Theatre

The breathtaking new film of Catalyst Theatre's celebrated stage play NEVERMORE – The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe debuts on the big screen for one night only on January 18! 

Delightfully dark, heartbreakingly comic, and playfully grotesque, NEVERMORE is a whimsical and chilling musical fairytale for adults journeying through the life of one of literature’s most prolific figures. Bizarrely beautiful and wonderfully witty, NEVERMORE uses haunting song, poetic storytelling and surreal imagery to explore the events that shaped Poe’s career and ignited his lifelong battle with “visions dark and sinister.”

Having played on stages from London to New York, including two Off-Broadway runs and licensed productions around the world, Jonathan Christenson’s NEVERMORE is one of Alberta’s most successful theatrical exports. NEVERMORE was nominated for three Lucille Lortel Awards celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway theatre, including Outstanding New Musical in 2015. (The winner that year? Hamilton.)

NEVERMORE - ON FILM captures in unprecedented detail the 15th-anniversary production of Catalyst’s signature musical, and features the original cast reunited for the first time since 2011.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating not only this milestone achievement for Catalyst Theatre but also the 216th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe himself! And stay after the film to participate in a lively Q&A with the director and cast. Don’t miss this extraordinary event!

Tickets available at secure.citadeltheatre.com/9359 or by calling 780-425-1820.

Goblin: Macbeth

January 11 - February 2, 2025

A Spontaneous Theatre Creation by Rebecca Northan and Bruce Horak with Ellis Lalonde. 
Goblin: Macbeth was first produced by The Shakespeare Company, and Hit & Myth Productions

When three Goblins come across a copy of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, they decide to take over the stage, choosing the bloodiest play they can find, Macbeth. Blending comedy, fantasy and tragedy, in an unpredictably interactive and exciting theatrical experience, the goblins present a uniquely fresh take on a Shakespearean classic.

Age Recommendation: 14+
Content Advisory: Contains offstage murder, strong language, non-toxic haze, adult content, and violence

Accessible Performances are taking place on January 26 at 7:30 pm (ASL Interpreted and Closed Captions), and February 2 at 1:30 pm (Touch Tour and Audio Described). Funding for Accessible Performances is provided by the Edmonton Community Foundation. 

Tickets and information available at citadeltheatre.com/shows/24-25-goblin-macbeth or by calling Box Office at 780.425.1820

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge seeks a new Executive Director to assume a leadership position in 2025.
POSITION: Executive Director
Hours: Full-time, permanent position
Location: In-person, Lethbridge, Alberta
Website: artslethbridge.org/job-opportunities
Closing date: January 9, 11:59 pm

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that promotes and supports the growth and development of the arts sector in Lethbridge while upholding the values of creativity, collaboration and inclusiveness, professionalism and accountability.

Established in 1958, as a member-based society, the AAC is a multi-faceted organization whose activities include: advocacy on behalf of artists and arts organizations, increasing public understanding of and support for the arts, promoting arts events and initiatives, and creating events and opportunities for artists and the community to come together. The AAC is also responsible for the management of Casa the City of Lethbridge’s purpose-built community art centre.

The AAC seeks a dynamic, visionary and self-motivated leader to assume the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director will report to the AAC Board of Directors and will provide strategic and fiscal leadership for the organization. They will be accountable for the implementation of the Board’s strategic plan; oversight of all AAC policies, operations, services and programs, and the supervision of the AAC management team.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the arts sector and its value to the broad community which will allow them to be an advocate for the AAC and the arts community. They will be recognized for their big-picture thinking skills and will have a proven record of implementing successful initiatives.  They will also demonstrate the ability to support and lead a diverse team. Their superior relationship-building and communication skills will allow them to collaborate with a variety of sector, community and government stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a minimum 3 years management experience and demonstrated
  leadership in the Arts
• Experience working with a nonprofit organization; preferably an arts organization
• Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills
• Experience working with the media
• Experience developing and managing budgets and grant writing experience
• Knowledge of the Lethbridge and area arts sector

Primary areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

• Board of Directors liaison and support
• Leadership, supervision and evaluation of senior staff
• Program development, management and evaluation
• Fiscal management, grant oversight and fund development
• Contract management
• Cultivating strong community relationships
• Liaison with City of Lethbridge administration

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume with salary expectations and three references, to the attention of: Hiring Committee, Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge, hr@artslethbridge.org before January 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm. 

Interviews will be scheduled for Jan 21 - 24. Only candidates short-listed for interviews will be contacted. Expected start date is March 29, 2023. A Criminal Record check will be required. Compensation will be commensurate with experience (Salary Range: $78,000 - $83,000). This position comes with a competitive health benefits plan.

For further information, please contact:  Jon Oxley, Board President, by email at hr@artslethbridge.org

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge acknowledges that we are gathered on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present and future while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land.  The City of Lethbridge is also home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild - Assistant Managing Director

Company profile

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild was formed in 1989 by a group of actors in a truly co-operative spirit with the mandate to produce the works of William Shakespeare.

The company runs the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage outdoor productions every summer.

See www.freewillshakespeare.com.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Managing Director (AMD) is primarily responsible for assisting the Managing Director. The division of responsibilities between the Managing Director and the AMD may change over time according to the qualifications, comfort, and abilities of the AMD, and the needs of the company.

Year-round duties include:

• fundraising and liaising with donors, sponsors and patrons
• organizing fundraising and other special events
• liaising with vendors and service providers, and ordering product for the festival
• attending outside meetings
• assisting with grant applications
• other duties as assigned.

During the run of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, the AMD is the main point of contact for on-site staff and volunteers.

In the lead-up to and during the festival, duties also include:

• hiring festival staff
• training and supervising staff and volunteers
• coordinating special events and fundraisers
• managing patrons and other users of the festival location
• being available on site to manage contingencies and emergencies

The AMD will be called on to run errands around the city, sometimes on short notice. Regular access to a vehicle is required.

The AMD is frequently required to work independently and is expected to seek the advice from the Managing Director and exercise good judgment.

Oversight

The AMD is a vital and trusted employee within the company. They report to the Managing Director. They may want to attend board meetings and report directly to the board, but this is not required.
Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience in managing theatre companies, festivals, or not-for-profit organizations
• Experience in grant writing and advocacy
• Experience training and managing employees and volunteers
• A passion for the performing arts and Shakespeare
• An interest in advancing your skills and taking on new challenges
• Current standard first aid and ProServe certifications
• Be able to perform the physical demands of the job: lifting 20 lbs overhead, long periods of standing and walking on concrete, grass, and on slopes, long periods of outdoor work in various weather conditions, long periods of sitting, and other physically demanding duties

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $28,000 to $30,500. Freewill believes in investing in its employees. There may be opportunities for professional development where appropriate.

This is a permanent employee position. Hours of work are part time through most of the year and increase to full time in the month running up to and during the festival. Hours may be flexible, depending on the needs of the company and the Managing Director.

The AMD may work outside the company providing that they inform the Managing Director and the work does not interfere with their responsibilities to the company.

How to apply

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild does not just accept differences — we celebrate and thrive on them. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Please submit the following documents to md@freewillshakespeare.com:

1. letter of interest
2. résumé
3. reference letters (if desired, to a maximum of three)

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Alberta Society of Artists (ASA) presents a group exhibition, Artist’s Choice 2024 at the Walterdale Theatre in Edmonton.

The Alberta Society of Artists is proud to present Artist’s Choice 2024, a show & sale featuring work by Juried & Life Members of the ASA:

• Brenda Malkinson
• Deb Laninga
• Doris Charest
• E. Ross Bradley
• Ellen Andreassen
• Mary Whale
• Pam Wilman

This exhibition coincides with ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Full Length Version)’ by Joe Landry, which runs December 4-14th at the Walterdale Theatre, 10322 83 Ave. NW, Edmonton Alberta.

There will be a public opening reception on Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:30 - 7:30 pm followed by a free preview of Walterdale's production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’. 

The exhibition is free and open to the public when the theatre is open.

For more information: www.albertasocietyofartists.com/2024artistchoiceedmonton, email coordinator@albertasocietyofartists.com, or call the ASA Office at 403-265-0012.

The Alberta Society of Artists is the oldest society of juried professional artists in the province, providing art education and exhibitions in public venues since 1931. The Society’s goal is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the visual arts in Alberta.

In partnership with ArtUniverse, NIPAI invites experienced theatre directors, assistant directors, actors, teachers, and choreographers to apply for a full-tuition scholarship to join one of its international programs or workshops.

This contest is designed for professionals looking to enhance their directing skills, broaden their network, and gain international experience.

A list of potential contest awards:

• A partnership with NIPAI at the 22nd annual IUGTE conference "Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity" in 2025.
  • This includes a full scholarship for a one speaker slot and the opportunity for a group of up to 10 people to participate without paying any fees for participation.
• A tuition-free access for a 3-week intensive workshop in Hungary, culminating in a performance in a local theatre.
• Three spots awarded for participation in one of NIPAI's international physical theatre workshops in Berlin in 2025

To keep the excitement alive, the specific prizes will remain undisclosed until the winners are announced.

How to Participate:

1. Record a Short Video (1-3 minutes): Share your story as a theatre professional, your goals for developing directing skills, and how this scholarship could support your growth.
2. Post and Tag NIPAI on Social Media: Upload the video to Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, tagging NIPAI’s official account.
3. Email the Link: Send the link to info@nipai.org with the subject “NIPAI's New Year Scholarship Contest.”

Deadlines:

• Submission deadline: December 15, 2024
• Public voting on Instagram: December 16-22
• Results announced: December 24

This scholarship offers a chance to participate in a learning environment with international peers and develop new skills to enhance your work in theatre and the performing arts.

This research was conducted in six waves over the course of 2020 and 2021. This is a community resource that is FREE to access and results from the sixth wave of research are now available.

Findings for Alberta organizations from Wave 6 results include:

• Comfort has developed into a very predictable pattern that follows case numbers and now vaccine rates.
• Albertans will return at their own pace; participation hinges on personal comfort but also personal risk tolerance.
• There is a consensus that there will be less of a return to “normal” but rather a new way of doing things moving forward.
• Because Albertans have spent the past year and half discovering new things to do, the selection of what they can choose from now is quite vast.
• Spending habits are in flux, and at this point it is difficult to predict where Albertans will direct their money in the short term.

What are the implications for Alberta organizations?

• Even as restrictions have been removed, organizations still need to deal with comfort. As it stands, there is clear hesitancy in the audience and it will be important to communicate safety measures to make audiences comfortable when re-engaging.
• Organizations should keep in mind that public sentiment is a more useful barometer over government announcements. Gauging expectations for increased participation to occur will be based on a combination of comfort and risk tolerance.
• Organizations should expect more permanent (structural) changes to stick around – specifically related to organizational transparency, flexibility with refunds, new payment options, etc. These should be things that organizations consider keeping even if they are no longer required by the government.
• The main consideration for organizations remains flexibility – in terms of payment options, participation options, etc. This will allow for consideration on different levels as Albertans suss out how they want to direct their spending.

Download the reports:

• Alberta Report
• Calgary Report
• Edmonton Report

About the project

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is pleased to be a funding partner in this collaboration with Stone-Olafson and other community leaders to develop a long-term research investigation and evaluate how current conditions will reshape Albertans’ attitudes and behaviours towards social and group activities, across a variety of sectors. The purpose of this work is to give leaders of community sports, recreation, arts and culture, professional sports, active living, heritage, tourism or hospitality sectors relevant facts about local audiences that they will need to bring life back to our communities.

The initiative was funded by:

• ActiveCITY Collective
• Alberta Foundation for the Arts
• Angus Reid
• ATB
• Calgary Arts Development
• Calgary Foundation
• Edmonton Arts Council
• Edmonton Community Foundation
• Rozsa Foundation
• Stone-Olafson
• Travel Alberta