Co-create a performance in a week with your WHOLE SCHOOL and professional artists based on your choice of theme.
We discover the show through a very simple group acting improv process. Our Trickster Artists begin by creating movement patterns with your students, the actors. Then we build the context around these patterns, developing the story and the dialogue.
Fundamental to the Trickster Process is our use of everyday items as props. Our actors improvise with plungers, bins, bamboo poles, pool noodles, scarves, and other everyday objects. On top of this, we bring the spectacle of our signature blacklight and shadow screen styles for theatre performances.
What’s included?
Our Team...
We’ll Provide…
We help schools apply for funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. The deadline is May 1 for residencies in 2025-26. Up to $15,000 per school is possible.
New for 2025-26: Trickster is now also applying for federal government funding for the same schools, with a March 31 deadline. This means you now have double the chances to get your residency funded.
Funding Program
Heritage Canada: Youth Take Charge
The Youth Take Charge program supports youth connection to Canada and strengthens their engagement with the community using arts and culture. Trickster Theatre will apply to this program on behalf of up to 20 schools that wish to do residencies on themes supporting youth connections to Canada.
How does it work?
Schools choose a theme that is related to their students’ sense of engagement in Canadian society, and write a one page commitment letter. The deadline for schools to provide the commitment letter to Trickster Theatre is November 14, 2025.
The residencies will mostly take place in the Fall of 2026 as funding would have a notification time of June 1, 2026. Please note that all schools will still need to apply to the AFA for funding on the May 1, 2026 deadline. This Heritage Canada funding is a back up to the AFA funding. Schools will still be responsible for their portion of the costs as per AFA guidelines.
Contact us for details.
We help schools apply for funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. The deadline is May 1 for residencies in 2025-26. Up to $15,000 per school is possible.
New for 2025-26: Trickster is now also applying for federal government funding for the same schools, with a March 31 deadline. This means you now have double the chances to get your residency funded.
More than 1300 Trickster residencies over 35 years
Residencies in more than 75% of all Alberta Communities
More than 130 Trickster residencies in Indigenous Communities
More than 350,000 Albertans have been in one of our week-long Trickster residencies
Every student will…
Contact us to talk about what you would like to explore in your Trickster residency (theme), as well as talk fees and dates.
Send us a short 1-page commitment letter so that we can raise funds for your residency through federal funders
November 15 – March 31 deadline.
We assist you in writing an application to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts – May 1 deadline.
We want to customize the residency to your school – so you get to choose the theme. Each class will create pieces of the performance that focus on topics within your greater theme. The theme can be anything you want, but here are some of the common themes for your consideration.
You can use this form to book a residency.
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Testimonials
Waverly Elementary School, Edmonton 2019-20
“Trickster helped our students come alive in physical theatre and showed them another way to learn. Students were enthusiastic, creative, took risks and looked invincible on stage. Students have created memories that will stay with them for many years to come.”
Waverly Elementary School, Edmonton 2019-20
“Trickster Theatre was a special experience for our staff, students and community. Our students were fully engaged and empowered to bring their ideas to life. Trickster was able to help create memories that will last a lifetime!”
École Danserau Meadows, Beaumont 2019-20
“From start to finish the trickster staff and artists made the residency process easy and enjoyable. The residency week was one of those peak moments in life that the students will always remember.”
Mannville School, Mannville 2018-19
“If you are looking to enhance your connection with your community, Tricksters is your key. What about staff collaboration and energizing students? Tricksters ties the performance philosophy into every day of the residency. Students learn about physical theatre, themselves, and their teacher. The teacher learns about how students can shine when offered a different learning approach. Teachers learn about their peers and develop a shared knowledge of the theme. It can be inspiring. Take the chance. Check out Tricksters!”
A.B.Daley School, Nanton, AB 2018-19
“If you ever have the opportunity to have Trickster take over your school for a week do not turn it down! This non-stop, fun filled residency will have students learning in a whole new way. Some students that are struggling with personal trials were able to bond with their classmates and forget their troubles for a little while they were learning and that was the most beautiful thing to see.”
St John Paul II Catholic School, Grande Prairie 2018-19
“Trickster Theater interacted with every student in our school. The week was a great experience for our students. The final show was outstanding; and the students were glowing with pride!”
Greentree Elementary, Drumheller 2018-19
“I like the fact that the Residency Tricksters allow the students to play a big role in creating this moment. It was about the students. They created the play and acted the play. It allowed the students to show their hidden talents.”
Rainbow Lake School, Rainbow Lake 2018-19
“Students thoroughly enjoyed the week. It was amazing to see what students could do with a simple idea. Students creativity and strengths came through in their performances and their confidence in their storytelling abilities grew over the week.”
St Catherine School, Grande Prairie 2018-19
Heritage Canada: Youth Take Charge The Youth Take Charge program supports youth connection to Canada...
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What’s on your mind? Do you have a special project to propose? Do you want us to make a presentation to your staff or school council? Or tell us how we did at your school? Do you want to book or talk about a residency? Reach out.
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