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What's New at TA
Theatre News
Shows Opening
Jobs & Auditions
Submissions & Workshops
Odds & Ends
About the Buzz

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"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Hans Hofmann

What's New at TA

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM THEATRE ALBERTA!

As we reflect upon this passing year, we are filled with gratitude for the vibrant, talented, and committed individuals that make up this community that we serve. The staff of Theatre Alberta wish you and yours a wonderful and restful holiday season and all the best in the New Year!

LIBRARIAN'S PICK

The Playwright's Handbook by Frank Pike and Thomas Dunn

A guide for writers at all phases of their careers, from those who have never written for the stage to those who want to grow beyond their current productions.  The Playwright's Handbook helps you craft a script into a successful theatrical work and get it produced.

FREE SCRIPTS

Theatre Alberta has an assortment of new and used scripts to give away to anyone wanting to come by during office hours.  Choose from titles such as Artichoke, Dancing at Lughnasa, King John, Romeo and Juliet, Saint Joan, The Secretary Bird, Tartuffe and many more.  These would make great stocking stuffers!

LIBRARY HOURS

Please note that the library will be closed (and the book drop unavailable) on December 19 and 20, 2009.

The library will also be closed from December 23, 2009 to January 3, 2010.  We will open January 4, 2010 at 10 am. 

The book drop box will be available on certain dates and times over the holiday season. For details, please click here.

Happy Holidays! 

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Theatre News

ALBERTA LOSES ONE OF ITS THEATRE ICONS

Tim Ryan, founder of the Theatre Arts Program at MacEwan and Artistic Director of Leave It To Jane Theatre, passed away on November 5. Tim and his family moved to Canada from Ohio, where Tim was teaching at the School of Fine Arts in Willoughby. The opportunity to help build a theatre program from the ground up in a new country was an exciting prospect for the Ryan family – one they all (former wife Maralyn, and daughters Kate and Bridget) whole-heartedly embraced.

Tim spent 30 years in Edmonton, inspiring, encouraging, and giving his trademark “It’s gonna be great” enthusiastic thumbs-up to hundreds, if not thousands, of aspiring and established theatre artists. Hundreds of people attended a celebration of his life at his second home – The Haar Stage at MacEwan. Messages poured in from across the globe as people heard of his passing.

Tim demanded a lot of those who worked with him, but it was no more than he asked of himself. This passion for the theatre and for life is what people loved and respected about him and what inspired everyone who worked with him to be the very best they could – both on and off the stage. The theatre community will sorely miss Tim Ryan.

A Tim Ryan Memorial Fund has been set up through the Grant MacEwan College Foundation to benefit future students of the Theatre Arts Program. To learn how you can donate to this fund, click here.

AFA LAUNCHES NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE

In response to user feedback gathered through a recent online survey, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts website has been reorganized to better enable users to enjoy website information and features.

Take the time to visit the new Multimedia Section and experience the impact of AFA programming through videos and publications and download music from talented Alberta artists. Looking for information about AFA grants? Interested in learning more about the AFA art collection? Curious about how AFA programs impact your community?

Explore www.affta.ab.ca to find the information that's important and necessary for you!

PROPOSED CHANGES TO ALBERTA'S FINE ARTS CURRICULUM

The Alberta Government will be voting on proposed changes to Alberta's Fine Arts Curriculm, as outlined in the document K-12 Arts Education Curriculum Framework June 2009 DRAFT. Theatre Alberta encourages our members to visit the Government of Alberta site that outlines the proposed changes and to share any feedback before the January 31, 2010 deadline. For more detailed information, click here.

You may also wish to visit the site SaveOurFineArts.ca for another perspective.

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Shows Opening

December 2 - January 6

Full Playbill

CALGARY

Going to the Elephant
Dec 2 - 5, The Playhouse North School Of Theatre More >

An Illustrated History of the Anishnabe - Y Stage
Dec 4 & 5, Vertigo Theatre Centre More >

The Other Side of the Pole
Dec 5 - 20, Storybook Theatre Society More >

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Dec 9 - 13, Calgary Young People's Theatre More >

Camera, Woman
Dec 9 - 19, Urban Curvz Theatre  More >

The Gift
Dec 11 - 13, Acts of God  More >

Send Me to the Glamour
Dec 31, Pegasus Performances More >

EDMONTON

Poster Boys
Nov 24 - Dec 13, Theatre Network More >

Lend Me a Tenor
Dec 2 - 12, Walterdale Theatre Associates More >

Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Dec 3 - 6, Victoria School Of The Arts More >

Hansel and Gretel
Dec 3 - 13, Alberta Opera Musical Theatre For Young People More >

The Coming of the Kings
Dec 8 - 20, Theatre Prospero More >

U: The Comedy of Global Warming
Dec 11 - 20, theatre no. 6 presented by Indie5 More >

It's A Wonderful Life
Dec 18 & 19, Teatro la Quindicina More >

ALBERTA

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown
Nov 27 - Dec 19, Rosebud Theatre, Rosebud More >

Christmas Melodies
Dec 1 - 5, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More >

Charlotte's Web
Dec 2 - 5, Holy Redeemer Catholic Jr/Sr High School, Edson 780-723-7437

It's A Wonderful Life
Dec 3 - 12, Strathmore Theatre Player's Guild, Strathmore More >

One Christmas Carol
Dec 4 - 24, Cornerstone Theatre & Restaurant, Canmore More >

The Gifts of the Magi (Adaptation)
Dec 4 - 6, Dec 11 - 13, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, Medicine Hat More >

A Christmas Carol
Dec 5 - 6, East of Sixty Productions Society, Devon More >

It's A Wonderful Life (Radio Drama)
Dec 10 - 19, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer More >

Scrooge
Dec 17 - 19, Conquest Theatre, Canmore More >

Carnival
Dec 26 - Jan 9, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More >

It's Munsch Time
Dec 26 - Jan 9, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More >

The Foursome
Dec 31, Peace Players, Peace River More >

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ CALGARY }

There are no postings at this time. Visit Theatre Alberta for updates.

{ EDMONTON }

Customer Service Representative, Citadel Theatre

PACE Coordinator, Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE)

{ ALBERTA }

General Manager, Bailey Theatre, Camrose

{ CANADA }

Senior Instructor in Performance, University of Victoria

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY }

Santa's Elves, experiential events

The First Church of Texaco, Fire Exit Theatre

The Lonesome West, Liffey Players

The Producers, Stage West Calgary

{ EDMONTON }

The Mail Order Bride, Walterdale Theatre

{ ALBERTA }

There are no postings at this time. Visit Theatre Alberta for updates.

{ CANADA }

Auditons/Interviews, National Theatre School

Interpreters, Barkerville Historic Site

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

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

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Submissions & Workshops

SUBMISSIONS

CITT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND SKILLS ASESSMENT PROJECT

The Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT) is working with the Cultural Human Resource Council (CHRC) to secure funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada so we can undertake Phase 1 of the professional national standard and skills assessment project for General Theatre Technicians (Stagehands) and Entertainment Riggers. They are currently recruiting experienced professional stagehands and professional riggers with a solid experience in either arena or theatre (or both) from across the country, to sit on the Expert Working Groups for both occupations. More >

2010 DE COLORES FESTIVAL OF NEW WORKS

Alameda Theatre Company invites submissions from established and emerging playwrights for the 3rd Annual Latin Canadian playwright's festival: The 2010 De Colores Festival Of New Works. The festival will focus on providing developmental support for works in progress by pairing the chosen playwrights with professional dramaturgs from Toronto's theatre community. More >

Deadline: December 7, 2009

SCRIPTS AT WORK SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FROM CENTRAL ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS

Scripts At Work - Central Alberta’s Playwright Series - invites playwrights from Central Alberta to submit their original plays. Scripts At Work is a playwriting series comprised of workshops and events that develop the skills of established, emerging or curious playwrights from within the community of Red Deer and surrounding areas. More >

Deadline: December 15, 2009

IN THE BEGINNING: A JEWISH PLAYWRIGHT'S FESTIVAL

The Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company (HGJTC) is currently accepting submissions from Jewish Canadian playwrights for its inaugural festival of new Jewish work: In the Beginning. The festival aims to open the door for groundbreaking Jewish voices that challenge the Jewish perspective. They are committed to expand the current cannon of Jewish Canadian plays and playwrights. In The Beginning will take place from March 1-4, 2010 in Toronto. More >

Deadline: December 15, 2009

NEXTFEST 2010 - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FROM EMERGING ARTISTS

Nextfest is a multi-disciplinary arts festival arts festival of and for young emerging professional artists. Nextfest 2010 is scheduled for June 3 to 13, 2010 in Edmonton. The Festival Director is accepting submissions from emerging playwrights, designers, directors, actors, and stage managers. For more information, contact Festival Director Steve Pirot.

Deadline: December 21, 2009

WALTERDALE THEATRE SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2010/2011 SEASON

Do you have an idea for a great show for Walterdale Theatre Associates to produce and that you have always wanted to direct? Now is the time to submit for the 2010-2011 season. More >

Deadline: January 5, 2010

WORKSHOPS

COMPANY OF ROGUES WINTER PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE

December 6 -19, 2009 - Calgary

A group of dedicated actors rehearse a play under professional conditions, and then mount the show for three public performances in the final two days of the course. As demanding and challenging as it is rewarding, the Company of Rogues Performance Intensive is designed for anyone seeking to gain experience both on stage and in the rehearsal process. More >

MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

December 12, 2009 - Calgary

Morpheus Theatre, with support from Theatre Alberta and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, presents this Musical Theatre Intensive. Participants will work on prepared pieces; exploring ways to enhance their work and raise their performances to the next level. Focus will be on finding the truth of the piece both with individual coaching and using interactive group dynamics. More >

MARI OSANAI WINTER WORKSHOP

December 14 -18, 2009 - Edmonton

Mile Zero Dance and Alberta Dance Alliance present a five day intensive Noguchi Taiso based workshop with Mari Osanai. This movement based class is suitable for a variety of levels, not only dancers, and is open to all. More >

A TASTE OF THE CIRCUS

December 29, 2009 - Edmonton

Experience the trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, climb a vertical rope, and have a go at juggling, devil sticks and hula hoops in this Firefly Theatre workshop. One class – one night – all this fun!

BANFF CENTRE WORK STUDY PROGRAMS

Various dates - Banff

The Theatre Arts Production department at The Banff Centre offers unique work study programs and provides an exceptional learning environment for aspiring theatre production practitioners in the following areas: Production Management, Stage Management, Technical Direction, Lighting, Sound, Stage Carpentry, Scenic Carpentry, Props, Scenic Paint, Hair, Wigs and Make-Up, Wardrobe, Millinery, Costume Dyeing, Lighting and Projection Design. Participants gain practical, hands-on experience by working with experienced industry professionals and experienced directors and designers throughout the production processes of opera, dance, and theatre. More >

Application deadline: December 18, 2009

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

Postings are updated weekly:
Full Submissions Postings  |  Full Workshop Postings

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Odds & Ends

THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR THEATRE CREATION - WINTER 2010 CHAT SERIES

January thru March, 2010 - Edmonton

The Canadian Centre for Theatre Creation (CCTC) has lined up an exciting and impressive list of guests you won't want to miss for the free Thursday Lunchbox Chat Series. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. More >

MANDATORY PROSERVE CERTIFICATION

Proserve is the new name for the Alberta Server Intervention Program (ASIP). All people selling or serving liquor in a licensed premises must be certified by January 1, 2010. Licensees who employ non-certified staff (or volunteers) after the deadline could face warnings, fines or licence suspensions. For more information, visit http://proserve.aglc.ca/

Deadline: January 1, 2010

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New & Renewing Members

November 1 - November 30, 2009

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals

Kenton Blythe, Lauren Boyd, Mikaela Cochrane, Brent Gill, Kristin Johnston, Blaine McDonald

Groups

Viking School

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals

Jim Angus, Elisa Benzer, Ernie Dorman, Amber Gladue, Frank and Mary Glenfield, Alex Hawkins, Ron Jenkins, Kristin Johnston, Paul Kaufmann, Hugh Kemeny, Bob Legare, Beth McIntyre, Kevin Pinkoski, Alix Ryan-Wong, Cameron Shank, Rebecca Starr, Kristin Swirles, Lisa Whitson

Groups

The Banff Centre, Empress Theatre Society, Fut in the Hat Theatre Guild, Kaleidoscope Theatre of Drumheller Society, The Other Theatre, Playhouse North School of Theatre, The Rogue Players, Rural Route Actors Troupe, Stage West Theatre Restaurant

DONORS

A warm and sincere thank you to Blaine McDonald for the generous donation to Theatre Alberta.

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BUZZ ETIQUETTE

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

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

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

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

Your Feedback: We appreciate it!  Send comments to our Program Coordinator.

Submit a Posting: Please send any theatre news, shows, and opportunities for inclusion in Theatre Buzz 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 Theatre Buzz and need not be resubmitted.  Submit >

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