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"If it is not nailed to the floor, it's mine. If I can pry it loose, it is not nailed down."

—Oscar Wilde

What's New at TA

PLAYWORKS INK 2008: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

4 New Plays. 14 Workshops. 19 Special Guests. 3 Socials. 1 Keynote Address. 1 Panel Discussion. 6 Years of PlayWorks Ink.

Theatre Alberta and Alberta Playwrights’ Network are thrilled to present Judith Thompson on a rare visit to Western Canada. This year we've taken programming to the edge, featuring workshops by Peter Balkwill, Mark Bellamy, Lindsay Burns, Eva Cairns, Karen Johnson-Diamond, David Ley, Hannah Moscovitch, Mieko Ouchi, Gordon Pengilly, Ian Prinsloo, Mariette Sluyter, Glenda Stirling, Judith Thompson, Laryssa Yanchak, and Adrian Young. Watch for PlayWorks Ink brochures mid-August, when our full programming is revealed!

DRAMAWORKS & ARTSTREK ONSITE!

Theatre Alberta's popular summer theatre programs, Arstrek for teens and Dramaworks for adults, are now in full swing! Both explorations of Artstrek have been sold out since May and Dramaworks is enjoying its highest registration numbers since 2001. See you there!

DRAMATIC IMPACT EPISODE 7, SECRETS OF THE ACTOR

The seventh episode of Dramatic Impact, “Secrets of the Actor,” will be available on July 10 at www.acting-and-theatre.com. A reminder that on Monday, July 7, the feed address for the podcast will be changing to feeds.acting-and-theatre.com/dramaticimpact. If you are a subscriber, you should automatically be redirected to the new feed address. But if you do lose the subscription, please visit www.acting-and-theatre.com and re-subscribe. Check out the new site!

AGM THIS WEEKEND

Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM – Shoctor Lobby, Citadel Theatre

All members are invited and encouraged to attend Theatre Alberta’s Annual General Meeting. The purpose of the AGM is to receive the annual report, elect new board members, and to conduct other business. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with other members, the Board of Directors, and Theatre Alberta staff. Lunch will be provided.

LIBRARIAN'S PICK

Harold and Maude (1983) by Colin Higgins

This is the stage adaptation of the movie about a suicidal 19 year old boy, Harold, who finally learns how to truly live when he meets up with the delightfully whacky octogenarian, Maude.   Visit our online library >

LIBRARY RENEWALS

A reminder that the online renewal function does not work. To renew library materials please email or phone Theatre Alberta at 780-422-8162 or 1-888-422-8160. We will process the renewal unless there is a reserve on the item(s) you have out.

Summer Library Hours! Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Civic Holiday: the Theatre Alberta office and library will be closed August 2 - 4.

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Theatre News

CANADIAN PLAYWRIGHT JAMES REANEY PASSES AWAY

James Crerar Reaney passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on June 11, 2008, in his 82nd year. Reaney had a deep artistic curiosity and his experimentation in theatre has produced a wide variety of plays ranging from some of the best children's theatre written in this country (Apple Butter) to one of the nation's most important dramas, the trilogy The Donnellys (premiered at Tarragon Theatre, 1973-1975, directed by Keith Turnbull).   More >

STEPPING DOWN IN CALGARY

QUEST THEATRE

Quest Theatre announced today that Duval Lang, one of Canada's most experienced and well respected innovators of professional theatre for young audiences, will step down as Artistic Director of Quest Theatre at the end of the 2008/09 season. For over thirty years Duval has been dedicated to building vibrant and engaging theatre for young people.  
More >

STORYBOOK THEATRE

StoryBook Theatre regretfully announces the resignation of long time StoryBook Artistic Director, Paul Stanton. Paul has served StoryBook Theatre for the last 13 years as Artistic Director and has been involved with the company for over 20 years.

MASSICOTTE WINS RINGWOOD

The Writers Guild of Alberta revealed the winners of the 2008 Alberta Literary Awards at the Alberta Literary Awards Gala in Edmonton on June 7, 2008. The Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama was awarded to Calgary’s Stephen Massicotte for The Oxford Roof Climber’s Rebellion (Playwrights Canada Press).   More >

NEW HOST FOR ARTS ALIVE

Edmonton's CKUA Radio Network welcomes a new host to its fold with accomplished journalist, television producer, writer, and avid arts supporter Kathleen Renne. Along with long-time arts reporter Chris Allen, Kathleen will host, produce and present Arts Alive, CKUA’s weekday feature focusing on Alberta’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

AFA ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL POLICY DOLLARS

In Alberta’s Budget 2008, the AFA received an additional $9 million to distribute in support of Alberta’s new cultural policy, The Spirit of Alberta. This increased investment will be distributed through existing grant programs and new components to existing programs, including:
· Arts Partnerships Project Grant
· Community Presenting Project Grant
· Community Support Organizations Operating Grant
· Cultural Relations Project Grant
· Aboriginal Traditional Arts Project Grant   More >

BOUQUETS IN NEW YORK FOR EDMONTON ACTORS' GAY HIP-HOP OPERA

CBC News: June 24, 2008

Bash'd!: A Gay Rap Opera, the fast-moving show created by Edmonton actors Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow is getting a warm welcome in New York. Critics had more bouquets than brickbats for the show as it opened at the Zipper Factory Theatre, an off-Broadway venue, on Monday.   Full Story >

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL ISSUES

The Canadian Conference of the Arts has begun publishing "The ABCs of Cultural Policy," a new series of documents providing basic information to help understand Canadian cultural policy, along with many useful links. These documents are freely available on the CCA website >

For more information contact Guillaume Sirois at 613-238-3561 ext. 19.   More >

MARTIN BRAGG TO LEAVE CANADIAN STAGE

CBC News: June 18, 2008

Martin Bragg will step down as artistic producer of Toronto's Canadian Stage Company at the end of the 2008-2009 season. Bragg, whose contract is set to expire in June 2009, said he will not be seeking a renewal following the 2008-2009 season — his 17th with the Toronto company.  Full story >

ALBERTA PLAYWRITING COMPETITION - WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Alberta Playwrights’ Network is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Alberta Playwriting Competition, the longest running provincial competition of its kind in Canada.

Calgary playwright R. Jonathan Chapman won the Grand Prize Category for his full-length play The Wall, receiving a $3,500 cash prize.

Edmonton Playwright Michele Vance Hehir, won the Discovery Prize Category for her play My Name Is, receiving a $1,500 cash prize.   More >

TRANSCANADA NAMING SPONSOR OF NEW LUNCHBOX THEATRE

Lunchbox Theatre is proud to announce the stage of its new venue will be named the TransCanada Stage at Lunchbox Theatre. The new theatre, located at the base of the Calgary Tower, is expected to open in October 2008.

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Shows Opening

July 2 - August 5

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
July 4 - July 13, Sir Winston Churchill Square   More >

A Rocky Night for His Nibs
July 10 - 26, Teatro La Quindicina @ the Varscona Theatre   More >

CALGARY

Mid-life! The Crisis Musical
July 3 - Sept 7, Stage West Theatre Restaurants   More >

The Taming Of The Shrew
July 10 – 19, The Shakespeare Company   More >

Calgary Fringe Festival
Aug 1 - 10, Calgary Fringe Festival   More >

Monty Python's Spamalot
Aug 5 - 10, Southern Jubilee Auditorium   More >

ALBERTA

Beauty and the Beast, Calamity Jane, and One Fine Day
July & Aug, various dates, Carriage House Theatre, Cardston   More >

For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again
July 3 - Aug 30, Rosebud Theatre   More >

Canadian Badlands Passion Play
July 4 – 13, Drumheller   More >

The 20¢ Men
July 14 & 24, Aug 2, 12 & 20, Carriage House Theatre, Cardston   More >

Shakespeare In The Mountains Festival
July 23 – 27, The Shakespeare Company, Canmore   More >

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ EDMONTON }

Education and Outreach Coordinator, The Citadel Theatre

Foote Theatre School Director, The Citadel Theatre

Director of Production, The Citadel Theatre

{ CALGARY }

Manager of Group Sales, Theatre Calgary

Inside Sales Position, Christie Lites

Equity Assistant Stage Manager, Vertigo Theatre

Artistic Director, Alberta Theatre Projects
Deadline Extended

Communications Coordinator, The EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts

Grants & Foundations Officer, The EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts

Development Manager, The EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts

Artistic Director, Dancers' Studio West

Registration and Administration Coordinator, School of Alberta Ballet

{ ALBERTA }

Stage Manager, Keyano Theatre (Fort McMurray) Deadline extended

Theatre Technician, Keyano Theatre (Fort McMurray)

{ CANADA }

Executive Director, Quebec Drama Federation (Montreal, QC)

Technical Director, Key City Theatre (Cranbrook, BC)

AUDITIONS

{ EDMONTON }

Mascot Performer, West Edmonton Mall        

Independent Short Film, Celtic-Raine Productions

Non-Union Film, City Bird Films

{ CALGARY }

An Absolute Turkey, Gas & Light Productions

Harriet’s Halloween Candy, StoryBook Theatre

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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Odds & Ends

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

BALANCING ACTS

Stage Left Productions is commissioning performance work for Balancing Acts: Calgary’s Eighth Annual Disability Arts Festival. Balancing Acts is a celebration of creative self-expression by artists with developmental, physical, or sensory disability; mental illness; brain injury; and/or chronic illness.

Deadline: July 18. Contact Michele Decottignies at 403-829-2307.  More >

BD&P EMERGING DIRECTOR PROGRAM

A special opportunity for Calgary theatre artists who are in the initial stages of their careers to advance their talents and artistic skills through a combination of mentorship and hands-on experience. The Emerging Director will act as Assistant Director on two of Lunchbox Theatre's 2008/09 productions, and will then direct a showcase production at the conclusion of the season.

Deadline: July 15. Contact Martin Fishman.  More >

AZIMUTH'S EXPANSE MOVEMENT ARTS FESTIVAL

Expanse exists to inspire, investigate, and showcase new work in dance and body based performance; bringing artists from diverse backgrounds together in the spirit of innovation.

Deadline: July 15. Contact Amber Borotsik.   More >

STORYBOOK THEATRE CALL FOR DIRECTORS

StoryBook Theatre is looking for experienced and passionate Directors for its 2008-2009 season. Contact Steve Strachan.   More >

THE CITY OF CALGARY - MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The City of Calgary Arts & Culture Division, as a part of the Community Cultural Development (CCD) initiatives, is seeking expressions of interest from artists and other individuals interested in mentoring homeless art makers.

Deadline: July 30. Contact Dawn Ford at 403-268-4769.   More >

THE ART OF PEACE CHALLENGE

Alberta Children and Youth Services are seeking artwork created by youth that will motivate Albertans to reach out and help those impacted by family violence or bullying. Individuals and groups of youth ages 14 to 20 are being encouraged to submit works of art in any of the following forms: dance, film/video, writing, music, theatre, and visual art.

Deadline: August 1.   More >

SAMUEL FRENCH  CANADIAN PLAYWRIGHTS CONTEST

Samuel French (Canada) Ltd. is sponsoring a playwriting competition that is open to all Canadian playwrights. Writers from across Canada are invited to submit their best full-length stage plays that are original and have never been published. The winning play will receive publication and representation from Samuel French.

Deadline: August 30. Contact Roxane Heinze-Bradshaw.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

CALGARY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Calgary Fringe is on the lookout for key Box Office positions for this year's Fringe Festival, including Venue Supervisors. Special perks and rewards!

Contact Tanya at 403-451-9726.

CITY OF EDMONTON FIRE RESCUE ACADEMY

Edmonton Fire/Rescue is looking for volunteer student actors and make-up artists from theatre programs who wish to gain valuable practice in their craft. They are developing a Vehicle Extrication program that will incorporate real life motor vehicle accident scenarios.

Contact Shane Gano at 780-496-3910.

ARTSTART

ArtStart emphasizes high quality visual art, drama, dance, and music lessons and experiences to children age 6-14 from low-income families. All programming is led by a team of volunteer arts professionals, students, and enthusiasts. Their investment into the lives of children inspires confidence, creativity, and change.

Contact Cadence Konopaki at 780-424-7543 ext 127.

BILLETS REQUIRED - CALGARY

Stage Left Productions is hosting a workshop in Theatre of the Oppressed facilitation this summer, from Sunday, July 20 to Thursday, July 24. People are coming from Nepal, South Africa, Australia, Belgium, the USA, and from across Canada. If you are able and willing to welcome one (or more) guests into your home, please contact Michele Decottignies at 403-829-2307.

DEAD LOVERS DAY FUNDRAISER

Terrible Trouble Theatre Company is pleased to announce their upcoming fundraiser to send a new dark musical, Dead Lovers Day, to the Edmonton and Calgary Fringe Festivals. It’s a Variety Night of emerging artists of Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton, featuring comedy, singing, dancing, and Mr. Taylor Chadwick as your host.

Friday, July 11 @ The Matchbox (#110 5301 43rd Street, Red Deer)
Doors @ 6:30; Show at 7:30 p.m – 10:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door for $10.00.

INSIDE OUT 50/50 FUNDRAISER

InsideOut Theatre is hosting a 50/50 Fundraiser, the Draw for which will be held at a Variety Show Fundraising Gala on October 25, 2008. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Contact Ruth Bieber to purchase tickets.

2008 CAT AWARDS

Calgary-ACTS is pleased to announce the 2008 CAT Awards will be taking place on Saturday August 23rd 7:30pm at the Rosza Centre (University of Calgary) followed, of course, by an after-party. Tickets are $15 each and will go on sale July 22.  More >

11th ANNUAL BETTY MITCHELL AWARDS

Nominations for the 11th Annual Betty Mitchell Awards will be announced at the Auburn Saloon (115, 9th Ave SE) on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. The 2008 Betty Mitchell Awards will be held on Monday, August 25 at Stage West (727 - 42 Ave SE). Tickets go on sale Friday, July 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stage West Box Office.   More >

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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.

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