Kathryn Kerbes – Tribute

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of a true champion and giant of the Calgary theatre community, Kathi Kerbes.

Kathi worked tirelessly onstage and off to support the entire Calgary theatre community. If she was not delighting audiences as Sherlock’s intrepid housekeeper Mrs. Hudson, or as Mrs. Fezziwig in “A Christmas Carol”, she was working in the offices of Calgary companies fundraising, programming, and keeping the ships afloat. She was on the original Steering Committee for the Betty Mitchell Awards and volunteered for that organization for 10 years.

She was a teacher, mentor, actor, producer, musician, vocalist, director and one of the most kind and caring workshop actors you could have in a room. She loved playwrights and working on new plays as an actor was one of her favourite things.  Having her in a room working on new plays, was one of my favourite things.

I was a gangly 15 years old when I walked into her Drama 10 class at Chestermere Junior/Senior High School in 1985. She asked me why I was interested in taking a drama class. I said, “My mom thought it would be a good outlet for me.” I don’t think either of us knew in that moment that it was going to be the start of a relationship that spanned 40 years. 40 years of laughs, improvised murder mysteries, arguments, joy, and working to make this community a better place every day.

I would not be where I am today without the support, mentorship, guidance and friendship of Kathi and Hal. The welcomed me into their home, into their community, into their company, and into their hearts. It is impossible to quantify the impact Kathi had on my, but she made me the person that I am today. She’s in the marrow of my bones.

The Alberta community has suffered some large losses over the past year. We are losing those who cleared the paths and prepared the way for us. Grant Reddick, Jim DeFelice, Julien Arnold, Kevin Rothery, John Wright (apologies if I have missed someone).  As we mourn and remember, let us also share their stories and impacts with the next generation of theatre creators.

And for those young theatre creators…if you find yourself in a green room, dressing room, or rehearsal hall and you hear someone bring up a name you’ve never heard – take the time to ask “Who are they? Tell me about them,” and prepare yourself to be amazed and delighted.

And one more thing – Thank you, Mrs. Kerbes for casting me in the 1986 Drama Festival play. I hope I did you proud.

“Onward and upward!”

Trevor Rueger
Executive Director, APN