Active Learning for Alberta Schools: Theatre Residencies and Creative Workshops

All, Residencies, Storytelling
May 26, 2026

Quick Summary for Educators

- What is a school residency with Trickster Theatre? It is a 5-day immersive program where professional actors help your entire school (K-12) create and perform an original show. Trickster provides all costumes, curtains, lighting, props, sound and professional actors. Transforming your gym into a real theatre..

- What are Trickster’s Science Workshops? These are 2-day kinesthetic learning sessions where students physically act out the Alberta science curriculum (e.g., magnetism, ecosystems) to improve retention and engagement.

- What are Storytelling Workshops? These sessions focus on literacy and confidence, using physical theatre to help students map out characters and narrative arcs to overcome writer’s block.

- What is the Trickster added value? With 40+ years of experience in hundreds of Alberta schools, Trickster handles 100% of the production logistics, ensures every student participates, and guarantees a unique creative experience.

When you invest in a school residency, you aren’t just looking for entertainment; you’re looking for a transformative experience that justifies your school’s time and resources. You need a program that will captivate your students, inspire your teachers, and create a “once-in-a-childhood” memory that stays with them long after the gear is packed away.

At Trickster Theatre, we provide exactly that. Having worked in hundreds of schools across Alberta, we have perfected a structure that involves every single student. We don’t just put on a show; we enable the creativity of your entire school community and leave a mark that lasts for years. We take full responsibility for the production from start to finish, so you can focus on watching your students shine.

The Trickster Advantage

100% Student Engagement: No one sits on the sidelines. Whether it’s a 2-day workshop or a full residency, we ensure every child is an active participant in the creative process.
Bespoke Theme Selection: For our residencies, any theme is possible. We don’t do “off-the-shelf” scripts; we work closely with you to choose a unique theme that resonates deeply with your students, your curriculum goals, and your specific community.
Professional-Grade Results: We deliver high-energy experiences and final productions that showcase the immense talent and hard work of your students using professional standards.
Zero Stress for Staff: We take full responsibility for the logistics. We bring the professional actors, the costumes for every child, and the full tech setup. We manage the students and the production so your teachers don’t have extra work.
A Lasting Legacy: The confidence, creativity, and community spirit built during our time at your school stays in your halls long after the final curtain call.

3 Ways to Transform Your School Year

We offer three distinct programs designed to bring high-energy, professional creative learning directly to your gym.

1. The One-Week Residency (Our Flagship Experience)

This is the “big event.” Over five days, we transform your school into a professional theatre company.

- Customized for You: We don’t do “stock” plays. Each residency is built around a unique theme that reflects your school’s current interests and needs.

- The Full Kit: We arrive with a massive costume library, professional lighting, and sound equipment.

- The Result: A community-building week that culminates in a professional performance where every student is a star.

Funding is available through the AFA Artist and Education Grant. Yearly deadline May 1.

We help schools develop their theme so they can submit the strongest application!

If you missed the AFA funding deadline, contact us! We can still book your residency!

2. Science Workshops (Kinesthetic Learning)

Make the curriculum unforgettable. Our 2-day workshops use movement and physical theatre to help students “act out” complex science concepts.

- How it works: Instead of just reading about earth systems or space, students physically embody them.

- Why it works: When kids move, they learn. This is the perfect solution for engaging kinesthetic learners and making abstract ideas stick.

3. Storytelling Workshops (From Textbook to Action!)

Help your students find their voice. These workshops focus on the mechanics of storytelling through the lens of physical theatre.

- The Process: We help students map out characters and narrative arcs using their bodies first.

- The Result: This process smashes “writer’s block” and builds immense confidence in literacy and public speaking.

We Bring the Theatre to You (Anywhere in Alberta)

From the heart of the city to the most remote rural communities, we travel to your doorstep. We guarantee 100% satisfaction for your students and staff, as we understand the importance of this investment to your school. We provide the expertise, the equipment, and the energy.

Ready to see your students in a new light?

Whether you’re looking for a full-scale residency or a targeted workshop, we are ready to help you create an experience that will last a lifetime.