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"We live in what is, but we find a thousand ways not to face it. Great theatre strengthens our faculty to face it." — Thornton Wilder

What's New at TA

ARTSTREK AND DRAMAWORKS BROCHURES COMING TO YOUR MAILBOX!

Theatre Alberta is thrilled to announce our programming for 2009's Dramaworks and Artstrek programs. For the Dramawork Special Feature this year, Theatre Alberta is bringing to Edmonton's doorstep Teatr ZAR - the resident theatre company at the Jerzy Grotowki Institute. This year's Dramaworks programming is guaranteed to spark your curiosity and rejuvenate your theatrical juices!

Artstrek dates are also on the horizon! This year we are proud to usher Artstrek into the wickedly witty world of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods. Register before May 15, 2009 and receive $25 off the price of registration! Please so not wait until the early bird registration date to apply. Artstrek fills up very quickly so register early to avoid disappointment.

Brochures for both programs have been sent out in the mail and online brochures and application forms will be available on our website by mid-March. For further informtation or to receive a brochure, please contact Theatre Alberta at 1-888-422-8162.

RENEW YOUR THEATRE ALBERTA MEMBERSHIP FOR FREE!

Volunteer for the Theatre Alberta casino running April 21 & 22 at the Baccarat Casino in downtown Edmonton and earn credit towards membership fees (either new or renewal). We are still looking to fill the following positions:
- count room for the evening of April 21
- cashier and chip runner during the day on April 22
- count room for the evening of April 22
- alternates on both days (you won't be required to work unless someone calls in sick).
Don't worry if you don't have any experience - these are easy positions to fill and you'll receive on the job training. Contact Theatre Alberta if you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer and help Theatre Alberta receive vital funding!

LIBRARIAN’S PICK

If you are thinking of taking the upcoming Dramaworks workshop, Teatr ZAR Intensive, you may also want to read Toward’s a Poor Theatre, by Jerzy Grotowski. This is the first book to collect his writings and statements, present his method, and reveal his revolutionary art and philosophy. In his preface, Peter Brook writes: "Grotowski is unique. Why? Because no one else in the world, to my knowledge no one since Stanislavski, has investigated the nature of acting, its phenomenon, its meaning, the nature and science of its mental-physical-emotional processes as deeply and completely as Grotowski."

CELBERATE WORLD THEATRE DAY!

World theatre day is Friday, March 27, 2009! Founded in 1961, World Theatre Day encourages the celebration of the performing arts' powers to foster international creative exchange and cooperation. What's going on in your local theatre community? Join in the celebrations!

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Theatre News

THE CCA ANNOUNCES ITS NATIONAL ARTS AWARDS WINNERS FOR 2008

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is pleased to announce that its Diplôme d'honneur will be presented to leading Canadian filmmaker Allan King, while the Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership will be given to one of Canada's forefront arts and culture advocates, Simon Brault. The 2008 CCA National Arts Awards ceremony will be presided over by renowned musician and arts advocate, Senator Tommy Banks, at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa on March 12, 2009. More >

U of A PROFESSOR DAVID BARNET RECEIVES FELLOWSHIP

Professor David Barnet is the recipient of a 2009 3M National Teaching Fellowship - the most prestigious recognition of excellence and leadership in Canadian university teaching. The award recognizes Barnet's contributions to decades of students' growth and learning, his long lasting impact on alumni, his mentorship of his colleagues and other drama educators, and his pedagogical innovation in the development of Drama in the Liberals Arts. The 3M award also honours the remarkable ways David has connected the transformative power of theatre to the wider community throughout his outstanding career. From 35,000 eligible faculty from across Canada, 38 nominations were adjudicated this year. More >

CALGARY ARTIST HONOURED WITH HARRY AND MARTHA COHEN AWARD

Doug Curtis, Founding Artistic Director of Ghost River Theatre and one of the most innovative members of Calgary’s vibrant theatre community, was is this year’s recipient of the Harry and Martha Cohen Award. The award recognizes those members of the Calgary community who have demonstrated a significant and sustained contribution to theatre. The award consists of a cash prize, a framed certificate, and the addition of the recipient’s name to a scroll that hangs in the Martha Cohen Theatre Lobby. For more information please contact Jessica Dollard.

A STATISTICAL PROFILE OF ARTISTS IN CANADA

Based on the 2006 Census, this report shows that there are 140,000 artists in Canada who spent more time at their art than at any other occupation. The number of artists is slightly larger than the number of Canadians who were directly employed in the automotive industry (135,000) as of May 2006. The report reveals 10 key facts about the working lives of artists in Canada. More >

CALAGRY WELCOMES TWO NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

QUEST THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Calgarian Nikki Loach will be suceeding Quest Theatre’s founding Artistic Director Duval Lang. Nikki was chosen for her passion, experience, and commitment to the creation and development of theatre for young audiences. For over 20 years she has worked as a performer, director, and educator. Her work has been seen on many stages including Theatre Calgary, The Shaw Festival, Theatre Junction (of which she is a co-founder) and Quest Theatre. The transition of artistic leadership from Duval Lang to Nikki Loach as Artistic Director will begin in March of 2009. More >

GHOST RIVER THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

Ghost River Theatre recently appointed two Artistic Directors, Eric Rose and David van Belle, who will share the role as creative leaders of the company. Rose and van Belle, who collectively have a long string of local, national, and international theatre credits, will replace Jason Rothery, who left Ghost River in January to accept an appointment to the Soulpepper Academy in Toronto. They both have been active on the Calgary theatre scene for a number of years, with One Yellow Rabbit, Theatre Calgary, and Alberta Theatre Projects, among others, in addition to previous collaborations with Ghost River Theatre. More >

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Shows Opening

March 4 - March 31

Full Playbill

EDMONTON

Stage Struck! 2009 ADFA One-Act Play Festival, Edmonton Region
Mar 4 & 7, Walterdale Theatre ph: 780-454-8606

Doubt, a parable
Mar 7 – 29, The Citadel Theatre More >

East of Berlin
Mar 10 – 29, Tarragon Theatre @ Theatre Network More >

Beneath the Ice
Mar 10 – 15, The Cookie @ Fringe Theatre Adventures More >
Ph: 780-409-1910

Once Upon a Mattress
Mar 10 – 15, Theatre At Concordia ph: 780-479-9269

The Pearl Fishers
March 12 & 14, Edmonton Opera More >

The Last Five Years
Mar 12 – 14, Two One Way Tickets To Broadway Productions ph: 780-420-1757

The Addlepated Nixie
Mar 13 – 21, MacEwan College ph: 780-420-1757

My Fair Lady
Mar 19 – 21, Victoria School Of Performing And Visual Arts More >
Ph: 780-426-3010

Rondel and Bernard Alba
Mar 18 – 22, MacEwan College ph: 780-420-1757

A Year of Winter
Mar 19 – 29, Shadow Theatre More >

The Rocky Horror Show
Mar 25 - Apr 3, The Odd-Lot Theatre Company ph: 780-420-1757

Così
Mar 25 – 29, The King's Players ph: 780-465-8306

Comédie musicale
Mar 26 - Apr 5, L'UniThéâtre More >

Roberto Zucco
Mar 26 - Apr 4, Studio Theatre, University Of Alberta More >

Extinction Song
Mar 28 - Apr 19, The Citadel Theatre More >

CALGARY

An Ideal Husband
Mar 3 – 22, Theatre Calgary More >

One-act Play Festival
Mar 4 – 7, ADFA Calgary Region ph: 403-263-0079

Tree Hugger
Mar 4 – 14, Urban Curvz More >

Cranked
Mar 6 – 7, Green Thumb Theatre @ Y Stage Vertigo Theatre Centre More >

Art of Murder
Mar 7 – 29, Vertigo Mystery Theatre More >

The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Mar 14 – 29, Ground Zero Theatre / Hit & Myth Productions More >

On The Side Of The Road
Mar 3 - Apr 4, Theatre Junction GRAND More >

Don Juan: The Greatest Lover in the World
Mar 24 - Apr 11, Alberta Theatre Projects & The Old Trout Puppet Workshop More >

World Storytelling Day – Call Your Neighbours In
Mar 25, TALES Calgary ph: 403-283-9489 More >

The Curious Savage
Mar 25 – 28, The Playhouse North School Of Theatre More >

The Gift of the Coat
Mar 26 - Apr 4, Mount Royal College More >

Patience
Mar 27 - Apr 4, Morpheus Theatre More >

The Invention of Music
Mar 30 - April 25, Lunchbox Theatre More >

Taking Flight Student Festival
Mar 31 - Apr 11, University Of Calgary Drama Department More >

ALBERTA

Ten Belles and No Ring & Dido and Aeneas
Mar 4 – 7, University Of Lethbridge, Lethbridge ph: 403-329-2616

The Drawer Boy
Mar 5 – 14, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More >

Grease: School Version
Mar 6 – 14, About Time Productions, Camrose ph: 780-672-0893

Lettice and Lovage
Mar 13 - May 16, Rosebud Theatre, Rosebud More >

The Nerd
Mar 20 - May 3, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer ph: 403-755-6626

Class Act!
Mar 25 - Apr 4, RDC Theatre Studies, Red Deer ph: 403-340-4455

Stepping Out
Mar 26 - Apr 4, Windmill Theatre Players, High River More >

Camelot
Mar 26 - Apr 4, Peace Players, Peace River More >

Disney's 101 Dalmations Kids: The Musical
Mar 26 – 28, Horizon Players, Spruce Grove ph: 780-962-8995

Arcadia
Mar 31 - Apr 4, University Of Lethbridge, Lethbridge ph: 403-329-2616

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ CALGARY }

StoryBook Theatre, Instructors & Teaching Assistants

Interim Technical Director, Vertigo Theatre

Stage Manager, The Shakespeare Company

{ ALBERTA }

Stagehand, Dow Centennial Centre, Fort Saskatchewan

Director/Choreographer, Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray

Drama Instructor, Keyano College: The Visual & Performing Arts Department,   Fort McMurray

Head of Wardrobe, Tree House Youth Theatre, Red Deer

{ CANADA }

General Manager, Theatre Under the Stars, Vancouver, BC

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY }

Audition Tour, Canadian College of Performing Arts

Chemo Burlesque, Sirens Theatre & Jewel Box Burlesque

General Audition, Evergreen Theatre

IGNITE Festival, Sage Theatre

The Buddy Holly Story, Stage West

Whitechapel: The Story of Jack the Ripper, Musicfilm

Historical Character Interpreters, Heritage Park

{ EDMONTON }

Audition Tour, Canadian College of Performing Arts

Mark, Uncle Larry Productions

School House Rock Live!, Small Nest Productions

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Walterdale Theatre Associates

{ CANADA }

Audition Tour, Canadian College of Performing Arts (cross Canada tour)

Disney's High School Musical, Viva Musica, Vancouver (Kelowna production)

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

CANADIAN COLLEGE OF PERFORMING ARTS AUDITION TOUR

The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) is touring across Canada in search of the next stars of performing arts. The CCPA provides extensive scholarships to help Canada’s top talent become innovative cultural leaders and performers. The college is owned and operated by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS), a registered charity that oversees the college’s operations and ensures that training at CCPA is financially accessible to all Canadian students, offering each student a scholarship for close to 50% of the full cost of their year of study.

This year the college is introducing its New Horizons Scholarship contest, which awards $2000 to the top singer, actor, and dancer based on their auditions. For more information please visit www.ccpacanada.com

Video audition deadline: May 1, 2009

THE MALLORY GILBERT LEADERSHIP AWARD 2009 NOMINATIONS

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award. This $5000 Award is 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. More >

Deadline: March 26, 2009

MAYOR'S EVENING FOR THE ARTS: NEW PATRON AND ARTS AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Calgary

The 2009 Mayor’s Evening for the Arts is September 21, 2009, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The new patron and arts awards nomination deadline is June 15. Application forms can be found at www.cpaa.ca.

BBC WORLD SERVICE RADIO DRAMA PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

Entries are invited for the eleventh biennial BBC World Service playwrighting competition, which offers a first prize of £2,500 cash and the chance to have your play professionally produced and broadcast on the BBC World Service.

The competition is open to anyone who is resident outside of Britain. Entrants are invited to write a sixty minute radio drama with up to six central characters. Plays must be in English and must not have been previously produced in any medium. For more information email radioplay@bbc.co.uk or visit www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice.

Deadline: March 31, 2009

NEXT: THE POST-SECONDARY PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

The Foundation for the Recognition of Excellence in Drama (F.R.E.D) and Playwrights Guild of Canada are now accepting submissions for Next: The Post-Secondary Playwriting Competition. First prize is $1000 (+ $500 for travel to PGC conference). Second prize is $750. For more information on how to apply, contact foundation@playwrightsguild.ca.

Deadline: April 1, 2009

BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR HYSTERIA: A FESTIVAL OF WOMEN

Hysteria: A Festival of Women is the largest multi-disciplinary showcase of its kind in North America. It is a vital forum for presentation, dicussion and exchange unlike any other in the country. Festival Director Moynan King is seeking submissions for the 5th incarnation of this international showcase of female talent from the worlds of theatre, dance, film, music, visual, and performance art. For submission guidelines and the application form, click here.
For all other inquiries, please contact Moynan King.

Deadline: May 1, 2009

WORKSHOP THEATRE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON PROGRAM

2009-2010 season is a milestone year for Workshop Theatre, which will celebrate 40 years as an independent community theatre organization. To honour this milestone former volunteers, performers, and members are encouraged to come forward with stories and memories of Workshop Theatre. These anecdotes with be printed the 2009/2010 season program. For more information, contact Mike Hughes at 403-278-3669.

SUMMER CAMP EDITION OF ARSTMART

Are you planning an arts summer camp or program for kids? Submit all your details to ArtsMart's Summer Camp Special Edition or contact ArtsMart at 403-264-5330 ext. 203. Promotional opportunities will include a web and print campaign. This service is free for arts organizations.

Deadline: March 16, 2009

WORKSHOPS

INTRODUCTION TO PUPPETRY COURSE

Wendy Passmore of W.P. Puppet Theatre is pleased to be teaching Introduction to Puppetry at the University of Calgary this spring. This is an Open Studies class with no prerequisites. The course will provide students with an overview of the history and culture of the art of puppetry, hands on puppet construction, and manipulation technique. It will also touch on puppet use beyond performance in the areas of education, literacy therapy, and social action. The main focus of the course will be the development and performance of a short puppet based theatre production. For more information on how to register, click here. For information on fees, click here, or call the drama department at 403-220-5422.

BANFF WORKSHOP: INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE IMPROV TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS

This two-day intensive session will provide workshop participants with the opportunity to discover and apply new techniques that will be useful in their work and life. Key themes that will be explored during the workshop include awareness, adapting, and presence. Physical, visual, and verbal exercises will be incorporated into the daily classes, which will cover a full range of expression. Participants will develop character through status work and work on “blocks” in their approach to elicit spontaneity, creativity, and risk taking. More >

Deadline: March 13, 2009

LOOKING THE PART: CREATING CHARACTER WITH MAKE-UP

Calgary

On Sunday, March 15, join Morpheus Theatre and Samantha Rumball, for two half-day sessions that will lead participants through basic make-up application for theatre, common make-up effects, and advanced make-up techniques, including how to use make-up to develop character. Participants can register for the morning or afternoon sessions, or both. For more information click here or call Morpheus Theatre at (403) 246-2999.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS TRAINING WEEK

Bovec, Slovenia
April 16 - 24

Open to performers of various creative genres, techniques and styles, teachers and senior students, the programme will focus on practical workshops, presentations, lectures, video demonstratons, and discussions. The programme features the following classes: Physical Theatre Laboratory: Performer's Physicality in methods of Stanislavsky, Meyerhold and M.Chekhov, Dramatic Monologues, Opening Up Inside, a Study of Culture to Understand Dance, the Art Form and Presentation of Tap Dance, New Paradigms of the Performance Matrix, Acting for Dancers, Dancing for Actors. For an information pack, contact Michael Cooperman, Project Coordinator. 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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

STORYBOOK THEATRE SEEKS SET AND PROPS BUILDERS

Calgary

StoryBook Theatre needs a team of set builders and a team of props seekers and builders to help make the magic of High School Musical 2 come to life! Set Builders are needed Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-6pm. They should be comfortable using power tools. The props team will consist of at least three people and a flexible volunteer schedule. For more information Karmen.

CALGARY ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL SEEKS USHERS

The Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival runs March 3 - 7 at 7:30pm nightly, and the Pumphouse Theatre is looking for ushers to keep everything running smoothly. Ushering shifts start at 6:30 pm and volunteers will be able to watch the shows for free. For more information or to volunteer, please call 403-263-0079 and ask for Kathryn.

QUEST THEATRE SEEKS CASINO VOLUNTEERS

Calgary

Quest Theatre’s casino is on Tuesday March 10 and Wednesday March 11, 2009 and they are still short a few volunteers. If you are willing and available to take a day or night shift on either of those days at the Deerfoot Casino for us please contact Mandy at 403-264-8575 ext. 21.

ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS' NETWORK SEEKS CASINO VOLUNTEERS

Calgary

The Alberta Playwrights' Network has their casino on March 22 and 23, 2009 and they still need volunteers.  No experience of any kind is necessary.  You only have to be willing to give your time to help out your favorite playwriting organization. If you are available to take a day or night shift on either of those days, please contact Johanne. The casino is held at the Deerfoot Inn. There are shifts from either 10:30am to 7:00pm or 6:15pm to 3:00am.

SPARK A REVOLUTION WITH FRINGE THEATRE ADVENTURES

Experience a high-energy performance party as Fringe Theatre Adventures, producers of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival present Spark a Revolution Fundraising Event on Saturday March 28, at 7pm in the Westbury Theatre. This unique, no dress code required fundraising event will celebrate revolutionary collaborative works among a diverse group of artists. All forms of art will be featured: theatre, music, dance, film, visual art, and technology. Raffle prizes, auctioneers and tantalizing fare are part of the performance party! For more information or to purchase tickets, click here of call 780-409-1910.

CITADEL THEATRE'S ANNUAL CALIFORNIA WINE FAIR FUNDRAISER

On March 5, 2009, the Citadel Theatre presents their California Wine Fair in Hall D at the Shaw Conference Centre. The fair will feature over 350 wines accompanied by delectable appetizers, all included with the cost of the ticket price. Sample wines from some of the finest wine makers in the world and bid on fantastic silent auction items. Tickets can be purchased at the Citadel Theatre box office or online at citadeltheatre.com.

STAGESTRUCK 2009!

Edmonton

This year’s regional one-act festival has more variety than ever before.  Comedy, drama, puppets, mime, and solo performances that push the bounds of traditional theatre, and world premieres of four plays by local playwrights. Stage Struck 2009 runs March 6 and 7 at 7pm at the Walterdale Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased online from Tix-on-the-Square. For more information please contact Bob Klakowich at 780-454-8606.

THE MAYOR'S CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Edmonton
Mayor Stephen Mandel presents the 22nd Annual Celebration of the Arts, an evening of performance and recognition, on Monday April 6, 2009 at 7pm in the Winspear Centre. Recipients will be announced in the following categories: Sustained Support by a Business for the Arts, Innovative Support by a Business for the Arts, Promotion of the Arts, Youth Artist Award, Emerging Artist Award, Excellence in Artistic Direction, Courage to Innovate Award, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement by an Edmonton Artist, and the City of Edmonton Book Prize (sponsored by Audreys Books).

Performers will include: Ann Vriend, Bomba, Jeremy Spurgeon, The Raving Poets, The Be Arthurs, KO Dance Project, Chris Craddock, and Nathan Cuckow. Tickets can be purchased through the Winspear Box Office at 780-428-1414.

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