Meet Kate! Kate is originally from Vancouver and has been living in Penticton for one year now. She enjoys relaxing on her patio taking in the view of Robinson Creek, discovering the local art in the community, and spending some quality time with her partner, Ronan.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I’m from Vancouver and I’ve lived in Toronto, London (UK), Wales and Edmonton. We currently live in Naramata, but we bought the church on Eckhardt and Ellis in Penticton last year.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner, Ronan Reinart because he is loving, adventurous, wildly creative and wicked smart. We have a wonderful working dynamic and together we create things that neither of us could do alone. In some ways, there’s a yin-yang aspect to our relationship.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
BeeLong Gallery. They have wonderful art that even if you can’t buy it, you can look at it and it has a funky gift shop where you can buy unique gifts. Their artists are very innovative and the whole place reminds me of something you’d find in a much bigger arts center.
Describe yourself in one word.
Imaginative
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
My deck because it sits beside Robinson Creek and it is peaceful and mesmerizing. I like to write out there or just take in the evening air.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
I love my work, so I have to say going to Tempest and teaching and/or directing. I also enjoy scouting for places to shoot films. There are so many possibilities!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My teens.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Shooting our second film, The Orchard. It brought us to the Okanagan, where we explored and fell in love with its magical corners. Ultimately, just like the lead character in our film, our lives changed because of this landscape and the people who live here.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending summers in Waterton National Park with family. Epic hikes and horseback riding, laughter, BBQ’s, troll dolls, bunk beds, pancakes, dalmatians and running to the waterfall.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Critteraid and the Humane Society.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hate. In all contexts, it’s a wasteful, limiting, destructive emotion that can be redirected into something positive and constructive.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Wayne and Freda’s – though you typically run into great people there, so it isn’t really a place you stay alone for long.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I haven’t been in Penticton long enough to answer this question. I believe we are lucky enough to arrive at a time when there is real momentum in the local art and culture scene, which is always exciting.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The geography and the people who care for it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Create a TV series
Write a book
Go to Cuba
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Though I’m strong, I’m sensitive and cry easily. I’m extremely empathetic and need a lot of alone time.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Kate Twa Instagram: @twakate
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tempest Theatre and Film Society
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was an actress for many years. First in theatre and then in film and TV. I love telling stories and watching people connect and expand so I began teaching and directing quite young.
What is the goal of your business?
To entertain, enlighten, connect and inspire.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Time management. There always seems to be too much to do and not enough time for it all.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Definitely the same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Do it again."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Stay passionate, open and curious."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ronan Reinart
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
First, quality. When you’re shopping local you can get better information about the products and services you’re buying and you can make better choices, getting higher quality in the process.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Staying passionate, open and curious. Mentoring hundreds of actors and watching them grow into powerful artists.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Our audiences. We sometimes present very challenging material that can be difficult (but very important) to experience. Our audiences have far exceeded our expectations for courage and support.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ronan Reinart
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Kate has directed over two dozen stage plays and written and directed three which have been produced across Canada. She has taught thousands of students in the Craft of Acting. Kate is a founding Director of Railtown Actors Studio in Vancouver and Artistic Director of Tempest Theatre and Film Society in Penticton where she continues to generate her creative tenacity and fearless exploration of challenging material.
Whether on stage or on film, developing and directing new material has always been her driving passion.
In 2011 Kate wrote and directed Gods of Youth, a harrowing exploration of kids and crystal meth. Her most recent film, The Orchard, screened at more than 12 international film festivals acquiring numerous awards including Best Director at Sydney Independent Film Festival (Australia) and Best Feature at the Portsmouth International Film Festival (UK).
She is currently working on a television series that will be produced and shot in the Okanagan.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing [email protected]. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Penticton!
