Theatre of the Beat

Title: Theatre of the Beat fonds

Date(s) of creation: 2012-2017

Physical description: 3 cm of textual records ; 7 photographs ; realia ; 1 audiovisual recording

Administrative history: Based in Stouffville, Ontario, Theatre of the Beat was founded in June, 2011. The company aims to "create thought-provoking theatre to educate, challenge and inspire a diversity of communities on socially relevant topics" (from the website). Founding members are: Katie Cowie Redekopp, Rebecca Steiner, Kimberlee Walker, Benjamin Wert, Johnny Wideman and Leah Harder Wideman. As of 2016, the company has performed over 200 shows. A significant portion of their work focuses on Mennonite themes and Mennonite audiences.

Custodial history: Materials donated by Theatre of the Beat at various times

Scope and content: Posters, news clippings, programs and other promotional material from Theatre of the Beat performances; photographs of members of the company

Notes: For photographs related to this organization see the Mennonite Archival Image Database.
Original description created 2016 by Laureen Harder-Gissing

File list:

1. Posters, programs and news clippings, 2011-2017
2. Published scripts
   Selah's song: a social justice folk musical (with accompanying CD)
   This will lead to dancing
   Gadfly: Sam Steiner dodges the draft
   Note: Additional published scripts are located in the Milton Good Library.
3. Photographs of company members
4. Audiovisual recording, "Yellow bellies: an alternative history of WWII," 11 Jun 2016. - 1 hr. 49 min. 16 sec. ; .mp4. - Viewable in the Archives only, copying permitted only with permission of Theatre of the Beat. - Archives reference copy located on Archives external drive. Preservation copy located in Mennonite Archives of Ontario Media Archive.
5. Promotional buttons
6. Meeting minutes, 2011-2021