As we wrap up the 2013/2014 year at Theatre Alberta, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the past season of Workshops by Request, and to thank the program’s instructors, host companies, and Christie Lites Sales – our first-ever Workshops by Request corporate partner.

Over the past twelve months, Theatre Alberta helped to coordinate 20 Workshops by Request across Alberta for amateur and emerging professional artists. To help illustrate the program’s reach, we created a Workshops by Request Google Map. You can click on each location we visited and see a description of the workshop(s) that took place. Click here to our Workshops by Request Google Map. We are already working on 11 workshops scheduled April through June, putting the 2014/2015 season on track to be our busiest year in recent memory.

Workshops by Request scheduled for April 2014 include:

Directing in Sundre
On April 6th, the Peak Theatre Players in Sundre will welcome Kelly Reay, Artstic Director of Calgary’s Sage Theatre, to teach a workshop on directing. The Peak Theatre Players are looking to expand their production repertory to include dramatic pieces and musicals.

Stage Combat in Calgary
Also on April 6th, Laryssa Yanchak will teach a workshop in Stage Combat to Morpheus Theatre. The aim of this class will be to arm the performers with tools, techniques and concepts that will give participants a foundation in how to create an action sequence that is both safe and entertaining.

Lighting and Set Design in Calgary
On April 14th and 16th, local designer Scott Reid will teach two workshops to Storybook Theatre covering essentials of lighting and set design. The course will focus on colour theories in design, how to design using the script, creating a concept and working with the director on the vision.

Stage Combat in Drayton Valley
On April 26th, Janine Hodder will travel from Edmonton to Drayton Valley to instruct a one day course on Stage Combat to the River Valley Players. They are looking to learn safe combat techniques for “violence, bar fights, and strangulation.” So, yes, we’re very interested to see what this group has in store for upcoming productions…

Workshops by Request applications are accepted throughout the year. We are currently accepting applications for Workshops by Request for mid-May through to the end of June (the program takes a break in July and August). Any community theatre group in Alberta may apply for a workshop through the Workshops by Request program, on any topic of their choice. Professional development opportunities sponsored by a professional theatre company are also considered for support through the program. For more information, please email theatreab@theatrealberta.com.