The Nelson History Theatre Society supports the creation, performance, and touring of original theatrical productions based on the history of Nelson, BC and the Kootenays.

This website, dedicated to Kootenay regional history, is a collaboration between NHTS and Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History. Kootenayhistory.com will act as a virtual archival collection of stories dealing with various subjects of historical interest. Our first, A History of John Houston – A History of John Houston – won the 2012 B.C. Historical Federation Web Prize.

The Nelson History Theatre Society runs three distinct programs. In our Summer Program, Nelson writer, director, and historian Richard Rowberry works with university and senior secondary students to research, create, rehearse and perform a play based on local history. They also collaborate to produce other scripted plays. In the process, they discover their heritage, learn a lot about all aspects of theatre (in many cases their chosen career), and earn money towards their post-secondary education. Our plays, performed in various venues in Nelson, have become an important part of our summer heritage scene and many of our students are now well on their way to blooming professional careers. Our Winter Program presents professional and community theatre. Under the name of The Nelson Theatre (TNT) Company and working with the best and most experienced theatre professionals our region has to offer, we perform award-winning works by Canadian and international playwrights. The Kootenay Storytellers Project is at the heart of our School Program. Every year experienced storytellers visit regional elementary schools and bring local history and First Nations and world culture alive through this powerful and ancient oral art form.

Artistic Director/Administrator: Richard Rowberry
Richard Rowberry attended The National Theatre School of Canada and graduated from York University with a BFA in Film. He has worked in professional theatre as an actor, writer, director and administrator for over twenty-five years and was at one time Administrator and Artistic Director of Kutenai Theatre Energy and General Manager of Vancouver’s E.D.A.M., a modern dance company. Richard’s play Frank and the Elephants won the 2004 Sybil Cooke Award (Play for Young Audiences) at the Canadian One Act Play Competition in Ottawa.