August 12, 2026
Fringe Hit Creator Kristin Govers Hosts In-Person Fundraiser “Don’t Make It Awkward” to Launch Second Stage Production
Montreal-based artist Kristen Govers turns Canada Council grant rejection into a community-backed campaign for her autobiographical theatrical trilogy, featuring live performances from top local talent.
Following the success of her award-nominated debut one-woman show The Awkward Ballerina, which debuted at FringeMTL, toured internationally, and earned nominations for Best English Production and Most Promising Emerging Artist, playwright and performer Kristin Govers is staging an event on August 25th to assist with funding of the next chapter of her autobiographical trilogy: Pregnant… And It’s Still Awkward!
See Also: When You Open The Door at Fantasia Festival
Titled Don’t Make It Awkward, the August 25th in-person event brings together supporters for an evening of community and live entertainment. The performance lineup features comedian Abby Stonehouse, dancer Marshall Diabo, poet and author Jessica Bebenek, and a special preview performance by Kristin Govers sharing a short excerpt from Pregnant… And It’s Still Awkward! The fundraiser directly supports artist fees, technical production, and zero-barrier venue accessibility for the upcoming production.
After receiving a grant denial from the Canada Council for the Arts, Govers and her team at Two Left Feet Productions MTL pivoted to a crowd-funded model to ensure the show reaches the stage.
“Living with cerebral palsy has shaped how I see the world and how I tell stories. The Awkward Ballerina was always just the opening act,” says Govers. “Pregnant… And It’s Still Awkward! leans into the uncomfortable, hilarious, and deeply human truth of prenatal life with a disability. Setbacks happen in this industry, but we are committed to holding space for disability narratives on stage.”
Pregnant… And It’s Still Awkward! follows Govers’ adult journey through pregnancy with a non-cooperative body, blending biting (and physical) comedy with plenty of drama to challenge sanitized portrayals of prenatal life.
Read More:
>> The Specials at Fantasia Film Festival
>> The Peril At Pincer Point at Fantasia Festival
>> Bliss: Beyond the Edge of Time at Fantasia Festival
The Don’t Make It Awkward In-Person Fundraiser will take place on August 25th, at 8pm at Studio 415 – 10 Avenue des Pins Ouest, featuring Abby Stonehouse, Marshall Diabo, Jessica Bebenek, and Kristin Govers and will be hosted by Andrew Jamieson.
Tickets to this special event can be had here – and anyone unable who who wishes to help out, can visit the fundraising campaign website by clicking here.
