Get to know us

Our Mission

Our Mission is to create unforgettable moments for an increasingly diverse audience.

Our Vision

To inspire the realization of creative potential and to be a catalyst for powerful ideas that influence our world.

Our Values

We are passionate about the arts, our community, our relationships, and our work.

Passion

We honour our increasingly diverse community and seek out ways to be more inclusive.

Diversity

Integrity

We create safe spaces. We are professional, honest, and fulfil our obligations.

We listen, evolve, adapt, and change.

Growth

Our Board of Directors

Board of Directors

John Birrell - Chair

My name is John Birrell and currently I am the Chair of the Board for Key City Theater.

I acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa peoples and I deeply respect the land’s history and the indigenous communities.

I worked in the ski industry for over 40 years as a ski instructor, ski coach, ski guide, manager and senior manager. My career was dedicated to teaching, coaching, managing and mentoring at all levels of the organizations I worked for. I also worked in the construction industry for the first 20 years as the ski industry in the early years was not a year round job. This experience was something I used in the later full time years at all the resorts I worked for as it related to resort expansion and development.

I have a two year certificate in Management training as well as certifications as a ski instructor, ski coach, ski guide and avalanche tech.

I am currently in year 5 on the Key City board. I have sat on many boards over the years, initially related to career and work and after retirement community based not for profit organizations.

My focus has been on the business side of the organization as well as involvement in fundraising.

My vision for the organization is for financial stability so that the management team can meet their goals of improving facilities and delivering unique and entertaining programming at an attractive price for the patrons in our region.

My interests have been volunteering, reading, golf and skiing in the winter along with travel when possible.

Michelle McCue - Secretary

I am Michelle McCue (she/her) Secretary and board member of the Key City Theatre Society.

I respectfully acknowledge that we are living in the homelands of the Ktunaxa people.

I worked for TD Canada Trust for 25 years, 10 of those years as a manager. I transitioned to the dental field and was the office manager of our clinic for 11 years. I am now semi-retired, but still enjoy contributing to the success of the office.

I hold an Office Administration diploma from The College of the Rockies, and have taken several university level courses in Literature, Spanish and the Humanities.

I have sat on the board since October 2021.

I am the Secretary for the board, the chair of the Human Resources Committee, and an active member of the Fundraising Committee.

Key City Theatre is an integral part of Cranbrook and surrounding communities. The Arts are vital to a healthy, thriving, inclusive community. I am proud to be a person who is passionate about moving our mission forward, which is to “create unforgettable moments for an increasingly diverse audience”.

Theatre is my first passion. I have acted in, produced, directed, and volunteered for several productions with Cranbrook Community Theatre as well as the signature shows held at Key City Theatre. I also enjoy reading, and video gaming.

Kyla Knull - Director

I am Kyla Knull, a new director for the Key City Theatre Society board.

I come to you as a steward of Kanata, a homeland we share from sea to sea.

I have 20 plus years in retail management, specializing in fostering the development of interdependent promotable individuals across varying backgrounds and skill sets.

I have no formal education through accredited institutions. I have worked and earned my way into any position or designation I have assumed.

I have provided services and consulting to several other councils and businesses over the past several years, holding positions such as secretary, vice president and store manager.

I look forward to actively contributing to my local community through my Key City Theatre Society role as a board director.

I am eager to foster the same sense of wonder I felt as a young Cranbrook resident experiencing the culture, wonder and inspiration of theater performances.

I am exceptionally passionate about cooking, singing and aerial yoga. I love to seize opportunities to engage and help others, while delving into new growth opportunities. Currently I provide care to my significantly disabled spouse and our special needs teenagers.

Trina Ayling - Director

I am Trina Ayling (she/her); Director

Kiʔsuʔk kyukyit. I am honoured to work, live and play in the homelands of the Ktunaxa people. The footprint of our School District is fully contained within the Ktunaxa Nation, including the communities of ʔaq'am and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit.

I have served, and continue to serve on the School District 5 (SD5), Southeast Kootenay Board of Education since 2008.

I have a business background and have worked in private, Crown, Federal and not-for-profit sectors.

I served on the Key City Theatre Board, as an SD5 representative, working in the capacity of Secretary from 2016 to 2020. Having served for the maximum six (6) year term, I stepped away from the Key City Theatre Society and returned again in December, 2022.

I had the pleasure to be involved in the planning and execution of Key City Theatre’s 25th Anniversary; specifically. the silent auction fundraising portion of the event. I have also been a member of the Steering Committee for a number of years, and was involved in the renovation process of 2020-21

I hope to see the continued growth of Key City Theatre both as a facility and venue and as a gathering place for the people in our communities.

I enjoy my work on both the SD5 Board of Education and the Key City Theatre Society. I also enjoy hiking, boating, snowshoeing, spending time with family & friends and so much more. I love living in the East Kootenay and being a part of the community here!

Amanda Harwood - Co-Chair

My Name is Amanda Harwood, I am the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors.

I am the Human Resources Manager for the Ktunaxa Nation Council and have been proud to act as the Vocal Director for the last 4 Key City Theatre productions.

I acknowledge that I live, work and play in the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa people. I am committed to reconciliation through learning, sharing and protecting Ktunaxa culture through my work and personal experiences.

I am actively a Registered Vocational Professional with 8 years experience in employment counselling, and am working toward CHRP designation.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor, and am in the process of obtaining my Bachelors of Human Resources and Labour Relations from Athabasca University.

I am a City appointed member of the board, and joined in January 2022. I am eager to continue to serve the board and grow my experience and contributions

I was involved in the development of the updated Mission, Vision and Values for the board.

I would love to see the Key City Theatre keep growing its reputation for developing strong performers from the community through our productions and workshops. I am enjoying watching its progress toward inclusivity and accessibility.

I enjoy painting (water colour and acrylic), crocheting and performing in the KCT productions :)

Russell Workun - Treasurer

I am Russell Workun, a retired dean and an active Board Member at the Key City Theatre Society.

I have extensive experience with innovative community development and training projects. Through various management positions in the post-secondary sector and as a private consultant and trainer, my projects include curriculum development and industry training programs emphasizing the importance of respect and tolerance as part of skill development.

After attending the U of A, Edmonton I obtained my MBA from University Canada West, Vancouver. As a Volunteer Fire Fighter, my certification includes related NFPA Standards, Emergency Medical Responder (EMT), and Cold-Water Rescue Instructor.

This is my second term as board treasurer.

Being a part of the energy making Key City Theatre a vibrant and valued entertainment venue. This includes the many upgrades to the theatre itself, financial stability, and supporting the staff and volunteers in the exceptional work they do.

My vision for Key City Theatre is to provide entertainment options at an affordable price to people of all ages through a venue that encourages the creative potential of our community.

I like camping, kayaking, and continued attempts to develop skills in golf, water colour / acrylic painting, stained glass, and guitar.

Douglas Francis Mitchell – Director

Douglas Francis Mitchell – Director (I often use my full name because there is another Doug Mitchell in Cranbrook)

I had the privilege of working with the Ktunaxa Nation for three years. I appreciate their commitment to being stewards of this land and sharing it with us.

I spent thirty years in education as a teacher and administrator. My last position was principal of Laurie Middle School. I also worked for the College of the Rockies and the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

My education includes Bachelor of Science (PE), University of Saskatchewan; Bachelor of Education (English), University of Saskatchewan; Post Graduate Diploma (Ed. Admin.), University of Saskatchewan; Masters of Arts (Education), San Diego State University.

I have been on the board for two years. I am part of the Human Resources and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committees.

The arts sustain us, especially in difficult economic times. If we aren’t creating, we are criticizing. Arts and culture inspire us and encourage us to be better human beings. The Key City Theatre is vital in promoting the arts and presenting events by professional touring artists.

My vision for the future of the organization is to continue to be a central promoter of the arts in our community; to be a safe, welcoming place for all citizens.

Music has been a big part of my life. I play guitar and banjo and write songs. I perform solo for conferences, colleges and schools and also with The TuneSmiths. I have played hockey all my life and still play twice a week. I appreciate living in the Kootenays, giving me the opportunity to ski, hike, swim and paddleboard right in my backyard.

Sue Leonard - Director


I am Sue Leonard, retired educator and board member of Key City Theatre Society

I acknowledge the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa peoples and respect the land and history and its indigenous communities

I worked as an English teacher at the middle and junior high levels. I also performed in local Cranbrook community theatre and Key City Theatre productions.

I hold a Master's Degree in Education from Gonzaga University

I am retired and have been a board member for 2 years fulfilling my duties as a board member

Key City Theatre is an integral part of our community bringing many facets of entertainment (professionally and locally), thus opening our eyes to the fascinating world of the arts.

Fiona Maitland - Director


Hi, Fiona Maitland here, my pronouns are she/her, and I am very proud to be serving as an active Board Member at the Key City Theatre Society.

I would like to acknowledge that this place I call home, where I live, play and work, is the traditional and unseeded territory of the Ktunaxa people ʔaq̓am, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit , and ʔakisq̓nuk. I have great respect for the traditions and culture of the original occupants of Canada and this is shown with my commitment to my ongoing Indigenous education with the goal to better understand how to be part of a reconciliation that bears weight, meaning, justice and peace for all.

My background is two-fold. I am and a human resources professional with over 20 years experience across generalist HR, recruitment, payroll, management, training, redeployment services for group layoffs and management consulting at various organizations, and also a Registered Nurse with a background in critical care and primary health.

I have a Baccalaureate degree from Australia, and am a CPHR candidate.

I have been a board member since 2022 utilizing my experience in management, human resources.

I work closely with the teams in the HR & DE&I committees and have provided guidance and support on HR matters as needed.

Key City Theatre is a cultural epicentre for our local region, local theatres like us, not only showcase local, regional and Canadian talent, they also provide stepping stones for the artistic greats to launch their careers whilst providing entertainment to local and regional audiences. My vision is that KCT continues to go beyond this by also providing a platform to shine on cultural change in an enjoyable and entertaining medium, and to keep being a ground breaker in normalizing cultural shifts to provide inclusion to our incredible diverse and unique community members and showcase unique and diverse performers.

In my free time I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and exploring this incredible location we all live in. My next big adventuring addition is in the world of overlanding, I cannot imagine a better place to do this than the Kootenay region! I am also a lifelong learner and I always have some course I am completing, in nursing, human resources, management or other interesting topics. Currently I am completing an Indigenous studies course and on the lookout for the next one!