Blog

‘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 […]

Jonathan Randall joins Centre In The Square as Director of Marketing and Development

Centre In The Square (CITS) is proud to announce the engagement of Jonathan Randall as its Director of Marketing and Development. Jonathan will join the CITS team on November 18th. Jonathan is a respected entertainment professional with over 15 years of expertise in event marketing, fund development, artist management, and project leadership. Before joining the Centre in The Square, he served as the Director of Marketing and Development at Drayton Entertainment, where he drives sales, brand storytelling, and contributed revenue for one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit arts organizations. In this role, Jonathan leads a team responsible for attracting over 225,000 […]

Centre In The Square Transforms Audience Experience with New Accessible Seating

KITCHENER, ONTARIO – Centre In The Square is excited to announce the completion of its Seating Revitalization project, a significant improvement designed to enhance the overall accessibility and comfort of our theatre. Made possible through the generous support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, this project ensures that all community members can fully enjoy the world-class performances that Centre In The Square has to offer. This Seating Revitalization project upgraded all the fixed seating within the Raffi Armenian Theatre at the Centre In The Square to new plush, wider and more comfortable seats. In total more than […]

Centre In The Square Unveils a Show-Stopping 2024-2025 Season: From Rock Legends to Theatrical Masterpieces!

Kitchener, ON — Centre In The Square is excited to unveil a stellar collection of shows for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, offering a mix of world-class performances that promise to entertain, inspire, and bring the community together. With a diverse array of talent across multiple genres, from Celtic family celebrations to rock legends and theatrical storytelling, this season is set to be unforgettable. New Shows Announced: • Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Family Christmas – Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30 PMCelebrate the holidays with this lively, heartwarming Celtic family celebration, bringing the joy of music and festive cheer.• Blue Rodeo […]

20-Time Grammy Award Winner Pat Metheny Comes to Centre In The Square for the First Time This November!

For the first time ever, Centre In The Square is thrilled to welcome world-renowned guitarist and composer Pat Metheny to its stage on November 28, 2024. With an astonishing career spanning nearly 50 years, Metheny is a 20-time Grammy Award winner and the only musician to have won in an unprecedented 10 categories. His accolades also include three gold albums, marking him as one of the most celebrated figures in jazz and contemporary music. Pat Metheny’s performance promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical experience. With more than a dozen guitars at his side, he will present compositions from across his […]