The theme for this project will be Leaders in our Culture. Each class will identify people we see as role models within our community, across our country and globally. We will examine why the people we chose are leaders and role models, what they are doing to make the community they are involved in a better place, and how we can replicate their actions. These leaders may be Elders in our community, sports icons, singers, dancers, politicians or local heroes. The leaders may also be past leaders and cultural icons. We will invite our Elders to join us in this project so we can see how the behaviours of the leaders and role models we have chosen fit into our First Nation teachings of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. All we learn will be woven into a series of pieces, making up a final showcase.
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!
We need your help to bring our residency program into schools that might not otherwise be able to afford it. Sponsor this theme and enable students to do a week-long residency based on Leadership.
Find more about our types of themes by clicking here.
Our goal is to help schools bring a residency into their school. The level of subsidy needed is usually about $20-50 per student.
A $25,000 donation would sponsor residencies in approximately 5 schools – that’s about 1800 Alberta students and families that would get to participate in the creation of live theatre! You will also receive recognition as the title sponsor for the leadership theme for the year (your logo will appear at the top of our residency sort for that category).
To learn more about becoming a Trickster Theatre Partner, click here.
