Colours, laughter and creative pieces have always characterized the Kenya International Theatre Festival (Kitfest) where theatre lovers have been flocking to enjoy theatrical performances.

In its 8^th edition, Kitfest spread its wings to counties through the County Theatre Fiesta.

The project brings together thespians and other production units which harmoniously ensure theatre performances are a success.

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Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, at the Nakuru player’s theatre, where 50 creatives from Nakuru have been setting camp for a week to receive training on different elements of theatre production, Tash Mitambo, a script writer, is on board to train participants in script writing.

“We have been having training sessions since last Sunday. We will close off the training with a series of performances starting Friday to Sunday which will be a competition among the participating groups,” says Mitambo.

Additionally, from the skill impacted the five groups participating in the training will showcase the piece they produce in a bid to secure a seat at the International Theatre Festival in Nairobi where they will join other creatives performing alongside other local and international creatives.

Edwin Mayaka a stage management trainee in the first edition of the county theatre fiesta held at Nakuru Players theater.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Speaking on the impact of the training, Mayaka Edwin, says he was taking lessons on stage management. For two years under the Makini Theatre Production, he had been a stage manager without having a basic training on the same.

“The training has been an eye opener for me. I just learnt that there were a dozen issues I overlooked as a stage manager in our production group,” he says.

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Another trainer and Nakuru groomed talent, Nyokabi Macharia, who doubles up as a film director and producer came in to train in marketing and publicity.

Nyokabi Macharia, actor and film director.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Tracing her acting roots to the Nakuru Players Theatre, Ms Nyokabi says, she recalls the theatre as a prestigious place, which many people took pride in.

However, at the moment, that sense of pride has been lost.

“Actors are people who are essential in society. To make Nakuru Players Theatre better, we need deliberate efforts to revive the space. This does not stop at only having quality productions but also promoting them to give artists visibility in society,” she says.

The nine-day training has seven trainers specialized in areas of production, scriptwriting, directing, Production design, Stage management, marketing, lighting and sound.

The Nakuru Players theatre vice secretary, Mercy Lengarasi, says it's an honour to host the first edition of the county theatre fiesta, as many people affiliated to the theatre and more got an opportunity to expand their skill set with the training.

“Many artists have been exposed through this training, something which the theatre stands to benefit as it gets a pool of skilled people who come in a thing that positively impacts the theatre and its growth,” she says.

Related: Nakuru artists hopeful as Players' theatre gets new management

Other than enhancing talent, participants in this year’s County Theatre Fiesta took to the streets of Nakuru on a clean-up session while sensitizing residents on climate action through skits and plays.

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Nakuru creatives hopeful as County theatre fiesta draws to a close

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