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 […]

The International & Comedy Series is here!

Get ready to double down on exploration and laughter! Our brand new International Series featuring captivating international events plus new additions of the hottest comedians to our Comedy Series is here! This incredible line-up promises: Whether you’re a travel enthusiast or comedy aficionado, we have something to make you roar with laughter and create memories that last a lifetime. International Series Line-up: Comedy Series Line-up: Russell Howard Live: Presented by Live Nation – Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:30PM | On sale NOW! Whose Live Anyway? – Monday, October 7, 2024 at 8PM | On sale NOW! The Debaters Live […]

Remembering Our Friend Gary Shantz

With heavy hearts, we gather to remember Gary Shantz, a cherished member of our Centre In The Square family who passed away last week. Gary’s unwavering dedication to the arts, dance, and theatre left a lasting impact on all who knew him. For an impressive 43 years, Gary served in various roles at Centre In The Square over the years, ensuring the seamless execution of our events. His passion for his work was evident in every interaction, and his influence extended far beyond our theatre walls, encompassing his work at Drayton Theatre and his role as a judge in dance […]

CENTRE IN THE SQUARE ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors of the Centre in the Square (CITS Inc.) are pleased to announce Eric Lariviere as the Executive Director of the Centre in the Square effective April 15, 2024 after an international search conducted by Martin Bragg & Associates. Eric is currently the General Manager, Flato Markham Theatre & Executive Director of Destination Markham Corporation in Markham, Ontario. Prior to that he was President and CEO of Daytona Beach International Festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the General Manager of Societe du Centre Pierre-Peladeau in Montreal, Quebec. He has also been a Professor at Seneca College since […]

Exciting Updates: New Seats and Seating Map, Coming Summer 2024!

Theatre seats inside an empty theatre.
Overview of Changes: Centre In The Square will be installing brand new seats this summer to enhance the overall theatre experience. With this, the seat numbering will also be changing from what you have all grown accustomed to. We understand that this can be confusing. We have created this page to bring clarity to what the new seating map will look like and to ensure you get the tickets/seats you want! The new seats/seating map will be in place beginning September 2024, all events before this will use our current seating map. Click here to compare the Current Seating Map […]

Centre In The Square unveils completed washroom renovation project

Kitchener, Ontario, May 24, 2023 — Canadians everywhere have felt the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. As the arts & entertainment industry continues to re-build and rebound, Centre In The Square, alongside the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and the City of Kitchener are excited to unveil a washroom renovation project which will have a positive impact on the over 150,000 yearly visitors for generations to come. Today, MP Valerie Bradford, MP Tim Louis, MPP Amarjot Sandhu, and City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic are excited to announce the completion of […]