About

About Centre in the Square

The Centre In The Square “Story”

The Centre In The Square Inc. (CITS Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation, and registered charity, established  in 1981 to maintain, operate and manage the 2,000 seat state-of-the art  performing arts theatre situated in the Civic District of Downtown Kitchener. The theatre building, owned by the City of Kitchener, is also known as the Centre In The Square (CITS).

CITS Inc.  works in the public interest as a presenter and arts enabler, playing a leading role in showcasing the best in local, national and international performers, with over 140 shows and concerts a year for the benefit of our entire region and beyond. Concerts, plays, lectures and comedy are but a few of the genres featured regularly throughout the year. Family programming is a priority, providing wonderful opportunities to introduce children to their first experiences with performing arts.

Housed in the CITS building is also the independently operated Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery.   Local cultural groups such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and the Grand Philharmonic Choir, who present their own programs at CITS, are valued partners.

CITS Inc. also values opportunities for non-traditional partnerships and is committed to providing access in and around the theatre, and expert technical support, for rehearsals, workshops, displays, exhibits, and special events, in order to empower and enable artists of all ages and experience levels.

As a charitable organization, CITS Inc. receives an annual operating grant from the City of Kitchener that covers a portion of its expenses. Other revenue is self-generated through ticket sales, rentals, concessions, sponsorships, fundraising and grants from foundations and other levels of government.  It is the vision of this organization to engage the community and bridge the space between artist and audience in a dynamic and sustainable way.