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"It is the destiny of the theatre nearly everywhere and in every period to struggle even when it is flourishing."

— Howard Taubman, American theatre critic

What's New at TA

PLAYWORKS INK - FOUR WEEKS AND COUNTING

THEATRE ALBERTA AND ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS' NETWORK PRESENT...

PlayWorks Ink, the evolution of play!

A weekend for theatre people packed with panels, play readings, special guests, and workshops, taking centre stage in downtown Calgary from November 1-4, 2007.

Don't miss this year's fantastic Special Guests:

Award-winning playwright Morwyn Brebner delivers a fiesty Keynote Address Plays Well With Others on November 3rd, and teaches playwriting workshops Writing for Musicals and Can Playwriting be Taught?.

Kevin Kerr, founding member of Vancouver's Electric Company Theatre, teaches This Must Be The Place: Venue as Narrative in Site-Specific Theatre and participates in the Panel Discussion Evolution or Extinction?: The Metamorphosis of the Canadian Theatre Artist.

PlayWorks Ink offers opportunities for novices to professionals and educators to community theatre practicioners... NEW THIS YEAR: more opportunities for the seasoned theatre artist:

Learn to adapt and evolve as an actor with Christopher Hunt, 20-year freelance acting veteran, in Does Your Tool Belt Fit?: A Refresher for Experienced Actors

Sharpen your directing skills with Ron Jenkins, recipient of five Sterling Awards for Outstanding Direction, in Back To Basics: Advanced Directing

Learn industry secrets from Kevin McKendrick, Ron Jenkins, and Lindsay Burns in the Symposium Discussion Success of the Indie Show: The Fine Art of Self-Producing

Battle over a sticky realm of collaboration with Kevin Kerr, Terry Gunvordahl, and Joanne Deleeuw in the Symposium Discussion Stage Directions: Love 'em or Leave 'em

Registration for the Full Weekend Package (only $175!) includes admission to all PlayWorks Ink Special Events, including Showcase Play Readings by some of Alberta’s hottest emerging and established playwrights!

REGISTER TODAY through Theatre Alberta--space is limited and spots are going quickly!

More info & online registration >

SAFE STAGES LAUNCH A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Safe Stages—an occupational health and safety resource for the Alberta theatre community—was launched at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on September 24th and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on September 25th. 140 technicians, stage managers, students, and theatre people attended the event. 

In the words of our guest speakers...

“Today’s event is more than a celebration of an accomplishment—it’s also a call to action, a beginning or a renewal of the health and safety programs in your theatres.”
      —Janet Sellery, Health and Safety Manager of the Stratford Festival of Canada

“Safety requires that EVERYONE be active—employees, employers, unions—EVERYONE needs to be TRAINED about safety. It does no good to give lip service to safety if you don’t know the regulations, hazards, precautions, and procedures that should be taken. And that’s where publications like Safe Stages become invaluable.”
      —Monona Rossol, President and Founder of Arts, Crafts and Theatre Safety

Safe Stages is now online >

SCRIPTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail
Musical adaptation by James W. Rodgers

Eeyore has lost his tail! How can he enjoy Christmas without it? Not to fear, here come Winnie the Pooh and the courageous lot of colorful friends to the rescue. All aboard, kids!

Santa in Space
Pantomime by Paul Reakes

As part of his wicked plot to conquer the universe, Vileun the Vile kidnaps Santa Claus and takes him to his planet Varbos. With only days left before Christmas, Captain Dick Daring and the lovely Crystal must rescue Santa.

A Christmas Carol
We’ve recently added five new adaptations of Charles Dickens’ favourite Christmas tale to our collection.

Searching for a script? Visit our online library >

The Theatre Alberta Library and office will be closed for Thanksgiving from October 6 - 8.

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Theatre News

RON JENKINS SHORTLISTED FOR THE SIMINOVITCH PRIZE

Edmonton director in the running for largest prize in Canadian theatre

BMO Financial Group, sponsor of the Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, announced yesterday the names of four exceptional Canadian theatre directors who have been placed on the short-list for the $100,000 Prize. The Siminovitch Prize is the largest in Canadian theatre and will be presented in Toronto on October 29, 2007.

The four finalists were selected from 26 of Canada’s top professional directors who received nominations. The finalists are:

Brigitte Haentjens (Montréal, QC)
Ron Jenkins (Edmonton, AB)
Alisa Palmer (Toronto, ON)
Soheil Parsa (Toronto, ON)

“Throughout the arc of Ron’s career, he has worked hard to bring Western Canadian playwrights to the rest of the country,” said the jury. “He has a strong visual sensibility and we are excited to see the contributions he will make to Canadian theatre in the future.”   More >

NEW $6 MILLION ARTS GRANT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

First grant deadline for Alberta Creative Development Initiative is December 1

Alberta artists and arts organizations have until December 1 to apply for the first round of funding under the Alberta Creative Development Initiative (ACDI), a new $6 million fund that will support further development of the arts in Alberta over the next three years.

The Canada Council for the Arts and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) are jointly responsible for the new granting program in cooperation with the Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Edmonton Arts Council.

Under the ACDI, arts organizations and individual artists, including professional artists, arts administrators and collectives can apply for project specific grants. Arts organizations can apply for a maximum of $30,000 per year or up to $75,000 for multi-year projects. Individual artists can apply for a maximum of $20,000 per year.   More >

CANADA COUNCIL RELEASES NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

The Canada Council for the Arts, Canada’s national arts funding agency, released its new strategic plan on October 2, a statement of values and directions which will guide the Council’s activities over the next three to five years.

The plan follows more than six months of consultations with over 1,700 artists, arts organizations, other funders and members of the general public across Canada. It will form the basis of a more detailed action plan to be released by the Canada Council early in 2008.

“We are now working on how best to translate these overall directions into concrete actions, and make the most effective use of the $30 million budget increase announced by the federal government in July,” said Canada Council Director Robert Sirman. “We look forward to releasing the results of these discussions – including the allocation of the new money – early in the new year.”

Read full strategic plan >

TECH SEMINAR & TRADE SHOW – EDMONTON & CALGARY

Allstar Show Industries & Lighting by Monty are presenting a day of workshops for theatre and performance technicians and designers.  Seminars will include new techniques in lighting, sound, and video, with presenters from Strand Lighting, Rosco Theatre supplies, Yamaha Commercial Audio, Sennheiser microphones and wireless systems, and Sanyo Presentation Products.

Edmonton: The seminars run a full day at Victoria School for the Arts on October 27, 2007. The sessions will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM with at trade show to follow.

Calgary: Allstar Show Industries will run a digital consoles and speaker seminar at Mount Royal College on October 24, 2007.

There is no fee, but you must register by emailing Bob Gregory. For more info call 780-486-4000 or more >

EDMONTON CULTURAL CAPITAL SPEAKERS SERIES

PRESENTING ROBERTA BRANDES GRATZ FROM NEW YORK
Urban critic, journalist, and consultant

She will address the topic Urban Revitalization - Places rebuilt or places reborn: Is there a difference?

October 11, 2007 at 7:30pm
MacLab Theatre, Citadel

PRESENTING TIM JONES FROM TORONTO
President and CEO of Artscape

Tim Jones will address the topic Urban Rejuvenation: Building Creative Spaces
October 12, 2007 at 8pm
Muttart Hall, MacEwan – Alberta College Campus, 10050 MacDonald Drive

Both events are FREE, but you must pre register: email or phone 780-497-2336.  More >

AFA GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP

FOR INDIVIDUAL MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROJECT GRANTS
PRESENTED BY THE U of C FACULTY OF FINE ARTS - DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA

The next deadline for applications to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Individual Multi-disciplinary project grant program is February 15, 2008. Join Barb Mah, Arts Development Consultant with Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture, for a grant workshop that will address:

• The process and guidelines for the individual project grant program
• Eligibility criteria for projects in art production, training and career development
• Travel or marketing, research, and commission
• Tips on developing the pitch, the budget, and the timeline
• Your questions and queries and quandaries

October 23, NOON-1:30 PM
Reeve Theatre, 2500 University Drive
Admission is FREE, but please RSVP >

FEAR TAKES A HOLIDAY

The InterFEAR Arts Society of Edmonton officially announced it will postpone the 2007 edition of the InterFEAR Arts Festival, originally slated to run Oct. 25-28. The festival will resume in 2008.

Although the festival is financially sound, the decision to postpone the event is based on a number of internal factors. This hiatus will allow for the festival to look deep within its soul and examine new artistic opportunities for performers and audiences to connect.

“In the three years of producing the festival, the interFEAR Arts Society of Edmonton has been proud to present exciting new works, commission bold conceptual new pieces, and compelling visual installations,” says interFEAR Arts Society President Terry Grieve (Neon). “These are all elements that we hope to continue as we look forward to the newly-formatted 2008 interFEAR Arts Festival."

For further information, please contact Brenda Knight, interFEAR Arts Festival Producer, at (780) 431-2126.

CRITICAL THINKING FOR CULTURAL MANAGERS

The Cultural Human Resources  Council (CHRC) is proud to announce the release of a unique online course:  Critical Thinking for Cultural Managers.

In association with the Council of Ontario Universities, Learning  Advanced Essential Skills Online (LAESO) initiative, this interactive  module builds on the conceptual framework of the CHRC's Competency Profile to further clarify the roles critical thinking plays in cultural management.

Major topics discussed throughout this module include Creating a "Big  Plan", Developing a Network, Administrating the "Big Plan, and Generating  Change. "Interactive scenarios" allow for the opportunity to take on the  role of a new Project Manager having to put critical thinking skills in play in articulating a vision and strategy to other key members of your organization.   More >

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Shows Opening

October 3 — November 6

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

Story Cafe: Thrillers And Chillers
Oct 4, TALES Edmonton   More >

God's Favoured Child
Oct 4 – 20, Azimuth Theatre: 780-454-0583.

I, Claudia
Oct 9 – 28, The Citadel Theatre   More >

Duck Duck Bang
Oct 11 – 21, Fringe Theatre Adventures   More >

Stories From Our Black Books
Oct 11 - Oct 28, Carissa Reiniger Presents @ the Catalyst   More >

You Are Here
Oct 17 – 27, Walterdale Theatre Associates   More >

L'homme Invisible / The Invisible Man
Oct 18 – 20, L'UniThéâtre   More >

Almost, Maine
Oct 18 - Nov 4, Shadow Theatre   More >

Little Women - the Musical
Oct 19 – 27, MacEwan Theatre Arts Program   More >

Vimy
Oct 20 - Nov 11, The Citadel Theatre   More >

Theatre Lab Double Billing Performances
Oct 24 – 28, MacEwan Theatre Arts Program   More >

Urban Tales: Bifurious
Oct 26 – 27, Northern Light Theatre   More >

Story Cafe: Mavericks
Nov 1, TALES Edmonton   More >

What The Butler Saw
Nov 1 – 10, Studio Theatre - University Of Alberta   More >

Choke
Nov 1 – 18, Theatre Network   More >

Stuck
Nov 1 – 10, Workshop West Theatre   More >

Our Town
Nov 1 – 4, Concordia University College Theatre: 780-479-8481.

Hana's Suitcase
Nov 3 - Nov 15, The Citadel Theatre   More >

Romeo & Juliet
Nov 5 – 10, Theatre Prospero   More >

Maybe Baby, It’s You
Nov 6, Bev Facey Community H.S.   More >

ALBERTA

Hamlet
Oct 4 – 13, Red Deer College   More >

Sister Amnesia's Country Western Nunsense Jamboree
Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, Ovations! Dinner Theatre Ltd., Grande Prairie: 780-897-9200.

Shrunken Heads
Oct 5 – 28, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer   More >

Sitting On Paradise
Oct 11 – 20, New West Theatre, Lethbridge   More >

What The Butler Saw
Oct 11 – 20, Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray   More >

Cinderella
Oct 15 - June 13, Alberta Opera   More >

Flop!
Oct 15 - Dec 9, Quest Theatre, touring Calgary & Alberta    More >

Cloud Nine
Oct 16 – 20, University Of Lethbridge Theatre & Dramatic Arts Department: 403-329-2616.

Arsenic And Old Lace
Oct 18 - Nov 3, Grande Prairie Live Theatre   More >

The Odd Couple (female Version)
Oct 18 – 20, Vision Theatre, Cochrane   More >

Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Oct 26 – 28, Peace Players, Peace River   More >

Murder Mystery And Variety Entertainment
Oct 31 - June 30, Outcast Theatre Adventures, Alberta Tour: 780-619-7234.

More Fun Than Bowling
Nov 1 – 10, Water Works Players/wetaskiwin Theatre Society: 780-352-8383.

Grease
Nov 2 – 17, Lethbridge Musical Theatres   More >

The Story Of Hansel And Gretel
Nov 2 – 3, Hatterland Children's Theatre, Medicine Hat: 403-504-4147.

The Homecoming
Nov 2 - Dec 22, Rosebud Theatre   More >

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ EDMONTON }

Multiple Teaching Positions, University of Alberta, Department of Drama

Guest Services Supervisor, The Citadel Theatre

General Manager, Workshop West Playwrights Theatre

{ CALGARY }

House Manager, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre

Technical & Facility Manager, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre

Production Manager, Alberta Theatre Projects

{ CANADA }

Artistic Managing Director, Playhouse Theatre Company (Vancouver, BC)

AUDITIONS

{ EDMONTON }

Ongoing Auditions, Jubilations Dinner Theatre

Crimes of the Heart, Walterdale Theatre Associates

{ CALGARY }

Film & Video Production, SAIT

Stepping Out, Workshop Theatre

Only NEW job & audition opportunities (received since the previous TA eNews issue) are listed above. For a more comprehensive list of current opportunities or more info:

Full Jobs Postings  |  Full Auditions Postings
Postings are updated weekly at www.theatrealberta.com

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Submissions

$10,000 PRIZE FOR PLAYS ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Professional Artists Lab and the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara continue their collaboration with the third STAGE International Script Competition, open to plays about science and technology.

The winner of the Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration (STAGE) Competition will receive a $10,000 USD prize, along with opportunities for developing and promoting the winning script.

Submitted plays must explore scientific and/or technological stories, themes, issues or events. Multi-media theatre pieces, non-traditional plays and new forms are encouraged. Science fiction is not eligible.

Deadline December 31, 2007.  More >

PuSh ASSEMBLY 2008 – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Pitch Sessions At The PuSh Assembly, January 31, 2008

The Assembly is a professional development and networking opportunity for artists and presenters: a point of contact and showcase for the dissemination of new Canadian work.

More than 200 delegates attended the PuSh Assembly in 2007, including delegates from across Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong, Germany and beyond.

In 2008, Assembly Producer Sherrie Johnson will return to PuSh to liaise with national and international delegates and collaborate on programming the 2008 Assembly events. This is a fabulous opportunity for artists and producers to make their ideas become a reality: the flash point from where tours are booked, commissions are dreamed up, residencies secured and relationships struck.

Applications are open to Canadian and international projects.
Deadline: October 15   More >

10 DAYS OF MADNESS

Edmonton's playwriting festival is coming back!

The University of Alberta Bookstore is currently accepting applications for the 10 Days of Madness Playwriting Festival, running January 11 - 20, 2008.

Junior and Senior High School students can send completed scripts to Melissa Hande via email or snail mail. Adults interested in applying for a spot in the 24 hour competition, please fill out an application and send it in!   More >

Deadline for all submissions is November 30th, 2007.

LANGUAGE & CONTENT SEEKING NEW THEATRE WORKS

Edmonton's Image Theatre is currently seeking submissions of new theatre work to be read at Language and Content, its new monthly reading series. These monthly showcases will expose Edmonton audiences to vibrant new work being created locally, throughout Alberta, and beyond.

Language and Content is held on the final Monday of every month at the Jekyll and Hyde Pub in downtown Edmonton. Each month we will select an evening's worth of new works and present them in a readers' theatre format, ever-so-slightly staged by some of the hottest independent theatre artists in the city!

If you wish to contribute to Language & Content, as a writer, performer, volunteer or audience member, please email your submission or inquiry Artistic Director Ryan Hughes >

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

Full Submissions Postings
Postings are updated weekly at www.theatrealberta.com

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Odds & Ends

STORYBOOK THEATRE – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

For the production of Sleeping Beauty, running Oct 19 – Nov 3.

1. Sound operator and Light operator (2 positions)
2. Set Builders
3. Set Painters

If you are interested in helping out, please contact Burton or Paul at 403-216-0808.

StoryBook Theatre is also looking for….

1. Cookie Bakers
2. Ushers and Concession - Emperor's New Clothes (Oct 12 - Nov 4)
3. Ushers and Ticket Takers  - Sleeping Beauty (Oct 19 - Nov 3)

No experience is needed for these positions and all volunteers get to watch the show for free! For more info call StoryBook Theatre at 403-216-0808.

GREEN FOOLS THEATRE’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN HOWL

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Green Fools Theatre hosts Calgary's most outrageous Halloween celebration, now in its 17th year!

Celebrate the pagan new year with the Fools at their notorious adults-only party. Dress up and join the wildest party of the year!

It¹ll be eerie at the Fools’ new space ­ The Church at 2404 Erlton Rd SW.

Doors open at 9 pm ­ CASH BAR. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the
door. Don't wait: this party sells out every year!

Call 403-237-9010 or more info >

eko DANCE PROJECT - CASINO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

All it takes to be a casino volunteer is a desire to help out eko Dance Projects with its single most important source of funding, and a penchant for F-U-N! There will be free food and good times to be had!

October 16 and 17, 2007 at the Elbow River Casino - daytime & evening shifts are available. If you would like to volunteer, or for more info, email by October 10th.

ALBERTA DANCE ALLIANCE - CASINO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Alberta Dance Alliance is currently seeking volunteers for its casino on Wednesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 25th. There are a variety positions available, but they are especially looking for people to volunteer in the count room from 9:45 pm - 3:30 am.

If you would like to volunteer or require further information contact Kealy at (780) 422-8107.

MORPHEUS THEATRE - CASINO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Morpheus Theatre Society has been granted a casino on February 10 and 11, 2008 at Cash Casino, Barlow Trail.

What could be more fun than spending an 8 hour shift meeting new friends and greeting old, eating free food, and helping one of your community theatre groups earn some $100,000. 

If you can help out for one or two shifts please contact Tim Elliott at 403-274-8293 (H) or 403-298-4673 (W).

THE MOODY MERMAID CABARET IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH

A bipolar mermaid has washed up on the banks of the Bow and is causing waves by turning awareness to mental health in a quizzical and enchanting way. 

The Moody Mermaid Cabaret
Saturday, October 6
Green Fools new studio space (2404 Erlton Road SE)

Unlike any other event in the city, this spectacle brings astounding local artists and community members aboard a fantasy ride to eliminate stigma and steer a course towards better mental health. Admission is by donation and tax receipts are available. The event will raise funds to be donated to The Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region.

Call 403-237-9010 for more information.

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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.