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"First we'll make snow angels for two hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat an entire roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we'll snuggle!"

                                     - Buddy (Elf)

What's New at TA

CASINO FUN!

Are you looking for an opportunity to support Theatre Alberta? How about ensuring we receive vital funding? Well, you're in luck! There are still a few volunteer spots remaining for Theatre Alberta's Casino!

On Monday, January 17:
there is one Chip Runner spot available from 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM and
four Countroom Staff openings from 9:30 PM to 3:00 AM.

On Tuesday, January 18:
there are two Chip Runner spots from 11:15 AM to 7:00 PM,
one Cashier spot from 6:30 PM to 2:30 AM, and of course,
four Countroom Staff openings from 9:30 PM to 3:00 AM.

Not to worry if you've never worked a casino before; they are fun, safe, and you'll be trained in whichever position you fill. You will also receive credit towards your new or existing Theatre Alberta membership. If you would like to volunteer, or have any questions, please feel free to call Stephanie at 780-422-8162, or email theatreab@theatrealberta.com. We hope to hear from you! 

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?

Why not buy the theatre lover in your life a Theatre Alberta membership? One year memberships start at $35 for individuals and $20 for students. Or how about a snazzy Theatre Alberta portfolio for looking confident when pitching your next project? Leather, embossed logo, slots for business cards, zippered document pocket, gift boxed, black, goes with everything. $25 including GST. Shipping available.
Order in time for Christmas!

LIBRARY NEWS

Canada Post maintains current Library Book Rates for a sixth year

The Canada Post library book rate is an invaluable service to Theatre Alberta and its members.  Without the library book rate, an average mail-out with return postage of six scripts to a member would cost $6.24 – with the special rate, it costs $0.81. In recognizing the importance of the Library Book Rates to Canadian libraries, Canada Post will continue to support the community by maintaining the current reduced postal rates for mailing printed library materials throughout 2011. There has been no increase to the Library Book Rate since 2005 and the reduced rates remain well below Canada Post’s costs to ship library books – Canada Post receives no Government appropriation or compensation of any kind for the reduced Library Book Rates.  Theatre Alberta greatly appreciates the support of Canada Post in providing cost-effective mailing of library materials to members outside of the Edmonton area. 

LIBRARY AND OFFICE HOURS

The library and office will close on December 17 at 3:00pm and will re-open January 4 at 10:00am. The library drop box will be available throughout the holiday season on the following dates:

December 20 - 23, 8:30am - 6:00pm

December 29 - 30, 8:30am - 6:00pm

December 31, 8:30am - 4:00pm

Please keep these hours in mind when returning or renewing library materials.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THEATRE ALBERTA On behalf of the board and the entire staff of Theatre Alberta, we'd like to wish you a happy holiday season and the very best for a prosperous new year. The last year has been a fiscally challenging one for many arts organizations, yet theatre companies across Alberta have continued to produce stellar work and the community has come together to support each other. May the coming year continue to bring opportunities for creation, for community, and for prosperity — in all its forms.

NEXT BUZZ ISSUE

Due to the Christmas holiday office closure the next issue of the Buzz will be delayed - expect it by January 12.

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Theatre News

ALBERTA LOSES A BRIGHT STAR

Actor Leslie Nielsen passed away on November 28, 2010. He may be most immediately remembered for his Airplane movies, but he is an important part of Canadiana.  Born in the Northwest Territories, he attended high school at Victoria Composite (now named Victoria School of the Arts) in Edmonton and went on to work in radio in Calgary before attending the Lorne Green Academy of Radio Arts in Toronto where he won a scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.  Of his many diverse roles on stage and screen, and perhaps in homage to his Canadian core, he portrayed a member of the RCMP in Paul Gross’ Due South and a grisly curling coach in Gross’ Men with Brooms.  Nielsen was awarded the Order of Canada on October 10, 2002.  He will be missed.

CENTRAL ALBERTA THEATRE SECURES THE UPTOWN CINEMA BUILDING

In mid-November, the Central Alberta Theatre board of directors finalized negotiations for the Uptown Cinema building in downtown Red Deer. After the group announced in early November that the project was in jeopardy, the City of Red Deer held a special council meeting and granted $75,000 to keep the project on track. The group plans to continue pursuing additional private and corporate sponsors to help cover the required renovations. When complete, the multi-use space will include a function room, 330+ seat theatre, and a small 124 seat theatre. More>

2010 GOVERNOR GENERAL'S LITERARY AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The Canada Council for the Arts announced the 14 winners of the 2010 Governor General’s Literary Awards, worth $25,000 each.  The Governor General presented the awards at a ceremony on November 25.  Among the recipients, Robert Chafe of St. John’s received the award for his play Afterimage, and David Paquet of Montreal received the award for his play Port-épic.  Linda Gabouriau of Montreal also won an award for her English translation of Wajdi Mouawad’s play, Forêts.  More>

KEVIN KERR DISCUSSES THE CONCEPT OF "GROUP SPARK"

The Canadian Centre for Theatre Creation holds several lunchtime chats throughout the year. Kevin Kerr, recent playwright-in-residence at the University of Alberta and co-founder of Vancouver's The Electric Company, sat down with CCTC's Kim McCaw on October 28. Read an excerpt of their discussion on collaboration and creation. More>

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Shows Opening

December 1 - January 12

Full Playbill

CALGARY

A Christmas Carol
Dec 2 – 26, Theatre Calgary More>

The Shape of a Girl
Dec 3 – 4, Vertigo Theatre, Y Stage Series Produced by Green Thumb Theatre More>

Shakespeare Showcase 2010
Dec 8 – 10, Playhouse North School of Theatre More>

Alice in Wonderland
Dec 8 – 12, Calgary Young People’s Theatre More>

How I Learned to Drive
Dec 9 – 18, Liquid Meld Theatre More>

ONE
Dec 9 – 18, Ghost River Theatre with RedtoBlue Performance More>

2000 Candles
Dec 15 – 18, Fire Exit Theatre More>

Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves
Dec 15 – 19, Morpheus Theatre More>

A Resolution to Murder
Dec 31, Pegasus Performances More>

The Cremation of Sam McGee
Jan 1 - Aug 31, Theatre Encounter More>

High Performance Rodeo
Jan 6 - 30, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre More>

Nevermore
Jan 6 - Feb 6, Vertigo Theatre More>

The Producers
Jan 7 - 22, Front Row Centre More>

Under Milk Wood
Jan 7 - 22, Morpheus Theatre More>

Die-Cut
Jan 7 - 28, Pegasus Performances More>

Smash Cut: Freeze
Jan 12 - 15, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre More>

EDMONTON

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Dec 1 – Dec 4, Victoria School of the Arts More>

Much Ado About Nothing
Dec 1 – 11, Walterdale Theatre Associates More>

Beckett’s Shorts: A Study of Literary Genius
Dec 2 – 11, Surreal SoReal Theatre with Indie 5 More>

Savage in Limbo
Dec 2 – 11, U of A Studio Theatre More>

Fall Festival of Scenes and One Acts
Dec 3 – 5, Concordia University College of Alberta More>

Jack and the Beanstalk
Dec 3 – 12, Fringe Theatre Adventures More>

It's About Time - 30th Anniversary Celebration
Dec 30, St. Albert Children's Theatre More>

King Arthur Pantomine
Jan 6 - 9, Alberta St. George of England Society More>

Spiral Dive
Jan 6 - 23, Workshop West Theatre More>

ALBERTA

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Dec 1 – 4, Holy Redeemer Catholic Jr/Sr High School, Edson More>

Barnum
Dec 3 – 5, Klaglahachie Fine Arts, Ponoka More>

A Christmas Carol
Dec 4 –5, East of Sixty Productions, Devon More>

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Drama
Dec 9 – 18, Ignition Theatre, Red Deer More>

Glitz
Dec 17 – 31, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More>

Jack and the Beanstalk
Dec 26 – 28, Grand Prairie Live Theatre, Grand Prairie More>

Marooned with Munsch
Dec 26 – Jan 8, New West Theatre, Lethbridge More>

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Jobs & Auditions      

JOBS

{ CALGARY and area }

Alternate Head Stage Carpenter, EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts

{ EDMONTON and area }

Cultural Program Coordinator, City of Spruce Grove

Outreach Arts Program Coordinator, City of Edmonton

{ ALBERTA }

Director of Marketing and Development, Events Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray

Events Associate, Events Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray

Executive Director - Marketing and Communications, The Banff Centre, Banff

Production/Site Manager, Events Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray

{ CANADA }

There are no new postings at this time.

AUDITIONS

{ CALGARY and area }

Jekyll & Hyde, The New Opera Society

Miss Saigon, The New Opera Society

Richard III and The Queens, The Shakespeare Company

{ EDMONTON and area }

Death and the Maiden, University of Alberta MFA Project

General Auditions, Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Jekyll & Hyde in Concert, Two ONE-WAY Tickets to Broadway Productions

{ ALBERTA }

Dead Lover's Day, Against the Wall Theatre, Red Deer

All Shook Up, Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray

{ CANADA }

West Side Story, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver 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

2011 CALGARY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Calgary
The Calgary Fringe Festival is seeking entries for its lottery draw.  Local artists hold the largest weighting in the pool.  The festival runs July 29 – August 6, 2011.  Any and all applications are welcome.  Productions are guaranteed 6 slots during the festival.  More>
Deadline: December 3, 2010 by 8pm MST

NEXTFEST SEEKS YOUNG EMERGING THEATRE ARTISTS

Edmonton
Nextfest is a multi-disciplinary arts festival of and for young emerging professional artists. For the purposes of Nextfest, an emerging artist is under 30, has made a personal commitment to a career in the arts, is not yet recognized with professional associations, and is in need of professional development and exposure. Nextfest 2011 will be presented from June 2 – 12 as part of the Theatre Network season.  Nextfest is seeking unproduced scripts (at any stage of development), non-playwright based productions, designers, directors, actors, stage managers, etc.  More>
Deadline: December 13, 2010

STAGE STRUCK! 2011 ALBERTA DRAMA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION

Edmonton
The Edmonton Region of the ADFA is seeking submissions for its adult one act play festival.  The festival runs February 25 & 26, 2011 at the Walterdale Playhouse.  Entries must be from the Edmonton area. The one act plays must be 10 – 60 minutes in length and may be from published pieces or new works.  The winning production goes to the provincial festival in May.  More>
Deadline: December 13, 2010

BREAKING GOUND FESTIVAL SEEKS INDEPENDENT PRODUCTIONS

Edmonton
Are you currently working on a new script? Are you thinking of producing it independently next season? Indie5 and the Alberta Playwrights' Network invite you to submit a current draft of your work for a potential workshop and reading at our new play reading and indie panel event, Breaking Ground this February 2011.  More>
Deadline: December 23, 2010

GWEN PHARIS RINGWOOD AWARD FOR DRAMA

Alberta
The Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama, part of the 2011 Alberta Literary Awards, is now accepting submissions of plays by Alberta playwrights that have been published or produced in 2010.  This prestigious annual province-wide competition was first established in 1985 and awards $1,500, a leather bound copy of the script, and provincial and national recognition to the winning playwright.  Chris Craddock, Marty Chan, Sharon Pollock, and
Stephen Massicotte have all been previous recipients of this award. Entries may be submitted by the author or by the producing theatre company.  More>
Deadline: December 31, 2010

2011 MAYOR'S CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Edmonton
The Mayor's Celebration of the Arts is an annual event designed to acknowledge and celebrate Edmonton’s arts community and partnerships between business and the arts. Nominations are now open for the eight awards that will be given out on April 11, 2011 at the celebration at the Winspear Centre. More>
Deadline: January 14, 2011

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 2011 DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARDS

Alberta
The Board of Directors of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation is calling for nominations for the 2011 Distinguished Artist Awards. The Awards recognize individual Albertans for outstanding achievement in the arts or significant contributions to the arts.  More>
Deadline: January 20, 2011

GIRLS GONE WILDE 2011

Alberta
GIRLS gone WILDE is now accepting submissions from female playwrights in Alberta. Playwrights are asked to submit a scene 5-8 minutes long for two female actors (age range 16 – 40 years old). Selected scenes will be presented as part of a staged reading in Calgary in early April 2011. Emerging and established female playwrights are encouraged to submit.  More>
Deadline: January 31, 2011

WORKSHOPS

INTERRARIUM – Springboard, Theatre of the New Heart and the Banff Centre

January 31 – February 7, 2011 in Banff
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 3, 2010
An innovative re-purposing of the residency model focusing on a process-oriented, creative environment for dialogue, critical thinking and experimentation, 

Interrarium is a facilitator driven lab for professional artists, revealing creative practice across disciplines in an immersive environment. 2011 Facilitators: Guy Cools, Ame Henderson, Siegmar Schröder. More>

WINTER/SPRING SESSION – MoMo Dance Theatre

January 4  – May 31, 2011 in Calgary 
This session runs on Tuesdays and is for adults over 17 and their support person.  Through creative movement and theatre games, these community classes teach participants new ways of expressing themselves and communicating with each other. More>

CHILD, YOUTH AND ADULT DRAMA CLASSES – Theatre a Go-Go

January through to March/April in Calgary
The classes for children and youth cover Dr. Seuss, stories of First Nations people of Alberta and mask and improvisation.  Adult classes will cover mask and improvisation.  There is a registration discount for multiple family members or return registrations.  More>

PERFORMANCE STORYTELLING FOR 55+ – GeriActors with Northgate Lions Centre

January 22 – March 19, 2011 in Edmonton
We all have stories to tell, some from the recent past, others from long ago. Through theatre games, improvisation, laughter and fun, seniors will turn these stories into moments of theatre to be shared with others. This 8-week program will conclude with opportunities to perform stories for friends and family. More>

CLOWN FOR 55+ – GeriActors with the University of Alberta

January 22 – March 19, 2011 in Edmonton
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood! We all have an Inner Fool - the child we once were that society doesn't allow us to express. Re-discover your playful inner child - the part that accepts itself unconditionally, lives in the moment, and always shoots from the heart. Discover how to structure and perform short, prop-based clown routines. 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

SPACE

EVERGREEN COMMUNITY STUDIOS – Calgary

Supporting its mandates of giving back to the community and strengthening its ties with Calgary’s performing arts scene, Evergreen is proud to announce that the organization is the new manager of a vibrant community arts space. In the wake of the looming economic recession, Evergreen Community Studios has significantly reduced the hourly rates of renting out its studios.  Evergreen has rehearsal, performance and office space available: long or short term.  More>

ARTS ON THE AVE / ARTS HAB – Edmonton

Arts on the Ave/Arts Hab is looking for temporary tenants for the old Cycle Building in its as-is condition, and also looking for tenants interested in long term space in the fully revitalized building when it opens in 2013.  More>

VOLUNTEERS

MORPHEUS THEATRE SEEKS USHERS AND FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGERS – Calgary

Under Milk Wood is in need of ushers and part-tme FOH managers to help with its upcoming production, January 7 - 22, in the Joyce Doolittle Theatre at the Pumphouse Theatres. They are looking to split the FOH Manager role, for some flexibility.  More>

DEEP FREEZE BYZANTINE WINTER FESTIVAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS – Edmonton

Last year there was exponential growth with both Deep Freeze : A Byzantine Winter Festival and Kaleido Family Arts Festival on 118th Avenue, making a significant mark on the Edmonton Festival scene. This year’s Deep Freeze Festival takes place January 8th and 9th, and is in need of volunteers to help shape another year of Byzantine Winter Festival merriment.  More>

ALBERTA THEATRE PROJECTS SEEKS FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS – Calgary

Alberta Theatre Projects needs friendly volunteers to help with Lucky Lotto7, one of its biggest annual fundraising initiatives. The campaign launches on December 1st, and runs until the Grand Prize draw on March 30th, 2011. Enthusiastic supporters are needed to staff one or more three hour shifts at its point-of-purchase booths in a number of locations across the city. For each shift worked, volunteers earn one free admission to Alberta Theatre Projects' productions.  More>

EVENTS

A BARD DAY’S NIGHT FEAST

December 3, 2010 in Edmonton
Victoria School of the Arts presents A Bard Day's Night Feast featuring an Italian themed meal, entertainment from its dance, theatre and music students AND a ticket to the show on Friday, December 3! There are only 100 tickets available. More>

WRITERS GUILD OF ALBERTA BOOK LOVERS CHRISTMAS SALE

December 4, 2010 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm in Edmonton
Tis’ the season to be reading! The Writers Guild of Alberta (WGA) is proudly hosting their inaugural Book Lovers Christmas Sale at the Stanley A. Milner Library (Centennial Room, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square). Meet authors from across the province, listen to book readings, enter for door prizes, and purchase signed copies of Alberta books at this free event!  More>

NONPROFIT SURVIVAL – WHO IS SURVIVING AND WHY

December 7, 2010 from 7:45am to 9:30am in Edmonton
Learn about the six key factors that are helping organizations survive during these critical times, and find out how you can take advantage of Muttart Foundation's Bursary program to attend leading edge professional development seminars that may help you and your organization.  More>

THEATRE ENCOUNTER FUNDRAISER AT BROKEN CITY

December 9, 2010 at 8:00pm in Calgary
This is more than simply a fundraiser. Seeking to bridge the gap of artistic mediums, Theatre Encounter uses a music venue as a collaborative means of the integration of Calgary's diverse community of artists. From the sounds of Key to the City, to a movement piece by The Baader-Meinhof Collective, to local performance artists on display, the evening promises expectations bursting in excitement and rigour.  More>

SUMAYYAH’S DIFFICULT PREDICAMENT BOOK SIGNING

December 12, 2010 from 11:00am to 4:00pm in Edmonton
Nazima Sohni Uppal will be signing copies of her playbook of Sumayyah’s Difficult Predicament at Coles Southgate.  More>

2011 WINTERLIGHT FESTIVAL

January 8 – March 5, 2011 in Edmonton
Winter Light is a nine-week celebration of Edmonton’s winter spirit, creating excitement about our winter life through a wide array of accessible recreation, cultural and artistic events.  More>

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Donors, New & Renewing Members

November 1 to 30, 2010

DONORS: THANK YOU!

Jeremy Mason

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Elena Belyea, Amanda Bergen, Marjorie Bridge, Michelle Burnett, Eva Colmers, Stephen Ekstrom, Kate Herriot, Megan Kassian, Jessica Kazamel, David LeReaney, Sean Priest, Farren Timoteo

Groups
The Speech Studio, Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals
Nathania Bernabe, Bradley Bishop, Andrea Boyd, Randy Burke, Katherine Gorham, Jared Knapp, Kelsey Krogman, Arun Lakra, Cari Russell, Trevor Schmidt, Michelle Thorne, Andrew Torry

Groups
Downstage, Fut in the Hat Theatre Guild, Pumphouse Theatres Society, Stage Hanna Association, Stage West Theatre Restaurant, The Rogue Players

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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.

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Your Feedback: We appreciate it!  Send comments to Buzz@theatrealberta.com.

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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Theatre Alberta Gratefully Acknowledges the Support of the Following Funders

Thank you for your commitment to the growth of theatre in Alberta!