The Registry Theatre

The Registry Theatre An art deco heritage property. KW's premiere performing arts venue. And they get to enjoy the performances, too! Drama. J.M.

The mandate of The Registry Theatre is to provide an affordable venue for community groups and individuals, as well as fulfilling the role of an arts incubator where new and experimental shows can be presented. Professional shows of all types are frequently presented, and the small theatre auditorium makes The Registry the perfect studio setting for the taping of film and television productions. O

ur volunteer program provides opportunities for local residents to support the work of The Registry Theatre, as well as learn front of house and behind the scenes technical skills. You can help The Registry to continue and expand our community building efforts as we support and develop arts and culture for the betterment of our community. Your gift helps to ensure The Registry Theatre continues to fulfill its mandate. You can show your support of The Registry Theatre by making a donation to J.M. Drama is a charitable corporation and a registered charitable organization (Registration #11897 4617 RR0001). It can issue receipts for income tax purposes for donations.

This Sunday afternoon, presented by Open Ears: Duo CichoriumJune 7, 1 pmInspired by video games and choose-your-own-adve...
06/05/2026

This Sunday afternoon, presented by Open Ears: Duo Cichorium

June 7, 1 pm
Inspired by video games and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling, The Sylvan Legacy is an unpredictable performance shaped in real time.

Tickets: $30 >>> https://tinyurl.com/2nu45jp6

June 6, 8pm Kairos brings together six works, Twisted Ritual turns a percussion quartet concert into a shared ceremony s...
06/04/2026

June 6, 8pm
Kairos brings together six works, Twisted Ritual turns a percussion quartet concert into a shared ceremony shaped by sound, time, and immersion.

Tickets: $30 >> https://tinyurl.com/ymzbax5h

June 5, at 9pm, ANIMA & the Open Ears Festival co-present the world premiere of Mme Caeneus’s Canteen. A transy chamber ...
06/03/2026

June 5, at 9pm, ANIMA & the Open Ears Festival co-present the world premiere of Mme Caeneus’s Canteen. A transy chamber opera set in the q***r world of Mme Caeneus’s, a ‘locker club’ in WWII America, where host/ess Lucy (‘Mme Caeneus’) holds space for transformation in the midst of a polarized world. Madame Caeneus’s Canteen!

A beggar can become a queen, a queen become a corporal, the corporal can trade his stripes for civvies of a Friday night — …
Two intersecting gender transitions unfold against the backdrop of the sexual, gender, and racial politics of the 1940s U.S. — and beyond that, against the backdrop of the bronze-age transition story which a group of soldiers are acting out in their ‘blueprint special’ drag r***e.

Tickets: $30 >>> https://tinyurl.com/evvev266



A story of q***r solidarity, love, and chosen family, this opera resonates in and for our own time.

This is Backstage at The Registry Theatre.Featuring the folks who bring the Registry stage to life, both by performing o...
06/02/2026

This is Backstage at The Registry Theatre.
Featuring the folks who bring the Registry stage to life, both by performing on it, and the ones who work their magic in the wings.

Duncan McLennan
Drums

*What inspires you creatively?
I love trying to walk the line between experimenting on my instrument, while also “playing for the song” and supporting the stars of the show (i.e. not the drummer), and not overwhelming the guys or taking centre stage.

*What's a favourite memory about The Registry Theatre?
My first time playing at the Registry in about 2015. I had never attended a show there before and was surprised by the building itself and all the interesting architectural touches.

*What's a uniquely "Registry Theatre" part of performing here?
The Registry’s ratio of stage space to seats is very unique. The on-stage experience feels like playing a thousand seat hall, but with the intimacy of being able to speak with the audience mid show.

*What do you hope audience members take away from your performance?
I hope they find a new tune they love! We always aim for a blend of “the hits” while also including some obscure deep cuts. Every year I discover something new that one of the guys shares with me.

*What do you hope to take away from your performance?
There’s nothing like playing good music with good people in front of an attentive audience. Just getting the opportunity to do that is enough for me.

The 2026 Open Ears Festival (OE26) will celebrate our Artistic Director’s final festival with the organization with a th...
06/02/2026

The 2026 Open Ears Festival (OE26) will celebrate our Artistic Director’s final festival with the organization with a theme titled “Going Out With a Bang”. The festival will have a percussion focus while maintaining the curiosity which makes Open Ears programming special.

The Thursday, June 4, at 8pm Open Ears Festival headliner will feature a performance of FUTURE PASTORAL by the Happenstancers, a concert-length performance art piece that deconstructs and reassembles Claude Vivier’s Ojikawa, for voice, clarinet, and percussion.

Tickets: $30 >>> https://tinyurl.com/4mnpasf8

Join us this Sunday afternoon with Green Gables Ukuleles & Friends to support The Registry Theatre and have a load of fu...
05/29/2026

Join us this Sunday afternoon with Green Gables Ukuleles & Friends to support The Registry Theatre and have a load of fun!

May 31, 3 pm
Join Green Gables Ukuleles & Friends for their fifth community sing-a-long/play-a-long to raise funds for the Registry Theatre!

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can at the Door

This is Backstage at The Registry Theatre.Featuring the folks who bring the Registry stage to life, both by performing o...
05/25/2026

This is Backstage at The Registry Theatre.
Featuring the folks who bring the Registry stage to life, both by performing on it, and the ones who work their magic in the wings.

Ezra McLennan
Position/Role at The Registry: Front of House Manager & usher volunteer

*What's a favourite memory from working at the Registry Theatre?*

During one of my first shifts as a Front of House Manager, I was standing in the front area with the lights down, listening to the music flowing from inside the theatre. I was alone, but very much a part of the performance process. It was very magical, and I hold the moment near and dear to my heart.

*What's your favourite spot in the theatre?*

Before the doors open and guests can take their seats, everyone gathers in the art gallery and mingles. Sometimes people talk, sometimes they stand as alone as they can, but the air is saturated with anticipation. The performers and crew are in their places, and it is like the whole world is waiting. This is the culmination of countless hours of work and dedication, and I love to see the Registry full of life.

*What's one thing you love about working at The Registry?*

Being a part of how art comes alive in the community is very special to me. I love to be around the creation of performance, and the Registry is a beautiful place where I can do that.

Our Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend wraps up with the fabulous Jontue Elan with special guests Big Band Theory!May 24, 2 pm...
05/22/2026

Our Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend wraps up with the fabulous Jontue Elan with special guests Big Band Theory!

May 24, 2 pm
Jontue’s soulful vocals will delight the audience with renditions of songs of the greatest jazz singers, and backed by the region’s premier big band.

Tickets: $40 >> https://kwtickets.evenue.net/event/C25-26/RA0524

Our Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend continues with Robin Jessome with BIRTH OF THE COOL!May 23, 8 pm2026 is the centennial ...
05/21/2026

Our Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend continues with Robin Jessome with BIRTH OF THE COOL!

May 23, 8 pm
2026 is the centennial of the birth of Miles.
Robin and his specially assembled all-star big band deliver the seminal Miles Davis album Birth of the Cool.

Tickets: $40 >> https://kwtickets.evenue.net/event/C25-26/RT0523

The Registry's Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend starts this SATURDAY afternoon with JAZZ CONNECTION!May 23, 2pmALL THAT BIG ...
05/21/2026

The Registry's Spring Big Band Jazz Weekend starts this SATURDAY afternoon with JAZZ CONNECTION!

May 23, 2pm
ALL THAT BIG BAND JAZZ
Music director Simon Wheeldon and the Hamilton based big band pack a punch with traditional and contemporary big band arrangements.

Tickets: $40 >> https://kwtickets.evenue.net/event/C25-26/RA0523

Address

122 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON
N2H2L9

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Registry Theatre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to The Registry Theatre:

Share