“The truth about stories is that that’s all we are.” ~ Gulliver
Theatre Alberta is excited to return to Red Deer Polytechnic for Artstrek 2026!
Artstrek welcomes you to the land of The Birds—an adaptation of Aristophanes’ ancient Greek comedy by renowned Algonquin Canadian playwright Yvette Nolan.
Artstrek is a summer theatre school for teens that provides professional learning with artists and educators in a collaborative and fun environment. Artstrek has 10,000+ alumni working across Alberta, Canada, and the world.
Artstrek students explore the creative process through five daily classes that include the study of acting, movement, voice, devising, design, directing, and dramaturgy. All of these classes take inspiration from a single play of study—this year’s play is The Birds by Yvette Nolan.
Nolan sets the play in Turtle Island (North America). Two humans, intent on leaving civilization behind, travel to the land of the Birds. While one finds kinship with the feathered friends, the other is unable to resist the temptation to distort the Birds’ homeland, unsettling and disrupting their way of life. This summer, join us as we take flight on a journey of comic fable storytelling, transformation, and contemporary Treaty relationship!
Each week-long Exploration takes place within the performing arts facilities at Red Deer Polytechnic. Students stay in dormitories on campus and eat meals together in the RDP cafeteria. Classes run daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Artstrek Supervisors lead fun activities each evening.
Artstrek registration will open on April 1, 2026. Check back here for updates and more information about Artstrek.
The dates for this summer’s program are:
Exploration I
July 12 – 17, 2026 | 12* – 15 year olds
*12 year olds must have completed Grade 7 to attend Exploration I
Exploration II
July 19 – 25, 2026 | 15* – 18 year olds
*15 year olds who have completed Grade 10 may attend Exploration II
Learn more about Red Deer Polytechnic:
A Message from President Stuart Cullum
On behalf of Red Deer Polytechnic, it is my pleasure to welcome you to another inspiring summer of hands-on learning, collaboration and personal growth.
For more than six decades, Artstrek has brought together emerging artists from across Alberta and beyond to learn, develop skills, build confidence and work as a team under the guidance of experienced theatre professionals. It is an environment where problem‑solving, communication, creativity, and leadership all come to life through real, applied experience.
This year’s play of study, The Birds, adapted by acclaimed Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan, reimagines an ancient Greek comedy within the context of Turtle Island. Through humour and imagination, the story invites us to reflect on belonging, transformation, and the responsibilities we share in our relationships with one another and the land. It is a powerful and timely work that speaks to the importance of respect, balance, and contemporary Treaty relationships.
At Red Deer Polytechnic, we believe learning is powerful when it is active, relevant, and connected to the world around us. Artstrek reflects that philosophy. Whether you’re exploring character development, stagecraft, movement, or storytelling, you are engaging in applied learning that strengthens essential skills useful in any future pathway.
Whether you are new to Artstrek or returning, I encourage you to learn from one another and make the most of this immersive experience.
Enjoy the journey, and welcome to Artstrek 2026!
Stuart Cullum
President, Red Deer Polytechnic
Artstrek – Message from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), it is my pleasure to welcome you to Artstrek 2026! For more than six decades, Artstrek has provided young theatre artists, like yourselves, with an opportunity to explore, learn and grow in an inspiring and supportive environment. With more than 10,000 Artstrek alumni working across Alberta, Canada and the world, you are in good company!
At the AFA, we believe the arts have the power to enrich lives and build strong, vibrant communities. We are proud to support Theatre Alberta and programs like Artstrek that foster creativity, collaboration and artistic expression among Alberta’s youth. By participating in this program, you are honing your individual skills as well as building the future of theatre in our province.
This year, you have the exciting opportunity to study The Birds, an adaptation of Aristophanes’ ancient Greek comedy by Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan. We at the AFA hope this experience will be a rewarding one that enables you to develop your craft, build relationships and flourish within the arts.
Our best wishes and congratulations for a successful Artstrek 2026!
Cynthia P. Moore
Chair, Board of Directors
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Message from Honourable Tanya Fir
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
I am pleased to welcome you to Artstrek 2026. Artstrek continues to be a remarkable opportunity for young Albertans to explore their creativity, build confidence and connect with peers from across the province through the power of theatre.
The collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving skills developed here extend far beyond the stage and support participants in all aspects of their lives. Artstrek is a powerful example of how the arts inspire imagination and bring young people together from communities across Alberta. I hope this year’s artists and instructors embrace every opportunity to learn, create and grow together as they share their passion for theatre.
I would like to thank Theatre Alberta and the dedicated Artstrek instructors for their continued leadership and commitment to nurturing Alberta’s next generation of artists. Your passion and expertise ensure Artstrek remains a vital and inspiring part of Alberta’s arts community.
I wish all participants a rewarding and memorable Artstrek experience.
Honourable Tanya Fir
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Artstrek 2026 Funders, Supporters, and Sponsors
