relaunched summer camps are part of a strategy for growth. May 5, 2025 Eric Lariviere is the executive director at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square. Brent Davis/Waterloo Region Record By Brent Davis Reporter It’s been more than a year and a half since Kitchener’s Centre In The Square lost its biggest tenant. The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s surprise announcement that it had filed for bankruptcy in September 2023, just as its season was set to begin, shocked the arts community and the venue the orchestra had called home since 1980. More than 30 performance dates on the centre’s […]

Meet Our New Team Members: Cadence Bishop and Myles Rusak Join Centre In The Square

Cadence Bishop – Performing Arts Summer Camp Director Cadence Bishop joins us as our new Performing Arts Summer Camp Director, bringing over a decade of experience inspiring young performers through accessible, engaging theatre education. A trained playwright with a background in drama instruction across Milton, Mississauga, and Toronto, Cadence has written and directed more than 15 original plays performed by her students. Her passion lies in helping children aged 6 to 14 develop confidence, creativity, and stage skills through hands-on learning in improvisation, tableaux, acting, and performance. This summer, Cadence will lead our Kinder, Junior Stars, and Centre Stage Performing […]

Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic

You’ve seen him on your screens, now see him live on stage! The World’s Most Followed Magician Makes Ontario Debut for One Night Only at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic One Night only – 7:30 p.m. – March 12, 2025 Centre In the Square – Kitchener Tickets on sale Now! For Immediate Release – Kitchener, Ontario – March 7, 2025 — Kitchener fans are in for a magical treat! Award-winning magician Xavier Mortimer, the most followed magician on social media with over 15 billion video views, is ready to dazzle audiences with a performance that […]

Kitchener Creates: Inaugural Networking Event

Join us for an Exclusive Gathering! KITCHENER CREATES: INAUGURAL NETWORKING EVENT WHEN: Thursday, December 5, 2024: 4:30 – 6:30 PM WHERE: Centre In The Square, Studio Theatre (Enter on Ellen Street) Join us for an evening of connection and creativity at the first-ever Kitchener Creates Networking Event! This is your chance to meet visionaries, artists, along with a community of professionals working at the forefornt and behind the scenes, from across the arts, marketing, and creative industries, all while sparking new collaborations and celebrating the talent that fuels our vibrant community. Enjoy Complimentary food, provided by Don Julio, Three Kretans, […]

Giving Tuesday 2024

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to come together and give back after the consumer-driven days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a day to celebrate generosity, strengthen communities, and make a difference. This year, you have the opportunity to support the arts at Centre In The Square and extend your kindness even further by helping those in need through our partnership with the local food bank. Make a Donation Through CanadaHelps, you can make a one-time or recurring donation to support Centre In The Square. Every contribution helps us bring world-class performances to our community […]

Kids ‘R’ Back for 24/25! Centre In The Square Unveils All-New School Matinee Series

Kitchener, ON — Centre In The Square is thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Children’s Education Program, kicking off a season of exciting school shows designed to inspire, entertain, and engage young audiences. Thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsor, Staebler Insurance, the season opens with Jeremy & Jazzy, a vibrant performance that brings music and storytelling to life for students across the community. On November 12, 2024, students gathered at Centre In The Square for two special performances at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. They embarked on an immersive adventure with Jeremy, Jazzy, Stu, and […]