Acknowledging the rich diversity among Indigenous groups worldwide, we aim to explore their distinct beliefs, values and traditions. Through this theme, students will investigate how different Indigenous communities express gratitude and celebrate special events. This integrated approach will combine social studies, literacy and fine arts, culminating in a community event. Students will learn about traditional holiday practices within their chosen community, fostering culturally sensitive connections and deepening their understanding locally and globally.
What can happen in a week? At Trickster Theatre, quite a lot. When our artists arrive at a school for a residency, we begin with an empty stage and a room full of imagination. Students start by exploring a theme—sometimes something playful like dreams or winter, sometimes something rooted in their school values such as kindness, curiosity, perseverance, or integrity. Through games, brainstorming, and movement, ideas quickly grow into characters, scenes, and stories that belong entirely to the students.
Over the course of five days, classrooms transform into creative studios. Students collaborate to write scripts, choreograph movement, design simple props, and experiment with sound and music. Our artists guide the process with theatre tools and rehearsal techniques, but the creative choices come from the students themselves. Each class contributes its own piece, and by the end of the week these pieces come together into a vibrant performance that reflects the voices, humour, and imagination of the entire school.
These residencies are made possible thanks to the support of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Their commitment helps bring professional artists into schools and gives students the chance to experience the creative process firsthand. The final performance is always a celebration—but the real magic is the confidence, collaboration, and creativity that students discover along the way. Funding applications for this program are due May 1.
We help schools apply for funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. The deadline is May 1 for residencies in 2026-27. Up to $15,000 per school is possible.
Would your school like to create an original show?
Trickster Theatre is applying for Heritage Canada funding to partner with up to 20 schools in creating shows that explore one of these themes:
The Canadian Landscape Students in Service to Our Communities
Each week-long residency engages up to 500 students to build a unique physical theatre production. Every class chooses its own story — from biologists in the Arctic, hikers on mountain trails, or artists painting northern skies, to students creating recycling programs, helping newcomers, rescuing wildlife and so many more stories!
Together, these stories become a vibrant celebration of Canada told in Trickster’s award-winning physical theatre style — used in over 1,400 residencies across Alberta for the past 35 years!
Because you showed interested in having a Trickster Theatre residency at your school, we are offering you the opportunity to only pay around half of the regular the price.
To participate in this offer, you only need to:
Submit a 1-page letter of intent by November 10, 2025
Agree to apply for AFA funding by May 1, 2026 (with our help!)
The AFA funding approval rate is about 50%, so schools will have a chance at this funding and if not successful at the AFA, the Heritage funding would be used to subsidize the residency. (Schools would not get funding from both sources). The percentage that the schools would pay is based on the AFA guidelines. Ideally, the school contribution will be 50% for Edmonton and Calgary schools, depending on the application being successful.
Let’s celebrate Canada — one story, one school at a time!
If you are interested in participating, fill out some details of your school and we will get back to you with the full proposal!
Our journey began in the early 1980’s when our founders, David and Sheryl Chantler, hit the road to bring a children’s theatre show to schools and festivals across the country. Audiences adored the shows because of their fun, improvisational nature and audience interaction!
It’s important for children to engage in play in theatre because it develops their creativity and self-confidence. They learn to share their ideas, explore elements outside of their comfort zones, and become passionate about telling stories.
Theatre involves working with small to large groups of people who all work together to create productions and shows. Children can improve their communication skills by using their voice, collaborating with others, and listening to diverse perspectives.
Children can make lots of new friends and have lots of fun in theatre, develop their memorization skills as they read scripts and stage directions, and grow their emotional understanding of themselves and others. These skills and abilities will guide them in school, and in the future with work, volunteering, and social relationships.
Trickster Theatre is focused on the creation of theatre based tools for learning, especially in the areas of Science, Storytelling, and Global Issues and we have been involved in Educational Research with the University of Calgary and the Rozsa Foundation. We are proud to have played a significant role in the development of the Arts in Education sector in Alberta.
Learn more about Trickster Theatre’s residencies and enriching children’s theatre in Alberta!
