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"Precision, relaxation, truth. Precision of thought. Precision of action. An atmosphere of trust that allows a performer to enter a state of calm that unlocks their darkest, deepest, most intuitive, most sacred self. Whatever calm may exist, however it may exist, even if the only truth is that there is no truth, shall make itself known. Accept it, embody it, communicate it".

~ Andrew Moodie (Player's Manifesto Part III)

 

What's New at TA

EMERGING TALENT

Coming up this month, post secondary institutions around Alberta come together to present members of this year's graduating classes to the professional community at the 2011 Emerge auditions. Participating in this year's event are graduates of Company of Rogues Actors' Studio, Grant MacEwan University, Mount Royal University, Playhouse North School of Theatre, Red Deer College, Rosebud School of the Arts, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, and University of Lethbridge. More>

ARTSTREK FILLING UP IN RECORD TIME

"You know my favourite place in the world? Disneyla—just kidding. ARTSTREK."
~Artstrek 2010 participant

Since March 4, Artstrek registrations have been pouring in from all over Alberta; the program is filling quickly! If you have not received an Arstrek brochure, click here to find our downloadable brochure and application form. Or simply apply online!

IT TAKES A VILLAGE...

As Theatre Alberta excitedly watches the flood of Artstrek applications arrive at our office, we are amazed and delighted by the generosity of schools and communities across the province that are sponsoring teens to attend Artstrek. To so many kids, Artstrek is a life-altering experience. Theatre Alberta thanks the following organizations for giving Albertan teens the gift of Artstrek:

About Time Productions, McNally Masque, NuFloors (Prism Paint and Wallpaper Fashions Inc.), Rogue Players, Taber Players, Windmill Theatre Players

If you would like to sponsor a teen at Artstrek, please contact Theatre Alberta for more information.

Theatre Alberta would also like to send out a rousing round of applause to all the members and other patrons in the community who responded so generously to our recent call for support (please see Donors section below). Your donations this past year, our first fiscal year as a charity, meant so much as we reached the threshold for the Government of Alberta to match a percentage of the funds raised through its Community Spirit Donation Grant Program. Your support helps ensure Theatre Alberta's ability to continue offering programs and services that encourage the growth of all levels of theatre in Alberta. To make a donation, please visit our website.

GET YOUR ARTISTS VOTE BUTTON!

The federal election is coming up on Monday, May 2.  Swing by the Theatre Alberta office to pick up your Artists Vote button.  Cute, little white and black buttons to pin on your coat, bag, bulletin board, car sun visor...anywhere that will remind you and your friends and colleagues of the importance that artists—be they students, amateurs, or professionals—participate in the electoral process to have their voices heard.  There is a limited supply of buttons, so be sure to come in and get yours before they're gone!

LIBRARY NEWS

Librarian's Pick Governor General's 2010 Award Winning Drama Afterimage  By Robert Chafe (adapted from the short story by Michael Crummey) Afterimage is the story of an accidental electrocution and an unexpectedly forged family, of connectivity and belonging.  "Chafe has created a work that is thrillingly theatrical, mysterious, heartbreaking and entirely his own." -Daniel MacIvor

LIBRARY AND OFFICE HOURS

The library and office will be closed from April 22 - 25 for Easter. The building will be closed and the drop box unavailable. We will reopen on April 26.

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Theatre News

CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF THE ARTS ELECTION MONITOR

During Canada's upcoming federal election campaign period, the CCA will be providing non-partisan information to the public by analyzing any issues and developments that may be of interest to the arts and culture sector.  The CCA will also be keeping a watchful eye as each party articulates their political platform with relation to arts and culture. More>

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY SPIRT REGIONAL DIALOGUE REPORTS

Reports summarizing the findings of Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett's most recent Regional Dialogue Sessions with the arts and nonprofit sectors are now available. The reports provide an overview of the Minister's visits to eight communities late last year and include input received online. More>

START PLANNING YOUR CULTURE DAYS ACTIVITIES

The 4th annual Alberta Arts Days will occur September 30 to October 2, 2011; aligning our provincial celebration with National Culture Days.  Continue to check Alberta Arts Days website for the latest news on Alberta Arts Days 2011 or join the Facebook group for the latest updates. Alberta Arts Days is an exciting opportunity to celebrate, but Alberta is rich with arts and culture events throughout the year. Visit the Alberta Culture Calendar to check out ongoing events in your community!

RED DEER LOSES VENUE AS MATCHBOX THEATRE CLOSES ITS DOORS

Despite its patron support, The Matchbox Theatre, host to more than 400 events throughout the past four years, will be closing its doors on May 27. The foundation that runs the facility was unsuccessful in securing operating support at the provincial or federal level and is unable to continue operation - a significant loss not only to the community, but to Ignition Theatre, its resident professional theatre company. More>

ANTYX COMMUNITY ARTS: OPPORTUNITES FOR CALGARY'S YOUTH

The consolidation of All Nations Theatre and Urban Youth Worx has created opportunities to engage youth, communities, and organizations in using the arts to explore important issues and make positive changes. Antyx Community Arts is excited to become a greater creative resource for Calgary by continuing its work with current partners and creating new opportunities for youth and communities in Calgary. More>

FINDINGS RELEASED FOR TICKETING SOFTWARE SATISFACTION SURVEY

In January, Technology in the Arts launched the second iteration of a survey of arts and cultural organizations to learn about their ticketing needs and to gauge how well current ticketing tools are meeting those needs.  Over 950 arts and cultural professionals completed the survey to evaluate their satisfaction with over 50 ticketing software tools. The results have now been released and are available to the arts community. More>

IN MEMORIAM - LANFORD WILSON

Award-winning American playwright Lanford Wilson passed away from pneumonia on March 24—the same day as Steppenwolf Theatre prepared for its evening preview performance of his play The Hot L.  Wilson is known for such theatre classics as Balm in Gilead, Burn This, and a collection of plays involving the Talley family - 5th of July, Talley's Folly, and Talley and Son.  Wilson spent much of his career at the Circle Repertory Company, which he co-founded in 1969, before it closed in 1996.

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Shows Opening

April 6 - May 3

Full Playbill

CALGARY

The Crucible
Apr 6 - 9, Playhouse North School of Theatre More>

Darwin the Dinosaur
Apr 8 - 10, Vertigo Theatre Y Stage Series More>

Aida
Apr 9, 13, 15, Calgary Opera More>

Richard III
Apr 13 - 23, The Shakespeare Company More>

All Shook Up
Apr 14 - June 19, Stage West Theatre Restaurant More>

First Year Showcase
Apr 15, Playhouse North School of Theatre More>

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat
Apr 15 - 30, StoryBook Theatre More>

I Am I
Apr 19 - 23, Theatre Transit More>

Mump & Smoot Cracked
Apr 26 - May 15, Alberta Theatre Projects More>

Mom’s the Word - For Crying Out Loud!
Apr 26 - May 21, Theatre Calgary More>

The Wide Fool - Nasrudin
Apr 27, TALES Calgary More>

Collected Stories
Apr 27 - May 7, Rogues Theatre with Pangloss Productions More>

It is Solved by Walking
Apr 28 - May 7, Urban Curvz Theatre More>

The Dragon Knight
Apr 29 - May 22, StoryBook Theatre More>

RENT
Apr 30 - May 14, Cappuccino Musical Theatre More>

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Apr 30 - June 4, Centre Stage Theatre Company More>

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Apr 30 - May 29, Vertigo Theatre More>

Shopaholic Husband Hunt
May 2 - 21, Lunchbox Theatre More>

EDMONTON

The Threepenny Opera
Apr 6 - 16, Walterdale Theatre Associates More>

Pervert
Apr 7 - 17, Northern Light Theatre More>

Les Parfait Inconnus
Apr 8 - 17, Fringe Theatre Adventures More>

Tosca
Apr 9 - 14, Edmonton Opera Association More>

Backwater
Apr 9 - 17, WindRow Performance More>

Hamlet
Apr 14 - 17, Indie 5 & Hambones More>

Rearview
Apr 14 - 17, L'UniThéâtre with Théâtre La Troupe du Jour More>

Playworks Festival of One Acts
Apr 16 - 21, Victoria School of the Arts More>

Love According to John
Apr 21 - 23, Alberta Lyric Theatre More>

Boygroove
Apr 21 - 30, Impulse Theatre More>

Public Speaking
Apr 21 - May 8, Theatre Network More>

True Love Lies
Apr 23 - May 15, Citadel Theatre More>

Into the Woods
Apr 27 - 30, ELOPE Musical Theatre More>

Keeping Peace: A Meditation on the Cost of Peace
Apr 28 - May 14, Sureal SoReal Theatre (Azimuth Emerging Company Showcase) More>

When Girls Collide
Apr 28 - May 14, Teatro La Quindicina More>

Little Women - The Musical
Apr 30 - May 22, Citadel Theatre More>

ALBERTA

Drama Scenes
Apr 7, GPRC Theatre Rising, Grande Prairie More>

Catch Me If You Can
Apr 8 - 16, Windmill Theatre Players, High River More>

The Nun's Trail
Apr 8 - May 14, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer More>

Ghost Sonata
Apr 13 - 16, Theatre Red Deer College, Red Deer More>

Adam Pascal: In Concert
Apr 14 - 16, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer More>

Harvey
Apr 14 - 30, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie More>

Evening of Desserts and Entertainment
Apr 15 - 16, Holy Redeemer Catholic Junior/Senior High School, Edson More>

All Shook Up
Apr 21 - 30, Keyano College Theatre, Fort McMurray More>

The Foursome
Apr 21 - May 8, Innisfail Town Theatre, Innisfail More>

Kelsey Youth Production
Apr 23, Kelsey Drama Club, Kelsey 780-672-4394

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
Apr 23 - Oct 20, Cornerstone Theatre & Restaurant, Canmore More>

The Turn of the Screw
Apr 25 - 27, Rosebud School of the Arts (student project), Rosebud More>

Zone 2 West Drama Festival
Apr 28 - 30, Zone 2 West, Alberta High School Drama Festival Association, Barrhead      
780-674-8522

Disney's The Jungle Book
Apr 28 - May 7, Horizon Players, Spruce Grove More>

Squabbles
Apr 28 - May 7, Water Works Players, Wetaskiwin More>

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ CALGARY and area }

Artistic Director, Vertigo Theatre

Sewing/Maintenance Assistant, Heritage Park

Assistant Stage Manager, Mob Hit Productions

Corporate Sponsorship Manager, One Yellow Rabbit

Theatre Camp Instructors, Cornerstone Theatre

Junior Tech Positions, Calgary Fringe Festival

{ EDMONTON and area }

Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Fringe Theatre Adventures

Production Manager, Fringe Theatre Adventures

Technical Director, Fringe Theatre Adventures

Full Time Stage Manager, Jubilations Dinner Theatre

Site Crew & Site Crew Supervisor, Events Edmonton

Front of House Staff, Timms Centre for the Arts

{ ALBERTA }

Choreographer, Keyano Theatre Company

Stagehands, The City of Fort Saskatchewan

{ CANADA }

There are no new postings at this time

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY and area }

Queen Anne's Revenge, Mob Hit Productions

Elephant's Parade, Independent

General Auditions, Alberta Theatre Projects

General Auditions, Evergreen Theatre

{ EDMONTON and area }

General Auditions, Beerprov Improv

General Auditions, U of A MFA Directing Projects

Madama Butterfly Fundraiser, Mercury Opera

General Auditions, Mayfield Dinner Theatre

Village of Idiots, Walterdale Theatre

{ ALBERTA }

Actors for Marketing Team, Go Bee Industries

{ CANADA }

General Auditions, Carousel Theatre, Vancouver, BC

General Auditions, Western Canadian Theatre, Kamloops, BC

Only NEW job & audition opportunities (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed above.

Postings are updated weekly:
Full Jobs Postings  |  Full Auditions Postings

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Submissions & Workshops

SUBMISSIONS

HERMAN VOADEN PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

Canada
This competition, made possible by a generous bequest from Voaden's estate, is dedicated to his memory and honours his goals to develop a distinctively Canadian art of the theatre; to encourage the writing of Canadian drama. Eight Honourable Mentions receive dramaturgical responses from both final round judges. More>

Deadline: April 15, 2011

CALL FOR ARTIST APPLICATIONS FOR FLUID FESTIVAL

Alberta
Do you want to have your work presented at the Fluid Festival? Applications from Alberta artists for the upcoming festival are now being accepted. Alberta artist programming includes Spark, the Physical Therapy Cabaret, and First Calgary Financial shared Mainstage Performance. Artist fees are provided for all Fluid Festival events. More>

Deadline: April 24, 2011

DR. DASHA GOODY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION: 2011 MUSIC THEATRE SCHOLARSHIPS

Alberta
The Dr. Dasha Goody Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the 2011 scholarships with $7,500 in available funding and a new category! The DDGMF is giving Albertan aspiring young musical theatre stars ages 15 and up three different opportunities to take the stage. More>

Deadline: Applications must be received by 5pm on April 29, 2011

EDMONTON ARTS COUNCIL: CALLING ALL TWEETERS

Edmonton
The EAC is organizing an event in May and is interested in hearing from any and all Edmonton arts organizations that use Twitter. If this includes you, please send an email with your Twitter handle and a contact for your organization to aturner@edmontonarts.ca.

THE 2011 SIMINOVITCH PRIZE IN PLAYWRITING

Canada
Call For Nominations Now Open for Canadian Playwrights. Canada's largest annual theatre arts award, the 2011 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, will be given to a professional playwright who advances Canadian theatre through a body of work achieved in recent years, while influencing and inspiring younger theatre artists. More>

Deadline: June 10, 2011 by 5:00pm EST

WORKSHOPS

SCENE STUDY AND AUDITION CLASSES FOR ADULTS - Company of Rogues

Classes begin April 9 in Calgary
Essentials of Acting: Scene Study is an adult class focusing on introducing the foundations of authentic acting through contemporary scene work. Essentials of Film: The fundamentals of on-camera technique are introduced through scene work and an exploration of the audition process. More>

INTRO TO STAGE COMBAT WITH KARL SINE - Morpheus Theatre

April 16 in Calgary
This workshop will focus on basic stage combat. Beginners are welcome. More>

SPRING AND SUMMER DRAMA CLASSES AND CAMPS FOR KIDS - Pumphouse Theatres

Classes start April 30 and May 2 in Calgary 
Dramatic Potpourri gives students a chance to do activities that often aren't covered in other classes. Topics covered may include masks, puppets, improvisation, stage fighting, mime, and script work. Summer Day Camp: This two-week introductory course teaches theatre basics with an emphasis on creative personal growth. More>

CLOWN THROUGH MASK WORKSHOP - Mump and Smoot (Michael Kennard)

May 30 - June 18 in Edmonton
This workshop is based on the Pochinko technique. Students begin with a focus on listening. Games and exercises are used to awaken and encourage a sense of pleasure, an awareness of one's immediate environment, and an honest response to internal impulses and external events. Not open to  UofA BA Drama or BFA Acting students. More>

Registration deadline: April 15, 2011

SUMMERACT: MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS - Calgary Actors’ Studio

One and two-week camps throughout July in Calgary
Fun! The only way to describe the world of musical theatre. Are you 10 - 18 years old or know someone who is? Can't carry a tune? Two left feet? Don't worry: Fred Astaire's first screen test read, "Can't sing, can't act, dances a little." Instructor: Mallory Minerson. More>

The above listings are but a sampling of the submission & workshop opportunities listed on our website.

Postings are updated weekly

Full Submissions Postings  |  Full Workshop Postings

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Odds & Ends

RESOURCES

FRONT ROW CENTRE SEEKS PROPS FOR BRIGADOO - Calgary

FRC is looking for the following props for use from May 1 - June 4: canteen c.1945, various jugs c.1745, prop small loaf of bread, 18th century Scottish dirk, various alcohol bottles c.1945, soda siphon c.1945 (doesn't need to work).  If you can be of assistance, e-mail props manager Leah Winter leah_mw@hotmail.com

NATIONAL ROCK SOLUTIONS HAS PRODUCTS FOR SET DESIGN - Online

An Extraordinarily Realistic Faux Panel that comes in over 100 styles, from bamboo, ledge stone, hand cut granite, river rock, tree bark, barn board, etc. The uses are endless for theatrical sets and backdrops. The product is extremely lightweight and easy to install. More>

CANADA ARTS CONNECT MAGAZINE - Online

Canada Arts Connect Magazine is a website with a magazine-like format offering articles, interviews, reviews, and more. Canada Arts Connect will continue to be a place where groups and organizations can list their jobs, calls for submissions, auditions, space for rent, events, and more. More>

SPACE

AVAILABLE: OFFICE SPACE FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS - Calgary

Arts Central, located in Calgary's downtown core, has small office spaces ranging from 80 - 500 square feet available at reasonable rates.  A meeting room is available at no extra charge.  For arts organizations looking to be in a facility with like minded groups and maximum public impact. More>

AVAILABLE: PRODUCTION, REHEARSAL, MEETING, AND EVENT SPACE - Edmonton

Fort Edmonton, located in Edmonton's River Valley, has a variety of spaces available for theatre productions, rehearsals, meetings and events. Capacity from 10 - 600 with plenty of free parking. Catering options and other services are also available. More>

VOLUNTEERS

THE ALBERTA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS - Alberta

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is currently accepting applications to fill three vacancies on the Board of Directors. This recruitment will focus on a Calgary representative, a southeastern Alberta representative and a youth representative (age 20 to 30). More>

THE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY SEEKS USHERS FOR RICHARD III - Calgary

The Shakespeare Company is currently seeking volunteer ushers for its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's Richard III running April 13 - 23. They are in need of at least three volunteers per night. As always, volunteers get free admission to the show. More>

EDMONTON ARTS COUNCIL SEEKS CASINO VOLUNTEERS - Edmonton

The EAC is still in need of volunteers for its upcoming casino, taking place April 15 - 16. More>

DOWNSTAGE THEATRE SEEKS CASINO VOLUNTEERS - Calgary

Downstage is still in need of a handful of volunteers for its upcoming casino, taking place on April  22 - 23. More>

LAKE SUMMERSIDE SEEKING VOLUNTEER ENTERTAINERS - Edmonton

Lake Summerside Residents Association is hosting a number of events in July and is looking for entertainers of all kinds to volunteer their time at these events. In exchange for your time you will be able to promote yourself at the event. More>

EVENTS

RAPID FIRE THEATRE LAUNCHES ITS INDIE GO GO FUNDRAISER

Online
Indie Go Go invitation: IMPROVAGANZA is coming! RFT wants to welcome its international friends, once again, in grand Edmonton style. But funding is always an issue... Rapid Fire Theatre is turning to you, its loyal and handsome fans, to ask for your help! More >

RAW COURAGE: A CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF THE JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

April 9 in Calgary
A concert in support of the Red Cross to raise money for the Japan Earthquake and Asia Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund. At 7:30pm at the Cardel Theatre - 180 Quarry Park Blvd SE.  Featuring local Calgary artists and hosted by CTV's Darrel Janz. More>

CALGARY ACTS MEETING

April 11 at 7:30pm in Calgary
At the Morpheus Parkdale Space - 3512-5 Ave NW, the special Guest at this meeting is Scott McTavish who will give an update on the Pumphouse Theatre's renovations. More>

HETEROPHOBIA, A DARK COMEDY - ONE NIGHT ONLY!

April 16 at 7:30 in Calgary
After 11 days of rave reviews and sold-out shows in September 2010, heterophobia hits the stage again for ONE NIGHT ONLY, for a special staged reading. More>

IN TUNE CONFERENCE: CREATING THE GREAT CANADIAN MUSICAL

April 25 - May 1 in Vancouver
Co-Produced by the Arts Club Theatre and Touchstone Theatre, the intent of the In Tune Conference; Creating the Great Canadian Musical is to engage in a community wide consideration and celebration of how we currently develop new musicals in Canada, and what kind of scenarios might encourage more work and greater success and profile for work created. More>

LIFFEY PLAYERS PRESENTS ACTING IRISH INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

May 16 - 21 in Calgary
The Acting Irish International Theatre Festival is an annual event that has alternated between host cities in Canada and the United States since 1994. The festival celebrates the traditions of the Irish stage as community theatre companies from across North America and Ireland come together to perform Irish and Irish-themed plays. More>

MAGNETIC NORTH THEATRE FESTIVAL'S COMPASS POINTS

June 6 - 10 in Ottawa
Held during the Magnetic North Theatre Festival, Compass Points is a gathering of post-secondary students and emerging artists from across the country.  Compass Points helps them navigate the festival and offers a firsthand introduction to the professional theatre industry. More>

VAUDEVILLE IS BACK

Last Thursday of every month in Calgary
Thank to James Jordan and the Garden Variety Show, vaudeville is making a come-back in Calgary in a big and exciting way. Traditional vaudevillians from all over Canada are making their way to Calgary to take part in Calgary's only monthly vaudeville variety review. Magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians, singers, and dancers are joining forces with host and seasoned comedy magician James Jordan. More>

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Donors, New & Renewing Members

March 1 - 31

DONORS: THANK YOU!

Lynda Adams, Zenovia Adams, Claire Bolton, Sarah Ferguson, Stephanie Leaf, Barb Mah, Vivian Mayne, Julie Sinclair, Frank Tichy

LIBRARY DONORS

Thank you to East of 60 Productions for the donation of scripts

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Owen Bishop, Dhana Cartmell, Myung-Hi Cha, Deborah Deans, Louay El Jamal, Dana England, Will Knoll, Sarah Van Tassel

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals
Caroline Boddy, Tatiana Cheladyn, Beth Graham, Dallas Holmes, Kristin Johnston, Dale Lee Kwong, Andrew Legg, Jeremy Mason, Roberta Mauer Phillips, Martin Morrow, Troy O’Donnell, Mieko Ouchi, Jeremy Park, Gordon Pengilly, Scott Peters, Joelle Prefontaine. Vanessa Sabourin, Kevin Sutley, Melissa Thingelstad, Karen Towsley, Lisa Whitson

Groups
Camrose Main Street Players

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Theatre Buzz is an electronic newsletter distributed to subscribers the first Wednesday (or so) of every month. Any information shared when subscribing to Theatre Buzz will NOT be shared with other sources, or used for any purpose other than administering Theatre Buzz.

Back Issues: All our past enewsletters can be found in our online archives >

Subscribe: All you require is an email address!  Sign up now>

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Your Feedback: We appreciate it!  Send comments to Buzz@theatrealberta.com.

Submit a Posting: Please send any theatre news, shows, and opportunities for inclusion in Theatre Buzz prior to the first Wednesday of each month. All information submitted via our online postings or online playbill will already be considered for inclusion in Theatre Buzz and need not be resubmitted.  Submit>

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Theatre Alberta Gratefully Acknowledges the Support of the Following Funders

Thank you for your commitment to the growth of theatre in Alberta!