Cranbrook Community Theatre president Jennifer Inglis says 2025 has been a year defined by community spirit and milestone celebrations for the long-running organization.
The theatre doesn’t measure success by the calendar year, but by its performance season.
Inglis says 2025 has stood out because of the number of new people who became involved, both on stage and behind the scenes.
She says the theatre welcomed new performers, volunteers and board members, reinforcing the community aspect of local theatre.
Among the highlights of the season so far was the dual anniversary celebration marking 60 years in the community and 50 years as steward of the historic Studio Stage Door.
To recognize the milestone, the theatre revisited productions from past seasons, including Pippin, A Christmas Carol, The Real Inspector Hound and The Man with the Bowler Hat.
The anniversary season wrapped up with The Cemetery Club.
Inglis said one of the standout productions was A Christmas Carol, which served as a fundraiser and featured prominent community members as guest performers throughout the show.
The 2025 season began in October with The 39 Steps, which Inglis says was particularly meaningful because it allowed the director to finally bring a show to the stage that had been cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for challenges, Inglis said rising costs and funding pressures remain an issue for the theatre.
“Like many arts and culture organizations, costs and funding are a challenge. It’s expensive to put on theatre, and we’re always trying to keep it affordable for audiences.”
She said producing live theatre is costly, and the organization continues to balance affordability for audiences with financial sustainability.
Despite those challenges, Inglis said support from the City of Cranbrook and the province has allowed the theatre to continue delivering high-quality productions.
“Even though funding has been a challenge, we’ve still been able to give the community really great theatre.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Inglis said the theatre is preparing for two upcoming shows.
A Thousand Clowns, directed by Michael Grossman, opens Feb. 20, followed by Deathtrap, directed by Bob de Cue, which closes the season on May 22.
Inglis also thanked audiences and supporters from Cranbrook, Kimberley and across the East Kootenay region, as well as the renters who use the Studio Stage Door.
“We just want to thank Cranbrook, Kimberley and the surrounding East Kootenay region for supporting Cranbrook Community Theatre and supporting arts and culture.”
She said community support remains the foundation of the theatre’s success and looks forward to another strong year ahead.
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