IN THIS ISSUE

What's New at Theatre Alberta
Theatre News
Shows Opening
Donors & New Members
Buzz Etiquette

CLASSIFIEDS:
Auditions
Job Postings
Workshops/Classes/Education
Events
Space
Volunteer
Calls for Submissions
Other

To our Members:

Notes for December

GIFT A PLAY TO THEATRE ALBERTA CONTINUES! Wow. Wow - wow - wow!!! On November 15th, Theatre Alberta launched our 2012 Christmas Fundraising Campaign, Gift A Play to Theatre Alberta. The idea is simple: purchase a play from our Amazon.ca "Wish List" and donate it to the Theatre Alberta Library. Essentially, we asked for Christmas presents to support Canada's largest fully-circulating theatre library. And you responded... Boy, did you ever!

Right now, we only have 3 titles remaining on our Wish List. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and so exceedingly grateful for the wonderful books already arriving for our Library shelves. Scroll down to find a list of donors along with the titles they purchased on our behalf.

So what to do? Our campaign is not even one month old, and our Wish List is nearly empty! Well, actually, there is one more component to our Gift A Play campaign: Give Theatre Alberta an Amazon.ca Gift Certificate.

You see, our demand for books is insatiable and playwrights... well, they keep writing plays! Amazon.ca gift certificates are the most direct way to ensure that Theatre Alberta's Library is able to purchase new releases as they become available. This means that not only will our library be one of Canada's largest theatre resources, but also one of the most cutting edge. A $25 donation will buy one to two plays from Amazon.ca, and we will send you a tax receipt for your gift!

To acknowledge the generous support of our Amazon.ca Gift Certificates donors, we will insert stickers into every book purchased via the Gift A Play campaign. To make it fun, we'll be drawing names from the pool of Gift Certificate donors to include on the stickers. It will be like a reverse Secret Santa exchange!

And, of course, we are so appreciative of cash donations given directly to Theatre Alberta. You can donate online to Theatre Alberta here.

Once again, thank you so much for your generosity, and for a great year of theatre in Alberta. From all of us at Theatre Alberta, have a wonderfully theatrical holiday season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
From the Board and Staff of Theatre Alberta

“A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind."

~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

What's New at Theatre Alberta

Click the headline for more information.

Anne Marie Szucs: The Veil by Conor McPherson; So You Want To Do A Solo Show? by Gareth Armstrong
Becky Halliday: Fronteras Americanas by Guillermo Verdecchia
Elizabeth Budd: Teaching Classroom Drama and Theatre: Practical Projects for Secondary Schools by Martin Lewis; The Love List by Norm Foster
Karen King: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott; Lost: A Memoir by Cathy Ostlere and Dennis Garnhum; The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman; Grey Gardens by Doug Wright; Billy Bishop Goes to War (2nd Edition) by John Gray with Eric Peterson
Noree Claerhout: Nisei Blue by Mieko Ouchi; Miss Julie by August Strindberg
Linette Smith: The Normal Heart and The Destiny of Me: Two Plays by Larry Kramer
Douglas E. MacArthur: Charles Dickens’ The Haunting by Hugh Janes
Michele Brown: Feet of the Angels by Evelyne de la Chenelière; Five @ Fifty by Brad Fraser; Seeds by Annabel Soutar
Kristen Padayas: A Christmas Cactus by Eliot Byerrum
Karen Johnson Diamond: Night by Christopher Morris; In Absentia by Morris Panych
Brenda Sutherland: 2 Pianos 4 Hands by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt
Jenny Price: All The King’s Women by Luigi Jannuzzi; Christmas On Stage: An Anthology Of Royalty-free Christmas Plays For All Ages by Theodore O. Zapel
Julie Sinclair: The Murder Room by Jack Sharkey; Structuring Drama Work by Jonothan Neelands; The Michael Chekhov Handbook: For the Actor by Lenard Petit; Masterclass (for Women): The Actor’s Manual for Women by Dean Carey; The Lee Strasberg Notes by Martin Sheen
Anonymous: A Bomb in the Heart by Wajdi Mouawad; A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol by Walt Jones; A Body of Water by Lee Blessing; A Christmas Pudding II by David Birney.
[Please email your Amazon.ca receipt to theatreab@theatrealberta.com so we can thank you!]

And, thank you to Russell and Heather Thomas for your donation to Theatre Alberta as part of our Gift A Play campaign.

On November 22 and 23, Theatre Alberta had 32 wonderful people volunteer their time and energy to work our 2012 Casino fundraiser. This is a valuable source of funding for our organization. By volunteering to work a shift or two, these volunteers have directly supported our programs and services.

We did the math: one volunteer shift at a Theatre Alberta Casino is worth approximately $2,015 (averaged over our past four casinos)! Thanks so much to the following volunteers:

-Azimuth Theatre’s Steve Pirot and Downstage’s Simon Mallett provide a spirited joint statement about the ethical complexities of engaging corporate sponsors. We’re also providing excerpts from Azimuth’s and Downstage’s politically engaged work.
-Dan Perry writes about former Magnetic North Artistic Director Ken Cameron’s work bringing his theatrical knowledge to corporate settings.
-Judith Mendelsohn busts the myth that partnerships between businesses and theatre companies are only for the big boys by investigating some small Alberta companies that are getting creative with sponsorships.
-Scott Peters highlights Christie Lites’ long-standing informal corporate sponsorship model.
-Alberta Playwrights' Network Executive Director Trevor Rueger offers some thoughts on the demise of the Vancouver Playhouse and Dancap Productions.
-And Dale Turri finishes off the issue with some thoughts on the realities of corporate sponsorship for theatre companies in Alberta.

Check your mailboxes this December!

Please note Theatre Alberta's Library will be closed December 21 - January 1 for the Christmas/New Year's Holidays. The Drop Box will be available intermittently as follows:

Dec 17-21: 8:30 am-6 pm
Dec 22-26: Unavailable
Dec 27-28: 8:30 am-6 pm
Dec 29-30: Unavailable
Dec 31: 8:30 am-5 pm
Jan 1: Unavailable

We will see you in the new year!

| top |

Follow Theatre News
as it happens:

Theatre Alberta NEWS

Theatre News

Click the headline to read the full news story.
Stories listed in order of those most recently posted in Theatre Alberta NEWS.

KAREN HINES & NICOLE MOELLER - 2012 NEW PLAYS FROM CANADA IN GERMANY

The German Embassy of Canada and the Québec Government Office held the 2012 “New Plays From Canada” competition for dramatic writing that would appeal to German speaking audiences. Karen's and Nicole's plays were selected from a field of 156 plays!

ALBERTA THEATRE COMMUNITY WELL REPRESENTED IN JUBILEE AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Awards honour the outstanding contributions and achievements made by Canadians in a variety of sectors – and the Alberta theatre community was well-represented among the recipients. Congrats!

CANADIAN PLAYWRIGHT DAVID FRENCH PASSES AWAY

David French, one of the major playwrights in modern Canadian theatre, died in Toronto on Saturday, December 1, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 71.

PLAYWRIGHTS GUILD OF CANADA IS MOVING

Time to update the address book! The Playwrights Guild of Canada is moving its home office in Toronto effective January 3, 2013.

CANADA CONFERENCE OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES CARETAKER BOARD

The Canada Conference of the Arts has officially ceased its operations and has announced a caretaker board to preserve the legal entity and charitable status until March 2014.

ALBERTAN THEATRE PIONEER RICHARD (DICK) MELLS PASSES AWAY

We are sad to announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Mells, a pioneer in Albertan theatre. He was a founding member of Medicine Hat Musical Theatre and Lethbridge Musical Theatre, and was also the first Director of Operations and the Artistic Director for the Keyano Theatre Company in Fort McMurray. Our sincere condolences to family and friends.

Shows Opening

December 1, 2012 – January 9, 2013

Click here for the full 2012-2013 Playbill

The Playbill is now mobile! Use your smartphone or tablet to search for live theatre!

indicates production was written/collectively created by an Albertan artist/group
indicates production was written/collectively created by a Canadian artist/group

CALGARY

OH! CHRISTMAS TREE
Dec 3 - 22, Lunchbox Theatre

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
Dec 5 - 9, Calgary Young People's Theatre @ Vertigo Studio Theatre

EVERYTHING IS TERRIBLY NICE HERE
Dec 12 - 22, Ghost River Theatre @ Pumphouse Theatre

ALADDIN: A PANTOMIME
Dec 13 - 22, Morpheus Theatre @ Pumphouse Theatre

LAND OF DREAMS
Dec 19 - 22, Organized Crime @ Motel

MIRROR, MIRROR, MURDER
Dec 31, Pegasus Performances

HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO
Jan 3 - Feb 3, One Yellow Rabbit

OH ME-AH, OH MAYA, A MURDER
Jan 4 - 18, Pegasus Performances

CHILDREN OF EDEN
Jan 5 - 12, U of C Operetta Company @ University Theatre

METAMORPHOSIS
Jan 9 - 13, Theatre Calgary

EDMONTON

THE MISANTHROPE
Dec 5 - 15, Walterdale Theatre Associates

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Dec 7 - 24, The Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park

THE V.I.P. KIDS SHOW
Dec 8, V.I.P. Kids @ The Varscona Theatre

BIRDIE ON THE WRONG BUS
Dec 10 - 14, Promise Productions (Edmonton & area school tour)

APOCALYPSE PRAIRIE
Dec 11 - 15, The Groove Collective/Azimuth Theatre

WITH BELLS ON
Dec 12 - 23, Guys In Disguise @ The Roxy Theatre

THE SNOW GLOBE FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S THEATRE
Dec 18 - 22, Promise Productions @ C103

A CHRISTMAS CAROL PROJECT
Dec 28 - 29, Bellstruck Productions/Fringe Theatre Adventures @ TransAlta Arts Barns

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
Dec 29 - Jan 3, Three Form Theatre Collective @ Théâtre de La Cité francophone

ALBERTA

WIZARD OF OZ: THE PANTOMIME
Dec 6 - 15, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, Medicine Hat

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER
Dec 7 - 9, Rural Notes Music Services @ The Nancy Appleby Theatre, Athabasca
Call 780-675-4524 for more information.

A CHRISTMAS STORY
Dec 7 - 14, Churchmice Players @ The Bailey Theatre, Camrose

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dec 14 - 16, East of Sixty Productions, Devon

TIDINGS
Dec 18 - Jan 5, 2013, New West Theatre @ Yates Theatre, Lethbridge

GARLIC PHANTOM OF THE GRANDE OLDE OPRY
Dec 26 - 31, Grande Prairie Live Theatre @ Second Street Theatre, Grande Prairie

PEG AND THE YETI
Dec 26 - Jan 5, 2013, New West Theatre @ Sterndale Bennett Theatre, Lethbridge

COMIC MURDER MYSTERY
Dec 31, Pegasus Performances @ Homestead Restaurant (Woodside Golf Course), Airdrie

BLACK AND WHITE NEW YEAR'S EVE VARIETY SHOW
Dec 31, Kaleidoscope Theatre, Drumheller

| top | 

Submit a Classified

Classifieds FAQs

Search Classifieds by subject:

Auditions
Calgary Auditions
Edmonton Auditions
Awards
Calls for Submissions
Classes
Competitions
Deals (e.g. ticket discounts)
Events
Fundraisers
Go See A Play!
Jobs
Calgary Jobs
Edmonton Jobs
Odds and Ends
Resources
Space
Volunteer Opportunities
Workshops

Search Classifieds by region:

Search Classifieds for archived resources:

Classifieds

Theatre Alberta does not necessarily endorse the organizations and/or individuals submitting Classified listings on our site. It is the responsibility of each patron using the Theatre Alberta Classifieds to research the integrity of the organizations who submit listings to which he/she is applying/responding and to verify specific information, especially pertaining to the job/audition listings.

Auditions

EDMONTON

ELOPE is holding open auditions for its upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Audition dates: January 6 & 9.

ALBERTA

Medicine Hat Musical Theatre is holding open auditions (by appointment) for its upcoming production of Avenue Q. Audition dates: December 11 & 12.

Terry Shane Murder Mystery Troupe is looking for funny people, mainly between the ages of 25 – 50 for all kinds of whacky roles. Auditions in Calgary and Edmonton.

AUDITIONS - KEYANO THEATRE COMPANY - Fort McMurray

Keyano Theatre Company is holding open auditions for its upcoming productions of Hometown...The Musical and Bedtime Stories. Auditions by appointment - open until filled.

| top |

Job Postings

CALGARY

Vertigo Theatre seeks a dynamic individual for the position of Director of Marketing & Communications. Reporting to the General Manager, this position is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating marketing and communication plans among other duties. Deadline: December 10.

One Yellow Rabbit is looking for a number of part-time, temporary Box Office and Patron Services Representatives to assist with front-of-house operations during the festival – running January 3rd to February 3rd, 2013. Deadline: December 14 - 5PM.

Seeking Pianist for up-coming Staged Reading/Cast Recording of THE RAVEN - A NEW MUSICAL. Deadline: December 20.

Seeking Stage Manager for up-coming Staged Reading/Cast Recording of THE RAVEN - A NEW MUSICAL. Deadline: December 20.

Vertigo Theatre is seeking to fill the position of WARDROBE ASSISTANT. This individual will have either professional or academic experience working in a theatrical wardrobe shop. Deadline: January 1.

MoMo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre seeks an Artistic Director to take responsibility for the overall artistic direction and administration of the company. Position to commence May 3, 2013. Deadline: Open until filled.

EDMONTON

The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) seeks an Executive Director to successfully lead and manage all aspects of the EAC operations in accordance with the strategic direction as set by the Board of Directors. Deadline: January 7, 2013.

| top |

Workshops / Classes / Education

CALGARY

December 20-21. This weekend will consist of practical Meisner–infused training by nationally recognized instructor Cindy Christensen. Cost $175 for full weekend (drop in pricing also available).

January 5 – February 9. Students will explore the fundamentals of acting through partnered scene work. Class work includes improvisation, scene analysis, character development and playing for truth. Cost $380 (+GST).

January 6-11. FEMME Festival is a week dedicated to bringing female emerging artists together. Join us for workshops led by Nicola Elson and Alice Nelson that will provide you with tools to tell your story! Cost $10 (thanks to a Grassroots Inspired Grant from Calgary 2012).

January 14 – May 6. These classes will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore theatre skills with professional artists in an environment of fun and faith. Cost $250 (Ages 9-12), $295 (ages 13-18).

February 21–23. From the first read to opening night, Canadian director Micheline Chevrier will guide participants through a 3-day active learning masterclass on the key steps a director must take to prepare for a successful rehearsal process. Cost $200 (or $175 if you apply by December 15).

May 5-25. An invitation to interested professional and emerging artists and educators of various disciplines for the first ever national Ghost River Devised Production Intensive. Apply early to be considered for financial assistance.

EDMONTON

Term begins January 5. The Foote Theatre School, Edmonton’s oldest and largest announces Winter Term Classes for all ages are now on sale.

ONION SKIN ONE - FREEDOM TECH PRODUCTIONS - Edmonton

January 14 - March 18 (Mondays). No other attributes are more serviceable than vocal clarity, ease, strength and precision. We will be working on voice and speech, relaxation and self-confidence. Cost $350 + GST.

January 17. The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is hosting the Backstage Access Production Expo which will include theatre production seminars and a new technology expo. Registration begins December 10.

BORSCHT - FREEDOM TECH PRODUCTIONS - Edmonton:

January 18 - March 22 (Fridays). This course is a mixture of acting riches, from theatre to film and everything in-between. Come and discover what ingredient you are. Cost $350 + GST.

January 21-25. ACTION THEATER™ technique offers a map towards increasing one’s awareness by turning the mind inside out. It increases performers’ presence in the moment. Earlybird cost $150. Deadline: December 21.

May 6-24. This course will focus on the creation and development of scripted clown routines. It is appropriate for performers with introductory to intermediate clown experience. Approximate total cost is anticipated to be $720.

ALBERTA

January 9-12. The ROSEBUD WINTER INTENSIVE is a 4-day workshop focusing on voice and movement. Actors: come to Rosebud for your Winter Tune-Up! Deadline to apply: December 8. Cost $400.

| top |

Events

Exploring themes of modern technology and our constructed versions of reality, Convergence begs the question: is being too accessible damaging honest human connection? At La Cité Francophone at 8PM. December 6-8.

Theatre professionals in Edmonton and Calgary are invited to participate in Dialogue on Theatre, presented by PACT. We will be talking about our vision for Canadian theatre and how we might work together to make our vision real.
Edmonton: December 12, from 10AM to 1PM at C103
Calgary: December 13, from 9AM to 12PM at ATP Rehearsal Hall

A staged reading immersing its audience in the sound and visual world of the film. At The EPCOR CENTRE’s Motel; admission by donation (suggested $5-10). December 12-15.

Come celebrate the holiday season and the end of the world with Major
Matt Mason at the Auburn Saloon. Music, door prizes, silent auction and 50/50 tickets. December 21 at 8PM.

Come ring in the New Year at the New City Legion with the saucy ladies who brought you Tudor Queens and former SONiC band of the month, The Frolics. December 31 at 8PM.

W.P. Puppet Theatre presents a weekend of keynotes, hands-on workshops, peer mentoring, panel discussions & more. Early bird registration ends Jan. 31. March 9-10.

| top |

Space

| top |

Volunteer

Walterdale Theatre Associates seeks an Artistic Director to lead its 2013-2014 Season. ADs generally serve a two-year term at Walterdale. Like all artistic positions in the company, the AD is a volunteer position. Deadline: December 31.

One Yellow Rabbit relies on a trusted core group of volunteers to present a successful season of events and to produce the world famous High Performance Rodeo. January 3 - February 3.

| top |

Calls For Submissions

Cat on a Leash Creations is seeking inspired artists for their event HeARTvark, an art gathering, which celebrates all that is lovely, weird and unfortunate about Love and Coupling. Deadline: December 8.

The 2013 Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival is seeking production submissions. You can register at the Pumphouse Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Ave SW) between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Registration opens December 10.

Sage Theatre is now accepting submissions for its ninth annual Ignite! Festival for Emerging Artists. Ignite! features new works of theatre, dance, music and visual art. Deadline: December 14.

Plays for the 9th Annual Scripts At Work Playwright Competition must be 1 – 45 minutes in length (maximum 30 pages). Deadline: December 15 at midnight.

Alberta Drama Festival Association (ADFA) - Edmonton Zone invites submissions for its 2013 one-act play competition. Any scripted play, previously published or new, between 10 to 60 minutes in length, is eligible for production. Deadline: December 17.

Writers' Guild of Alberta invites writers from across Alberta and their publishers to submit to this year’s award categories, including the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama. Deadline: December 31.

Walterdale Theatre Associates seeks proposals (scripts and other info) from individuals interesting in directing for its upcoming season. Deadline: January 5, 2013.

The Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton is now accepting nominations online to acknowledge and honour the Edmonton arts community and its partnerships with our City's businesses. Deadline: February 1 at 4:30PM.

Playwrights Canada Press invites submissions of English-language one-act plays suitable for high schools to be included in a new anthology for publication in 2014. Deadline for submissions: May 3, 2013.

The Nextfest Arts Company is now accepting proposals from producers, playwrights, directors, actors, designers, multidisciplinary artists, etc. Submissions do not have to be attached to a specific creative project: resumes are welcome. No deadline but proposals received earlier will have greater opportunity for consideration and dialogue.

StageCoach Theatre Arts is world's largest provider of part-time theatre education for children. We provide full training in helping you open and run your own performing arts school. Financial assistance in launching your own school is also available. No deadline.

| top |

Other

Promise Productions is looking for donations through indiegogo.com to help produce the second annual Snow Globe Festival of Children’s Theatre. Click here to visit the Festival’s 2012 Indiegogo campaign.

The Foothills Composite High School / Alberta High School of Fine Arts is seeking your support to sponsor this year’s musical theatre production of Back to the 80′s. Please contact Cheryl Jessamine at 403-938-1926 or by email: sj1926@telus.net.

Keyano Theatre seeks your support to assist us in presenting a variety of entertainment options that enhances our region’s quality of life and supports a vibrant community in Fort McMurray. Visit keyano.ca/donatenow.

| top |

Donors, New & Renewing Members

Donations and members listed below were processed during November 2012.

DONORS: THANK YOU!

Tim Bowles, Linda Miller, Ron Barnhart, Doug & Karen Boisvert, Thomas Peacocke, Grace Rosenau, Erin Hart-Sande, Russell and Heather Thomas, & Theatre Alberta Library Patrons from office donation jar!

We are also humbled to have accepted donations in memory of Keith Ewasiuk.

Thank you to everyone contributing to our 2012 Gift A Play Campaign.

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Marylou Gammans, Brianne Jang, Jordan Sabo, Elijah Lindenberger, Bronwyn Petersen, Elyse Olafson

Groups
Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals
Jenny McKillop, Darolyn McCrostie, Michael Fenton, James Hutchison, Elaine Streibel, Shannon Joyes, Kim McCaw, Kathleen Shore, Andrew Kooman, Franco Imbrogno, Mark Vetsch, John Rusich, Rebecca Starr, Alan Johnson, Robert E. Miller, Genevieve Pare

Groups
Stage Hanna, Alberta Opera, Freewill Shakespeare Theatre Festival, Red Deer College Students’ Association, Theatre Network, Citadel Theatre, Ecole Nationale de Theatre, Acts of God, St. Albert Theatre Troupe, Churchmice Players, Innisfail Town Theatre

| top |

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 need to subscribe is an email address!  Sign up now.

Unsubscribe: DO NOT HIT REPLY. Please use the "Manage your subscription" link at the bottom of this email.

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 Classifieds or Playbill will already be considered for inclusion in Theatre Buzz and need not be resubmitted.

| top |

Theatre Alberta Gratefully Acknowledges the Support of the Following Funders

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