IN THIS ISSUE

What's New at Theatre Alberta
What's On in Alberta
Theatre News
Classifieds
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:

Happy Holidays, Friends! I officially kicked off the season last night with my favourite holiday tradition: Tom Wood's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. I've seen the production – now in its 14th season – many times (more than 30?), so I spend a great deal of energy during the show trying not to physically telegraph its many magical moments to my surrounding patrons and speak my favourite sequences out loud.

And now that I'm in the spirit, I'm looking forward to seeing as many more holiday productions as I can with my friends and family. Check out the What's On in Alberta section below – there is no shortage of amazing work across the province this month, be it holiday-themed or not, to keep our hearts and minds warm in this (bitter, bitter) cold.

Here's wishing all of our members, and your members and patrons, a safe and happy holiday season with much cheer and many standing ovations.

Keri Mitchell
Executive Director

“So much of who I am today is because of you, Theatre Alberta. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be able to give back a little."

~ Gift A Play 2013 donor Erika Norrie

What's New at Theatre Alberta

Click the headline for more information.

On November 15th, we launched our second annual Library donation campaign: Gift A Play to Theatre Alberta’s Library for Christmas. We created a “Wish List” on Amazon.ca of titles that the Library would like to add to our collection but could not purchase on this year’s budget. It’s our Christmas list and we are glad that our members and friends are in the gift-giving mood this holiday season! We are so pleased to report that 36 titles have been donated from our Amazon.ca Wish List, worth $528.59! We still have 83 titles to go - visit theatrealberta.com/gift-a-play for regular updates!

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far: Zenovia Adams, Amy DeFelice, Michele Fleiger, Karen King, Barbara Mah, Louise Mallory, Kim McCaw,Erika Norrie, Mari Sasano, Elizabeth Wilkie, and Anonymous. (We want to recognize you! Email your Amazon.ca receipt to library@theatrealberta.com so we can post your name on our website!)

Thank you also to Russell & Heather Thomas and Cindy & Alastair Brooks for your general donations to Theatre Alberta as part of our Gift A Play 2013 campaign.

By donating books to the Theatre Alberta Library, you are giving to the entire Albertan theatre community! Links to book descriptions and more information about how to get involved are available on our Gift A Play webpage. We will provide tax receipts for donations worth more than $20. Thank you again for your support!

WRIGHTING PLAYS The Craft of Play Creation in Alberta Arriving in Theatre Alberta members' mailboxes this month is the latest edition of All Stages Magazine. Our new Editor, Frazer Andrews, has taken a look at the origins and evolving methods of playwriting in Alberta. We are pleased to introduce our newest regular feature, Foils: two contrasting opinions, viewpoints or processes published side-by-side in our magazine. In this installment of Foils, we asked Meg Braehm and Rebecca Northan to provide two very unique and different perspectives on the process of writing new plays.

Contributers include Robin C. Whittaker, Braden Griffiths, Shari Wattling, Pamela Schmunk, Scott Peters, and Mieko Ouchi, and we also feature excerpts from the 2013 Alberta Playwriting Competition winning plays: Last Chance Leduc by Katherine Koller and Ascending the Blue by Ryan Reese.

Want to receive this and future editions of All Stages Magazine? Just become a member of Theatre Alberta. Your subscription is included as a benefit of membership, and we'll send you the latest edition in the mail. Click here to join Theatre Alberta!

The American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF), which works in conjunction with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has opened its program up to Canadian high schools. They ask for theatre organizations to nominate top high school theatre programs to the AHSTF, which then invites selected schools to apply for potential participation in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Theatre Alberta would love to nominate an Albertan High School production to participate!

If you would like Theatre Alberta to consider nominating your high school drama program to the AHSTF, please email the following information by December 10:

• Your name and contact info (if we need to follow up)
• The name and contact info of the school including the name of the drama teacher whose program you’re forwarding for consideration
• Your reasons for recommending the program (most important!)

Email the information to Theatre Alberta Programmer, Frazer Andrews at frazer@theatrealberta.com.

The 2013-2014 Workshops by Request season is generously supported by Click here to apply for a Workshop by Request. Skill building workshops are available in both technical and non-technical theatre.

No Workshops by Request have been scheduled for December, but there are already a number of them booked for the new year! Here's a list of workshops happening in January - we'll have more information about each workshop in our next update:

• Improvisation for Friends of the Majestic Theatre (Bashaw)
• Acting and Character Development for St. Albert Theatre Troupe (St. Albert)
• Musical Theatre for About Time Productions (Camrose)
• Singing for Theatre 75 (Wainwright)
• Dance and Art in Society for Good Women Dance (Edmonton).

Workshops by Request applications are accepted throughout the year. Any community theatre group in Alberta may apply for a workshop through the Workshops by Request program, on any topic of their choice. Professional development opportunities sponsored by a professional theatre company are also considered for support through the program. For more information, please contact Frazer Andrews, Programmer, at frazer@theatrealberta.com.

Please note Theatre Alberta's Library will be closed December 21 - January 5 for the Christmas Holiday break. The Drop Box will be available during the holiday only at the following dates and times:
Dec 23 (8:30 am to 6 pm)
Dec 24 (8:30 am to 12 noon)
Dec 30 (8:30 am to 6 pm)
Dec 31 (8:30 am to 4 pm)
Jan 2-3 (8:30 am to 10:30 pm)
Jan 4-5 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

The Dropbox will be unavailable December 21, 22, 25, and January 1. Have a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

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What's On in Alberta

Opening in November

Click here to search the 2013-2014 Theatre Alberta Playbill.
Click here to explore Theatre Alberta's "What's On in Alberta" blog.

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

CALGARY

FRANK DICKENS' CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec 3 - 9, First Alliance Church

HOLMES AND WATSON
Dec 5 - 14, Calgary Young People's Theatre

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dec 6 - 24, Morpheus Theatre

BIG THE MUSICAL
Dec 6 - 28, StoryBook Theatre

FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS
Dec 11 - 21, Theatre BSMT

EDMONTON

PROOF
Dec 4 - 14, Walterdale Theatre

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Dec 6 - 24, Capitol Theatre

WITH BELLS ON
Dec 10 - 22, Guys in Disguise/Roxy Performance Series

HAPPY DAYS: A NEW MUSICAL
Dec 11 - 14, Moxy B Productions
Email moxyb12@shaw.ca for more information.

THE NUTCRACKER UNHINGED (AND OTHER STOCKING-STUFFERS FROM LEMOINE-LAND)
Dec 12 - 14, Teatro la Quindicina

TALES FROM THE SUN
Dec 13 - 14, Rising Sun Theatre
email theatre.risingsun@gmail.com for more information

THE SNOW GLOBE FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S THEATRE
Dec 17 - 21, Promise Productions/ Azimuth Theatre

THE BEST LITTLE NEWFOUNDLAND CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER!
Dec 19 - 23, Whizzgiggling Productions/ The Varscona Theatre

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL PROJECT
Dec 20 - 21, Brass Monkey Productions @ Arts at the Barns

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH TEATRO
Dec 31, Teatro la Quindicina/The Varscona Theatre

ALBERTA

A CHRISTMAS STORY
Dec 5 - 14, Churchmice Players, Camrose

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec 6 - 8, Rural Notes Music Services, Athabasca
Call 780-675-4524 for more information.

SNOW WHITE & THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (A PANTO)
Dec 6 - 14, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, Medicine Hat

WINTER WONDERLAND - TAKE TWO
Dec 6 - 14, Tree House Youth Theatre, Red Deer

THE FARNDALE AVENUE HOUSING ESTATE TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD DRAMATIC SOCIETY'S PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec 6 - 15, Wetaskiwin Theatre Society, Wetaskiwin

CINDERELLA DANCES WITH THE STARS (PANTOMIME)
Dec 13 - 21, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer

RAZZLE DAZZLE
Dec 16 - Jan 4, New West Theatre, Lethbridge

MUNSCH-O-RAMA!
Dec 26 - Jan 4, New West Theatre, Lethbridge

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Click headline to read the full news story

Stories listed in order of those most recently posted in Theatre NEWS

Submit THEATRE NEWS stories to:

theatrealberta.com/submit

Theatre News

22 writers and more than 250 individual donors raised $16,827 during its 2013 Write-A-Thon event held over 24 hours on November 22-23.

Downstage and the U of C announced Robert Tsonos and Albertan playwright Makambe K Simamba won first and second place in the Uprising National Playwrighting contest.

A motion made to cut $315,000 from Calgary Arts Development’s (CADA) operating budget on November 25 was defeated in a vote (11-4) during a Calgary City Council meeting.

After The Varscona Theatre's variety show, Oh Susanna!, closed after 14 seasons, a new magazine-style musico-variety info-spectacle, That's Terrific, debuted on November 30th.

The Globe and Mail published an interview on November 24 with Jeff Melanson, President of The Banff Centre, regarding his ambitious plans to expand the facilities and programming.

Rosebud Theatre has announced its lineup of six plays and musicals for the 2014 Season. The Rosebud Presents series of concerts and theatre offerings for 2014 was also announced.

The 28th annual High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, runs January 9 to February 1, 2014 at sixteen venues throughout Calgary.

As part of New West Theatre’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, it will be reducing programming and restructuring operations for its 25th season, due to losses in funding.

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Submit a Classified

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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

CALGARY

Seeking a female actor (age range: 35 to 55) who can do a believable upper crust British accent. Auditions by request only. Open until filled.

EDMONTON

Holding general auditions for members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA) only. Audition by appointment: Dec 16.

ALBERTA

Looking for male and female musical theatre actors, ages 20-65. Contact Bethany Hughes at Bethany.m.hughes@gmail.com or 780-990-8930. Auditions: Dec 7 - 8.

We’re looking for an ensemble cast (many featured roles, Star Vehicle – Female, Teenage Roles) for NEXT TO NORMAL. Auditions: Dec 9 & 11.

Rosebud Theatre will be auditioning on Dec 16 for various roles in upcoming productions for 2014 Season. Audition by appointment. Deadline: Dec 10.

Seeking 6 Singer/Actors - 3 men and 3 women (with possible swings/adcast). Non-Equity production. Deadline: Dec 23.

ACTORS NEEDED - TERRY SHANE MURDER MYSTERIES- Fort McMurray

Seeking actors in the Fort McMurray area to join our troupe to perform Murder Mysteries as we get hired for corporate gigs! Booking for January. Open until filled.

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Job Postings

CALGARY

Seeking a Drama Class Instructor to teach our Saturday morning Drama Exploration Winter Class. Deadline: Dec 31.

Seeking dance and musical theatre instructors for our Winter 2014 season. Calsses run for ages 3 - adults, in various locations around Calgary. Open until filled.

Green Fools seeks P/T Booking Producer. Strong communicator, negotiator. Email resume to mail@greenfools.com. Open until filled.

EDMONTON

Seeking individuals to staff Sales/Outreach Campaign tables at the Citadel during the run of A Christmas Carol. Deadline: Ongoing until closing (Dec 23).

Opera Nuova seeks Stage Manager for 4-week school tour. Email applications to: admin@operanuova.ca. Deadline: Dec. 13.

ALBERTA

Will work in all aspects of technical services including the supervision and operation of the Keyano Theatre Main Stage and the Art Centre. Review of applicants begins Dec 13.

Keyano Theatre seeks ASM for upcoming production of Les Miserables. Contract begins in January. Send resume/cover letter to Nick.beach@keyano.ca. Open until filled.

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Workshops / Classes / Education

CALGARY

Jan 4 (6 weeks): Essentials of Acting. $380 + GST.
Jan 8 (6 weeks for 13 - 17 year olds): Teen Acting Exploration. $275 +GST
Call 403.228.5526 for more information.

CALGARY PLAYWRIGHTS' BOOT CAMP - Alberta Playwrights' Network

Jan 27 - Mar 10: Governor General’s Award winning playwright, Sharon Pollock will take playwrights through a series of in-class and take-home exercises. $300.

DEVISED THEATRE TRAINING - GHOST RIVER THEATRE

May 5 - 24, 2014: 3-Week Advanced Devised Production Intensive. A comprehensive, advanced program of study. Earlybird/Equity rate: $1,100. After Jan 31: $1,250.

EDMONTON

Ongoing: Theatre Movement at Pique Dance Centre runs every Wednesday at 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Call 780-239-6122 or email info@piquedancecentre.ca for more information.

Starts Jan 13 (every Monday for 10 weeks): Includes a series of workshops conducted by industry professionals, students will learn techniques from producing to acting. $450.

EDMONTON PLAYWRIGHTS' CIRCLE - Alberta Playwrights' Network

Feb 3 - Apr 7: An excellent opportunity to start and finish a first draft of a play or to continue working on a project. Facilitated by Conni Massing. $300.

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Events

EDMONTON SCENE STUDY - GRINDSTONE THEATRE - Edmonton

Dec 9 @ 7PM: For emerging and professional theatre practitioners to share in the reading of plays. At Sun and Moon Visionaries (10125 97 Ave) - free admission.

NATIONAL STAGE COMBAT CERTIFICATION CONFERENCE - FIGHT DIRECTORS CANADA - Edmonton

Jun 30 - Jul 13: Various stage combat certification courses offered. There is an early bird registration discount if you register before Jan 30.

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Space

Alberta Playwrights' Network and The Ability Society, a not-for-profit organization, are discussing creating a new Arts Hub and seeking feedback from interested participants.

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Volunteer

With a Theatre that is busy 10 months per year we are always looking for ushers, hospitality and merchandise volunteers. Contact Adam at amitchell@st-albert.net.

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Calls For Submissions

The awards are $5,000 cash prizes that support artists or arts organizations in various categories. Deadlines: Dec 9 & 18.

Theatre Alberta would like to nominate one or more Albertan High School productions or theatre groups to tour to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, UK. Deadline: Dec 10.

Chiefly, we are looking for new plays but we are also looking for dance pieces, stand-up comedy and installations. Deadline: Dec 10.

There are nine spots open for registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration opens: Dec 11 @ 12noon.

We are looking for all lengths and styles of performance whether it is a one-minute show, hour long, or a four-day endurance art piece! Deadline: Dec 15.

Recognizes and assists female theatre artists tranisitioning from one theatre discipline into theatre direction. Email nominations to: ginasprize@gmail.com. Deadline: Dec 15.

You bring the play, director and actors and we’ll provide the venue, the audience and the adjudicator. Only nine spots available. Deadline: Dec 15.

Urban Curvz Theatre is seeking submissions for Actors, Directors and Stage Managers for its 3rd Annual Girls Gone Wilde: A Late Night Cabaret. Deadline: Dec 30.

2014 GWEN PHARIS RINGWOOD AWARD - ALBERTA LITERARY AWARDS - Alberta

Call for nominations for the 2014 Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama. Information and submission guidelines at www.writersguild.ab.ca. Deadline: Dec 31.

Eligible candidates are artists of any age who have finished their training or apprenticeship and in the early years of launching a career. Deadline: Feb 17.

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Other

Complete Set of Theatrical Lighting suitable for small theatre, DJ’s etc., plus hard road case c/w casters, and 100 ft. video cable. Contact Rob McGrath of Maggie Walt Design at 780-919-3031 or rob@maggiewalt.com.

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Donors, New & Renewing Members

Donations and members listed below were processed during November 2013.

Click here to view all of our 2013 Gift A Play donors so far!

Geri Dittrich, Cindy & Alistair Brooks, Russell & Heather Thomas, Alison Whitley, Kenneth Abernathy, and Theatre Alberta Library Patrons from the office donation jar!

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Mia Calic, Erin Vandermolen-Pater

Groups
Fight Directors Canada, Accidental Humour Co.

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals

Joanne Jacobsen, Giorgia Severini, Janey Olson, Frank/Mary Glenfield, Julie Sinclair, Kim McCaw, John Rusich, Jenny McKillop, Darolyn McCrostie, Samantha Braitenback, Franco Imbrogno, Colleen Uhryn, Shannon Joyes, Piper Goodfellow, Josh Symonds, Jade Benoit, Sharon Peat, Stephen Delano, Marty Chan, Janine Hodder, Jane Heather, Anh Chu, Marilyn Potts, Andrea Ruschin, Nestor Avalos, A.J. Demers

Groups

Theatre BSMT, Red Deer College Theatre Society, Pegasus Performances, Innisfail Town Theatre, Theatre Encounter, Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society, St Albert Theatre Troupe, Lunchbox Theatre, Free Will Players, Downstage

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BUZZ ETIQUETTE

Theatre Buzz is an electronic newsletter distributed to subscribers during the first week 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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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.

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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!