Love takes the stage
Love takes many forms on stage. From fairy royalty to newlyweds, from awkward flirtations to forbidden affairs, intimacy on stage helps tell the story of how characters are connected and what they mean to each other.
This Valentine’s Day, we spotlight intimate moments on stage across eight seasons of productions, honouring the care, choreography, and creativity behind every embrace, kiss, and whispered confession.
LOVE IN ITS MANY FORMS
Old flames SHE (Shannon Andrew) and HE (Jeremy White) rekindle their romance in Stage Kiss, November 2023.
Seymour (Austin Schelstraete) cradles his true love Audrey (Candise McMullin) as she dies in the musical Little Shop of Horrors (April 2024).
Dad (Rob Murray) hugs his son Jerry (Beren Burnett) in the one act play Dad Joke Intervention (February 2025). Sisters Betty (Ella Bagshaw) and Peggy (Rachel Sato) clasp hands in the background.
Sisters Eleanor (Emily Pomeroy) and Marianne (Liberty Laferriere) embrace in Sense and Sensibility in the 2023 Canmore Summer Theatre Festival.
comedic moments
An awkward moment between Inga (Shirleen Burnett) and Frederick’s finacee Elizabeth (Aly Carrigan), who has just arrived from New York. Young Frankenstein, November 2019.
George (Craig Lindsey) kisses novice Sister Mary Catherine in the hilarious farce Drinking Habits, April 2025.
Kate (Brooke Reid) and Douglas (Kristin Slagorsky) look on while writing instructor Leonard (Stephen Bates) gets up close and personal with student Martin (John Poole) in Seminar, November 2024.
Gerda (Chelsea Howell-Fellows) gets a kiss from Prince Frederick (Christian Daly) during a pretend wedding in the land of summer, The Snow Queen in the 2024 Canmore Summer Theatre Festival.
tender moments
Bob (Tyler McClaron) romances his sister-in-law Liz (Michelle Monk) in Loose Knit, April 2023.
The Monster (Rick Maki) finds his true love Elizabeth (Aly Carrrigan) in Young Frankenstein, November 2019.
Deidre (Emma Schneider) and boyfriend Andrew (Marcus Williams) in I Hate Hamlet, April 2018.
Newlyweds Paul (Timothy Eckmier) and Corrie (Isabella Pedersen) share an intimate moment during Barefoot in the Park, November 2022.
happily ever after
SHE (Shannon Andrew) gets back together with her wife (Michelle Monk) at the end of Stage Kiss, November 2023.
Oberon (Brian McDonald) and Titania (Kelsey James) kiss and make up in A Midsummer Nights Dream, 2019 Canmore Summer Theatre Festival.
Frederick (Brian McDonald) and Inga (Shirleen Burnett) share a passionate kiss at the end of Young Frankenstein, November 2019.
In a farce, the comedy comes from a fast pace. If it’s not timed well, it’s just not funny.
As to why, sort of like wine, “farce” has survived since as far back as the 15th century, Christie says: “I think that people are drawn to farce because it’s a way to escape from the mundane parts of everyday life . . . and, frankly, who doesn’t love to laugh?”
Let’s toast to that!
I was in awe by the level of talent in that production. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still amazed by the talent and creativity that goes into each production, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
Deb Cummings
About the Author: Deb Cummings is a retired journalist (mostly) who is terrified to sit in the front row of any theatre for fear of being called up on stage. She does, however, have aspirations to be a doo- wop girl (although she can’t sing) and spends a surprising amount of time watching plays or reading books that normalize the mortifying experience of being human.
Theatre Smarts — World Theatre Day
Each year, on March 27, a world-renowned figure is invited to craft a message on the theme of theatre and a culture of peace. This year’s message comes from celebrated director, educator, author and chairman of the International Committee of Theatre Olympics, Theodoros Terzopoulos. Read his message
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