Theatre Alberta is proud to announce that Christie Lites Sales has partnered with Theatre Alberta to support our Workshops by Request program. Christie Lites Sales is sponsoring the program’s 2013-2014 season.

“Theatre Alberta’s Workshops by Request are a vital component of the work they do with and for their membership,” says Bob Johnston, Vice President Sales for Christie Lites Sales. “It is a pleasure for us to support these workshops as they reach all communities in the province. We look forward to a successful year and to sustaining this great program.”

Any community theatre group in Alberta may apply for a workshop through the Workshops by Request program, on any topic of their choice. Theatre Alberta will source an expert on the proposed subject from a pool of highly trained professional artists to travel to the community and instruct the workshop. Through Workshops by Request, Theatre Alberta facilitates learning in all aspects of theatre production including both technical subjects (e.g. stage lighting, scenic painting, design, etc.) and performance subjects (e.g. acting, improv, directing, etc.).

Workshops by Request are generously subsidized to ensure that all community theatres throughout Alberta, regardless of location and resources, have access to challenging, exciting and necessary training. The hosting theatre company is charged a nominal application fee while Theatre Alberta provides a competitive instructor honorarium and travel expenses. Workshops by Request is one of Theatre Alberta’s most popular educational programs: over the past five years, more than 100 Workshops by Request have been held across the province, from as far north as Fort McMurray to as far south as Cardston. More than 1,200 individual adult learners have been involved. Click here to view a photo of all the communities Workshops by Request has visited (2007-2012).

“Workshops by Request provides a direct link between professional artists and the recreational theatre community in Alberta,” explains Keri Mitchell, Theatre Alberta’s Executive Director. “It is important for Theatre Alberta to facilitate this exchange of expertise and inspiration – which fosters community engagement and ensures that theatre thrives in all regions of the province. The generous support that we have received from Christie Lites Sales will help us maintain and perhaps even grow the program in the year to come.”

Workshops by Request applications are accepted throughout the year, however no workshops are scheduled in July and August. Professional development opportunities sponsored by a professional theatre company are also considered for support through the program.

Christie Lites Sales is a Canadian stage lighting corporation and industry leader focused on rentals and production. Founded in Toronto in 1985, the company has grown to include 12 locations across Canada, with locations in Calgary and Edmonton. Christie Lites Sales takes pride in offering the same high quality technical support and product offerings no matter where in the country its customers are located. For more information about Christie Lites Sales, please visit www.christielitessales.com or contact:

If you would like to join Theatre Alberta, the Alberta Foundation of the Arts and Christie Lites Sales in ensuring Workshops by Request continues to provide high calibre theatre workshops in communities across Alberta please donate or contact Keri Mitchell, Executive Director, at keri@theatrealberta.com.