zuc-CHI'-ni:

A vegetable known for its versatility; a commonplace food item that tends to appear in the most surprising places

GROT'-to:

A small, warm, friendly gathering place

Who we are

The Zucchini Grotto Theatre Company is made up of a passionate group of theatre artists, dedicated to bringing small-scale, high-impact musical theatre to the nation's capital. Co-founders Ken Godmere, Kris Joseph, and Troy Kay are local producers and artists who believe that Canada's fourth-largest city deserves a more thriving musical theatre presence... and they're tired of waiting for someone else to do it.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, Zucchini Grotto Theatre Company mounted its first production in August of 2003. We have since mounted three major productions, provided production assistance for an original one-act musical, and have produced several cabaret events.

Why we exist

Most fans of musical theatre are familiar with the big blockbusters that can pack large houses. Lesser known, however, are the small-scale pieces that generally run in small regional theatres or Off-Broadway houses. What these productions lack in technical gadgetry, they make up for in rich characters and involving stories. Musical theatre this vibrant already has a life of its own; we aim to give these productions an Ottawa stage, in a space where the dividing line between the audience and the action is merely a suggestion.

Our inaugural production of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change was an award-winning, smash success. It proved that there is an appetite for this kind of theatre in Ottawa. Our mandate is to produce small-scale, high-impact musical theatre for the Ottawa community. We insist upon compensating artists fairly for their work, and envision operating at a fully professional level as soon as we are able. Whenever possible, we give local performers, designers, and technicians an opportunity to work and stay in Ottawa, to assist with growth and development of the local performing arts community.