In a recent conversation on ATB Wealth Community Spotlight, Rob sat down with Nathan Flavel, founder of Kelowna Actors Studio, to discuss the studio's incredible 23-year journey, its impact on the local arts scene, and what lies ahead.
From Accidental Beginnings to Community Cornerstone
"Real estate was always sort of my passion," Nathan admits, reflecting on his early career. But after meeting co-founder Randy Leslie, who had moved from Toronto to become the first executive director of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, things quickly changed. "We produced a show, and it made money, and people were like, 'How did you do theater without needing funding?'"
What started as a few classes in an old dance studio snowballed into a full-fledged theater company. "I remember calling my mom and saying, 'I'm going to quit my job and start a theater company,'" Nathan recalls. "She was like, 'What?' But it just took off gangbusters."
Building a Legacy
Today, Kelowna Actors Studio is known for its high-caliber productions and vibrant educational programs. "We’ve grown so much," Nathan says. "Our original students from 23 years ago are now performing in main stage shows. It’s a tearjerker for us."
When the pandemic hit, the studio leaned back into education. They created the Academy Foundation, a nonprofit offering scholarships and arts programs, run independently of Nathan and Randy. "It’s super awesome, actually," Nathan laughs. "I don’t want that headache."
Broadway Dreams in Kelowna
The studio's reputation has earned them the chance to debut major productions in Canada. "We did Waitress — the first presentation in Western Canada — and Tootsie, the first in all of Canada for a regional group," Nathan shares proudly. This year’s lineup includes Singing in the Rain (complete with on-stage rain bar), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeney Todd, and the new Broadway adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
"We work hard in our little space," Nathan says. "Our team is so passionate — sometimes to a fault — but we all just want to make the experience amazing."
The Power of Live Theater
In an age of AI and digital entertainment, Nathan believes theater's magic lies in its authenticity. "Theater is real. It’s right in front of you," he says. "My favorite thing is when people mess up on stage. It reminds you they’re human. I love seeing mistakes — just not in my theater!"
He hopes Kelowna continues to embrace the arts. "The community support blows my mind every year," he says. "I’d love to see a point where people just decide to 'go to the cultural district' without needing to know exactly what show is playing — like how you decide to see a movie."
Balancing Passion and Life
Despite juggling his theater role with a managing broker position at Sotheby’s, Nathan wouldn’t have it any other way. "Real estate is my job, but the theater is my golf," he laughs. "I don’t ski or golf anymore — the theater is the rest of my life."
He even steps on stage himself, recently playing Pharaoh in Joseph and gearing up to play Willy Wonka this Christmas. "They’re long days," he admits. "But it fills the well. It doesn’t feel like work."
What’s Next?
As Kelowna Actors Studio gears up for its 24th season announcement, Nathan and Randy are tight-lipped. "We plan a year and a half in advance, and we keep it super quiet," Nathan teases. "Even the staff don’t know until the day of the announcement. It’s just fun."
For those who haven’t experienced a show yet, Nathan offers a simple pitch: "It’s not like the movies. You feel like you’re somewhere else. The magic of theater is that it gets under your skin and pokes at something you didn’t even know was lingering there."
With their unwavering passion, commitment to quality, and love for their community, Kelowna Actors Studio is sure to keep creating that magic for years to come.
For show schedules and ticket information, visit kelownaactorsstudio.com. And to hear the full conversation and all the behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to watch the complete interview above!
