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""The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction in the life of a nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." — John F. Kennedy

What's New at TA

THEATRE ALBERTA PRESENTS SAFE STAGES: CALGARY WORKSHOP

Calgary, January 17-18, 2009
Co-sponsored with Morpheus Theatre and Theatre Calgary

Led by Adam Mitchell, the workshop will cover the content within Theatre Alberta’s Safe Stages: Best Practices binder that was launched in September 2007.

Focusing on the unique health and safety challenges that arise in the theatre industry, this workshop will guide participants through the process of hazard identification and control as described in Safe Stages and Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. We will develop a shared vocabulary for advocating health and safety in the workplace, empowering everyone to approach health and safety with confidence. Topics will include creating a health and safety policy and management system for your theatre, determining individual health and safety responsibilities, strategies for employer and worker communication, proactively planning for emergencies and more. To register call Theatre Alberta at 780-422-8162 (toll free in Alberta 1-888-422-8160) or e-mail Vanessa Sabourin.

WORKSHOPS BY REQUEST

The 2008/09 Workshops by Request season is fabulously busy. We have the budget to offer 30 Workshops by Request. So far we have completed 14 workshops on a variety of topics which included Clowning, Directing, Make-up and Choreography. Those workshops took place in many locations throughout the province, including Peace River, Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton.

There are 14 more workshops already booked for the remainder of this season, which leaves us with 2 spots left. If your community theatre was planning on having a Workshops by Request this season, we encourage you to get your application in as quickly as possible.

LIBRARIAN’S PICK

Interested in brushing up on your accents?  Theatre Alberta has a large selection of dialect CD’s, tapes, and books to help you out at your next audition.  Our collection includes a variety of different titles including but not limited to:

Acting With an Accent – Irish by David Allan Stern

 Acting With an Accent – American Accent for Canadians by David Allan Stern

Acting With an Accent – American Southern by David Allan Stern

Acting With an Accent – Cockney by David Allan Stern

Acting With an Accent – New York City by David Allan Stern

Australian and New Zealand Accents for Actors by Gillian Lane-Plescia

Canajun, Eh? A Collection of Canadian Dialects for the Actor By David Ferry

DRAMATIC IMPACT, EPISODE 14: INTERVIEW WITH JAMES MacDONALD

This episode features an interview with the Associate Artistic Director of Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, James MacDonald. James discusses his approach to directing and what excites him most about theatre as an art form. He compares the pleasures of acting and directing, talks about some of his peak experiences and discusses some of his upcoming projects. To download the episode, subscribe to the podcast or listen on the site, visit www.acting-and-theatre.com.

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Theatre News

EDMONTON ARTS COUNCIL TOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROCEED

The Edmonton Arts Council announced that three of the recommendations put forth in The Art of Living (the City’s 10 year cultural plan) and the Edmonton Public Art Map: Public Art Master Plan will move forward in 2009. Of particular interest is the recommendation to fund and reinvigorate the Arts Habitat Association of Edmonton (ArtsHab). City Council approved $250,000 as seed funding to develop ArtsHab as an organization that will find, develop and manage a full range of space for the arts in Edmonton. The Art of Living and Edmonton Public Art Map can be downloaded from the Edmonton Arts Council website at www.edmontonarts.ab.ca.

IMPLEMENTING ALBERTA'S CULTURAL POLICY

Congratulations to the 11 Albertans who were selected to serve on the newly established Premier’s Council on Arts and Culture! The following members were selected based on their knowledge and expertise in the areas of the arts, heritage, the natural environment and recreation: Amanda Affonso (Calgary), Brad Hembroff (Lethbridge), Diane Jones Konihowski (Calgary), Angela Keibel (Drumheller), Jeff Kovitz, Q.C. (Canmore), Audrey Luft (Edmonton), Tom McCabe (Calgary), Sherryl Sewepagaham (Edmonton), Robert Steven (Grande Prairie), John Short (Edmonton) and Josée Thibeault (Edmonton). Click here for more information.

MAKE A DATE TO CELEBRATE THE ARTS!

Mark September 18-20 in your 2009 calendars as Alberta Arts Day becomes a three-day celebration of the arts in our province. Alberta Arts Days are designed to raise awareness of the value of arts in our society and provide Albertans with additional opportunities to experience and participate in our province’s culture.

Community organizations, municipalities, schools, businesses and individual Albertans are encouraged to embrace this opportunity. Plan an arts event for your community - visit www.culture.alberta.ca/artsdays for tools to assist you in planning and promoting your arts days events.

THE THEATRE LISTING IS NOW ON-LINE!

The Theatre Listing is the annual directory of professional Canadian theatres. This  unique tool for the theatre community is now available in a free electronic version as a searchable and printable pdf. The Theatre Listing electronic version includes all the features you relied on in the print publication.

Since its inception in 1988, this one-of-a-kind directory has become an essential reference for producers, playwrights, actors, designers and other theatre professionals across the country, as well as for students, agents, government, service organizations and more. For more information, visit PACT online.

NEW YORK'S hotINK 2009 FESTIVAL FEATURES MIEKO OUCHI!

Presented by NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and now in its eight year, hotINK is an annual festival dedicated to presenting readings of new and international plays. This year's line-up of plays includes our very own Mieko Ouchi's The Blue Light. Veteran New York actress Joan MacIntosh will play the role of Leni Riefenstahl. More >

CCA'S 2009 CHALMERS WORKSHOP & AWARDS CEREMONY ANNOUNCED!

Following an extensive nation-wide consultation with the arts and cultural sector, Alain Pineau, National Director of the CCA, will release his Report on the CCA Regional Forums. His report will be the basis of the 2009 National Cultural Strategy Workshop (a Chalmers Event) on March 12, 2009. The workshop will address some of the short-term and long-term challenges facing the arts sector so that it can begin mapping out the path to achieving it’s goals expressed in the regional forums of 2008. More >

VICTOR MARTYN LYNCH-STAUNTON AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Set and costume designer Linda Brunelle is one of seven winners of the Canada Council for the Arts’ Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Awards.

Worth $15,000 each, the annual awards recognize outstanding mid-career artists in the seven disciplines funded by the Canada Council: dance, integrated arts, media arts, music, theatre, visual arts, and writing and publishing. The prizes were created using funds from a generous bequest to the Canada Council made by the late Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton.

The winning candidates are considered the most outstanding mid-career artists of those nominated. Click here for more information.

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Shows Opening

January 7 - February 3

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

The Play About the Baby
Jan 6 – 18, Theatre Network More >

Scorched
Jan 10 - Feb 1,The Citadel Theatre More >

The Canoe Theatre Festival
Jan 20 – 25, Workshop West Theatre More >

The Edmonton Queen: The Final Voyage
Jan 22 - Feb 1, Fringe Theatre Adventures More >

Grace
Jan 22 - Feb 8, Shadow Theatre More >

Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jan 23 – 31, MacEwan College Ph: 780-420-1757

Three Mo' Tenors
Jan 24 - Feb 15, The Citadel Theatre More >

CALGARY

High Performance Rodeo
Jan 5 – 31, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre More >

Fiddler on the Roof
Jan 9 – 24, Front Row Centre Players Ph: 403-263-0079

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
Jan 9 – 24, Morpheus Theatre Ph: 403-216-0808

The Golden Pears
Jan 16 - Feb 8, StoryBook Theatre Ph: 403-216-0808

Come Fly With Me
Jan 19 - Feb 14, Lunchbox Theatre More >

Catalyst Theatre's Frankenstein
Jan 21 – 25, Theatre Calgary More >

Dog From The Machine
Jan 22 – 31, Downstage More >

An Inspector Calls
Jan 24 - Feb 15, Vertigo Mystery Theatre More >

Gilgamesh La-Z-Boy
Jan 27 – 31, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre More >

Fortune Tellers
Jan 28, TALES Calgary Ph: 403-283-9489

Bedtime Stories
Jan 30 - Feb 7, Workshop Theatre Ph: 403-263-0079

The Emperor's New Threads
Jan 30 - Feb 1, Y Stage At Vertigo Theatre Centre More >

Ariadne auf Naxos
Jan 31, Feb 4 & 6, Calgary Opera More >

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

ALBERTA

And the Lights Went Out
Jan 9 - Feb 1, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer More >

The Jungle Book
Jan 15 – 31, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie More >

Theatrextra's TBA
Jan 22 – 24, University Of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Ph: 403-329-2616

Off The Hook
Jan 30 - Feb 1, Daysland Little Theatre Co., Daysland Ph: 780-374-3645

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ CALGARY }

Drama Instructors, Pumphouse Theatre

General Manager, StoryBook Theatre

Stage Manager, StoryBook Theatre

Development Project Manager, Calgary Community Theatre Ltd

{ ALBERTA }

Mountain WIT, Calgary

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY }

Into The Woods, Cre8

Blood Brothers, Cappucino Musical Theatre

Grease, Front Row Centre Players

The Laramie Project, Miscellaneous Youth Network and AIDS Calgary

Disney's High School Musical Two, StoryBook Theatre

Evil Dead, Ground Zero Theatre/Hit & Myth Productions

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

PAL CALGARY NEEDS YOUR SURVEY RESPONSES!

Pal Calgary needs your input to determine the degree of need for a performing arts lodge in Calgary and achieve an accurate picture of what people in the arts community require in affordable housing.  Anyone currently living in (or potentially returning to) Alberta who has worked in any capacity of the performing or visual arts should fill out this survey. Your input is valuable, whether or not you think you would use the services of a performing arts lodge. More >

KOMPANY FAMILY THEATRE SEEKS NEW WORKS FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

Kompany Family Theatre invites Canadian playwrights to submit a first draft, original play to their Kompany Family Theatre New Works for Young Audiences Development Program.

The chosen playwright will be awarded $500.00 and have the opportunity to further develop their script with a team of professional actors, a dramaturge and director. The play will also be produced as part of Kompany Family Theatre’s 2008/2009 season. Out of town playwrights are also encouraged to submit, as provisions for accommodations are available. For further information contact Laura Rushfeldt.

Deadline: 5pm MST Friday, January 16, 2009.

2009 TECHNOLOGY IN THE ARTS: CANADA CONFERENCE

Stratford & Waterloo, Ontario
May 10 - 12

Proposals for sessions and workshops are currently being accepted for the 2009 Technology in the Arts: Canada Conference, a partnership between the Centre for Cultural Management (University of Waterloo) and the Center for Arts Management and Technology (Carnegie Mellon University). The conference has two primary types of programming - Hands-On Training Workshops (Sunday, May 10) and Breakout Sessions (Monday, May 11 and 12). Theatre Alberta members receive a 25% discount on the cost of registration. More >

Deadline: January 19, 2009.

THE CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL - YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Cultural Human Resources Council, through its Youth Internship Program, is seeking proposals from cultural institutions and organizations willing to offer dynamic opportunities in the areas of Art Practice and Art Administration to recent post-secondary graduates ages 30 and under. If you have a 4-12 month position in mind and are looking for a positive addition to your team, submit your application. More >

Deadline: February 1st, 2009.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ALBERTA DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARDS NOMINATIONS!

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards celebrate the importance and excellence of the arts in Alberta and recognizes individual Albertans for outstanding achievement in the arts or significant contribution to the arts in Alberta. Recipients are selected through a nomination and adjudication process. More >

Deadline: February 16th, 2009.

ACT NOW! NATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION 2008 - 2009

If you you love writing, are an aspiring playwright and are passionate about the environment, enter the Act NOW! National Playwriting Competition with your one act play about sustainability, environment and society. Open to everyone aged 12 -19. In addition to receiving cash awards, the recipients’ plays will be performed across Canada. More >

Deadline: March 15, 2009.

IUGTE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "PERFORMAING ARTS TRAINING TODAY"

Bovec, Slovenia
April 21-24, 2009

This conference is open to professional performers, performing arts educators and teachers from all over the world interested in the research of topical questions and processes in contemporary performing arts education and training. The Conference is accepting proposals in several presentation formats. More >

Deadline: Ongoing until positions are filled.

5 SPOTS LEFT IN CALGARY'S ONE-ACT FESTIVAL

The Calgary Region One-Act Festival, held at the Pumphouse Theatre, has five spots left for applicants. This year, the winning production will receive a free spot in the 2009 Calgary Fringe Festival, running July 31 – August 9. Revenue from ticket prices at the Fringe goes directly back to the artist. Spots in the One-Act Play Festival are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on how to register, please contact Festival Coordinator Kathryn Waters.

LITTLEFEST CABARET 2009

Alberta Playwrights’ Network is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Littlefest Cabaret, an evening of new 10-minute plays penned by Albertan playwrights. This year's Littlefest Cabaret takes place Sunday, March 8th at 12 noon, in The Big Secret Theatre. For more information on how to submit your play to Littlefest, click here.

WORKSHOPS

PLAYHOUSE NORTH SCHOOL OF THEATRE PRESENTS...

FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE

Ever wanted to adapt a written work for the stage? Learn how to effectively maneuver the text. On February 6 and 7, 2009, Playhouse North School of Theatre offers a weekend workshop with Laurel Lepine. For more info contact David Vanden Enden.

THE SIX WEEK SUMMER INTENSIVE

Featuring the Meisner Technique taught by Canada’s only practicing Certified Meisner Instructor, Cindy Vanden Enden. The 2009 summer intensive will also include classes in
Singing, Voice and Speech, Alexander Technique, Movement, Dance and Creativity Tutorials. Click here for more information.

AUDITION HELL

Calgary

Led by Peter Skagen, Audition Hell is Western Canada's most recommended film and TV acting class for beginners and intermediates. Develop your acting skills for film and TV: learn the business, practice the audition process and on camera scene work. More >

CAREER BUILDING THROUGH AUDTIONING WITH NEIL SCHELL

Calgary
January 31 & February 1, 2009

Find out how you can most utilize auditions to build your career and reach out to roles being cast anywhere in North America. Learn the strategies that can get you seen for roles in Toronto, Vancouver and even Los Angeles. This full two-day workshop is limited to only a dozen actors. To register, visit www.actorworkshops.com.

Deadline: February 13, 2009.

INTERNATIONAL VOICE WORKSHOPS WITH RICHARD ARMSTRONG

Banff

Introductory Workshop: May 14 to May 15, 2009
Advanced Workshop: May 17 to May 25, 2009

These workshops take participants beyond technique, demonstrating the connection of the voice to the soul. Breath, body alignment and physical grounding are stressed. Emphasis on how voice and personality are intertwined unlocks a deeper experience for participants. Actors, playwrights, singers, songwriters and those who interact with them are welcome to attend. More >

FIREFLY OFFERS WINTER & SPRING CLASSES

Edmonton

Beginning on January 19th, Firefly’s Winter Session features classes for ages 16 and up on the Trapeze, Rope, Aerial Silks, Hoop and more! Firefly also offers classes for teens aged  11-16 years. For more information visit http://www.fireflytheatre.com.

FOLLOWSPOT THEATRE SCHOOL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS!

Edmonton

FollowSpot is now accepting registrations for the 2008 Winter/Spring Term, for students ages 10 - 15 years. The term runs from January 8, 2009 to May 28, 2009, with a final performance on May 30, 2009. For more information click here.

PHYSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVES

GRAND GUIGNOL/MELODRAMA INTENSIVE WITH ALICE NELSON

Calgary
February 17 - 22, 2009

Grand Guignol examines our curiosity with fear and the macabre and pushes physical boundaries. It is an intensely psychological theatre form that demands truth in size. Students learn to put horror onstage by exploring classic Grand Guignol text and drawing from the disturbing headlines of today's papers. Students will also learn the technical side of this form, building and executing gory effects. More >

BE FUNNY: CLOWN INTENSIVE WITH ALICE NELSON

Calgary
March 3 - 8, 2009

This intensive is designed for actors, creators, street performers, teachers, writers, doctors, musicians and anyone with a sense of humour. Students will build a sense of play and abandon through various games and ensemble exercises. They will explore physical comedy and movement through improv and character work. New work will be created. More >

IUGTE: INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL THEATRE LABORATORY WITH SERGI OSTRENKO

Malta
April 27 - May 2, 2009

This lab is open to professional performers from different creative genres and techniques who are inspired by Physical Theatre as a bold, vibrant and multidimensional approach to contemporary theatre performance. The process includes intensive practical training and discussions. Click here for more information.

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

WANTED!

PROJECT MANAGERS NEEDED

Calgary

Already there are fun things in the works for the coming year! If you have the time, energy and interest in taking on a project, the Calgary Street Performers Festival, Calgary Fringe Festival, Bohemia 09 Festival, Halo and other arts organizations would love to hear from you. More >

STORYBOOK THEATRE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The StoryBook Theatre Society is currently seeking ushers and cookie sellers. For more information, please contact Karmen J. Rodomar.

FRONT OF HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Calgary

Front Row Centre is looking for volunteer ushers and box office members for their production of Fiddler on the Roof. Interested volunteers should respond to   secretary@frontrowcentre.ca or call 246-8505.

CALLING ALL STAGE MANAGERS

Calgary

The Miscellaneous Youth Network and AIDS Calgary are looking for a stage manager for The Laramie Project. Honorariums are available. Interested stage managers should contact   James.

URBAN CURVZ NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Calgary

Urban Curvz Theatre requires ushers, box office volunteers and load-in assistance for their first show of 2009, Queen Lear. For more information or to volunteer, please contact  Angela.

OFFICE, REHEARSAL, AND STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE

Edmonton

Rent-free office/studio space is available immediately for a not-for-profit organization. Suitable tenants will be responsible only for utilities and upkeep costs. For more information call Richard at 780-432-7491 or 780-439-4065.

Calgary

Evergreen Community Studios has significantly reduced the hourly rates of renting out their spaces. Rates now include a Loyalty Discount Program for long-term arrangements. More >

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS' NETWORK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

All members of the Alberta Playwrights' Network are invited to attend APN's annual general meeting. For membership convenience, APN is hosting a pre-AGM in Calgary and their AGM in Edmonton.

Calgary: Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 7pm in the APN offices, 2633 Hochwald Ave SW.

Edmonton: Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7pm – Location TBA

For more information, please contact the Alberta Playwrights' Network.

UNLEASH THE INSANITY! THE 10 DAYS OF MADNESS FESTIVAL BEGINS!

The University of Alberta Bookstores, Alberta Playwrights' Network and the Devonian Botanic Gardens presents the 10 Days of Madness…Playwriting Festival, January 8 to January 17, 2009.

Along with contests, readings, and presentations, this year's line up features seniors' play readings and tea (featuring plays written and acted by seniors), a collective jam session (the public collectively creates plays), and partner playlets (five generations of writers explore the same theme).  Showcase play readings feature Albertan playwrights such as Eugene Stickland, Michele Vance Hehrir, Tracey Power and Jocelyn Ahlf. All the events are free admission. More >

THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF DIRTY LAUNDRY!

Calgary's live, improvised comedy soap opera returns...to a new venue!  The newly built Lunchbox Theatre will now host the troupe’s weekly episodes of improvised comedy beginning with Season 9, The Spin. For more information, call the laundry line at            403-701-1284.

AMIE DOWLING ARTIST TALK: PERFORMING ARTS & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Calgary

Amie’s artist talk is a co-presentation between the University of Calgary Urban Dance Project (Faculty of Fine Arts) and One Yellow Rabbit High Performance Rodeo 2009. The talk will take place January 15, 2009, at 6pm in Theatre Junction’s Grand Theatre.

San Fransisco artist Amie Dowling has created dance programs for women who have left the sex-trade industry in Thailand. Amie has also worked as an artist-in-residence in American jails. In this public talk, Dowling will share her experience of how arts, education, and social activism can intersect with marginalized communities. More >

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