We Are Movie Geeks: “The Theatre Lab is a three-week developmental retreat designed to provide a private, creative environment for playwrights, directors, composers and librettists to devise and refine new work with the support of creative advisors, full casts and rehearsal space. This year, Sundance has 31 fellows or generative artists, including playwrights, composers, directors and creative teams. Sundance Institute is grateful for the assistance of the Performing Arts Residency program at The Banff Centre.”
Category Archives: Theatre
Banff Centre people involved with Bramwell Tovey opera The Inventor
The Globe and Mail: Calgary Opera presents the world premier of Bramwell Tovey’s opera The Inventor at the end of January. The libretto was written by John Murrell, former artistic director of theatre arts at the Banff Centre, and the production is directed by Kelly Robinson, current director of theatre arts.
Federal government announces funding for Presenting Series
PR-CANADA.net: “The Government of Canada will be providing funding of $373,350 over three years to support the 2011–2012, 2012–2013, and 2013–2014 seasons of The Banff Centre Presenting Series through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.”
Vancouver has an opera to call their own: Lillian Alling warmly received
Vancouver Straight: “Vancouver Opera and the Banff Centre (VO’s coproducer on the project) have spared no expense on the production design, which looks consistently handsome. Among the biggest challenges is the fact that Jimmy’s pickup truck must appear and disappear from a shed door on the lower stage.”
Calgary, Banff theatre mentor among Order of Canada honourees
Calgary Herald: “A total of 53 Canadians were honoured at the ceremony, including four companions, 19 officers and 30 members of the Order of Canada. Among those honoured was Bob White of Calgary, who was installed as a member of the Order. White has been instrumental in nurturing the development of Canadian playwrights. As a dramaturge and artistic director with the Playwrights Workshop of Montreal, the Factory Theatre in Toronto, Banff Playwrights Colony and Alberta Theatre Projects, White has discovered and mentored many new and established writers.”
Calgary Herald profiles the Professional Dance Program
Elton John endorses Alberta Ballet production for North American tour
Calgary Herald: “Sir Elton John has given Alberta Ballet’s Love Lies Bleeding two thumbs up and his blessing to take the show on the road. The critically acclaimed and hugely popular multi-media production, based on 14 Elton John songs and choreographed by Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre, premiered in Calgary in early May. A North American tour for Love Lies Bleeding is planned for September 2011.”
The Globe and Mail has more information.
Most of the costumes for Love Lies Bleeding were built at The Banff Centre’s theatre department.
Casey Prescott to become programming presenter at Arden Theatre in St. Albert
St. Albert Gazette: Prescott has been with the Banff Centre’s theatre department for 13 years. He starts at the Arden on August 3.
Marilyn Monroe opera to debut in Banff
CBC News: “Anyone Can See I Love You, a small-scale opera about the last days of Marilyn Monroe, gets its first workshop performance in Banff this weekend, with a performance by Faroese singer Eivor. The work is being composed by Gavin Bryars, a U.K.-born, B.C.-based composer who has straddled the pop and classical worlds.”
CBC notes Koerner award
CBC Arts: “The Banff Centre in Alberta has handed out its first Koerner Award in Choreography to Kevin O’Day, the current artistic director of Ballett Mannheim in Germany.”