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February 2009

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"If you are not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." — Woody Allen

What's New at TA



“Since the last issue of Canadian Theatre Review on prairie theatre (Spring 1991), a great deal has changed on the Alberta theatre scene, but some things have not. The conservative, political agenda remains as entrenched as the Rockies, and playmakers continue to create diverse imaginative landscapes peopled by a wide range of local and extra-territorial characters. The essays in this issue speak to the long history and the wealth of creativity in the province.” (Canadian Theatre Review, issue 136)

The latest issue of CTR features essays by Canadian theatre practitioners such as Mieko Ouchi, Ken Cameron, Marty Chan, and Lynda Adams, and focuses on Albertan generated play development, innovation, growth, and theatre history. This issue is available for perusal in the library and will be available for circulation as soon as the next issue comes out. In addition to CTR, Theatre Alberta also has the following periodicals available for circulation: Stage Directions, American Theatre, Dramatics, International Journal of Arts Management, and CanPlay.


DRAMATIC IMPACT, EPISODE 15: INTERVIEW WITH CORY CHRISTENSEN

This episode of the Dramatic Impact podcast features an interview with Edmonton actor and singer Cory Christensen. Cory shares discoveries he’s made about his craft on stage and in rehearsal. You can download the episode, subscribe to the podcast, or listen right on the site at www.acting-and-theatre.com.

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Theatre News

 

2009-2010 FEDERAL STIMULUS BUDGET ANNOUNCED

Unlike previous budget releases, this announcement came in the wake of unprecedented media leaks, leading to nationwide conjecture on the stimulus funding expected for the arts and culture sector. On first read, the Stimulus Budget appears to hold cultural and arts spending at a steady level. Read the full CCA bulletin here.

 

MINISTER OF CANADIAN HERITAGE INTERVIEW

On CBC Radio's talk show program, Q, Jian Ghomeshi interviewed James Moore, the new Minister of Canadian Heritage. To hear the federal government's perspective on last year's arts and culture funding decisions, or to listen to the podcast, click here. James Moore's interview is the second segment of the show.

 

EDMONTON FRINGE FOUNDER RECEIVES THE ORDER OF CANADA

Brian Paisley, was recently appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, for his contributions to Canadian theatre, notably as the founder of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the original and largest fringe theatre festival in North America. Congratulations Brian! More >

 

PUMPHOUSE THEATRE A FINALIST FOR AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Pumphouse Theatre is pleased to announce that it has been recently selected as a finalist for the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction in the Employer of Youth category. Along with being a finalist for the Employer of Youth Award of Distinction, Pumphouse Theatre is also eligible for the prestigious Premier's Award of Distinction. More >

 

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS FOR CALGARY AND EDMONTON

ALBERTA THEATRE PROJECTS ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Vanessa Porteous will serve as the fourth Artistic Leader in the renowned Canadian Theatre Company’s thirty six year history. A renowned director and dramaturg based in Calgary, Ms. Porteous is celebrated for her dedication and commitment to new Canadian play development. More>

WALTERDALE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Board of Walterdale Theatre Associates is very pleased to announce Kristen M. Finlay as the Artistic Director for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons. Ms. Finlay is an outstanding contributor to Edmonton and Alberta theatre as a director, singer, actor, and teacher.

More >

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Shows Opening

February 3 - March 4

Full Playbill

http://www.theatrecalgary.com/plays/doubt/more_info/
Tornado Magnet
Queen Lear

 

Enbridge playRites Festival

 

Julius Caesar
Apples and Oranges
Hello...Hello
My Name Is Rachel Corrie

EDMONTON

Major Barbara
Feb 5 – 14, Studio Theatre, University Of Alberta More >

Lentement la beauté
Feb 5 – 15, L'UniThéâtre More >

A Life in the Day
Feb 6 -15, The Maggie Tree More >

Daughter of the Regiment
Feb 7, 10, 12, Edmonton Opera More >

Hello...Hello (a romantic satire)
Feb 9 – 21, Theatre Network More >

The Big League
Feb 13 – 15, Fringe Theatre Adventures More >

Apples And Oranges
Feb 16, 27, 28, Concrete Theatre More >

The Tragicall Historie Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmarke
Feb 18 – 28, Walterdale Theatre Associates More >

Anne of Green Gables - The Musical
Feb 20 – 28, Sherard Musical Theatre Association More >

Some Girl(s)
Feb 20 - Mar 1, Northern Light Theatre More >

Julius Caesar
Feb 21 - Mar 15, The Citadel Theatre More >

Expanse Movement Arts Festival
Feb 26 - Mar 1, Azimuth Theatre Association More >

The Last Train to Nibroc
Feb 26 – Mar 8, Blarney Productions, Varscona Theatre Ph: 780-433-3399

Fly By Night
Feb 27 – 28, Firefly Theatre More >

CALGARY

Doubt: A Parable
Feb 3 – 22, Theatre Calgary More >

Musical Theatre Showcase
Feb 4 – 6, The Playhouse North School Of Theatre Ph: 403-284-5100 ext. 228

Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays
Feb 4 - Mar 8, Alberta Theatre Projects More >

BUZZ JOB! The True Story of Cal Cavendish
Feb 5 - 10, 12, 13, The Ironwoods Stage & Grill Ph: 403-233-0904

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Feb 5 – 14, Mount Royal College More >

Emma Burden
Feb 6 – 14, Mob Hit Productions More >

To Forgive, Divine
Feb 8 – 14, Fire Exit Theatre More >

Queen Lear
Feb 11 – 21, Urban Curvz & Ghost River Theatre More >

The Daily Mischief
Feb 11 – 15, Calgary Young People's Theatre More >

Boeing, Boeing
Feb 12 - Apr 19, Stage West Dinner Theatre More >

The Three Musketeers
Feb 13 – 28, StoryBook Theatre Ph: 403-216-0808

Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica
Feb 16, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre More >

Hamlet
Feb 17 – 28, University Of Calgary - Department Of Drama Ph: 403-210-7576

The Invisible
Feb 17 – 21, Theatre Junction GRAND with Marie Brassard More >

Palace Of The End
Feb 19 – 28, Downstage More >

Alexander, Who's Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going To Move!
Feb 20 - Mar 15, StoryBook Theatre Ph: 403-216-0808

Tornado Magnet
Feb 23 - Mar 21, Lunchbox Theatre More >

Mining Stories and Songs
Feb 25, TALES Calgary Ph: 403-283-9489

Frozen
Feb 26 - Mar 14, Sage Theatre More >

A Most Dangerous Game & Mixed Up
Feb 26 - Mar 1, Centre Stage Theatre Company More >

Mixed Up
Feb 26 - Mar 1, Centre Stage Theatre Company More >

ALBERTA

My Name Is Rachel Corrie
Feb 5 – 14, Ignition Theatre More >

An Evening of One-Acts
Feb 6 – 7, Peace Players, Peace River More >

The BFG (the Big Friendly Giant)
Feb 10 – 14, University Of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Ph: 403-329-2616

Romeo & Juliet
Feb 12 – 21, Red Deer College Theatre Studies, Red Deer Ph: 403-340-4455

Communicating Doors
Feb 12 – 21, Wetaskiwin Water Works Players, Wetaskiwin More >

Seussical
Feb 12 – 21, Keyano College, Fort McMurray More >

Perfect Wedding
Feb 13 - Mar 8, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer More >

Burning Vision
Feb 19 – 24, Theatre Rising, Grande Prairie Ph: 780-539-2215

My Fair Lady
Feb 19 - Mar 14, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie Ph: 780-538-1616

WinterPLAY Festival
Feb 27 - Mar 1, Fort McMurray Interplay Society, Fort McMurray More >

Charlotte's Web
Feb 27 - Mar 1, Stageworks Academy Of The Performing Arts, Leduc More >

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Jobs & Auditions      

Full Jobs Postings  |  Full Auditions Postings

JOBS

{ CALGARY }

Stage Manager, The Shakespeare Company

Costume Designer, The Shakespeare Company

Summer Camp Instructor, Evergreen Theatre

Ticket Seller, The EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts

{ EDMONTON }

Production and Facilities Manager, Human Resource Services, St. Albert

Chair, Theatre Production, Grant MacEwan College

{ ALBERTA }

Technical Theatre Instructor, Grande Prairie Regional College, Grand Prairie

Summer Arts Mentors, Alberta’s Future Leaders Program (AFL)

{ CANADA }

General Manager, Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions Society, Victoria, BC

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY }

Don't Dress for Dinner, Liffey Players

{ EDMONTON }

Gossamer Feast, StageStruck! 2009

Untitled Project, HighWire Films

{ CANADA }

Oklahoma!, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, Chemainus BC

 

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

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: EDMONTON MAYOR’S CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards: Mayor’s Award for Sustained Support for the Arts by a business; Mayor’s Award for Innovative Support for the Arts by a business; John Poole Award for Promotion of the Arts by a business; Stantec Youth Artist Award; Northlands Award for an Emerging Artist; Molson Award for Innovative Artistic Direction; TELUS Courage to Innovate Award; ATCO Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement by an Edmonton artist. Nomination forms can be found at the PACE website here.

Deadline: February 17, 2009

TEENS AT THE TURN FESTIVAL IS SEEKING SUBMISSIONS

Teens @ The Turn is the Citadel Theatre’s festival for teen artists, running May 22 - 30, 2009, in the Rice Theatre. The festival provides free professional mentorship and performance opportunities for teen actors, directors, playwrights, designers, stage managers, and performing artists. Participants must be 15 to 19 years of age. To view the full programming list, application deadlines, audition dates, or to apply online, please visit www.citadeltheatre.com/teens. If you have any questions, please contact Keri Ekberg, Festival Director.

WALTERDALE PLAYHOUSE ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2009-2010

Do you have an idea for a great show for Walterdale Theatre to produce and that you have always wanted to direct? Now is the time to submit for the 2009-2010 season. If you have always wanted to direct but don’t know what show to propose, Walterdale encourages you to submit your theatrical resume along with a cover letter indicating the types of plays that you connect with. For further information contact Kristen M. Finlay.

Deadline: February 13, 2009

FESTIVAL OF MAKING THEATRE 2009

The 5th International Festival of Making Theater will be held in Athens, Greece, July 5 – 12, 2009. During a whole week of creative interaction, theatre makers from different parts of the world will have the opportunity to share and get acquainted with new working methods and ideas in Acting, Movement and Voice. For more information click here. To download a teacher application form, click here.

Deadline: February 28, 2009

IGNITION THEATRE'S BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTS FESTIVAL

In an effort to solidify their mandate of supporting and fostering the growth of emerging talent from across the province, Ignition Theatre announces it's inaugural Multidisciplinary Arts Festival. Further information and application forms can be found online.

Deadline: March 12, 2009

THE ARTS TOURING ALLIANCE OF ALBERTA SHOWCASE 2009

The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta is now accepting artist applications for Showcase 2009 (October 16-18) and the second Showcase for Young Audiences (October 17, 2009) at the Dow Centennial Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Click here to download applications. For more information visit www.artstouring.com or email info@artstouring.com.

Deadline: March 31, 2009

SASKATCHEWAN SHOWCASE OF THE ARTS 2009

Expand your world by applying to showcase at Saskatchewan Showcase of the Arts 2009. The Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils’ annual conference features showcases, visual arts exhibitions, workshops, discussion forums, and much more. A jury of community presenters and members of the professional arts community will select the showcases. Click here for further information or application forms or contact Kevin Korchinski.

Deadline: May 1, 2009

PLAYWRITING COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ABORIGINAL WRITERS

Theatre Rising at Grande Prairie Regional College will present a new play written by a young Aboriginal playwright to celebrate the 21st Arctic Winter Games March 6 to 13, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Click here for more information or contact Annie Smith.

Deadline: March 15, 2009

ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS' NETWORK'S ALBERTA PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

The Alberta Playwriting Competition is the longest running provincial playwriting competition and offers the largest cash prize of any playwriting contest in Canada. It is open to all playwrights who reside in Alberta, whether they are members of the Alberta Playwrights' Network or not. Winning plays and Honorable Mentions often receive additional dramaturgical support through APN's development Programs. For further information click here.

Deadline: March 31, 2009

ELORA ONE-ACT PLAYWRIGHTS’ COMPETITION

Elora Community Theatre and the Elora Arts Council (Ontario) are sponsoring an English-Language playwrights’ competition. Contest winners may have their work featured as part of one of ECT’s seasons, at a play reading or be published on the Elora Arts Council website. More >

Deadline: May 1, 2009

FIRST PLAYWRIGHTS' CIRCLES OF 2009!

APN is starting up it's first new Playwrights' Circles of 2009. The Edmonton Circle, led by Conni Massing, will start February 16 and run for 8 weeks. The Calgary Circle, led by Gordon Pengilly, will start March 4 and run for 8 weeks. The fee for each circle is $200. Participants must be members of APN or must become members of APN. For further information or to register, please visit www.albertaplaywrights.com or contact Johanne Deleeuw.

ALBERTA SCREENWRITERS INITIATIVE WRITERS' GUILD

2009 marks the third year for the Alberta Screenwriters Initiative. Alberta Film Partners are seeking submissions of feature film scripts of any genre, to a maximum length of 250 pages, from Alberta based screenwriters. This annual prize awards avid Alberta screenwriters a first prize of $1000 and a professional workshop with a carefully matched experienced story editor or screenwriter. The 2nd and 3rd place winners receives story notes, editorial feedback and $500.00 and $250.00 respectively. For further information click here or contact Nicholas Mather.

Deadline: March 16, 2009

IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA FOUNDATION ARTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

** The following new programs replace the former Arts Council and Arts Fund donations. For full information on these programs, eligibility, and criteria click here. Questions may be emailed to info@imperialtobaccofoundation.ca.**

New Creation in the Arts Program

The Foundation's New Creation in the Arts program is designed to provide assistance to performing, visual, and new media arts companies in their commissioning of new Canadian work. For 2009, the Foundation will award donations of $50,000 each to ten organizations which best meet the criteria as considered by a Selection Committee.

Deadline: February 15, 2009 -- Only online submissions will be accepted.

Arts Achievement Award

This prize is awarded to a Canadian organization based on its' sustained, substantial, and extraordinary contribution to the Canadian arts scene. The $75,000 award recipient will be selected through a nomination and selection process, with the final decision resting with the Foundation Board. Please note that arts organizations can neither apply for this award, nor nominate themselves.

Deadline: February 15, 2009 -- Only online submissions will be accepted.

WORKSHOPS

THE NATIONAL ULTIMATE AUDITION WORKSHOP

Calgary

The National Ultimate Audition Workshop is returning to Calgary. Take your audition skills to an entirely new level in the most demanding workshop in the country. Over the course of a full weekend, you'll receive intensive one-on-one coaching from 5 working industry professionals: Emmy nominated Casting Directors Jackie Lind and Rhonda Fisecki, award-winning Vancouver film coach Marc Baur, “Winning Auditions” author and L.A. acting teacher Mark Brandon, and one of Calgary’s busiest actors, Chantal Perron. More >

MORPHEUS THEATRE MONTHLY WORKSHOP SERIES

Calgary

Morpheus Theatre's February workshop, Dance Basics for Musicals, is geared towards anyone who wants more confidence with choreography. Karen Iwanski will lead participants through four basic dance styles often found in Musical Theatre Productions. Beginners are welcome!
More >

THE ART AND CRAFT OF STAND-UP COMEDY

Edmonton

You don't have to be hilarious, just honest! Participants will engage in numerous exercises designed to create and structure a comedy set. Whether you are a stand-up comic, improviser or writer, you will find this intensive invaluable to your work. Space is limited to 16 students per workshop so register early to guarantee your spot. More >

MODERN CLOWN

Edmonton

Explore the clown world: honour the now, obey impulse, create, and unleash inhibitions all while wearing the smallest mask in the world. Take pleasure in being ridiculous and find out what is uniquely funny about YOU! Clown training is essential for actors, improvisers, and all those looking to unleash their spirit of play. Space is limited to 16 students per workshop so register early to guarantee your spot. More >

WORKSHOPS ON THE PRAIRIE...BUILD & MOTIVATE A STRONG VOLUNTEER TEAM!

Fort MacLeod, Saturday, March 28, 2009
Green Room, Empress Theatre, 235 – 24 St.

Edson, Saturday, March 14, 2009
Guest House Inn & Suites, 4411 – 4 Ave.

In this day long session, Brenda Robinson will tackle issues and present strategies for optimum volunteer management. Brenda will present two workshops: Recruiting and Retaining the New Volunteer and Communicating for Results. These topics will focus on the challenges benefits of recruiting and retaining volunteers in intergenerational communities, and how to improve your communication skills to gain positive results from your volunteer team. For more information to to register, contact Brenda O’Donnell.

PERFORMER'S PHYSICALITY: MEYERHOLD, M. CHEKHOV, STANISLAVSKY METHODS

Austria

This international lab under the direction of Sergei Ostrenko will take place March 9-14, 2009. The lab will target the performer's physicality through intensive practical training, lectures and discussions on biomechanics, psychological gesture, and physical action. More >

LIVING WATER COLLEGE OF THE ARTS' MIND AND FAITH OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Derwent, AB

Living Water College of the Arts is offering a Summer Shakespeare Program from July 6 to August 18, 2009. Staffed by professional actors, scholars, and resident clergy, this program will be a unique combination of faith, art, and reason. Students 18 and older will receive actor training, immersion into the classical literature that formed the mind of William Shakespeare, and the opportunity to perform Macbeth in public venues. For further information click here, or contact Nicole Dunn, Assistant Director of Development at Living Water College of the Arts.

YOUNG ACTORS STUDIO

Calgary's first boutique acting school focuses on the individuality of your child and allows them, through fun games and exercises, to explore different characters. For further information visit www.theyoungactorsstudio.com or email info@theyoungactorsstudio.com.

Deadline: February 15, 2009

BREAK THE WALL PRODUCTIONS' SPRING BREAK YOUTH THEATRE CAMP

Edmonton, Spring Break March 30 to April 3

PERMISSION TO PLAY: Grades 4-6

In this five-day playful workshop, students will explore a variety of creative theatre games in improvisation, creative movement, choral speech, physical theatre, puppetry, and story building.

NOT YOUR MAMA’S IMPROV: Grades 7-9

Improvisation techniques can teach actors EVERYTHING they need to know! Engage in exercises designed to develop listening skills, characterization, narrative, spontaneity, creating environments, and teamwork.

COMEDY BOOT CAMP: Grades 10-12

We will focus on comedy in the forms of stand-up, improvisation, physical comedy and modern clown (no scary wigs or shoes allowed!) You won’t lose weight in this boot camp, but you will gain pounds of lean funny muscle!

Space is limited to 20 students per workshop so register early to guarantee a spot. More >

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

CALGARY HAS A NEW PERFORMANCE/REHEARSAL SPACE

The New Black Centre for Music and Art has just opened it's doors and is looking to make a name for itself. Located in historic Inglewood, the New Black Centre boasts a newly renovated second floor warehouse space, with two band rehearsal rooms and studio gear/tech for rent, plus a 100-capacity open room which would be an ideal rehearsal
and/or performance venue for a company looking for a home. This venue is so new they have yet to set rates for theatre practitioners. It won't take long for this venue to be a regular listing in the theatre and music community. Interested parties should contact Darren Ollinger.

 

2009 TECHNOLOGY IN THE ARTS CONFERENCE

The 2009 Technology in the Arts Conference will be held in Stratford on May 11 and May 12, with a pre-conference day devoted to hands-on training workshops at the University of Waterloo on Sunday, May 10, 2009. Theatre Alberta members will receive a 25% discount off the cost of registration. More >

 

2009 UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA NEW WORKS FESTIVAL

Edmonton

Initiated in 2000, New Works is a theatrical event held in the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama each February that allows emerging and experienced playwrights to develop their work with directors, dramaturges, designers, and actors. Works presented in the past have gone on to future development at various venues in Edmonton including NextFest and the Edmonton Fringe. New Works is supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. More >

 

STRIPPED DOWN PLAY READING SERIES AIMS FOR THE JUGULAR!

Edmonton

Presented by Theatre Yes in association with the University of Alberta Drama Department, Stripped Down is a play reading serires that features some of the boldest and brightest works from across Canada and around the world including Belle Moral: A Natural History by Ann-Marie MacDonald, The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson, Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, and Velocity by Daniel Macdonald. Beginning February 8 and running for five consecutive Sundays, these works will be showcased at the Stripped Down professional play reading series. More >

 

FORGET-ME-NOT: A WORLD WAR I VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT

Edmonton

From a collection of turn-of-the-century postcards comes a tale of love cast against the backdrop of World War One. A true story, songwriter Andrea House found these postcards hidden in a closet in her grandparent’s house. In France to fight a war, but finding himself falling in love instead, Forest starts a love affair that haunts him the rest of his life.

Featuring award-winning Jazz pianist Chris Andrew, guitarist Chris Smith, pedal steel player Bob Blair, and singer Andrea House, this special Valentine’s Day concert will share music from yesteryear and from Andrea’s new album, The Same Inside. In between songs, Andrea will tell the story Forget-Me-Not, the tale of the postcards (directed by award winning actress, Davina Stewart). More >

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Theatre Alberta
3rd Floor Percy Page Centre
11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, AB  T5M 3K6

Phone: (780) 422-8162
Fax: (780) 422-2663
Toll Free: 1-888-422-8160
theatreab@theatrealberta.com  
www.theatrealberta.com

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