With deep roots in the Edmonton community, award-winning company Concrete Theatre exuberantly celebrates 30 years of creating artistically excellent and culturally diverse theatre for young audiences.

 

“Over the last 30 years, Concrete Theatre has toured to hundreds of schools, worked with thousands of teachers, and touched the lives of countless students,” said Artistic Director Mieko Ouchi. “We are so thrilled to continue the tradition of creating outstanding theatre with real educational impacts, and we can’t wait to share our two new world premieres, residencies, workshops, and annual festival with young audiences across Alberta!” 

In honour of its 30th season, Concrete Theatre is proud to announce a jam-packed lineup! 

The world premiere of Pia & Maria by Joshua Dalledonne & Bianca Miranda
, Directed by Mieko Ouchi
Touring to Elementary Schools April 6 – May 1, 2020
Buon Appetito! When elderly Italian sisters Pia and Maria decide to fulfil their lifelong dream of completing their education after leaving school as children to help run the family bakery, an Elementary school and a young newcomer girl in their class have their lives upended as quick as a pineapple upside down cake! The two Nonnas are curious but also full of firm rules and ideas, so like their young classmate, they need to figure out how to take turns, work as a team, and fit into a new environment! When the legendary school Bake Sale looms, the three must learn to work together for everyone to succeed. 

The world premiere of Signs by Playwright in Residence Collin Doyle, Directed by Mieko Ouchi
Touring to Junior and Senior High Schools April 6 – May 1, 2020 

Dylan, Bobby, and Quinn have been best friends forever, but now in grade twelve, the friends find themselves at a crossroads. Each has had different experiences with alcohol and cannabis: Dylan’s tried. Quinn doesn’t. Bobby might have problem. Bobby defends his substance use as having a “good time,” but Dylan and Quinn think the signs point to something more serious. Together, they must navigate the complicated world of friendship as they try to get Bobby help. An exciting new play from award winning playwright Collin Doyle designed to open up discussion around the evolving issue of substance use and abuse. 

Acting Our Colours: Artist in Residence Program coordinated by April Banigan

Running in Elementary Schools October 2019 through June 2020

Celebrate the richness of culture and community in the classroom with a hands-on curriculum-based live theatre experience! Over the course of this five day residency, a talented pool of professional theatre artists will help students bring a show to life, right in the classroom. 

This new one-day residency in development will help Elementary school students explore First Nations, Metis, and Inuit perspectives under the leadership of Indigenous and Settler artists in the classroom. This pilot program will be available to Edmonton schools in Winter/Spring 2020. 

May 16 & 17, 2020 at the ATB Financial Arts Barns 

Offering a captivating first theatre experience for children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years, Sprouts celebrates new works for young audiences by local playwrights. Including a full afternoon of family entertainment, Concrete Theatre invites kids and their families to join in fun, kid-focused activities and an afternoon of theatre for all ages.

   

May 1, 2020 at Victoria School of the Arts Eva O. Howard Theatre 

Concrete Theatre is thrilled to be the 2020 partnering theatre company with a talented gaggle of lawyers and judges who have produced 14 annual plays to raise money for the local theatre community. Join us for a hilarious, backstage ensemble piece filled with plenty of opportunity for blundering mistakes!

  

Plus, stay tuned for the launch of Concrete Theatre’s new website!