Feature Friday - Kristin Govers
Photo by Joseph Ste-Marie (@josephstemarie_mtl)
Name
Kristin Govers
Pronouns
She/Her
Bio
I’m an Île-Perrot-based writer, performer, and founder of the theatre production company Two Left Feet Productions MTL. A literature graduate from Concordia University and a screenwriting student at Toronto Film School, my work focuses on inclusivity and accessibility. My first show, "The Awkward Ballerina"—a true story about growing up with cerebral palsy and wanting to become a ballet dancer, has been produced over 20 times across North America. Nominated for Best English Production and Most Promising Emerging Artist, I’ve recently completed the first draft of the film adaptation. Drawing from personal experiences, I create character-driven dramas with a comedic flair. My new one-woman show, "Pregnant… And It’s Still Awkward!" is a follow-up to my debut, exploring my pregnancy journey and the unique challenges of navigating it all with a disability. Beyond my dedication to performance and writing for both stage and screen, I devote my time to my son, creating to show him that no dream is impossible–even if that means finding a new way to dance toward it.
Instagram
@twoleftfeetproductionsmtl
Photo by Joseph Ste-Marie (@josephstemarie_mtl)
Where in Montreal are you located?
L'île-Perrot
What do you love about that neighborhood?
When I sit down to write, the atmosphere makes all the difference. I find my greatest inspirations come from this place I call home. It is the perfect balance of urban convenience and wild sanctuary. If I need the trendy tunes of a coffee shop with colourful walls and mismatched seating, it’s a short walk up the road, or if the need is to retreat, my backyard is a haven for ideas with its friendly foxes, woodpeckers, and the occasional beaver. Whether I’m taking in energy from the local Blues Festival or finding quiet clarity amongst the green spaces, this community offers something for everyone. It is the perfect rhythm for raising a family and writing stories.
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
Place des Arts would have to be my favourite. It is more than a venue to me; it’s what fuels the artistic journey I’m on today. I say this because Salle Wilfrid Pelletier is where I first saw The Nutcracker at age five and fell in love with the ballet. Though I never became a dancer because the physical demands were too great, being that I live with cerebral palsy, that space is etched in my memory. Not only did I sit in the audience, but I also performed on the stage with the PSBGM choir at only eleven years old. It has influenced my stories and helped shape my identity. The excitement of being under those lights made me feel as free and alive as a dancer mid-leap. I remember sharing in my first solo show, "The Awkward Ballerina", that “at 11 years old it felt like the whole world was in one room.” It was magical.
What do you do on stage? Tell us about your work!
As a stage performer, I would say I deliver my stories lyrically, similar to slam poetry. It’s often a reflection and exploration of my personal experiences as a woman with cerebral palsy. Whether I’m locking eyes with someone in the front row or using the snippet of a song to shift the mood or tone of the story, my goal is always about connection. I turn autobiographical moments into a shared and relatable experience for performer and audience member.
Describe your art in your own words.
A unique blend of raw, witty, and autobiographical storytelling.
What have you been working on recently?
I recently finished writing the film adaptation of my one-woman show, "The Awkward Ballerina". My focus is now on the creation and production of my second one-woman show, "Pregnant... And It's Still Awkward!" The second installment of a planned trilogy, which is set to premiere this August.
What drew you to the stage?
Theatre has always had a big place in my heart. Our home was always filled with music. I grew up singing at the piano with my father and watching musicals like “West Side Story” and “Guys and Dolls”. Between late-night dinner theatre shows with my dad, kitchen dancing with my mom, and my childhood awe of “The Nutcracker”, the stage feels like a second home. Being immersed as a young child led me to theatre arts in high school. It’s a lifelong passion that drives my performances today.
Who are some of your favourite stage performers?
I love people who can make me laugh until I cry. I've always been a big fan of Carol Burnett, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. Most recently, I've been following Ali Stroker. She won a Tony in 2019 and made history as the first actor on Broadway to appear in a wheelchair. I follow her not only because she is talented and witty, but also because she is an advocate for disability rights, something I support and push for as an artist as well.
Tell us about your BEST or WORST performance.
I think a career high point for me was this past summer at Fringe Windsor. Having performed “The Awkward Ballerina” nearly 20 times, I felt a new sense of freedom with the show. Experience pushed me, and the support and guidance of people like Beth Marshall and TJ Dawe helped me feel confident enough to step out of my comfort zone. Also, I had always hoped for an intimate venue with minimal seating, which allowed for a profound, lived-in connection with the audience. Conversely, my most challenging set was probably my first show with the Montreal Fringe. My nerves were shot because I hadn’t been on stage since I was 15, and to top it all off, I couldn’t find the mic for the first five minutes I was on stage. This was also an emotional show for me, as this was the first time I was allowing myself to be vulnerable, sharing stories about my childhood challenges and traumas. At one point, my emotions got the best of me, and I forgot my lines. I remember looking out in the audience and thinking. “You could just tell them you need a minute”. That is exactly what I did, and the response was beautiful. The audience took that moment in with me, and it was the most incredible feeling, really. Very human.
What’s your favorite Montreal stage and why?
I recently did a fundraiser with Andrew Jamieson for my new show at Aux Angles Ronds. It was a small space but had a charm similar to the Comedy Nest and a very welcoming vibe. Not only that, but you could also grab something delicious to eat along with something to wet your palate. It was ideal for both its intimate seating and accessibility. An inclusive space with style. A total win in my eyes.
