A Vernon-based theatre group has brought home top honors from British Columbia’s biggest drama event. Powerhouse Theatre returned from Mainstage 2025 in Fort St. John with four major awards, gaining recognition for both acting and design.
The event, held from July 6 to 12, is the province’s leading drama festival. Hosted annually, it showcases the best of community theatre across British Columbia. This year’s festival included six standout shows, expert-led workshops, and live feedback from seasoned theatre professionals.
Powerhouse Theatre performed the play Radium Girls, which received high praise and two of the top performance awards at the festival.
The group was honored with:
- Best Ensemble for Radium Girls
- Best Actor in a Male Role for Anthony Yskes
Yskes, who played one of the lead roles, said the experience was unforgettable. He shared how proud he was of his team and the chance to be part of such a strong community. According to him, these awards reflect not just their hard work but also the support from Vernon and the wider Okanagan region.
In his words, performing on such a respected stage was both thrilling and humbling. He credited the entire cast and crew, as well as the local supporters who helped make their journey possible.
Beyond acting, Powerhouse Theatre also stood out in the province-wide Graphics Competition. They won two more awards in this creative category:
- Best Poster for Ophelia Chooses
- Best Program for Radium Girls
These wins highlight the theatre’s attention to detail, both on stage and in production design. Their success proves that strong visuals are just as key as strong performances when it comes to theatre.
Powerhouse’s double win for Radium Girls in both acting and design categories shows the depth of talent within the team. The group has a long history of engaging performances, and this year’s recognition adds to its growing list of achievements.
Looking ahead, the team is already preparing for next year’s big event. In 2026, Mainstage will be held in Vernon, giving Powerhouse Theatre the chance to host the province’s best community theatre groups.
The upcoming festival is expected to draw theatre lovers from across British Columbia. Powerhouse is excited to welcome performers and guests, and to help shine a light on Vernon’s thriving arts scene.
Their recent awards have brought a boost of pride and energy to the team. They now aim to build on this success and bring even more powerful stories to the stage in the coming year.
As one of the top names in B.C.’s community theatre scene, Powerhouse Theatre continues to grow. Their mix of passion, talent, and teamwork has earned them not only applause but also province-wide respect.
These wins show what can happen when a local group puts its heart into storytelling and receives full support from its community. With next year’s Mainstage coming home, the spotlight will soon shine even brighter on Vernon’s theatre scene.
