IN THIS ISSUE

What's New at TA
Theatre News
Shows Opening
Donors & New Members
Buzz Ettiquette

CLASSIFIEDS:
Auditions
Job Postings
Workshops/Submissions
Events
Space
Volunteer Opportunities

To our Members:

Notes for October

You may have noticed more than a few changes here at Theatre Alberta over the last couple months. 'Tis the season: the leaves are changing, the first wave of theatre productions are closing, making way for new openings, and Halloween (October's annual pilgrimage of transformation) is around the corner.

Change always feels abrupt, even when it is a long time coming. We have known for a while now that Lora Brovold, TA's fabulous Programmer for more than three years, would be leaving us. It's still jarring, however, that the office is now devoid of her unique energy, dedication, and curiosity. We will (do) miss her, and we wish her the best of luck in everything she does.

Any melancholy from Lora's departure is tempered by the arrival of Michelle Kennedy, our new Programmer. Michelle has dived into her work with panache, already generating new ideas — we're excited to see where she will take us!

Contrary to popular belief, autumn in Alberta does not happen overnight. Change takes time. And, although there have been a multitude of changes at TA in recent weeks (our relaunched website, facebook page and twitter account, to name a few), more changes are still in line. For example, posting in our Classifieds will become an exclusive service for Theatre Alberta members in November: non-members will charged an administrative fee to post in one of the most popular sections of our site and e-newsletter. See our Classifieds FAQs page for more information. We hope this exclusivity demonstrates how much we value you, our members.

Unlike autumn, change at Theatre Alberta is not predetermined. We want to be responsive to our members' needs and wishes. We want to hear from you. I invite you to take advantage of our Facebook page and engage with us. Ask a question, and we will do our best to respond. If you prefer a more private forum, email your thoughts to our Communications and Marketing Coordinator (another recent change) Aaron Talbot at aaron@theatrealberta.com. Or, you can come to our AGM and chat with us in person.

Change is good. Evolution is better. Our role is to be responsive to the community, all of its facets, and to grow with it in order to serve it better. Help us out, won't you? Let us know how we're doing.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Keri Mitchell (née Ekberg... yes, another change in the works...)
Executive Director

"Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are."

~ Bertolt Brecht

 

What's New at TA

MEET THEATRE ALBERTA'S NEW PROGRAMMER: MICHELLE KENNEDY

Michelle is a director, playwright and occassional jill-of-all trades who has, until recently, been splitting her time between Edmonton and Calgary. Michelle has spent the past 3.5 seasons at One Yellow Rabbit in Calgary acting primarily as Blake Brooker’s assistant director.

Recent directing credits include: PornStar.USA (by Chris Craddock, Edmonton Fringe); The Tornado: A Prairie Musical Tragicomedy and The Flood: A Disaster Story (both of which she also wrote and premiered at the Edmonton Fringe). Other highlights include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre Calgary, Assistant to Dean Paul Gibson); Irvine Welsh’s Filth (Sage Theatre, Assistant to Kelly Reay) and Nick Green’s Coffee Dad, Chicken Mom, and the Fabulous Buddha Boi (Director, Guys Undisguised, Edmonton Fringe) which went on to win three Elizabeth Sterling Haynes awards including Best Fringe Production. Michelle holds a BA (Hon) from the University of Alberta and a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management from Grant McEwen. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Theatre Alberta and can't wait for the adventures to begin!

Contact Michelle about Dramaworks, PlayWorks Ink, Artstrek, and Emerge:
michelle@theatrealberta.com

THEATRE ALBERTA 2010-2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

All Theatre Alberta members are invited (and encouraged to attend) our 2010-2011 AGM on November 6th at 1 PM, in the Engineered Air Theatre, EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts (205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary).

Our AGM is an excellent opportunity to join and meet your fellow TA members, board of directors, and staff, as well as receive the annual report, elect new board members, and conduct other important society business … oh yes, and we provide you with a free lunch!

The AGM will be followed by the closing PlayWorks Ink event – a reading of Sequence by Arun Lakra, winner of the Alberta Playwriting Competition’s 2011 Grand Prize.

Please email Stephanie to RSVP - so we can book your lunch - at theatreab@theatrealberta.com. For more information, click here.

2011 PLAYWORKS INK DISCOUNT HOTEL RATE EXTENDED!

We're pleased to share that the Delta Bow Valley Hotel has extended their special discount rate for PlayWorks Ink participants until Thursday, October 6th—that's tomorrow! For more information, visit our PlayWorks Ink Venues and Accomodations page.

Don't wait to book: sessions are filling up quickly! Writing Without Borders: Crossing Art Forms with Mieko Ouchi is now sold out. Registration couldn't be easier: browse through the weekend's Events and Workshops, and take a look at the different instructors. Fill out the registration form online and you're done! We'll see you there!

LIBRARY NEWS

MacIvor Mania! Get to know the works of Daniel MacIvor before Playworks Ink. You can find many of his scripts in our library:

2-2-Tango
A Beautiful View
Cul-de-sac
Here Lies Henry
His Greatness
House Humans
How it Works
In On It
Marion Bridge
Monster
Never Swim Alone
See Bob Run
The Soldier Dreams
Theatre Omaha’s Production of "The Sound of Music”
This is a Play
Wild Abandon
You are Here

LIBRARY HOURS

The library and office will be closed from October 8 - 10 for Thanksgiving. The building will be closed and the drop box unavailable. We will reopen on October 11.

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Theatre News

TWO NEW NATIONAL PLAYWRITING AWARDS

Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC), in partnership with Stage West Theatre Restaurants, proudly announces two new national playwriting awards: Best New Comedy ($5000) and Best New Musical ($5000).
Click here to read the full announcement.

THE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ARTISTIC PRODUCER RESIGNS

The Board of Directors of The Shakespeare Company regrets to announce the resignation of its Artistic Producer, Iam Coulter, effective December 2011.
Click here to read the full announcement.

SHAW FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETIRING

After over 17 years as Executive Director, Alberta native Colleen Blake will be leaving the Shaw Festival in early spring 2012.
Click here to read the full announcement.

MICHAEL GREEN NAMED CREATIVE PRODUCER OF CALGARY 2012

Michael Green, Curator of the High Performance Rodeo and Co-Artistic Director of One Yellow Rabbit (OYR), is taking a temporary leave of absence from OYR after having been named Creative Producer of Calgary 2012.
Click here to read the full announcement.

MEMORIAL FOR WENDI POPE

A memorial service for Wendi Pope is scheduled for Sunday, October 9. All Walterdale members are welcome to join in this celebration of Wendi’s life.
Click here to read the full announcement.

MEMORIAL: A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF MICHELLE DIAS

On Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 10, at 2 pm, there will be a Tribute to the Life of Michelle Dias in the Citadel’s Tucker Amphitheatre.
Click here to read the full announcement.

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Shows Opening

October 5- November 4

Full Playbill

CALGARY

WORLD FAIR
Oct 5 – 8, Theatre Junction GRAND More>

JUST KIDDING
Oct 7 - 9, Quest Theatre @ The Big Secret Theatre More>

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Oct 11 - Nov 6, Theatre Calgary More>

IN A WORLD CREATED BY A DRUNKEN GOD
Oct 12 - 22, Downstage More>

THE HUNT FOR RED WILLIE
Oct 14 - 22, Liffey Players Drama Society More>

OUT OF KILL-TER
Oct 14 - 31, Pegasus Performances More>

PENNY PLAIN
Oct 18 - Nov 6, Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes @ Alberta Theatre Projects More>

THE HIGHEST STEP IN THE WORLD
Oct 18 - 29, Ghost River Theatre More>

AGA-BOOM
Oct 21 - 23, Vertigo Theatre More>

STORM WARNING
Oct 26 - Nov 5, Rogues Theatre More>

JAKE'S GIFT
Oct 24 - Nov 19, Lunchbox Theatre More>

THE SWAMP DWELLERS
Oct 25 - Nov 5, University Of Calgary Department Of Drama More>

MIDNIGHT TALES
Oct 26, TALES Calgary More>

HALLOWEEN HOWL
Oct 29, Green Fools Theatre More>

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Nov 3 - Jan 22, Stage West Theatre Restaurant More>

A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE
Nov 4 - 19, Ground Zero Theatre / Hit & Myth Productions More>

PACK OF LIES
Nov 4 - 19, Workshop Theatre More>

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Nov 4 - 19, Storybook Theatre @ The Pumphouse Theatre More>

EDMONTON

FAR FROM CRAZY
Oct 5 - 16, Rabid Marmot Productions @ Azimuth Theatre More>

BOOK ON TAPE
Oct 6 - 15, Fringe Theatre Adventures More>

MICHEL AND TI-JEAN
Oct 6 - 23, Theatre Network More>

REASONS TO BE PRETTY
Oct 12 - 22, Walterdale Playhouse More>

BASHIR LAZHAR
Oct 12 - 16, Wishbone Theatre More>

THE CURSE OF PIGEON LAKE
Oct 16 – 23, Capitol Theatre More>

XANADU
Oct 21 - 29, Grant Macewan University Theatre Arts More>

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA/I PAGLIACCI
Oct 22 - 27, Edmonton Opera More>

DIE-NASTY! THE LIVE IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA
Oct 24 - May 28, Die-Nasty @ The Varscona Theatre More>

PINOCCHIO
Oct 27 - Nov 4, Alberta Opera @ Fringe Theatre Adventures More>

CHICAGO
Oct 28 - Nov 04, Two One-way Tickets To Broadway Productions More>

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Oct 29 - Nov 20, The Citadel Theatre/Robbins Academy More>

BLESS YOU, BILLY WILDER
Nov 2 - 20, Shadow Theatre More>

CLEOPATRA'S SISTER
Nov 3 - 12, Northern Light Theatre More>

YELLOW MOON
Nov 3 - 12, University of Alberta Studio Theatre More>

ALBERTA

THE 39 STEPS
Oct 6 - 15, Keyano Theatre Company, Fort McMurray More>

MAD MOOSE MAYHEM - AN EPIC VARIETY SHOW
Oct 7 - 8, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie More>

SEXY LAUNDRY
Oct 7 - 16, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer More>

THE OUTSIDERS
Oct 12 - 15, Hometown Acting Studio, Medicine Hat More>

FUENTE OVEJUNA
Oct 13 - 22, Red Deer College, Red Deer More>

ON GOLDEN POND
Oct 14 - 22, Baying Buffoons, Rimbey (call 403-843-2415 for info)

OLE KOOTS CAMPFIRE: THE CRUISE
Oct 14 - 29, Westlock Drama Society, Westlock Email for more information

TWELFTH NIGHT
Oct 20 - Nov 5, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie More>

BUG
Oct 20 -29, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer More>

WORK PLAYS
Oct 24 - Dec 2, Alberta Workers' Health Centre, Alberta School Tour More>

TRAIN OF THE DEAD
Oct 26 - Nov 5, Aspen Crossing Theatre, Mossleigh More>

THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI
Nov 4 - Dec 23, Rosebud Theatre, Rosebud More>

MAGGIE'S GETTING MARRIED
Nov 4 - Dec 10, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer More>

OLIVER
Nov 4 - 19, Lethbridge Musical Theatre, Lethbridge More>

SOCIAL SECURITY
Nov 4 - 6, Leduc Drama Society, Leduc More>

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Classifieds

Theatre Alberta does not necessarily endorse the organizations and/or individuals submitting postings on our site. It is the responsibility of each patron using the Theatre Alberta Classifieds to research the integrity of the organization(s) who submit postings to which he/she is applying/responding and to verify specific information, especially pertaining to the job/audition postings.

Auditions

Only NEW audition opportunities (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Auditions Classifieds.

CALGARY

A CHRISTKINDL TANNENBAUM TALE

Heritage Park Players is holding auditions for A Christkindl Tannenbaum Tale by Trevor Matheson on Sunday, October 9 and Tuesday, October 11. Click here to read the full Classified.

DANCERS NEEDED

Mob Hit Productions is seeking male and female dancers aged 18+ to audition for the upcoming original work Broken on Saturday, October 15. Click here to read the full Classified.

PERFORMERS NEEDED FOR 2 NEW WORKS

Mob Hit Productions is seeking male and female performers aged 18+ to audition for the upcoming original works Project Z and I Don’t on Saturday, October 15. Click here to read the full Classified.

THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS

Beyond the Brink Productions is holding auditions for a non-equity production of The Servant of Two Masters on Wednesday, October 26. Click here to read the full Classified.

EVERGREEN THEATRE TYA TOUR

Evergreen Theatre is seeking one actor (female) for a touring musical TYA show: Princess Prudence and the Fairest in the Land. Click here to read the full Classified.

EDMONTON

ALBERTINE IN FIVE TIMES

Walterdale Theatre Associates is holding auditions for Michel Tremblay's Albertine in Five Times from Sunday, October 16 to Monday, October 17. Click here to read the full Classified.

TITANIC: A NEW MUSICAL

Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway is holding auditions for Titanic: A New Musical from Friday, November 18 to Sunday, November 20.Click here to read the full Classified.

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD

PowerHouse Performance Co is seeking one actor (male) for their upcoming production of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World. Click here to read the full Classified.

STUDENT FILM

Looking for male actor 20-40 to perform in a volunteer student film. Click here to read the full Classified.

Job Postings

Only NEW job postings (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Job Postings Classifieds.

CALGARY

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Alberta Ballet is seeking a dynamic, highly creative and technically accomplished graphic designer with proficient project management skills who is passionate about the arts. Applications due October 7. Click here to read the full Classified.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMER

The Calgary International Children’s Festival is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual for the newly created Festival Programmer position. Applications due October 14. Click here to read the full Classified.

COMPANY MANAGER

Alberta Ballet is seeking an experienced Company Manager who is responsible for the effective management of operations associated with the company dancers and guest artists. Applications due October 15. Click here to read the full Classified.

BOX OFFICE SUPERVISOR

Alberta Ballet is seeking a Box Office Supervisor for their Calgary office. Click here to read the full Classified.

DANCE TEACHERS

Summit School of Dance has part-time and substitute dance teaching positions available. Click here to read the full Classified.

EDMONTON

TOUR COORDINATOR

Alberta Opera is seeking a Tour Coordinator responsible for the overall organization of Alberta Opera’s tours to schools and theatres in Alberta. Applications due October 7 or until position is filled. Click here to read the full Classified.

SINGERS WANTED

Singers wanted for a recording of Act I Scene II of Gloves Off! A Hockey Opera in Three Acts, written by Susan Hannah Rankin in November 2011. Click here to read the full Classified.

ALBERTA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Rosebud

Rosebud Centre for the Arts is seeking an Executive Director to lead a staff of 20 full-time and up to 50 part-time staff to achieve the organization's mission as set by the Board of Directors. Click here to read the full Classified.

Workshops/ Classes/ Call for Submissions

Only NEW workshops (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Workshops Classifieds.
Click here for all Classes Classifieds.
Click here for all Call for Submissions Classifieds.

CALGARY

SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE TOURS AT HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO

Submission deadline: Friday, October 7, 2011 @ 5:00 pm. Swallow-a-Bicycle is seeking artists with an interest and understanding of the creation of new work, and who wish to challenge their current creative practice via artistic experimentation. Click here to read the full Classified.

JANE JENKINS CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOP

October 8. Join Emmy Nominated Casting Director Jane Jenkins for a 6 hour acting workshop October 8th in Calgary! Click here to read the full Classified.

FESTIVAL AND EVENT MASTERCLASS

October 12 - 13. The Festival and Event Management Masterclass is an intensive 2-day program designed to inform and inspire anyone involved in the business of creating, managing and developing festivals and events. Click here to read the full Classified.

APN CALGARY FALL PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE

October 12 - December 30. Guided by playwright Gordon Pengilly, APN’s Calgary Playwriting Circles will help you to focus your work and move forward with it, working with a small group of your peers. Click here to read the full Classified.

EDMONTON

WORKSHOP WITH JILLIAN KEILLEY

October 8 - 9. Jillian Keilley is Artistic Director of Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland. This workshop will be an introduction to Kaleidography, a mathematically based choreography and directing system in order to produce very specific movement and sound instances on stage. Click here to read the full Classified.

THEATRE MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS WITH THEATRE GARAGE

October 12. Come to a hands-on workshop and learn some tricks of the trade on how to apply theatrical makeup. This session is ideal for parents or grandparents who would like some tips on the best ways to apply makeup for children, especially with Halloween around the corner. Click here to read the full Classified.

PERFORMANCE STORYTELLING WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS

October 15 - December 3. GeriActors & Friends Intergenerational Theatre will once again be hosting an 8 week workshop in Performance Storytelling for Seniors, in conjunction with Northgate Lions Seniors Association. Click here to read the full Classified.

GRANT WRITING 101

October 20. Join this free workshop co-hosted by representatives of the national and provincial funding agencies. Through an engaging presentation, we will discuss the funding opportunities for professional artists at the provincial and national levels. Click here to read the full Classified.

VOICE-OVER WEEKEND WITH MICHAEL DAINGERFIELD

October 22 - 23. Designed for people with ‘none to some’ Voice-Over experience, this comprehensive weekend workshop focuses on the two main avenues of professional voice-over (Commercials and Animation). Click here to read the full Classified.

CALL FOR ENTRANTS: STAGE STRUCK! 2012

Submission deadline: December 19. Regional adult one-act play festival. Any scripted play, previously published or new, between 10 to 60 minutes in length, is eligible for production. Click here to read the full Classified.

ALBERTA

WINTER THEATRE ARTS WORKSHOPS - Banff Centre

Registration deadline: October 31. The Banff Puppet Theatre Intensive presented by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop. Runs from January 2 - 16.
Registration deadline: November 25. Banff Circus Workshop led by Cirque du Monde (a division of Cirque du Soleil) master instructor and trainer Marsha Kennington. Runs from January 2 - 7. Click here to read the full Classified.

INTERACTIVE SCRIPT WRITING FOR FILM, THEATRE AND TELEVISION - Online

This web-based course, presented by Wilfred Laurier University Continuing Studies, will introduce you to the craft of writing scripts for film, television and the theatre. Access to the course will be available October 24, 2011; first login must occur by November 21, 2011. Click here to read the full Classified.

Events

Only NEW events (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Events Classifieds.

NLT CLASSY DAMES FUNDRAISER - Edmonton

Northern Light Theatre presents CLASSY DAMES FUNDRAISER on Wednesday, October 12. Drop in anytime between 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the C’est Sera Boutique (8239 104 Street) for an exclusive evening filled with fashion and fun! Click here to read the full Classified.

NLT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING- Edmonton

Northern Light Theatre notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM): 6:30pm on Monday, October 17 at Northern Light Theatre’s office (8908-99 Street). Click here to read the full Classified.

U OF A DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA OPEN HOUSE - Edmonton

If you are interested in learning more about the University’s Department of Drama, register by October 19 to guarantee your spot in a Drama demo. Click here to read the full Classified.

COWARDLY KISS THEATRE SEASON FUNDRAISER - Edmonton

Cowardly Kiss Theatre’s inaugural season fundraiser has something for everyone, and it’s all happening on Saturday, October 22 at Catalyst Theatre (8529 Gateway Boulevard)!
Click here to read the full Classified.

Space

Only NEW postings for space (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Space Classifieds.

EVERGREEN REHEARSAL SPACE AVAILABLE - Calgary

Location: 2633 Hochwald Ave SW. Cost: $420/week or daily rates. Click here to read the full Classified.

Volunteer

Only NEW postings for volunteer opportunities (received since the previous Buzz issue) are listed below.
Click here for all Volunteer Classifieds.

CHICAGO: BOX OFFICE & CONCESSION - Edmonton

Are you interested in seeing Chicago, presented by Two ONE-WAY Tickets To Broadway Productions for FREE? Tix in exchange for volunteer time for Box Office and Concession. Click here to read the full Classified.

Donors, New & Renewing Members

DONORS: THANK YOU!

Anonymous, Doug Mertz

Thank you Mieko Ouchi for her donation to the Library.

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Richard Benson, Lindsay Caron, Brooke Dalton, Amanda Davis, Andrew Delong, Jennifer Engler, Jillian Haris, Melissa Havin, Kris Joseph, Nicole Leal, Cole Littlechilds, Elizabeth McCarthy, Glenndl Miguel, Camille Pavlenko, Steven Pecksen, Mitchel Roelfsema, Elizabeth Spearing, Donna Switzer, Lucas Taylor, Daryn Tessier

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals
Andrea Beça, Kimberley Denis, Sarah Ferguson, Jean-Pierre Fournier, Jenna Goldade, Lana Hughes, Neil LeGrandeur, Shannon MacKinnon, Doug Mertz, Graham Percy, Mary-Ellen Perley, Jessica Peverett, Lynelle Pierzchalski, Miles Ringsred, John Rusich, Kathleen Shore

Groups
About Time Productions, Alberta Opera Musical Theatre for Young People, Ardrossan Junior/Senior High, Aspen Crossing Theatre, Concrete Theatre, Front Row Centre Players, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre, Memorial Composite High School, Morpheus Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, Pegasus Players, Pumpjack Players/Whitecourt Drama Society, Quest Theatre Society, Red Deer College, St Albert Children’s Theatre, Wetaskiwin Theatre, Windmill Theatre Players

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BUZZ ETIQUETTE

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>

Unsubscribe: DO NOT HIT REPLY. Please use the "Manage your subscription" link at the bottom of this email.

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.

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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!