Tag Archives: Announcements

Theatre-industry related announcements we think would be of interest to the Alberta theatre community.

News (Calgary): Stage West announces 2013-2014 Season

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Congratulations to Stage West in Calgary on announcing its 2013-2014 Season! Details can be found below:

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A modern day twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, set in New York City.  A young, uptight greeting card writer’s life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer.  Along with their eccentric friends and siblings, they learn to love each other not in spite of their faults, but because of them.  Because it’s easy to say, “I love you anyway”, but hard and all the more rewarding to say, “I love you because.”
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2011′s Motown Gold brought you the music that was specifically recorded under the Motown label and its stable of artists.  This time around we bring you Love Train – a journey through the music of soul and R&B.  It celebrates the songs recorded under such influential labels as Staxx, Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound”, Atlantic Records, and even more from Motown.  Featuring the incomparable genius of stars such as Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, the Drifters, Etta James, James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and Percy Sledge, just to name a few.  The soul and R&B legacy of these great artists has been passed on to a new generation which include Prince, Beyonce, Boys2Men, Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and Whitney Houston.
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“This laugh-out-loud comedy has everything one can hope for in a modern-day farce: two likable cops operating way out of their league, a supposedly crooked mayor with impeccable timing, his innocent-acting wife, a shy accountant with a penchant for dropping her drawers, a nervous double agent who’d like to get in those drawers, a Scottish hitman whose brogue gets thicker the angrier he gets, two adjoining motel rooms, simmering sexual tension, and eight doors a’slammin’.” – Donald V. Calamia, “Between the Lines”

Two cops.  Three crooks.  Eight doors.  Go!
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In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-semitism of Czarist Russia.

Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth, and honesty.  The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.
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Avenue Q is a gut-bustingly hilarious modern musical focusing on a group of unique 20-somethings making their way in the big city, seeking their purpose in life.  Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good, and life lessons are learned.

Winner of the Tony “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh and part felt, and packed with heart.  Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q.  He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood.  Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

News (Calgary): The Shakespeare Company announces 2013-2014 season

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Congratulations to The Shakespeare Company in Calgary on announcing their 2013-2014 season! Plays are listed below, but we thought it’d be fun to share their season announcement on YouTube: 

Titus Andronicus

September 20th to October 6th, 2013
Co-production Hit and Myth and Ground Zero Theatre
The Studio Theatre at the Vertigo Theatre Centre

The Winter’s Tale

February 5th to 15th, 2014
In conjunction with the Mount Royal University Theatre Dept
Nickle Theatre at Mount Royal University

Twelfth Night

May 15th to 25th, 2014
The Studio Theatre at the Vertigo Theatre Centre

News (Fort McMurray): Russell Thomas named Interim Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Arts Council

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Russell_ThomasIn a joint press conference held today at Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, Christine Burton, Chair, Arts Council Wood Buffalo announced the appointment of Russell Thomas as interim Executive Director. Seconded to the organization from Keyano College, the long-time arts advocate will begin his new role May 20, 2013.

Russell is a former board member, Treasurer, and long-time supporter of Theatre Alberta. He is also a frequent contributor to our theatre magazine, All Stages. 
Congratulations Russell – we are all thrilled for you!

“Having someone who knows the community, who has established relationships with a broad range of community groups and organizations and community development experience is so important to establishing the momentum we need,” said Burton.

“Russell’s skill, knowledge of business processes and passion for the arts makes him an obvious choice to lead the Arts Council.”

“The Arts Council is essential to growing the Arts in the region and we are very pleased to be able to contribute to this process,” said Dr. Kevin Nagel, President & CEO, Keyano College.

“When a community comes together with a vision, incredible things can happen. It takes the collaboration, dedication and commitment of many individuals and organizations to build a vibrant and dynamic arts community and we look forward to working with Russell and the Arts Council to realize this vision.”

There will be a number of priorities for the Arts Council in the coming months, including establishing a permanent board, refining its mandate, mission and vision, creating a budget and securing funding, and working with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on a public art policy. Most importantly, the Arts Council will engage community arts organizations, individuals engaged in the Arts as well as Arts-related organizations to understand their needs, map existing resources and build a collaborative vision for the arts in our region.

“Having a full-time, dedicated Executive Director will enable the Arts Council to get established and work through its goals quickly. The interim Board is so pleased to have someone with Russell’s skill set to help us get there. We want to express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Nagel and the Keyano Board of Governors for making Russell’s appointment possible,” said Burton.

“I am enormously excited about this opportunity,” said Russell Thomas.

“At the request of Dr. Nagel, since September I have been focusing the bulk of my efforts on building energy around the arts at Keyano College and in the community. This move to the Arts Council is a natural evolution. By getting this important organization up and running we can begin to realize the arts and culture vision set out in the Municipal Development Plan. We have the potential in Wood Buffalo to do some amazing things in the arts. I’m honoured to have the chance to contribute to making that happen.”

Thomas will transition into his new role effective May 20, working out of office space provided by Keyano in the Arts Centre.

Awards (Edmonton): 2013 Cappies Nominees Announced

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LesMisRossShep12

Ross Sheppard High School: Les Miserables (2012)

What are the Cappies?

From Liz Nichols, Edmonton Journal:
Cappies is the nickname for the forward-looking Washington D.C.-based Critics and Awards Program, born 14 years ago to enhance the profile of high school theatre, and to train student writers as critics. Edmonton’s Cappies chapter, a six-year-old partnership between the Edmonton Journal and some 24 Edmonton-area high schools, is only one of three this side of the border (along with Ottawa and Niagara). It’s a growth industry. What started in 2008 with 11 high schools has proliferated, and the geographical dimensions quickly expanded past the city limits to include Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.

2013 Nominees

Marketing and Publicity

Farid Hamam, Nicole O’Brien, Haley Holowach, Chantal Williams, Eastglen High School, The Rocky Horror Show
Kate Lemke, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Courtney Nickerson, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Erin O’Callaghan, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome
Iliana Pappas, Lexi Mendoza, Daniel Greenways, Louis St-Laurent High School, The Threepenny Opera

Sound

Nick Bohaychuk, Emil Tennant, Sarah Hoover, Sarah Christianson, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Tyler Donovan, Thilan Wijesinghe, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz
Anders Grasdal, Alison Barnett, Emery Seal, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Alana Rice, Dominique Smith, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods

Lighting

Richard Fullbrook, McNally High School, A Streetcar Named Desire
Brennon Grohn, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz
Doug Kelly, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Tanys Romanuik, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome
Fraser Thurston, Alyssa DiBattista, Marcel Jean, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes

Sets

James Cook, Kiana Davies, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Jacquie Fraser-Airhart, Abigail Stannard, Taylor Fitzpatrick, Sam Li, McNally High School, A Streetcar Named Desire
Jaime Kelsey, Chris Chao, Kyla James, Jaymie Protz, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Jeremy Midwinter, Yohann Chebat, Jose Escobar, Amanda Ferguson, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker
Bella Moffatt, Andrew Meier, Jessica Majeau, Zak Staines, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie

Costumes

Amy Herndon, Justine Belzile, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker
Sophie Keegan, Marina Giovannoni, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Mandy Lim, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Bella Moffatt, Kirsten Jensen, Adara von Stackelberg, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Kayley Warawa, Richelle Wolonski and crew, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses

Makeup

Alexa Archibald, Abbey Ferguson, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Sarah Lawless, Jasmine Haile and crew, St. Albert Catholic High School, The Trojan Women
Meaghan Touchie, Adam Pirzek, Sasha Lazin, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Hailee Phaneuf, Madeleine Wiebe, Selena Switzer, Sydney Brown, Amy Witzke, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
Taffara Thomas, Eleisa Miller and crew, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses

Props

Michael Anderson, Isabelle Brisson, Malik Weir, Lisa Kehoe, McNally High School, A Streetcar Named Desire
Arianne Barroma, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses
William Gerow, Alex MacKenzie, Adam Sutherland, Jinny Lee, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Carin Li, Emery Seal, Angela Jho, Monique Roy, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Kataryna Nykolaychuk, Courtney Dewar, Stephanie Keogh, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps

Special Effects and/or Technology

Andrew Chichak, Edmund Wong, Jinho Kim, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Daniel Greenways, Luke Reitzel, Jussel Padua, Louis St-Laurent High School, The Threepenny Opera
Albert Lesnik, Eastglen High School, The Rocky Horror Show
Thilan Wijesinghe, Jordan Poirier, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz

Stage Crew

Izzy Bergquist, Kataryna Nykolaychuk, Ramiro Medina, Jordan Lemoine, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Kaitie Jentink, Damon Ford, Victoria Palichuk, Damin Massicotte, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Rachel Koski, Daniel Schmidt, Mohamed El Bialy and crew, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Andie Mullen, Philip Geller, Kylie Weatherall-Waldner, Nathan Cerda, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Mitchell Van Straten, Logan Przybilla, Erica Holloway, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes

Orchestra

Anything Goes Band, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Little Shop Band, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Godspell Band, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
Wizard of Oz Orchestra, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz

Choreography

Ashley Asuncian, Cole Pearson, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Justine Belzile, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker
Tia Kushniruk, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
Riya Mittal, Miguel Montsalve, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors

Creativity

Gus Butcher, Allie Morin, Meagan Sidor-Masse and musical group (for original musical composition) Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses
Nigel Woodhouse for directing fight & final scene, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker
Shane Pon (for composition, recording) St. Albert Catholic High School, The Trojan Women
Justin Daza (for transposition music) Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
>Kaden Goddu (for musicianship), Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie

Ensemble in a Play

Witch’s Army, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Stage Crew Ensemble, St Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Goths, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome
Orphan children, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
School girls, Holy Trinity High School, Cartoon

Ensemble in a Musical

The Enchanted, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Thing One, Thing Two, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Sailors, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Shriners, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Godspell ensemble, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell

Featured Actress in a Play

Arianne Barroma, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses
Hayley Cassidy, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Laura Jones, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Selena Switzer, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
Kennedy Tkach, St. Albert Catholic High School, The Trojan Women

Featured Actor in a Play
Sean Bishop, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Siah Klassen, W.P. Wagner High School, You Can’t Take It With You
Jared Lane, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Jamal Machuca-Pollydore, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses
Ben Osgood, Jasper Place High School, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Featured Actress in a Musical
Sydney Campbell, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Anna Irwin-Borg, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Jade Krull, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Frances Mulder, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Anastasia Walker, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie

Featured Actor in a Musical

Russ Andrade, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Matt Bronson, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Kaden Goddu, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Quinton Herbert, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Brodie Wall, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical

Female Dancer

Lindsay Davidson, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Taylor Joseph, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz
Meara Kirwin, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
Tananda Layton, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Teresa Williams, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes

Male Dancer

Colton Dinning, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Michael Sulyma, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Jonathan Langille, Eastglen High School, The Rocky Horror Show
Gray Watson, M.E. LaZerte High School, Urinetown: The Musical
Thomas Taylor, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Female Vocalist

Kate Graham, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
Tiona Langley, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Shana McInnes, Louis St-Laurent High School, The Threepenny Opera
Ellysa Nesbitt, Eastglen High School, The Rocky Horror Show
Julie Ryzuk, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical

Male Vocalist

Jordy Kieto, Louis St-Laurent High School, The Threepenny Opera
Tim Dowler-Coltman, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Jordan Poirier, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz
Gray Watson, M.E. LaZerte High School, Urinetown: The Musical

Comic Actress in a Play

Joy Bernus, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Jessica-Jean Braun, Jasper Place High School, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Amy Hua, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome
Davina Renaerts, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
Richie Troccoli-Hughes, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses

Comic Actor in a Play

Nolan Ali, W.P. Wagner High School, You Can’t Take It With You
Liam Edmondstone, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome
Emmanuel Imperial Jr., St Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Clayton Plamondon, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Liam Ross, Jasper Place High School, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Comic Actress in a Musical

Michelle Diaz, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Madison Krupa, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Danyelle Lachowich, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Katelyn Supina, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Megan Verbeek, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie

Comic Actor in a Musical

Jonathan Deppisch, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Patrick Horan, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Shane McKay, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Kieran Murphy, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
David Unsworth, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes

Supporting Actress in a Play

Jordyn Berezan, Archbishop Jordan High School, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Alexandra Dawkins, St. Albert Catholic High School, The Trojan Women
Alisha van Diepen, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
Ashleigh Hicks, Jasper Place High School, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Elissa Weller, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker

Supporting Actor in a Play

Keeton Cottrell, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Gavin Doyle, Jasper Place High School, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Kennedy Pawluk, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses
Hal Smith, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Malik Weir, McNally High School, A Streetcar Named Desire

Supporting Actress in a Musical

Rachel Bokenfohr, Bellerose Composite High School, The Wizard of Oz
Alecia Doberstein, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Brittany Marston, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Terezia Mizerova, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors
Kajsa Wood, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods

Supporting Actor in a Musical

Aidan Burke, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Chase Jeffels, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Angus MacDonald, M.E. LaZerte High School, Urinetown: The Musical
Hubert Piatkowski, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell
Maclean Strathern, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors

Lead Actress in a Play

Alison Babichuk, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School, The Miracle Worker
Naomi Brierley, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Marie Mavko, St. Albert Catholic High School, The Trojan Women
Gabby Meikle, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Meagan Sidor-Masse, Austin O’Brien High School, Red Noses

Lead Actor in a Play

Michael Anderson, McNally High School, A Streetcar Named Desire
Jack Edwards, Ross Sheppard High School, Les Miserables
Houston Hendrickson, Millwoods Christian School, Korczak’s Children
Matt Ness, St. Joseph High School, The 39 Steps
Thai Sirikoone, J.H. Picard, The Making of Something Awesome

Lead Actress in a Musical

Sarah Anderson, Paul Kane High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Elysha McLennan, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Natasha Mihell, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
Sami Park, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Sydney Williams, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes

Lead Actor in a Musical

Denver Capcara, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Nicholas Giroux, Eastglen High School, The Rocky Horror Show
Adam Houston, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
Austyn Johnson, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Marc Ludwig, Harry Ainlay High School, Little Shop of Horrors

Song

Alone in the Universe, Strathcona Christian Academy, Seussical
Blow, Gabriel, Blow, Strathcona High School, Anything Goes
One Boy, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Bye Bye Birdie
Your Fault, Victoria School of the Arts, Into the Woods
We Beseech Thee, Archbishop MacDonald High School, Godspell

Play

The Making of Something Awesome, J.H. Picard
Korczak’s Children, Millwoods Christian School
Les Miserables, Ross Sheppard High School
The 39 Steps, St. Joseph High School
The Miracle Worker, Archbishop Oscar Romero High School

Musical

Anything Goes, Strathcona High School
Little Shop of Horrors, Harry Ainlay High School
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Paul Kane High School
Seussical, Strathcona Christian Academy
Into the Woods, Victoria School of the Arts

Critic Team:

Archbishop MacDonald
Harry Ainlay High School
Ross Sheppard
Strathcona High School
J.H. Picard

Grade 10 Critic

Brynn Lewism, Archbishop MacDonald
Devyn Godziuk, Bellerose
Sofia Parrila, Harry Ainlay
Katrine Czajkowski, Holy Trinity
Josephine Chua, Ross Sheppard

Grade 11 Critic

Georgia Ashworth, Ross Sheppard
Isabella Fuccaro, Ross Sheppard
Robyn Slobodan, Strathcona Christian Academy
Courtney Nickerson, Strathcona High School
Matt Bronson, Strathcona

Grade 12 Critic
Naomi Brierley, Ross Sheppard
Marina Bryan, Strathcona
Sarah Dussome, Louis St-Laurent
Sydney Williams, Strathcona
Matthew Kluk, St. Albert Catholic

Deal (Edmonton): Ten at the Ten – Teatro La Quindicina

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teatroTeatro La Quindicina is pleased to announce rush tickets for the people who make Edmonton’s Professional Theatre community as vibrant as it is—the people working within it and the people who can’t wait to start.

With Ten at the Ten, Tickets will be available to theatre professionals and students in professional training programs for ten dollars, ten minutes before the show. Members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, ACTRA, IATSE, as well as students of Grant MacEwan’s Theatre Arts, Arts and Cultural Management programs, The University of Alberta’s BFA, MFA in Theatre (technical, stage management, design and acting) programs, members of Theatre Alberta, and drama students at area high schools are invited to join us at the ten! This price does not apply to the Fringe run of Marvelous Pilgrims but will be available for holdover performances between August 27 and September 1. Shows and dates eligible for the Ten at the Ten program are as follows:

Cause and Effect
May 30-June 15

Eros and the Itchy Ant
July 11-27

Marvelous Pilgrims
August 27- September 1

Whiplash Weekend
October 10-26

So come on out ten minutes before the show, ask for a Ten at the Ten ticket and join us for a riot of fun!

For more information about our venue, show descriptions and times, please visit us at www.teatroq.com

News: New West Theatre in Lethbridge announces 2013-2014 Season

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New West logoNew West Theatre has announced our 2013/14 Season with a diverse line-up highlighting our mandate of providing Southern Albertans with broadbased, professional theatre programming.

Kicking off our 24th season, we’re presenting COUNTRY GOLD: Songs of the Prairie Grass (July 4-27). Accented with cowboy poetry, rustic humour and barn dancing, this fresh look at our revues is perfect for the whole family. Immediately following, we’re escaping the monotony of the day to day with CUT LOOSE! (August 8-31). This lively production packed with chart toping hits, spirited singers and hilarious antics will have audiences singing along all night long.

Our first Canadian Play Series production ROUTES by Collin Doyle (October 3-12) follows fifteen-year-old Tom as he draws connections between his neighbourhood, his family and the recent tragedy of a murder on his bus route.

During December, we’re pulling out all the stops to RAZZLE DAZZLE (December 16 – January 4) audiences with sparkling selections from the ridiculous repertoire known as the BEST of NEW WEST! For young theatre lovers, we will bring the zany stories of Robert Munsch to life in MUNSCH-O-RAMA! adapted by Jeremy Mason (December 26 – January 4).

Closing our Canadian play Series and wrapping up the 2013/14 Season is HARVEST by Ken Cameron (February 27-March 8). Traditional values collide with modern problems during this hit comedy about the urban-rural divide.

Additionally on May 2 New West Theatre announced the creation of the New West Theatre Endowment Fund held with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. This investment in our future came from the support of individuals through attendance at our productions and donations over the last decade. The Cypress Group made the first contribution to the newly established endowment, showing their support for local arts.

“After almost 30 years of servicing not only the business community, but also supporting the community at large, in Southern Alberta, The Cypress Group recognizes the importance of the sustainability of fine arts, and is pleased to make the first contribution of $500.00 to the New West Theatre Endowment Fund.” – Lou Mate Jr., President of The Cypress Group

New West Theatre is a registered Non Profit Society in Alberta and is registered by the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable organization. We produce six productions annually, as well as Summer Theatre Camps and a year-round Theatre School. To learn more about our 2013/14 Season or the New West Theatre Endowment Fund, the role it plays in our sustainability, and how donations can be matched by the government, visit www.newwesttheatre.com.

Artstrek 2013: Exploration II at capacity for female students.

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Artstrek 2013 - Theatre Alberta’s annual summer theatre school for teens – is now at capacity for female students wishing to attend Exploration II.

Starting today, new female students who wish to register for Artstrek 2013 will be directed towards Exploration I or Exploration III, depending on the student’s age and previous Artstrek experience. New students will also have the option to add their names to the Exploration II wait list. (There is no charge for adding your name to the wait list.)

Dates and Exploration descriptions can be found below. Click here for more information about Artstrek Explorations. 

Exploration I
July 7-12, 2013
~
This six-day program is for enthusiastic theatre lovers who are
13 and 14 years old.

Exploration II
July 14-19, 2013
~
This six-day program is for
15 and 16 year olds
with a keen interest in theatre and a dedication to increasing their knowledge and skill level.

Exploration III
July 21-27, 2013
~
This NEW seven-day program is
for 17 and 18 year olds
who have demonstrated a commitment to theatre practice and education.

Click here for more information about how to register for Artstrek 2013. 

 

 

News: Aspen Crossing Theatre (ACT) announces 2013-2014 Season!

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All Aboard the Most Exclusive Dinner Theatre in Alberta: Aspen Crossing Theatre (ACT) announces its shows for the 2013 -2014 Season!

Royalty Rides the Rails …interactive murder mystery Sept 14, Oct 3, 4, 5 at 6pm.
An impending royal visit in 1860 causes a small town to go just a little bit crazy. Everyone wants to be a princess

War Songs of the Rails …musical Remembrance Day show Nov 7, 8 matinees 1 pm.
An entertainment troop prepares a show with a new CO who does not understand that things are a little different on the stage.

Troop Train…..Remembrance Day show Nov 7, 8, 9, at 6 pm.
The young men are coming home from the war and everything changes.

Christmas at the Lucky Caboose ..Christmas show Nov 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 / Dec 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21.
The NWMP are invited to their annual Christmas dinner at the Saloon and some townsfolk think that that is just a bit inappropriate.

Passion on the Pullman …. A romantic comedy Feb 21, 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1.
A group of travelling actors create a new production, with new, and old, loves.

Derailing Diefenbaker… a historical thriller March 13, 14, 15.
John G Diefenbaker tours across Canada trying to become the next Prime Minister and to solve a murder.

Aspen Crossing Theatre is an intimate evening including an original show and a delectable 3 course plated dinner. The performances and dinners take place in an authentic 1887 Pullman train car. All the shows revolve around the train in a b beautiful rural setting located only 40 minutes southeast of Calgary on Hwy 24. There are only 28 seats, so book early. And consider us for your small company Christmas party. Visitw ww.aspencrossing.com or call 1 (866)440-3500 for more information, tickets or location.

News: Vertigo Theatre Announces 2013-2014 Season

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VERTIGO THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2013/2014
BD&P MYSTERY THEATRE SERIES and Y STAGE THEATRE SERIES

Vertigo_logo

Calgary, AB – Craig Hall, Artistic Director of Vertigo Theatre, during a near capacity season launch event, announced the company’s 2013/2014 Vertigo Mystery Theatre season, renamed BD&P Mystery Theatre series, thanks to a generous funding commitment announced by Cheryl Gottselig, Partner/Lawyer, from Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP Law Firm. Hall was joined by Nathan Pronyshyn, Y Stage Theatre series Producer, who revealed the season line up for Y Stage Theatre series.

Craig Hall said “I am thrilled to offer a season that honours Vertigo Theatre’s core mandate, while at the same time continues an exploration of mystery’s various subgenres. Placing classic names like Arthur Conan Doyle, Graham Greene and Alfred Hitchcock alongside contemporary names like Hannah Moscovitch, Matt Pelfrey and Chris Gibbs shows Vertigo Theatre’s BD&P Mystery Theatre series is continuing to evolve without forgetting where we have come from.”

“As a longtime supporter of the vibrant arts and cultural productions in our community, Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP Law Firm is proud to increase its partnership with Vertigo Theatre”, said Cheryl Gottselig, Partner/Lawyer at BD&P, “we feel strongly that long term support in culturally focused initiatives has a positive ripple effect on the people who work and live in the city we proudly call home.”

Nathan Pronyshyn remarked “we are very excited to be presenting a diverse, fully professional line-up of quality theatre for young people to mark the commencement of Y Stage Theatre series’ 10th season. With stories of courage and perseverance, and styles ranging from storytelling to circus – audiences will be able to experience a season that has something for the whole family.”

The 2013/2014 BD&P Mystery Theatre series will continue to explore the reaches of the mystery genre and Vertigo Theatre remains Canada’s only professional presenter of a season of mystery-based plays. The 2013 – 2014 series features:

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
By Matt Pelfrey
Based on the novel by John Ball
Director Kate Newby
September 14 – October 13, 2013
Adapted from the award-winning novel and Oscar winning film of the same name, this gritty mystery takes place amongst the racially turbulent backdrop of Argo, Alabama during the 1960s. With a local man found dead, the police work with an improbable stranger to help solve a case with no witnesses, motives, or clues. Both affecting and intense, this show will ensure audiences are guessing until the very end.

VINTAGE HITCHCOCK: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
By Joe Landry
Director Craig Hall
November 9 – December 8, 2013
Patrons will be transported to an era when radio was king, with a behind-the- scenes glimpse into a 1940’s style radio broadcast complete with vintage commercials, live Foley (sound effects) and musical underscoring. Audiences can simply sit back and enjoy the fun, nostalgia, and thrills through the re-telling of three of the master of suspense’s earliest films: The Lodger, Sabotage, and The 39 Steps.

THE HURON BRIDE
By Hannah Moscovitch
Director Eric Rose
January 25 – February 23, 2014
Hazel Sheehan has braved the perilous journey across the Atlantic to work for James as a hired hand at a backwoods sawmill. When he asks her to marry him, Hazel is overjoyed, but will the ghost of James’ ex-wife spoil their wedding plans? Originally commissioned by Toronto’s Theatrefront – this creepy Canadian ghost story will be adapted exclusively for Vertigo Theatre by one of this country’s most dynamic playwrights.

TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT
By Graham Greene
Adapted by Giles Havergal
Director Simon Mallett
March 8 – April 6, 2014
Henry Pulling leads a quiet life tending his beloved dahlias and never straying too far from his home. But when his eccentric and outrageous Aunt Augusta suddenly appears with mysterious information about his past, Henry is drawn into a life of crime and a series of absurd adventures. Adapted from the celebrated novel by Graham Green, Travels With My Aunt promises to take audiences on an irreverent, often hilarious and absolutely unforgettable journey.

THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLES
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Adapted by Clive Francis
Director Craig Hall
May 10 – June 8, 2014
The quintessential sleuth and his ever-reliable sidekick return to the Vertigo Theatre stage. A bloodcurdling howl is heard across a cold, moonlit moor; the spectral hound has claimed another victim. Sherlock Holmes and Watson are called upon to investigate the legendary plague of the Baskerville Manor. The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the greatest stories of the 20th century and the most popular of the Sherlock Holmes adventures.

~ SPECIAL PRESENTATION~

ANTOINE FEVAL
Presented with One Yellow Rabbit as part of the 28th High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s
International Festival of the Arts
Created and Performed by Chris Gibbs
January 15 – January 25, 2014
Vertigo Theatre is proud to present this world-renowned one-man show with one of Canada’s preeminent international arts festivals. Barnaby Gibbs – an eternal optimist and Sherlock Holmes enthusiast – happens upon what he thinks is a burglar one hot August night, only to find out he is actually the famous detective Antoine Feval – and a crime-fighting duo is born! This hilarious show is sure to please mystery fans and High Performance Rodeo attendees alike.

Y Stage Theatre series is Calgary’s only professional presenter of theatre for young audience productions within the regular theatre season. The 2013/2014 lineup includes:

CIRCUS INCOGNITUS
By Jamie Adkins
October 18 – 20, 2013 | Recommended for Ages 5+
Clowning and acrobatic feats on the ground – and on a slack wire are pieced together with a story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out. Starting with only a microphone and an empty stage, Adkins performs circus routines; all the while trying to master the courage to face what he fears most, speaking in public. The audience will follow along intently as the message becomes clearer: not to give up because you never know what you can do until you try.

JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS
By Visible Fictions
November 22 – 24 & November 29 – December 1, 2013 | Recommended for Ages 8+
An innovative and celebrated company based in Glasgow, Scotland brings this hugely physical and irreverent re-telling of the legend to life. This production is full of adventure complete with monsters, romance, heroism, revenge, and action figures.

THE SPIRIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN
Written & Performed by Leslie McCurdy
January 31 – February 2, 2014 | Recommended for Ages 7+
A solitary actress – with a trunk full of costumes – depicts this historical legend and abolitionist at various stages. This is a moving portrayal that takes audiences through her life from childhood to rescuing slaves via the Underground Railroad as well as her later humanitarian work.

nOOb
Written & Performed by Christopher Duthie
Directed by Nathan Pronyshyn
Produced by Vertigo Theatre for the Y Stage Theatre series
March 7 & 8 and March 14 & 15, 2014 | Recommended for Ages 12+
Daniel, a video game prodigy, has crashed his bike and is lost in the woods. He struggles to make sense of what brought him to this place – the fight with his dad, his desire for independence, his quest to meet an online friend. Confused and frightened, he finds himself locked in a struggle between his reality and the exciting fantasy of the video game he loves. Exploring themes of online identity, video game obsession, family conflict, and the anxieties of teenage life is sure to provoke conversation.

I ON THE SKY
Produced by DynamO Théâtre
April 11 – 13, 2014 | Recommended for Ages 9+
This is a visually stunning show by a trail blazing and award-winning company out of Québec, which created the ‘theatre of acrobatic movement’. Recounting the story of an exiled woman recalling her past, it speaks to our ability to move forward as life goes on. With no spoken lines this story is told with only movement, imagery, and music.

Y Stage Theatre series is made possible through the support of TransCanada Corporation.

Subscribers to BD&P Mystery Theatre series or purchasers of Y Stage Theatre series passes will receive the following benefits:

• Save 20% on regular single ticket prices.
• FREE ticket exchanges.
• FREE coat check.
• Opportunity to pre-purchase discounted parking vouchers for the entire season.

Subscriptions to the BD&P Mystery Theatre series and Y Stage Theatre series packs can be purchased in person at the Vertigo Theatre Box Office, by phone at 403-221-3708 or on line at www.vertigotheatre.com

News: Theatre Alberta Member Trevor Schmidt wins Mayor’s Award

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Mayors_Celebration_of_the_ArtsTheatre Alberta member and Northern Light Theatre Artistic Director Trevor Schmidt has won the 

DIALOG Award for Excellence in Artistic Direction 

at the 26th annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts in Edmonton. Mayor Stephen Mandel and the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) announced the award winners in a performance and entertainment showcase at the Winspear Centre.

Former Artstrek (2008, 2009) participant Timothy Dowler-Coltman won the CN Youth Artist Award.

A full list of the 2013 award recipients can be found on the City of Edmonton’s website.