VIDEO: Kelowna Theatre Company stages COVID comeback

The Kelowna Actors Studio has been a huge part of Kelowna's theatrical community for 18 years and never has it faced an existential crisis like this one.

With the onset of the pandemic, the theatre went dark, and the future looked pretty gloomy. But the 230 seat theatre is making a comeback.

"It's been a difficult time," said The Actors Studio's Randy Leslie. The theatre company is getting back on the stage but asking for the public's understanding until things get back closer to normal.

The pandemic forced the company to cancel several shows and withdraw from its Workroom space on Enterprise Way, which has been home to its black box theatre.

"We wanted to put all of our efforts into Ellis Street to make sure we stay alive," explained Leslie. "And we're going to survive."

Unfortunately for theatre buffs, shows like Grease, Gypsy and Death Trap will not be staged. They've been replaced with presentations that don't come with such big licensing fees.

"Rights for Grease were a hundred thousand dollars," he said. And with COVID-19 restrictions capping them at audiences of 50 people, that kind of show simply isn't possible. "At 50 people, there's no way we can cover those costs," said Leslie.

Instead, they've put on shows like their online review: 'The Show Must Go On'.

The curtain will go up for their rendition of the macabre comedy 'Evil Dead The Musical, with a three-week run opening October 21 at the Actors Studio on Ellis.

"The only thing we're asking is that until we get to phase 4," he said, "If people could hold onto those credits, they're good forever."

Leslie said a lot of people have been asking why the theatre didn't offer refunds instead of just credits.

"If we give refunds, 18 years is gone and we're out of business," he explained.

"We're fighting the good fight, we've got plans for other events, we hope to be able to start our main stage season in February, opening with Amadeus".