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 January:

Because Dramaworks and PlayWorks Ink are bienniel events, happening in summer and fall respectively, every two years Theatre Alberta gets ridiculously busy during a seven-month period. This is it. Between now and mid-July, we are rolling out the Spring edition of All Stages, Emerge, Dramaworks, Artstrek, plus collecting 2014-2015 season information for Playbill, sending out a membership survey, and all the Theatre Buzz eNewsletters in between. Oh - and we're currently planning our first ever Picks of the Edmonton Fringe Albertan theatre tour to boot.

I hope you are as excited as we are!

Please note that Artstrek 2014 online applications will be available on April 1st at 4 PM. We have a number of exciting announcements planned over the next several weeks, so be sure to watch for new posts on theatrealberta.com, on our Facebook page, Twitter feed, and our LinkedIn company profile.

Happy New Year!

Aaron Talbot
Communications & Marketing

“WP Puppet Theatre, and myself as Artistic Director, have been grateful recipients of a number of Theatre Alberta programs. Please keep up your resources, support and advocacy for the excellent work of Alberta artists and arts companies."

~ Theatre Alberta donor Wendy Passmore-Godfrey

What's New at Theatre Alberta

Click the headline for more information.

Longing for that Artstrek Buzz? Apply To Be a 2014 Super!

Theatre Alberta is looking for previous Artstrek attendees with excellent interpersonal skills, strong leadership ability, a remarkable work ethic and a well-cultivated sense of fun. Applicants must have attended Artstrek as a student, been away from the program for at least one year, and be between 19 and 25 years of age. To apply send Theatre Alberta: a cover letter outlining your qualifications; what would make you an asset to the Super team; your theatre and employment resume; and your headshot.

Email all applications to artstrek@theatrealberta.com. We thank you in advance for your interest. Please be advised that only those applicants shortlisted for the interview process will be contacted.

Application deadline: March 1, 2014.

On January 1, 2014 changes to the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Alberta policy came in effect to distinguish between unpaid workers and volunteers.

These changes will affect the theatre industry in Alberta. Theatre companies operate in a compulsory industry under the Workers’ Compensation Act — this means that companies are required to open WCB accounts to cover all paid workers. However, the new policy means that volunteers for not-for-profit organizations are no longer covered by the WCB unless the not-for-profit organization chooses to opt-in to the program.

In other words, not-for-profit theatre companies that wish to provide WCB coverage for their volunteers must submit a written application to the WCB Alberta to do so. 

Below you will find several PDFs that provide more details about the policy changes, how they impact your organization and how to apply to the WCB Alberta to provide coverage for volunteers. Theatre Alberta still has a number of questions regarding the new policy, which we have sent to WCB Alberta for clarification. Once we receive new information we will share with the Albertan theatre community.

In the meantime, please carefully review these documents to see how the policy change will impact your theatre organization:

It is Theatre Alberta's position that insurance coverage for all volunteers in our industry should be provided in order to protect the volunteer from loss as well as the organization from liability. Whether you choose to provide volunteer coverage through the WCB Alberta or through another insurance provider/product is now entirely up to you. 

Thank you to all members of the theatre community that submitted feedback to the WCB Alberta regarding the proposed policy changes back in August 2013. As many of you know, this has been a longstanding issue, and we are pleased that it is nearly resolved. For more background information on the history of this issue, please click here and click here.

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.

Hear and Now or Never in Edmonton
During January 10-12, Good Women Dance Collective held a three-day workshop with Mélanie Demers of Mayday Danse (Québec), entitled "Here and Now or Never." In this workshop, Demers investigated the role of dance and art in society, aiming to provide a suitable playground for artists to explore “inner mythology” and develop a creative process that comes from inside and reflects on the outside. 

Comedic Improv in Bashaw
On January 11, Friends of the Majestic Theatre in Bashaw welcomed Edmonton improvisor/actor Matt Alden to teach a workshop in comedic improvisation. From what we hear, Matt managed to keep the entire workshop laughing for the entire six hours of class! Workshop host Margaret Jenson reports, "We laughed until it hurt!"

Acting and Character Development in St. Albert
Also on January 11, Theatre Alberta Past Board President Michele Fleiger taught a workshop on acting technique and character development for the St. Albert Theatre Troupe. Entitled "From Couch to Stage," the workshop was designed to inspire the community to get involved in the craft of performing.

Singing in Wainwright
Theatre 75 in Wainwright will be hosting a Singing workshop on January 25th with Kim Mattice-Wanat, Artistic/Managing Director and Founder of Opera Nuova in Edmonton. Kim specializes in an innovative vocal technique in which expressivity and total body engagement are integrated to unlock the creative spirit! 

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 email theatreab@theatrealberta.com.

Thank you so very much to all our donors to the 2013 Theatre Alberta Library Gift A Play Campaign. We received us 62 books worth nearly $850 - more than double our total from the inaugural 2012 campaign! We are so grateful for your generosity and support. Thank you! Most of the books ordered have arrived, but we are still waiting on a few. We will be mailing tax receipts to those who have requested them this month. If you would like a tax receipt for your donation but have not yet sent us your Amazon.ca receipt, please email it to theatreab@theatrealberta.com ASAP.

The following people donated books to Theatre Alberta's 2013 Gift A Play campaign. To view titles with hyperlinks to each book's description, please visit our campaign page at theatrealberta.com/gift-a-play.

Please note Theatre Alberta's Library will be closed February 15 - 17 for the Family Day weekend. The Dropbox will be unavailable.

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What's On in Alberta

Opening in January

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

THE MUSIC MAN
Jan 9 - 17, University of Calgary Operetta Company

HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO
Jan 9 - Feb 1, High Performance Rodeo/One Yellow Rabbit

THE CAT IN THE HAT
Jan 10 - 25, StoryBook Theatre

6.0: HOW HEAP AND PEBBLE TOOK ON THE WORLD AND WON
Jan 13 - 25, Lunchbox Theatre

SEEDS
Jan 15 - 18, Theatre Junction GRAND

MUNICH NOW
Jan 15 - 25, One Yellow Rabbit

ANTOINE FEVAL
Jan 15 - 25, Vertigo Theatre

DO YOU WANT WHAT I HAVE GOT? A CRAIGSLIST CANTATA
Jan 22 - Feb 1, Alberta Theatre Projects

COCKTAILS AT PAM'S
Jan 24 - Feb 8, Morpheus Theatre

THE HURON BRIDE
Jan 25 - Feb 23, Vertigo Theatre

THE SPIRIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN
Jan 31 - Feb 2, Vertigo Theatre Y Stage Series

FOOTLOOSE
Jan 31 - Feb 15, Front Row Centre Players

EDMONTON

THE SILENCE PROJECT
Jan 8 -12, Punctuate! Theatre

MACK AND MABEL: THE JERRY HERMAN MUSICAL CLASSIC IN CONCERT
Jan 9 - 19, Plain Janes @ The Varscona Theatre

THE GOD THAT COMES
Jan 15 - 25, 2b Theatre/Citadel Theatre

A BRONTE BURLESQUE
Jan 21 - Feb 2, Send In The Girls Burlesque/Roxy Performance Series

CANOE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Jan 23 - Feb 1, Workshop West

CLYBOURNE PARK
Jan 25 - Feb 2, Citadel Theatre

CLOSER
Jan 29 - Feb 2, K.I.A. Productions

MARIE ANTOINETTE: THE COLOUR OF FLESH
Jan 29 - Feb 9, Shadow Theatre

ALBERTA

MUNSCH-O-RAMA! TOUR
Jan 6 - 10, New West Theatre, Touring Alberta

SYLVIA
Jan 16 - Feb 1, Central Alberta Theatre, Red Deer

SKIN FLICK
Jan 16 - Feb 1, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY
Jan 17 - 25, Peak Theatre Players, Sundre

GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!
Jan 23 - 25, University of Lethbridge TheatreXtra, Lethbridge

APPLES AND ORANGES
Jan 27 - Feb 22, Concrete Theatre, Touring Alberta

BUGGED
Jan 27 - Mar 7, Evergreen Theatre, Touring Alberta

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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

With family and close friends surrounding her, Kate Bagnall passed away on the morning of January 13th, 2014. Her memorial service will be held on Monday, January 20th at 1pm, at the Shell Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan. Theatre Alberta extends its condolences to everyone who knew and worked with Kate.

The home of John Turner, of the Canadian horror clown duo Mump and Smoot, was destroyed by fire on January 4th. Shelley Switzer, producer of the Edmonton Street Festival, is spearheading an initiative to gather Mump and Smoot archive material to try to replace what was lost in the fire. Click here for information on how to contribute.

One Yellow Rabbit resident artist Denise Clarke will be among 90 Canadians to receive the Order of Canada. Other notable Albertans that will receive this honour include The Banff Centre’s Mary Hofstetter and Bob McPhee of Calgary Opera. Congratulations!

Teatro la Quindicina has announced details about its five-show 2014 season, which opens at the end of May. Subscriptions are available at 780-433-3399 or through TIX on the Square.

Canoe has expanded into a two-week festival featuring local and national theatre artists and their work. Tickets are available at 780-477-5955 or through TIX on the Square.

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Submit a Classified

Classifieds FAQs

Search Classifieds by subject:

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Deals (e.g. ticket discounts)
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Jobs
Calgary Jobs
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Odds and Ends
Resources
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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

EDMONTON

Auditions for Grindstone Theatre's upcoming production of Honk! the musical. Deadline: Jan 15.

Wanted: Creative Actors/Musicians for TYA project for Kompany Family Theatre. By appointment: email kompany@telus.net. Audition: Jan 22.

Genuine beards needed (with actors attached)! By appointment - email headshot & resume to tobit2014@nym.hush.com. Auditions Jan 31, Feb 1.

Please prepare 2 contrasting musical theatre songs (not from the rock genre). By appointment - email info@twoonewaytickets.com. Auditions: Feb 5, 7, 8, and 15.

ALBERTA

Audition Notice - Lead Male Role - The Pajama Game - Please visit leducdramasociety.com for more info. Deadline to apply: Jan 31.

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Job Postings

CALGARY

Artists' Collective Theatre needs Technical Director & Lighting Board Operator for Spring Awakening. Deadline: Jan 15

Cellist and Drummer needed for Spring Awakening with Artists' Collective Theatre. Deadline: Jan 20

Conventional Department - Christie Lites Calgary - $15/hr+Benefits - Email mmuel@christielites.com. Deadline: Feb 13.

Cable Department - Christie Lites Calgary - $15/hr + Benefits - Email mmuel@christielites.com. Deadline: Feb 13.

EDMONTON

Amplify your summer by building relationships with hundreds of people! Job Number: 15485. (Up to 11 Months) Deadline: Open til filled.

Common Ground Arts Society seeks Interns for the 2014 Found Festival: pays $1000. Apply via commongroundarts.ca. Open until filled.

ALBERTA

The Shell Theatre located in Fort Saskatchewan is currently recruiting for a Theatre Supervisor. Permanent F/T position. Deadline: Jan 23.

Applicants must have attended Artstrek as a student, been away from the program for at least one year, and be between 19 and 25 years of age. Email all applications to artstrek@theatrealberta.com. Deadline: Mar 1.

NATIONAL

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is looking for an Artistic Producer! Forward a cover letter and resume, including references and any supporting materials. Deadline: Jan 27.

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Workshops / Classes / Education

CALGARY

Jan 18: C.A.S.T. Program presents a Triple threat Winter Workshop. Come out to learn skills in acting, dance, and singing. Spots are limited.

CALGARY PLAYWRIGHTS' BOOT CAMP - Alberta Playwrights' Network

Feb 17 - Mar 24: 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

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.

Begins Feb 18: Submissions open for Kompany Family Theatre's Playwrights Circle with Stephen Heatley! Deadline: Feb 10 (late submissions considered if there is room).

Feb 20-23: Learn to laugh in the face of failure! Intro to Clown with Jan Henderson. Early bird ($400) deadline: Jan 25.

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.

ALBERTA

Now accepting applications at the University of Lethbridge for MFA – Theatre and Dramatic Arts. Deadline: Feb 1.

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Events

FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS & AFFORDABLE HOUSING - CITADEL THEATRE - Edmonton

Jan 18 @ 10 AM - 3PM: Call Citadel Reception at 780.426.4811 or e-mail kdavis@citadeltheatre.com to pre-register. Free admission.

STAGED READING - A PEACEFUL LIFE - Edmonton

Jan 18 @ 7:30 PM: Free staged reading of Trina Davies' new work A Peaceful Life at the Citadel Theatre. RSVP to wpaquette@citadeltheatre.com.

2014 FEMME FESTIVAL - Calgary

Feb 7 - 10: Calling all female emerging artists. Includes workshops with Anita Miotti. Early-Bird registration for $15 available until Jan 20, final deadline is Jan 27.

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

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Volunteer

Workshop West is looking for volunteers for Canoe 2014! Email tickets@workshopwest.org for details. Deadline: Feb 1.

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Calls For Submissions

Contact Laurel Green at LGreen@ATPlive.com for information. The deadline to apply for the $3000 awards for the Enbridge playRites awards is Feb 1!

Nomination forms are now available for the Harry and Martha Cohen Award which honours sustained and significant contribution to theatre in Calgary. Deadline: Feb 14.

Nomination forms and applications information can be found online at: mayorscelebration.com/nominate. Deadline: Feb 14, 4:30 PM.

FÖDA: A CULINARY CABARET - CAT ON A LEASH CREATIONS - Calgary

Artists: look up Cat on a Leash Creations on Facebook for info on how to submit to their upcoming event Föda! Deadline: Feb 16.

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.

If you are 30 and under, and live in the province of Alberta, please take a moment to answer our brief survey about the arts in our province! No deadline. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/focusunder30.

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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!

WP Puppet Theatre (Wendy Passmore), Jan Taylor (in memory of Keith Ewasiuk), Kristen Finlay, Cherie Ratte & Ken Pigott, and Theatre Alberta Library Patrons from the office donation jar!

NEW MEMBERS

Individuals
Ben Eastep, Katherine Walker, Jocelyn Jay, Caleb Gordon, Geordie Cowan, Kelti Graham, Meghan Hanet, Kaitlyn Sloboda, Stuart Giesbrecht, Sarah Robertson, Mena Jewell, Jenna Shummoogum, Louise Lambert

Groups
Barrhead Composite High School

RENEWING MEMBERS

Individuals

Jean-Pierre Fournier, Elizabeth Hobbs, Ken Mastel, Wade Staples, Joshua Dalledonne, Jennifer Wong, Ania Danylo, Gerald St. Maur, HIlary Hornberger, Kurtis Nawrot, Marika Ann Nychka, Jim Guedo, Mike Griffin, Bob Rasko,

Groups

Citadel Theatre, Dirty Laundry

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BUZZ ETIQUETTE

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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!