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"I think theatre should always be somewhat suspect."

— David Mamet

What's New at TA

THE EVOLUTION OF PLAY!

We’re delighted to report that our fifth annual PlayWorks Ink theatre conference event, co-presented with Alberta Playwrights’ Network, was a magnificent success! From November 1-4, the Glenbow Museum in downtown Calgary was overrun with 70 participants, 16 instructors and special guests, four casts and crews, and many a supporter in the audience, as theatre practitioners from across Alberta took part in workshops, play readings, panel discussions, and socials.

Featured guests Morwyn Brebner and Kevin Kerr were intelligent, inspiring, and generous, both performing outstanding readings at our opening reception and dishing out insights and advice in workshops and panel discussions throughout the weekend.

TA & APN would like to thank our PlayWorks Ink instructors and special guests for giving generously of their time and creativity at such a busy time of year. We would also like to express our admiration for this year’s PlayWorks Ink participants—your curiosity, commitment, and passion make PlayWorks Ink an exciting place to be.

Congratulations to Leland Stelck - our draw winner for a complementary registration for PlayWorks Ink 2008 or Dramaworks 2008!

REQUEST A THEATRE WORKSHOP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Theatre Alberta’s Workshops by Request program offers community theatre groups the opportunity to develop and enhance their skills. At your request, we’ll arrange for a theatre professional from Alberta to travel to your community and conduct a workshop on almost any theatre topic. Potential topics include auditioning, character study/analysis, choreography, set, prop or costume construction, directing, improvisation, lighting or sound operation, singing for musical theatre, stage combat, stage management, warm-up techniques for actors, and more! 

Contact Kate Mahoney to arrange a workshop at 1-888-422-8160.

NEW SCRIPTS IN THE LIBRARY

We’ve added lots of new musicals, vocal scores, and scenes & monologue books to our collection. Below are just a few of them!

New musicals
Honky-Tonk Highway by Richard Berg
The Prince and the Pauper adapted by Neil Berg
The Full Monty by Terrence McNally
Little by Little by Annette Jolles

New vocal scores
Mamma Mia! by Benny Andersson
Scrooge: The Musical by Leslie Bricusse
Tarzan by Phil Collins
Fame by David De Silva
The Witches of Eastwick by John Dempsey

New scenes & monologues
Best Men’s Stage Monologues 1995-2006 (12 volumes)
Best Women’s Stage Monologues 1995-2006 (12 volumes)
Audition Monologues for Student Actors, volume I and II
Contemporary Movie Monologues 1960-1989 for Audition and Study
60 Seconds to Shine, volume I and II

Searching for a script? Visit our online library >

* The Theatre Alberta Library and Office will be closed for Remembrance Day from November 10 - 12.

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Theatre News

ALBERTA LITERARY AWARD FOR DRAMA ANNOUNCED

Well-known Calgary playwright, director, and actress Karen Hines is now a two-time winner of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama after her September 2007 win for her musical Hello…Hello (Coach House Books).   More >

NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTIC LEADERS AND AUDIENCES DIALOGUES

During the first half of 2007, the Canada Council, provincial and territorial arts funders, and certain municipalities brought together close to 200 artists and arts administrators, aged 18 to 30, to engage in a conversation about their work, challenges, and vision for the future. Nine Dialogues with the next generation of artistic leaders were held in all regions of the country. The full report on these discussions is now available.   More >

GOVERNOR GENERAL NOMINATION FOR THE DECEMBER MAN

The Canada Council for the Arts announced Colleen Murphy’s play The December Man (L’homme de décembre) as one of the nominees for the 2007 Governor General’s Literary Awards in the English Drama category. Ms. Murphy’s play received its World Premiere during the 2007 Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays, under the direction of Alberta Theatre Projects’ Artistic Director Bob White.   More >

HELEN STERR (1927 - 2007)

The Edmonton theatre arts community will fondly remember Helen Sterr, who was program secretary to the MacEwan College Theatre Arts, Theatre Production, and Arts Administration programs in the early stages of their development through to her retirement in 1990. She was an amazing woman—kind and generous, with a wonderful sense of humour. Helen passed away on Monday, October 29 at the age of 80.   More >

RESIDENCES FOR ARTISTS - PAL EDMONTON

Calling all artists to discuss forming a Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) in Edmonton

PAL Canada Foundation (affectionately called PAL Canada) is a national organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and care for older members and associates of Canada's entertainment industry, especially in the areas of health and well-being. The first residence, PAL Place, was built in Toronto in 1993 with PAL Vancouver opening their doors in May 2006.

Edmonton's goal is to build a PAL Lodge in Edmonton for our Performing Artists who are over 55 and in need of assistance.

To learn more, attend the PAL Edmonton information session:

Monday, November 19
4:30 PM - 6:00PM @ the Timms Theatre Lobby - 87 Avenue & 112 Street
Guest speaker: Jane Heyman (director and co-founder of PAL Vancouver)
Light lunch and coffee provided (latecomers welcome!)
RSVP to Theatre Alberta at 780-422-8162.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF STAGE LEFT RECEIVES WOMENS' AWARD

Congratulations to Michele Decottignies of Calgary - recipient of the first ever University of Calgary Women’s Resource Centre Alumna Award for Wisdom, Resilience, and Compassion.

Michele has distinguished herself as a radical feminist, activist, artist, and creative community worker. She is currently the founder and Artistic Director of Stage Left Productions. Her passion lies in Popular Education and Popular Theatre, and she has merged the two into a dynamic and highly effective model of arts-based community development that successfully serves girls and women; First Nations, Metis, and Inuit persons; at-risk, street-involved, and LGBTQ youth; ethno-cultural communities; and disabled people - all to the benefit of the community-at-large.

Share your congratulations with Michele >

AFA LAUNCHES TWO ONLINE SURVEYS

The AFA Program Evaluation continues with online surveys to collect feedback from stakeholders within the arts community who have applied for or received funding through the Foundation from the Arts Festivals and Community Presenting grants. Individuals who have been involved in these two program areas are invited to complete the appropriate survey.

Arts Festivals online survey >
Community Presenting online survey >

Anyone wishing to complete the survey in print can contact Inez Hovde from the Arts Branch at 780-415-0291.

Deadline: Monday, November 12th.

* REMINDER -  Upcoming Grant Deadline
November 15: Arts Festivals Project Grant >

EDMONTON CULTURAL CAPITAL - ARTS & SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

The Art & Science Symposium is a two day event exploring the places where art and science converge and commingle.

The Symposium will feature an opening keynote address by Alan Lightman and three panels exploring the themes:

    * Mysteries Unfolding: Science, Art, and the Body
    * All in the Mind: Learning, Aesthetics, and Ways of Knowing
    * Manifestations: The Tangible Object

November 9 - 10, 2007
Bernard Snell Hall, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Science Center
University of Alberta Hospital, 8440-112 Street, Edmonton

More >

GORDON PENGILLY'S SEEING IN THE DARK ONLINE

Calgary playwright Gordon Pengilly's radio play Seeing In The Dark, awarded the 2007 BBC International Drama Prize, is now available for online listening--only until Nov. 10!

Part prison-drama, part road-movie, his play is gripping, poetic and hard-hitting, and follows one man’s struggle for redemption, as he’s released from prison. But can Clayton do the right thing and avoid the mistakes of the past?

Listen to Seeing in the Dark >

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Shows Opening

November 7 - December 4

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

Dust
Nov 8 – 18, Indie 5: 780-420-1757.

The Shape of a Girl
Nov 9 - 10, 23 – 24, Concrete Theatre   More >

Our Stories
Nov 12, Rising Sun Theatre Workshop: 780-484-2203.

Control Alt Delete
Nov 14 – 15, Overacting Imaginations Youth Theatre Company, Sherwood Park: 780-449-3378.

Catch 23
Nov 16 & 17, Jan 18 & 19, April 4 & 5, May 23 & 24, Rapid Fire Theatre    More >

Just So
Nov 21 - Dec 2, St. Albert Children's Theatre   More >

La Caravane
Nov 22 - Dec 1, L’UniThéâtre   More >

diary
Nov 23 - Dec 2, just jerks Theatre @ Azimuth’s Living Room Playhouse: 780-720-7840.

The Laramie Project
Nov 27 - Dec 1, Victoria School Of Performing And Visual Arts: 780-426-3010.

Annie
Nov 27 -29, Bev Facey Fine Arts Program   More >

Bitchslap!
Nov 28 - Dec 9, Theatre Network   More >

Antigone
Nov 29 - Dec 8, Studio Theatre - University Of Alberta   More >

A Christmas Carol
Dec 1 – 23, The Citadel Theatre   More >

Cinderella
Dec 4 – 9, Alberta Opera   More >

ALBERTA

Ethan Claymore
Nov 9 - Dec 16, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer   More >

Don't Hug Me
Nov 14 - Dec 31, Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, Canmore   More >

Tuesdays With Morrie
Nov 15 – 24, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer   More >

On Golden Pond
Nov 16 - Dec 1, Churchmice Players, Camrose: 780-672-1665.

South Pacific
Nov 16 – 24, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre   More >

The Foreigner
Nov 16 – 24, Pumpjack Players, Whitecourt: 780-778-3977.

Something To Declare, Family Oriented Performance Creation
Nov 21 – 24, University Of Lethbridge Theatre And Dramatic Arts Dept.   More >

A Christmas Carol
Nov 22 – 25, Heartland Arts Troupe, Stettler: 403-742-3777.

Little Shop Of Horrors
Nov 22 - Dec 1, Red Deer College   More >

Seussical The Musical
Nov 22 - Dec 1, Windmill Theatre Players, High River   More >

Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad
Nov 22 - Dec 1, Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray: 780-791-4990.

Hate Mail
Nov 22 - Dec 15, Grande Prairie Live Theatre   More >

Pajama Tops
Nov 23-24, 30, Dec 1, 7-8, 14-15, Ovations! Dinner Theatre, Grande Prairie: 780-897-9200.

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Nov 29 - Dec 1, Horizon Players Association, Spruce Grove   More >

Love, Sex, and the I.R.S.
Nov 30 - Dec 15, Peace Players, Peace River   More >

Sounds Like Christmas
Dec 4 – 8, New West Theatre, Lethbridge   More >

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ EDMONTON }

Project Administrator, Canadian Centre for Theatre Creation and Department of Drama, University of Alberta

Box Office Assistant, Theatre Network

General Manager, Alberta Opera

{ CALGARY }

Exhibit Crew, TELUS World of Science

General Manager, EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts

Karaoke and Gameshow Hosts, Out of our Heads

Discovery Leader Part Time, Creative Kids Museum, TELUS World of Science

Marketing Manager, One Yellow Rabbit

Apprentice Stage Manager, Stage West Calgary

Acting Teacher, StageStruck Theatre School

Stage Manager, Theatre Calgary

{ ALBERTA }

Various Positions, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer

Marketing Officer, The Banff Centre

{ CANADA }

General Manager, TheatreOne, Nanaimo (BC)

AUDITIONS

{ EDMONTON }

Leave It To Jane Theatre, Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts Alumni Company

Open Auditions, Catalyst Theatre

{ CALGARY }

Our Town, Theatre Calgary

East of the Sun West of the Moon & The King of Ice Cream Mountain, StoryBook Theatre

Food For Thought, Evergreen Theatre

The God Committee, Fire Exit Theatre

Multiple Productions, Calgary Opera

{ CANADA }

Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training, Stratford Shakespeare Festival

Only NEW job & audition opportunities (received since the previous TA eNews issue) are listed above.

Postings are updated weekly:
Full Jobs Postings  |  Full Auditions Postings

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Submissions

GWEN PHARIS RINGWOOD AWARD FOR DRAMA

The Writers Guild of Alberta invites playwrights, theatre companies, Drama Departments, publishers and any other interested parties to submit plays written by Alberta writers and published or premiered in 2007 to the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama.

The Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama, valued at $1,000, is one of six categories in the Alberta Literary Awards, established in 1982 to recognize and celebrate the highest standards of excellence in writing by Alberta authors. Past winners include Karen Hines, Sharon Pollock, Marty Chan, Stephen Massicotte, Chris Craddock, and Clem Martini.

Deadline: December 31, 2007.
Complete submission guidelines & entry form >

Questions? Contact Kelsey Everton at 1-800-665-5354.   

BANFF PLAYWRIGHTS COLONY 2008

WITH SENIOR PLAYWRIGHT IN RESIDENCE DANIEL MACIVOR

Program dates: April 28 - May 31, 2008
Deadline: November 16, 2007

The Colony is a five-week residential program that focuses on text-based theatre. Because the objective of the Colony is to serve the specific needs of each playwright and his or her project, plays may be at various stages of development, from first draft to final polish. Playwrights may select the dramaturge with whom they wish to work, or chose to use a program dramaturge. The Colony also provides a small resident company of professional actors who are especially skilled in reading new work.

Eligible submissions include works proposed
•  by emerging or established playwrights
•  by theatres and play development centres
•  by translators who are translating Canadian and international plays into English.

More >

CALLING ALL PUPPETEERS! - THE BANFF PUPPET THEATRE INTENSIVE

PRESENTED BY THE OLD TROUT PUPPET WORKSHOP AND AQM

Program dates: December 30 - January 13, 2008
Deadline: Friday, December 7, 2007

The Banff Puppet Theatre Intensive will be a ten-day exploration into the creative art of puppet theatre. Over the ten-day period participants will explore exercises that identify the physical awareness and synchronicity of an ensemble, as well as participate in an arena of debate that facilitates an effective sharing of ideas, which in turn builds the foundation of original, theatrical, puppet performances. This workshop will address elements of design (both set and puppet), scripting the silent narrative, collaborative directing, and puppeteering. Projects will launch forth from the position that there are no right or wrong answers, but rather, through conversation, there is a way to discover the most effective solutions.   More >

NEXTFEST 2008: CALL TO EMERGING ARTISTS

Nextfest: Syncrude Next Generation Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival of and for young emerging professional artists. For our purposes an emerging artist is under 30, has made a personal commitment to a career in the arts, is not yet recognized with professional associations, and is in need of professional development and exposure. There is no application fee or form.

From playwrights, we are looking for un-produced scripts from anywhere at any level of development. For each submitted script, we would like to see a developmental history of the work, a personal assessment of its current state, and a proposed direction for its development.

From local designers, directors, actors, stage managers, etc. we are looking for submissions that address your professional development goals that may or may not be attached to a specific project. Resumes, rants, & manifestos are welcome.

Deadline: November 30, 2007

For further information or for submissions in other disciplines (dance, music, visual art, non-script based performance, etc.) contact Festival Director Steve Pirot at 780-453-2440.

Nextfest 2008 takes place June 5 - 15, as part of the Theatre Network season.

Send submission materials to:
Nextfest c/o Theatre Network
10708 124 Street
Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1

IGNITE! 2008: CALL TO EMERGING ARTISTS

THEATRE * DANCE * ART * MUSIC * IGNITE!

Sage Theatre, an award-winning theatre company in Calgary, is pleased to accept submissions for their fourth annual IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists. IGNITE! is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that provides development and production opportunities to emerging professional artists. For the purposes of IGNITE! we define an emerging artist as someone who has made a commitment to a career in the arts, is not yet a member of a professional union or association, is looking for exposure, professional development, performance and production opportunities.

Playwrights, Creators, Ensembles: We are looking for one-act scripts, collaborative creation proposals, multi-disciplinary endeavors -- any new works that run anywhere from 5 minutes to 60 minutes max.

With your submission please include two copies of the following:
• A history of the project (previous productions, workshops, inspirations etc.)
• An evaluation of the piece now, and your hopes for its development and future.
• Two unbound copies of your submission including a title page with your contact info.
• Your bio, resume, rants, mission statement, something that tells us about you and your creative goals as an emerging artist.
• A completed application form.

Designers, Directors, Actors, Stage Managers, Dramaturges, Dancers, Choreographers, Musicians, Visual Artists, and Technicians: We are looking for submissions that speak to your goals as emerging professional artists. Send us resumes, bios, personal mission statements, or rants.  Your submission may be attached to a particular project – or not.

Deadline:  January 15, 2008

For further information contact Festival Director Adrienne Smook at 403-264-SAGE (7243).

IGNITE! 2008 takes place from June 12-14 as part of the Sage Theatre season.

Mail submissions to:
IGNITE! 2008 c/o Sage Theatre
Box 61149 Kensington P.O.
Calgary AB  T2N 4S6

THE ART OF PEACE

Alberta’s youth are taking action against family violence and bullying by creating “art of peace” as part of a new youth engagement initiative launched by the Government of Alberta on November 5th, 2007.

The Art of Peace Challenge invites youth between the ages of 14 and 20 to create and submit artistic works that motivate Albertans to reach out and help those impacted by family violence or bullying. Participating youth can share their perspective through dance, film/video, music, printed word, theatre, visual art or a multidisciplinary approach.

Finalists and their artistic works will be recognized at a gala showcase in May 2008 where they will receive awards and showcase opportunities.

Artwork submissions will be accepted between February 1 and 29, 2008.

For more information, download The Art of Peace Challenge Guidelines >

2008 CALGARY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Indoor Theatre/Bare Bones Theatre applications for 2008 Calgary Fringe are now available!

The 2008 Calgary Fringe Festival will run from Friday, August 1 through to Sunday, August 10 in our new home in the oldest community in Calgary: Inglewood!

Application deadline is Friday, December 7, 2007 and must be received, along with full application fee, in our office by no later than 5 pm MST.

More info & application forms >

27th EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL - APPLY NOW!

The Indoor Producer’s Application for the 2008 Fringe Theatre Festival is now available online! The 2008 Edmonton International Fringe Festival will run from August 14 - 24.

Questions? Contact Program Director Thomas Scott at (780) 448-9005.
Deadline: No later than November 23, 2007 by 5 pm.

More info & application forms >

FOR THE THIRD TIME...10 DAYS OF MADNESS IN JANUARY!

The University of Alberta Bookstores with Alberta Playwrights' Network presents 10 days of madness Playwriting Festival, January 11 - 20 in Edmonton.

Created to encourage and support the art of playwriting, 10 Days of Madness 2008 will  feature participants ranging from children to adults, include a workshop with Frank  Moher, a new work by Mansel Robinson, involve over eighty artists doing a multitude of readings and have free public events happening every day of the festival. Come, join the madness!

With an entry deadline of November 30th, it’s not too late to enter the 24 HR Playwriting Competition. Apply now >

For more information contact Melissa Hande >

The above listings are but a sampling of the submission opportunities listed on our website.

Postings are updated weekly: Full Submissions Postings

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Odds & Ends

CASINO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

MORPHEUS THEATRE SOCIETY

When: February 10th and 11th 2008 – Night Shifts
Where: Cash Casino, Barlow Trail, just north of 42nd Avenue
Why: It's a good time and a great way to help Morpheus earn money for their programs.

Contact Tim Elliott at 403-274-8293 (H) or 403-298-4673 (W).

WORKSHOP WEST THEATRE

The Workshop West Casino is coming up on November 13 and 14 and they have to recruit 50 people!  If you might be able to volunteer for a shift on either or both days, you’re looking at a pair of free tickets to a show in WWT's season and much gratitude!

If you can work two shifts, you will receive a season's pass to WWT's entire season: Stuck, The Mighty Carlins, The Canoe Festival, and all of our play reading events!   More >

Contact Michael Clark at 780-477-5955 x. 309.

FRONT ROW PLAYERS

Spending time with friends, amidst the jingling bells of the slot machines, helping raise money for a worthy cause... Nothing puts us in the Christmas spirit like volunteering at charity casino!

Front Row Centre Players needs volunteers for our charity casino at Casino Calgary on December 19 and December 20, 2007.

Contact Les Sorenson at 403-252-9329.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CUPPUCCINO'S CABARET

Cappuccino Musical Theatre is proud to present Cabaret in May 2008, directed by Karmen McNamara.

They require the following volunteers:
• Stage Manager
• Assistant Stage Manager
• Lighting Designer
• Sound Designer
• Props
• Audition Accompanist

Please forward your resume and references to Virginia Clark no later than October 31st.   More >

BEAUMONT DRAMA SOCIETY MEETING - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

The Beaumont Drama Society (BDS) produced and performed the operetta The Mikado in March of 2007, sponsored by and in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta. The production was a great success on many fronts, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation has agreed to sponsor a second production! BDS has chosen the delightful Canadian musical Anne of Green Gables for this second joint venture. Once again they will have some Wish Kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the cast and there will be quite a few roles available for young people between approx. 12 - 18 years of age.

Beaumont Drama Society members, friends, supporters, and anyone else who's interested are invited to the Anne of Green Gables Preliminary Production Meeting:

Wednesday, 14 November @ 7:00 pm
Large meeting room at the Beaumont Public Library

For more information contact Grant Tolley at 780-644-3337 (W) or 780-929-2443 (H).

CALGARY REGION ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

The Pumphouse Theatre will open registrations for its annual One Act Play Festival on November 29, 2007 beginning at 12:00pm, at the Pumphouse Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Ave SW). All registrations must be submitted in person, no exceptions! There are 12 spots open for registration on a first-come, first-serve basis for the festival being held March 5 - 8, 2008.

Productions must be One Act plays between 10 and 60 minutes in duration. Any original or previously produced scripts may be entered. All registrations must be accompanied by a $60 (non-refundable) registration fee.

For more information call Kathryn Waters at 403-263-0079 x. 100.   More >

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eNEWS ETIQUETTE

TA eNews is an electronic newsletter distributed to subscribers the first Wednesday (or so) of every month. Any information shared when subscribing to TA eNews will NOT be shared with other sources, or used for any purpose other than administering TA eNews.

Back Issues: All our past enewsletters can be found in our online archives >

Subscribe: All you require is an email address!  Sign up now >

Forward to a Friend: Please use the “Forward to a Friend” link at the bottom of this email. 

Unsubscribe: Please use the "Manage your subscription" link at the bottom of this email.

Your Feedback: We appreciate it!  Send comments and ideas to our Programmer, Jill Connell.

Submit a Posting: Please send any theatre news, shows, opportunities, etcetera for inclusion in TA eNews prior to the first Wednesday of each month. All information submitted via our online postings or online playbill will already be considered for inclusion in TA eNews and need not be resubmitted.  Submit >

Theatre Alberta regularly receives information that we believe is important and of interest to our members, and TA eNews is a way of communicating this information in a timely manner. We hope this eNewsletter will strengthen communication within the provincial theatre community, as north, south, east, and west become more aware of each others’ activities and needs.