Residencies

Co-create a performance with your WHOLE SCHOOL and professional artists based on your choice of theme.

We are now booking for the 2024/2025 season.

We will be supporting schools applying to the AFA May 1 deadline for in-school theatre based residencies for the 2024/2025 school season. Grants of up to $15,000 per school are possible. 

What happens in a Theatre Residency?

We discover the show through a very simple group 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…

  • Includes 2-10 professional artists
  • Works with up to 600 actors
  • Accommodates grades K-12

We’ll Provide…

  • Professional lighting, sound, & curtains
  • Costumes for all students
  • Hundreds of multi-purpose props
  • 1-2 public performances

Funding Available

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts has a program that schools can apply to for 50% funding in the Calgary and Edmonton areas and 75% funding everywhere else in the province.  

The application deadline is May 1 for residencies in the 2024-25 school year. Up to $15,000. per school is possible. 

Contact our office for more details on how to apply.

 

What we have done with AFA support.

  • more than 1200 residencies over 35 years
  • residencies in more than 75% of all Alberta Communities
  • more than 120 residencies in Indigenous Communities
  • more than 300,000 Albertans have been in one of our week-long residencies 

In ALL Residencies...

Every student will…

  • Learn about and explore the chosen theme
  • Learn to write better stories
  • Spend about 90 minutes every day working with a professional artist
  • Have full involvement in the process
  • Gain confidence in themselves and their talents
  • Perform in the show

Choose Your Theme

Focusing your residency on a specific theme makes it cohesive. 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.

Random Acts of Kindness

Small acts, big impact: Embracing kindness for a brighter world. One kind gesture can create a positive ripple effect that strengthens a whole community. Explore the many ways you can change the world with kindness.

Journalism (custom)

Examine the role of media in informing the public and uncovering stories that shape our understanding of the world. This theme includes an added video component, live, during performance to outline the many mediums of journalism.

You Belong Here

Explore the importance of inclusivity and community, the value of identities, appreciating one and others experiences, empathy and mutual respect.  Answer why a sense of belonging matters and how we can belong where ever we are.

Going Green

“Going green” focuses on adopting environmentally sustainable practices to reduce our ecological impact, preserve natural resources, and address environmental challenges like climate change and pollution. It promotes awareness, advocacy, and collaborative efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Canada

Explore what it means to be Canadian. Students can present stories about the history of Canada, the landscape, the people, and the future of our country.

Diversity

Looking at at what it means to welcome others to be part of their local, national and international family.

Exshaw School - Pathways to Success

The Land

What do we learn from the Land? This is perhaps the most fundamental question we face today as we try to listen to and learn from the natural world.

Health

Problem solving, stress management, setting goals, the effects of sugar on your body, or healthy sleep habits. Helping students connect with topics that will help them be happier and healthier.

Global Issues

Act out global issues and learn more about the world. Water issues, conservation, equality, resource use and climate change are all things that concern students today.

Leadership

Explore the leadership values that inspire our youth. Some of those values are: resiliency, empathy, patience, mastery, courage, generosity and the ability to think outside the box.

Literary Genres

Each class will create a theatre piece based on a literary genre, including  Science Fiction, Fables, Documentary, Detective Novels, Poetry, Historical Fiction, and more.

Math

Create a performance about how Math is used in real world situations.  Included in the performances is a live-time projection outlining the Math that the students are using in their play!

Local History

Explore the history of your community, unearth stories about the past, celebrate your local heroes, and imagine what the future looks like in your community.

Science

Explore the science curriculum by acting it out. We can create a physical understanding of any topic such as plant growth, flight, magnetism, and more.

Igniting Wonder

Starting from a special object – like a wedding dress, or a gumball dispenser, each class will create the story – the flight of wonder –  that comes from that prop. 

Explore Your Theme

We can create a show based on whatever you can imagine! Dare to dream – what ideas 
do you want to 
explore together?

Step One

Set up a meeting to discuss options.

Step Two

Choose a theme for your residency.

Step Three

We’ll help put together your grant application.

Available Dates

Residency Info Meeting

2023-2024

Oct 2-6:  OPEN for small school (up to 10 classes)
Oct 10-13:OPEN
Oct 16-20: BOOKED
Oct 23-27: 

OPEN ( small school 10 classes or less)

 

Oct 30- Nov 3: BOOKED
Nov. 6-10BOOKED 
Nov. 13-17:BOOKED
Nov. 20-24:BOOKED
Nov. 27- Dec. 1:BOOKED
Dec 4-8BOOKED
Dec 11-15BOOKED
Dec 18-22BOOKED
Dec 23-Jan 7HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Jan 8-12OPEN (10 classes or less)
Jan 15-19BOOKED
Jan 22-26OPEN 
Jan 29- Feb 2BOOKED
Feb 5-9BOOKED
Feb 12-16 BOOKED
Feb 19-23BOOKED
Feb 26-Mar 1BOOKED
Mar 4-8BOOKED
Mar 11-16BOOKED
Mar 18-22BOOKED
Mar 25-29OPEN
Apr 1-5OPEN
Apr 8-12OPEN (12 classes or more)
Apr 15-19BOOKED
Apr 22-26 BOOKED
Apr 29- May 3 BOOKED
May 6-10BOOKED
May 13-17OPEN
May 21-24OPEN
(4 day week)
May 27-31 BOOKED
Jun 3-7OPEN
Jun 10-14OPEN – small school ( under 10 classes)
Jun 17-21OPEN 
Jun 24-28OPEN 

2024-2025

Sep  9 – 13

OPEN
Sept 16 – 20OPEN (Less than 12 classes)

Sep 23 – 27

                            OPEN
Sept 30 – Oct 4OPEN

Oct 7 – 11

OPEN
Oct 14 – 18OPEN ( over 12 Classes)

Oct 21 – 25

 BOOKED

  

Oct 28 – Nov 1

OPEN ( over 12 Classes)
  
  
  
  
  

Nov 4 – 8

OPEN ( over 12 Classes)

Nov 11 – 15

OPEN
  

Nov 18 – 22

BOOKED
  

Nov 25 – 29

BOOKED
  

Dec 2 – 6

BOOKED
  

Dec 9 – 13

BOOKED
  

Dec 16 – 20

BOOKED
  

Dec 21-Jan 6

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Dec 24-Jan 6

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Jan 6 – 10

BOOKED
Jan 13 – 17OPEN (under 12 classes)

Jan 20 – 24

BOOKED (under 12 classes)

Jan 27 – 31

BOOKED
  
  

Feb 3 – 7

OPEN (under 12 classes)

  

Feb 10 – 14

BOOKED
  

Feb 17 – 21

OPEN (over 12 classes)
Feb 24 – 28OPEN (under 12 classes)
  
  
Mar 3 – 7BOOKED
  
Mar 10 – 14BOOKED
  
Mar 17 – 21OPEN (under 12 classes)
  
Mar 24 – 28BOOKED
Mar 31 – Apr 4OPEN (under 12 classes)
Apr 7 – 11BOOKED
Apr. 14 – 18OPEN 
  
Apr. 21 – 25BOOKED
  
Apr. 29 – May 2BOOKED
  
May 5 – 9BOOKED
  
May 12 – 16BOOKED
May 19 – 23OPEN
  
May 26 – 30BOOKED

 

Jun 2 – 6BOOKED
Jun 9 – 13BOOKED  
Jun 16 – 20BOOKED
Jun 23 – 27OPEN

If you want us to come to your school to do an in-person residency. Talk to us to discuss available dates, costs, AFA grants, possible themes and any other questions you might have. If you decide to book, we can start that process too. 

GRANT DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2024

What works best for you?​

Funding

50% or 75% Funding possible

Up to $15,000

Grant Writing Support

Accessible Help Files

Artists & Education Grant

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) provides residency program funding assistance directly to Alberta schools. The annual application deadline is May 1, which may provide funding for projects in the following school year.

See it in Action

What Teachers are Saying

The patience of the staff, enthusiasm, patience, flexibility make these performers, program and final performance exceptional. I can see everyone really puts their hearts into making it the best for children and staff. My kids left wanting MORE from Trickster!!!! 

- Michele Meijer, 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.

- Barb Davis, 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!

- Brian Pedersen, 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.

- Karina Miller, Mannville School, Mannville 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.

- Jenn Thompson, St John Paul II Catholic School, Grande Prairie 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!

- G.LaCoste A.B.Daley School, Nanton, AB 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!

- Penny Messom - 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.

- Yvette, 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.

- Dara Taylor, St Catherine School, Grande Prairie 2018-19

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