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"In order to represent the world in all its complexity, the artist must bring forth new forms and ideas, and trust in the intelligence of the spectator, who is capable of distinguishing the silhouette of humanity within this perpetual play of light and shadow."

—Robert LePage, World Theatre Day International Message

What's New at TA

ARTSTREK & DRAMAWORKS NOW ONLINE!

Artstrek is Alberta's residential summer theatre program for teens that takes place at Red Deer College each July. Join us to explore Oscar Wilde's classic social comedy The Importance of Being Earnest.
Exploration I (ages 13-15): July 6-12
Exploration II (ages 16-18): July 13-20

Dramaworks is an adult summer theatre workshop program that takes place at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton each July. Don't miss this year's special feature workshop from New York's SITI Company. 
July 3-6 & 10-13, 2008

Registration for Artstrek & Dramaworks opens April 1, 2008.

CALLING ARTSTREK SUPERS

WANTED: Strong leaders who have excellent communication skills and are yearning to return to Artstrek. Must have previously attended Artstrek, been away from the program for at least one year, and be between 19 and 25 years of age.

Apply to be an Artstrek Super by sending Theatre Alberta your theatre/employment resumé, cover letter, and headshot/photo. Deadline April 11, 2008.   More >

SPRING READING...

Theatre Alberta's Spring 2008 newsletter is hitting doorsteps across the province this week, featuring:

• Morwyn Brebner's PlayWorks Ink 2007 Keynote Address   Read online >
• Interview with Adrienne Smook
• Kelsey's Theatre Community
• Eco-friendly Theatre
• Dry Martini   Read online >

DRAMATIC IMPACT 3: DAVID VAN BELLE

Listen to an interview with David van Belle: a member of One Yellow Rabbit (OYR) for 6 years and now an independent playwright, director, and performer. In this episode, David discusses the differences between performance creation and more traditional forms of theatre, his own original works, and the influence of OYR.

Dramatic Impact is a podcast by Theatre Alberta, hosted by TA member and volunteer Elaine Elrod. Listen to Dramatic Impact >

NEW! SUGGEST A SCRIPT ONLINE

Theatre Alberta’s library welcomes suggestions for purchase. Suggestions can include playscripts, reference material, dialect tapes, monologue/scene books, or anything else you think would be a valuable addition to our library. Please consult the library catalogue before making a suggestion as this service is for new items only. Both title and author are required and any other information (publisher, ISBN, or a description) is helpful.

All suggestions are evaluated according to Theatre Alberta’s acquisitions policy. If we purchase the title it will appear in the catalogue by late August for you to place on hold. Processing new material can take several months, so keep checking back! Just click "New Items" in our online catalogue. Suggest a script >

Searching for a script?  Visit our online library >

Please note: the Theatre Alberta office and library will be closed March 21-24 for Easter weekend. The library drop-box will also be unavailable.

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Theatre News

IN MEMORIAM: WARREN CURTIS GRAVES 1933 - 2008

Playwright/screenwriter/actor/director Warren Graves passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on February 24, 2008, at 75 years of age. Beloved husband of Susan of Raymond, he was also the loving father of Nichola Vincent of Windsor, Ontario, Deborah Brouwer of Lethbridge, Alberta, and Colin Graves of Vilna, Alberta and 4 grandchildren. Warren was born and raised in London during the Second World War. Graves moved to Calgary in 1964, and then to Edmonton where he worked as an assistant clerk at the Alberta Legislature. He became a prominent theatre artist and administrator with Walterdale Playhouse before quitting his government job to become a self-employed writer in 1974. He will be missed.   More >

2008 ENBRIDGE playRITES AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Alberta Theatre Projects announced two winners of the 2008 Enbridge playRites Awards: Trina Davies of Vancouver, who was awarded the Enbridge Established Playwright Award of $3,000; and David Fancy of St. Catharines, ON who takes home $3,000 as recipient of the Enbridge Emerging Canadian Playwright Award. The awards, established four years ago, are aimed at contributing to the development of new Canadian English-language plays.  More >

LUNCHBOX MOVING TO THEATRE DISTRICT

On February 9, Lunchbox Theatre’s Artistic Director Martin Fishman announced that the company has made an Offer to Lease at The Tower Centre. Located directly across from Vertigo Mystery Theatre, the venue will house Lunchbox Theatre’s performance space. Administrative and rehearsal space will be located elsewhere in the building. "We are thrilled to have found a new home at The Tower Centre,” says Mr.Fishman, “and we look forward to welcoming audiences to many more seasons of vibrant lunchtime theatre in the heart of downtown Calgary. In addition to our own performances, we hope to be able to offer our theatre to other arts companies when available. We have rented other space for the first two shows next season, and hope to mount our Holiday production in our new home." The theatre is a flexible performance space, with a seating capacity of approximately 150.

ALBERTA GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS COMMUNITY SPIRIT DONATION GRANT PROGRAM

On February 1, Premier Ed Stelmach announced the Donation Grant Program, the second component of the Community Spirit Program. The Donation Grant Program is intended to encourage Albertans to donate to non-profits and registered charities through matching their cash donations.

While full details on the program have not been released, the grants will:
1) Be open to all Alberta-operating non-profits and registered charities
2) Aim at encouraging donations by matching the year’s cash donations
3) Be usable on operations, projects, programming and small capital projects
4) Have a maximum grant amount of $25,000 per year, not exceeding $50,000 over a three-year period.

Program guidelines to be available by April 1.   More >

OILSANDS ARTS FUNDING DRIES UP

City groups caught by surprise as Syncrude 'narrows focus' to heath, education

Feb 21, 2008 – The Edmonton Journal, by Todd Babiak

Syncrude has stopped sponsoring arts and cultural events in Edmonton.

"This is a sudden blow and surprising from our point of view," says Bradley Moss, artistic director of Theatre Network and the founder of Nextfest. "We achieved something really unique in our country that is now being emulated in smaller forms in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver."

Nextfest is a popular showcase for young playwrights, performers, musicians and visual artists, and one of the official entries into Edmonton's summer festival season. Syncrude was the founding sponsor.

In 2007, other recipients of Syncrude arts and culture sponsorships were the Citadel Theatre and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.   Read full article >

CANADA COUNCIL RELEASES ACTION PLAN

On February 13, The Canada Council for the Arts released its Action Plan for supporting Canadian arts and culture for the next three years, including plans for the distribution of $31.5 million in new funding in 2008-09.

While a large portion of funding is being earmarked for artistic grants in general, the action plan divides specific proposals, upcoming projects and new initiatives into the five broad themes the council set in October: reinforcing its commitment to individual artists, broadening its commitment to arts groups, promoting equality, pursuing partnerships, and strengthening its own infrastructure.

Some highlights of the action plan include:
• Increasing support and promotion of Canada Council prizes.
• Increasing support to Canadian arts groups planning tours abroad.
• Improving artists' access to professional development and networking.
• Kick off a multi-year research initiative with a goal of creating a more accurate map of the artistic infrastructure across the country.

More >

PACT MALLORY GILBERT LEADERSHIP AWARD - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2008 Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award. This $5000 Award was initiated in celebration of PACT’s 30th anniversary in 2006-2007 and named in honour of Mallory Gilbert, who was Tarragon Theatre’s General Manager for 34 years and one of the founders and Past President of PACT. Supported by the PACT Communications Centre (PCC) and by Tarragon Theatre, the annual Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award celebrates and recognizes outstanding leadership within the Canadian Theatre community.
Deadline: March 26, 2008.   More >

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Shows Opening

March 5 - April 1

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

Expanse Movement Arts Festival
Mar 6 – 9, Azimuth Theatre @ the Catalyst Theatre   More >

Story Cafe: Celtic Stew
Mar 6, TALES Edmonton: 780-430-9399.

Nami Namersson - The Viking Who Liked To Name Things
Mar 7 – 9, Concrete Theatre @ Fringe Theatre Adventures   More >
Mar 10 – 22, Concrete Theatre, School tour   More >

Hot Mikado
Mar 7 – 15, MacEwan Theatre Arts Program   More >

Half Life
Mar 8 – 30, The Citadel Theatre   More >

Annie
Mar 11 – 15, Victoria School Of Performing And Visual Arts   More >

The Lonesome West
Mar 11 – 23, Atlas Theatre Co-op @ Theatre Network   More >

Theatre Lab Double Bill - The Clouds and The Malcontent
Mar 12 – 16, MacEwan Theatre Arts Program   More >

A Gap In Generations
Mar 12 - Mar 16, Concordia University College Theatre: 780-479-8481.

Three Viewings
Mar 13 – 30, Shadow Theatre   More >

The Drowning Girls
March 13 – 23, Bent Out of Shape Productions @ the Catalyst Theatre   More >

Faux Mo Divas
Mar 15, Northern Light Theatre   More >

Cinderella
Mar 15, Alberta Opera @ the Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts   More >

Love According To John
Mar 19 – 22, Alberta Lyric Theatre   More >

TBA - Social Issue Drama
Mar 25 – 26, OverActing Imaginations Youth Theatre Company, Sherwood Park: 780-449-3378.

Romeo And Juliet
Mar 26 – 29, King's Players: 780-465-8306.

Twelfth Night
Mar 27 - Apr 5, Studio Theatre - University Of Alberta   More >

Untitled
Mar 28 - Apr 5, Vault Theatre and Isis Production with Indie 5   More >
780-420-1757

ALBERTA

To B&B or Not To B&B
Mar 6 - 8, 2008, Vision Theatre, Cochrane: 403-932-6599.

Maggie's Getting Married
Mar 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, Ovations! Dinner Theatre Ltd., Grande Prairie: 780-897-9200.

To Kill A Mockingbird
Mar 11 - Mar 15, University Of Lethbridge Theatre And Dramatic Arts Department: 403-329-2616.

High School Musical
Mar 12 – 15, Spruce Grove Composite High School: 780-962-0800.

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Mar 13 – 29, Churchmice Players, Camrose: 780-672-1665.

Trying
Mar 14 - May 17, Rosebud Theatre   More >

ADFA Foothills Regional One-Act Play Festival
Mar 14 – 15, Okotoks - Centenial Centre    More >

Dreamland Saturday Nights
Mar 20 – 29, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer   More >

Blood Wedding
Mar 26 – 29, Red Deer College   More >

Dangerous Liaisons
Mar 27 – 29, Medicine Hat College: 403-529-3892.

Drinking Alone
Mar 28 - Apr 27, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer: 403-755-6626.

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ EDMONTON }

Multiple Drama related positions, University of Alberta

New Media Specialist, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Artistic Director, Free Will Players

Director, Stampede (Edmonton Fringe Festival 2008), Maurauni Ave Productions

{ CALGARY }

Manager of business affairs and fundraising initiatives, PAL Calgary

Box Office Manager, StoryBook Theatre Society

Administrative and Customer Service Associate, Honens International Piano Competition

Accounting Assistant, Theatre Calgary

Payroll & HR Administrator, EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts

Prototyping Fabricator, Telus World of Science

Stage Manager, Green Fools Theatre

Discovery Leader, Telus World of Science

Teaching Assistant, StoryBook Theatre

Head of Sound, Stage West

Apprentice Stage Manager, Stage West Calgary

{ ALBERTA }

Theatre Technician, Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre (Medicine Hat)

{ CANADA }

Executive Director, Quebec Drama Federation (Montreal, QC)

General Manager, Pi Theatre (Vancouver, BC)

General Manager, Pacific Theatre (Vancouver, BC)

Artistic Director, Western Canada Theatre (Kamloops, BC)

Sessional Instructor, Visual & Performing Arts, Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops, BC)

Consultant, Cultural Human Resources Council (Ottawa, ON)

Head of Endowments & Prizes, Canada Council for the Arts (Ottawa, ON)

AUDITIONS

{ EDMONTON }

bilingual adaptation of À toi, pour toujours, ta Marie-Lou, Mur-Folk Productions

Fear Itself TV series, Background performers required

Understudy Role, Jubilations Dinner Theatre

{ CALGARY }

Keely & Du, Broad Minds

General Auditions, Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP)

General Auditions, Theatre Calgary

Singer needed, The Undertones

General Auditions, Vertigo Theatre

General Auditions, Lunchbox Theatre

{ CANADA }

A Chorus Line, Viva Musica (Kelowna BC)

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

TWO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - CALGARY

CALGARY ARTS DEVELOPMENT - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Calgary Arts Development is now inviting the first round of applications for Board of Director positions to be filled in May and September. This is a voluntary position ideal for corporate and community leaders dedicated to building a strong vision for arts development in Calgary. The Board operates under a policy governance mandate and the time commitment includes monthly meetings as well as committee work. Diverse perspectives and backgrounds in governance, strategic planning, law, arts administration, arts education, or for-profit arts are welcomed. Application form & more info >

CALGARY-ACTS WEBMASTER

Calgary-ACTS is looking for a Webmaster. Now that their new site has been launched, they need someone who can look after the technical side of things, keep the site running efficiently, and make upgrades as needed. Knowledge of html, php and mySql is an asset.
Contact Sean Anderson >

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

The Calgary International Children's Festival (CICF), presented by Qualico Communities, is now accepting applications to fill various positions during the 2008 Festival (May 20-24). The Festival, North America's 3rd largest performing arts festival of its kind, is held at the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts and on Olympic Plaza.

The Festival requires a devoted force of approximately one thousand volunteers to make this five-day event fun, safe and affordable. CICF is currently looking for youth volunteers, ages 16 and up, and adult volunteers to fill numerous day, evening and weekend shifts during the Festival (starting on May 19).   More >

STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE - EDMONTON

Artist studio and/or live work space available at ArtsHab, March 15, 2008.
$800/month plus utilities (avg. $80/month)

Third floor with elevator, underground parkade, and south facing windows. Wooden floors. Space is ideally suited for a painter or other visual artist, but all Edmonton artists are encouraged to apply. Criteria include: the artists’ intended use of the space, their desire to become contributing members of the ArtsHab community, their commitment to pursuing their art practices at a serious/profession level and their need for a space to create.

Deadline: March 9, 2008.

Details, pictures, and application form at ArtsHab >
For more info contact Jeff Collins >

COMMUNITY ARTS CELEBRATION - EDMONTON

The Edmonton Cultural Capital Program concludes its main programming with a two day celebratory festival of art, exhibitions, performances and presentations at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre.

March 15-16 @ Winspear Centre
10am - 5pm (March 15 and March 16)
AND
March 16 at 6pm - Celebration Showcase
Enmax Main Performance Hall, Winspear Centre
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE   More >

CALGARY ARTISTS FEATURED IN FFWD

What: The Calgary Fringe Festival is buying space in FFWD to run a free recurring bi-weekly article highlighting two Calgary Artists.

The article will consist of 3 segments:
                   1) artist's photo
                   2) fun quick & quirky Q & A (deep dark secrets revealed)
                   3) mention of upcoming projects

Who: Theatre, Visual Artists, Dancers, Musicians, Performance Artists

When: Articles are scheduled to start running in April and run through to September.

Why: are we doing this?  We have a mandate to make the arts accessible while helping artists explore the craft.  FIDO has come on board to promote local Calgary artists.

Download an application online >
Contact Blair Gallant for more info.

MAYOR’S CELEBRATION FOR THE ARTS – EDMONTON

Mayor Stephen Mandel presents the 21st Annual Celebration of the Arts, an evening of performance and recognition.

Monday April 7, 2008
7:00pm Winspear Centre
Ticketed Reception 5:00pm @ City Hall

With performances by Edmonton Opera, Samantha Schulz, Brian Webb, Teatro La Quindicina, Le Fuzz and Kita No Taiko Japanese Drummers.

FREE AFTER PARTY FOR ALL TICKET HOLDERS!  Tickets now on sale >

TEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE NEEDED - CALGARY

The International Festival of Animated Objects is searching for temporary headquarters for their 2009 festival. This ten day biennial festival of mask, puppetry and animated objects
is seeking centrally located office space for festival planning.

Please contact them at 403-266-1503 if you have approximately 400 to 600 square feet available from June 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009.

ATTIC PLAYERS FUNDRAISER

Attic Players, a new theatre group in Calgary, is holding a fundraiser on March 8 to raise money for the group! They have teamed up with Paused Photography to offer headshots to all those amateur actors out there who cannot afford the average $350 cost for headshots. They are offering 15 minute sittings with the photographer at a cost of $50. You will receive CD with all of your headshots in colour, black and white, and sepia tones.

When: Saturday March 8 starting at 4pm
Where: Community Arts Centre at the Currie Barracks, 2633 Hochwald Avenue SW
*BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE*  Contact Shelby >

DISCOVER ROSEBUD!

Rosebud School of the Arts is now accepting applications for the exciting 8-month Certificate in Theatre Foundations Programme. Discover and study all aspects of theatre including Acting, Technical Theatre, Music, etc. Classes begin in September. Please direct all inquires to recruitment@rosebudtheatre.com or (403) 677-2350.   More >

LIGHTING AND SOUND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Bonavista Players have numerous items of lighting and sound equipment for sale at very reasonable prices. Contact Stewart for a list.

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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.

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