Community theatre began in Wetaskiwin several years ago. The group fluctuated over the years, some years producing theatre, some years not. The idea to revive a theatre group and create a more stable environment for community theatre to grow and thrive in Wetaskiwin was developed in 2001.

Wetaskiwin Theatre Society (WTS) was incorporated in November 2002.

Wetaskiwin Theatre Society is a community theatre organization operated entirely by volunteers. Membership is approximately 100 active members. Since our first production of “Up the Down Staircase” in the spring of 2002, WTS has expanded to produce 3 full-length plays per season, as well as annual entries in the Big Valley Zone One-Act Festival. WTS has also been awarded spots in the 2006 and 2007 Edmonton International Fringe Festival.

WTS supports local initiatives through participation in the annual Pioneer Days celebrations; attendance at the Community Learning Council’s Parade of Programs, participation in the City of Wetaskiwin’s 100 Anniversary Celebrations and provided actors for the City of Wetaskiwin’s Disaster Preparedness Exercise. WTS also offers workshops through its affiliation with Theatre Alberta and has an Improv Team that has entertained for local audiences.

The Wetaskiwin Theatre Society remains a legal entity in the provincial non-profit registries; however the performance branch of the group has been renamed Water Works Players. This change reflects the historical reference to the historical water works building which is undergoing renovations into a 160 seat performing arts facility.

Future opportunities that are under consideration as WTS and Water Works Players continue to grow include children’s theatre, touring shows, and summer theatre.