Looking Glass Theatre presents Community Talent Show

Looking Glass Theatre, Steinbach’s professional theatre company, is stepping into the spotlight with its very first Fundraiser Community Talent Show. 

“It’s a community-wide talent show, we are looking for all acts, all ages, from across the Southeast,” says Laura Kathleen Turner, co-artistic director of Looking Glass Theatre. 

“There’s so much in our community and we’re so excited to see what people bring,” says Marc A. Moir, co-artistic director. 

No matter if you juggle, sing, dance, or act, there is a spot for you!  

“We want to see you show off, basically,” says Turner. 

The event doubles as a fundraiser and promises a mix of local performers, audience participation, and a few surprise guests. 

Lineup of stars  

“We have five special guests coming and lots of good friends of Looking Glass Theatre,” says Moir. 

Although the spotlight is on local performers, the evening will feature several high-profile artists lending their talents.  

Among them are local Shakespearean actors Jon Ted Wynne and Harry Nelken, stand-up comedian Spencer Adamus (Just For Laughs), world-renowned opera singer Tracy Dahl—who has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages — and Broadway alumni Catherine Wreford, a recent Amazing Race Canada winner. 

“Our people get to share the stage with them, which, we think, is a really fun opportunity.” 

Looking Glass Talent Show special guest lineup (photos provided by Looking Glass Theatre)

The spotlight awaits 

The show isn’t just about applause. Audience members will cast votes for their favourite community act during the show. Only local performers are eligible — guest professionals are not part of the competition. 

The winner will land a walk-on role in the company’s upcoming production of A Christmas Carol.  

“It’s a fun way to connect what happens on this stage with our main season,” adds Moir. 

A space for the arts 

While the talent show is designed to entertain, Looking Glass has big plans up its sleeve. 

Ticket sales and donations from the event will help fund Looking Glass Theatre’s current season, while also supporting a long-term goal: creating a permanent theatre space in Steinbach.  

“Steinbach needs a theatre… we’re talking about a small black box theatre where the community will have a proper venue,” Moir explains. 

“To do theatre, to do dance, to do band, to do comedy, to do the things that the arts community is dying to have a space for.” 

To accompany ticket sales, Looking Glass has a GoFundMe set up. 

Save your spot and get your tickets 

The talent show begins at 7 p.m. on October 24 at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. 

Performance registration and ticket sales can be found online at lookingglasstheater.ca/talent-show.

Whether you're a performer ready to shine or an audience member eager to be inspired, the Looking Glass Community Talent Show promises an evening of joy, creativity, and community spirit — all for a great cause. 

Written with files from Corny Rempel