Messages from the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Red Deer College.

Theatre Alberta and Artstrek 2017 are pleased to recognize the support of our Program Partners:

Message from the Minister of Culture and Tourism

As Minister of Culture and Tourism, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to Artstrek 2017.

This year, to reflect the 150th anniversary of Confederation, and 100 years since the battle of Vimy Ridge, your Artstrek play of study is Vern Thiessen’s Vimy. Vimy is a moving play about the role of memory in fashioning personal and national identity.

As students discover and develop their skills at Artstrek and work with their instructors and fellow participants to build their ensemble piece, they will forge their own memories to cherish for a lifetime. This week is about stepping forward to celebrate creative abilities. Ultimately, it is about the wonderful work of creating yourselves. I hope this experience is just the beginning of continued active involvement in arts and culture in Alberta.

My sincere thanks and congratulations to the passionate staff, instructors, and volunteers behind the scenes who make it all happen. To all the participants, best wishes for another successful Artstrek program.

Have the time of your lives!

Ricardo Miranda
Minister

Message from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), I am pleased to welcome you to Artstrek 2017: Vimy. We are delighted to continue to support Theatre Alberta’s annual summer theatre learning experience for teens.

The AFA sees an Alberta where a vibrant arts community, embraced by all Albertans, inspires creativity and innovation. Artstrek is a tremendous opportunity to be inspired, to learn from professional artists and educators from across the province, and to experience the many ways to become involved with theatre: from acting and directing to stagecraft and choreography.

On the other hand, Artstrek is also a terrific opportunity for Albertans to learn from you. You are the next generation of artists and art lovers. As you discover your unique artistic identities—both during Artstrek and after you’ve returned home to communities across Alberta—you inspire the rest of us to unearth and refine our own.

And as you continue to learn and grow, developing your artistic practice, the AFA will proudly be there to offer opportunities and support. Have a wonderful Artstrek experience!

Liam Oddie
Chair, Board of Directors
Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)

Message from Red Deer College

Through our partnership with Theatre Alberta and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Red Deer College is proud to play host to Artstrek 2017.

Red Deer College provides an environment that allows students to explore, enjoy and learn about the arts. As a provincial leader in Creative Arts education, we acknowledge the importance of arts within society and are committed to providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. By welcoming the Artstrek program onto our campus for the past 21 years, we are proud to provide today’s youth with access to professional facilities and faculty needed to explore their passion.

Through the School of Creative Arts, Red Deer College has positioned itself to ensure the continued development of arts in Alberta. We continue to make opportunities for young artists a priority. As well, our ongoing development of new degree offerings will expand our current capacity to offer post-secondary credentials in the areas of Theatre, Film, and Entertainment arts.

On behalf of all us at Red Deer College I look forward to welcoming the over three hundred 2017 Artstrek students onto our campus and continuing our contribution to this exciting and successful programming.

Break a leg!

Joel Ward
President and CEO
Red Deer College

Exploration I: July 9-14 | Exploration II: July 16-21 | Exploration III: July 23-29
ARTSTREK 2017 | FACEBOOK EVENT