The Writers Guild of Alberta announced the finalists for the 2012 Alberta Literacy Awards yesterday and Mieko Ouchi has been nominated for the Gwen Pharis Ringwood  Award for Drama for her work on Nisei Blue.

Mieko Ouchi was one of the guest instructors for the Young Playwriting Company earlier this year.

Winners will be announced and awards presented at the Alberta Book Awards Gala on Saturday June 9, 2012.

We at the Citadel congratulate Mieko Ouchi on her nomination and wish her the best of luck in June!

Click here for more information on The Writers Guild of Alberta.

If you’re signed up to our weekly eNews, you already got a sneak peak at Jon with 5 eNews exclusive Q&A’s – if you’re not signed up yet, what are you waiting for?! 
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Meet Jon Lachlan Stewart – this Edmonton born playwright is quite accomplished in our fair city. When he isn’t busy drinking coffee, or playing video games, he is hard at work at his own company, Surreal SoReal. You can catch Jon playing the role of Mustardseed and assistant directing our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Being the clever wordsmith that he is, Jon describes himself simply as: “caution: prolonged exposure breeds familiarity.” Eager to further develop and showcase his acting skills, Jon is very excited to take the stage as a 2011/2012 Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program participant. We caught up with Jon after the first preview this past weekend to get to know him a bit better

1. So Jon, where are you from – what’s your background?
I’m from Edmonton AB. My first job as an actor was in the Citadel’s A Christmas Carol when I was fourteen. I began writing under the guide of my mentor, Vern Thiessen, and eventually developed my first play, called Little Room.
Since then, I have written and produced over twelve plays with my company, Surreal SoReal Theatre, a twelve-time sterling nominated independent theatre company.

2. What is your all-time favourite production and why?
In On It by Daniel MacIvor. It was the first time I’d seen a play that was truly set in the theatre. Two characters recreate the story of how one of them passed away, and I was just entranced and inspired. I started seriously writing plays the very next day.

Also, San Diego. This production was so different than anything I’d seen, so poetic and surreal, like witnessing someone else’s waking dream. It was incredible.

3. Do you see yourself staying in the theatre world, or would you like to transition into film or television?
Theatre’s my life, especially playwriting, but I did really enjoy the last film I worked on. If I dabbled in film seriously, it would be as a director.

4. What is your ultimate goal as a performer?
To be truthful and to tell the playwright’s story.

5. Why did you audition for the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program?
Because I feel like the artistic community has begun to pigeon-hole me as self-created artist (only acting in my own plays). I love it all, and want to continue doing it all. The Citadel’s training program is a step I needed to take to return to my craft as an actor.

6. What does it mean to you to be able to perform at the Citadel?
Working with a seriously committed team of professionals.
It’s a bit of a dream, seeing as I grew up watching shows at the Citadel.

7. Describe The Professional Theatre Program in your own words.
Intense and brutally honest. Enlightening and inspiring. Completely immersed and overtaken with my art. A hot paradise of craft and art.

8. Describe The Professional Theatre Program in 5 words.
Jump in and start again.

9. Would you recommend The Professional Theatre Program to anyone?
Yes, I’d recommend this program to any professional performer or artist who thinks they’ve figured out their craft, I’d recommend it to any lower experience performer who thinks they’re no good, I’d recommend it to anyone who has lately felt uninspired by their work and needs to reboot and rediscover in an environment filled with professionals similar to them.

10. What do you hope to gain from being a participant?
I’m working on this production as an assistant director, and so my biggest goal is to listen and learn from the professionals on this show. You can absorb a lot working softly and slowly and just listening.

11. What have you gained from your time in Banff?
Lots of friends, lots of inspiration, and a clear focus on what my career means to me.

12. How else do you fill your days?
Playwriting. Sound design. Voice acting for cartoons. Teaching writing and creation. And…theatre. The last time I did something non-theatre related was…hmm…I think I was portering at a bar on Whyte Ave. For a day or something then they didn’t want me. It’s a curse: I can’t do anything but make theatre.

13. Do you have any upcoming roles you would like to share?
Sure. This summer Surreal SoReal Theatre is creating a trilogy of silent plays all having to do with our perceptions of the afterlife: heaven, hell and purgatory. The piece is called Afterlives and I think it’s going to be quite the experience. I get to play a man dropped out of the sky from the mouth of a stork, an invincible boy made of pure evil who’s sent to war, and a floating, bodiless coat.

14. Who is your idol?
Right now my idol is a Scottish playwright named David Grieg. His play San Diego had its Canadian premiere at my theatre school and since then I’ve been hooked. He’s an incredibly imaginative playwright who seems to have no boundaries or sense of what’s “correct” in a play. He’s also very politically conscious: one of his most recent plays, Dunsinane, is about what happens in Macbeth after the new king takes over; it’s a meditation on the current state of the world, and how tyrants overthrown are usually replaced by new tyrants.

15. What is your dream role?
Vladimir in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, or the title role in Macbeth.

16. Do you have any hobbies or collections you can share with us?
Juggling! Collecting LOTS AND LOTS OF PLAYS. Again: old school video games. And I cook excellent breakfast, but only when I’m in love with someone.

Meet Shannon Taylor – this isn’t her first rodeo. Shannon is a returning Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program participant; you may have seen her in the role of Jo in Little Women last season. She is excited to further propel her Shakespeare training and skills through the role of Helena in our current production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

1. So Shannon, where are you from—what’s your background?I grew up in Barrie, Ontario. I commuted to Etobicoke School of the Arts for my highschool years where I majored in Music Theatre. I then moved to Toronto where I received my BFA at Ryerson University in Acting and have lived in Toronto ever since

2. Describe yourself in 5 words.
Oooh…that’s a hard question.I consider myself a fun-loving, sensitive, adventurous, athletic spunky girl!

3. What made you decide to become an actor?
I was performing before I even knew I was performing. I loved getting attention when I was young and was always entertaining my family. The turning point though, when I actually decided to pursue acting as my career, was when I was 17-years-old playing the role of Liesl in Stratford Shakespeare’s Festival’s production of The Sound of Music. I was also in Inherit the Wind that season starring William Hutt and I thought ‘what if I could do what he does for a living?’

It was a very pivotal year for me in many ways.

4. What are some of your previous acting experiences?
Selected credits include  Johnny Belinda 2010/2011, Pygmalion (The Montgomery Theatre, PEI), Madonna Painter (Factory Theatre), Schoolhouse 2007/2008 (4th Line Theatre), Extremities and The Jones Boy (Surface/Underground theatre), Emily, Inspector General and Redemption (Talk is Free Theatre) and I played Jo in Little Women the Musical and appeared in The Three Musketeers both at the Citadel.

5. Do you see yourself staying in the theatre world, or would you like to transition into film or television?
I would love to make the transition into film and/or television. I have recently been taking film classes to help get me started in that direction.

6. What is your ultimate goal as a performer?
I don’t think I have one ultimate goal, but rather my goals in both my life and career are ever evolving. At this time in my life, I hope to play a variety of roles at a variety of different theatres. I would also love to travel abroad with my work at some point.

7. Do you see yourself being more than just an actor?
I am very comfortable in the role as an actor and as of now that is where I have focused my energy. However, in the future I could see myself potentially directing, although it takes a lot to be a good director so for now my energy is going into pursuing my career as an actor.

8. Why did you audition for the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program?
This is my second year doing the Program—I was fortunate enough to be a participant in 2011 as well. I auditioned for the Program because I felt that I was ready to revisit an intensive training environment to not only focus on new skills but also to hone skills that I had been developing working in the professional world.  

9. What does it mean to you to be able to perform at the Citadel?
Playing the role of Jo in Little Women the Musical in the Maclab theatre last season was one of the highlights of my career thus far. It was hard to say goodbye to Jo but I eagerly awaited returning to the stage to play Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is a very powerful feeling performing on the Maclab stage.

10. Describe The Professional Theatre Programin your own words.
It is an intensive Program that accepts fourteen professional actors from across Canada. For one month the participants train at the Banff Centre for the Arts in advanced master classes in acting, singing, stage combat, voice, movement and text. It builds on the previous training of each individual actor but also challenges each person to expand their previous knowledge. It is a unique Program in that it culminates in a professional production at the Citadel Theatre.

11. Describe The Professional Theatre Program in 5 words.
Bob Baker says it best, “Stamina, Strength and Agility of Body, Mind and Heart”  

12. Would you recommend The Professional Theatre Programto anyone?
Absolutely! I would recommend it in a heartbeat to any professional actor looking to further challenge themselves and who are ready to work really, really hard.

13. What do you hope to gain from being a participant for the second time?
This year I hope to continue to challenge myself and to not be afraid to fail. I also hope to gain more confidence with Shakespeare specifically.

14. What have you gained from your time at Banff?
Endurance!

15. What has the program taught you about yourself?
Last year I expected the Program to teach me professionally but I was amazed how much it also taught me personally. As they say “acting problems are life problems”. I learned a lot about myself last year and I feel that this year I am much more in tune with myself and able to speak honestly and openly.

16. Tell us about your role in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
I am playing the role of Helena. Rehearsals with the Dream team have week great and I can’t wait until opening night. I am very excited to play Helena and to discover how Helena changes after her experiences in the forest.

17. What is your dream role?
That is ever changing. Off the top of my head today, I would love to play Nora in A Doll’s House and Laura in The Glass Menagerie.

18. What is your all-time favourite production and why?
My all-time favorite production was The Little Flower of East Orange in New York City by Stephen Adly Guirgis. It starred Ellen Burstyn and was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. I was so moved by the production that when it was over and I was walking out of the theatre with my friends, I didn’t know whether I wanted to cry or laugh, so I did both at the exact same time. It was an incredibly unique theatre experience, it was the kind of theatre I am interested in doing myself.

19. What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love sweets!!! Anything peanut butter and chocolate, or carrot cake, or chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate covered pretzels, or hot chocolate or caramel corn…I could go on and on.

20. Do you have any hobbies or collections you can share with us?
I love to travel. I have backpacked through Central America, Southeast Asia and part of Europe with my boyfriend and those experiences are some of my most cherished. Each time I travel I am reminded how diverse a world we live in and my life is only a small part of that. It gives me great perspective.

The Young Companies participants had another week full of school work and rehearsals for their spring productions of  Spring Awakening and Cloud Nine.

In this week’s video blog, Young Acting Company participant Calla Wright gives us her take on Cloud Nine – she talks about how she is preparing for her role, and she gives us her tips on learning a new dialect.

If you’re signed up to our weekly eNews, you already got a sneak peak at Sochi with 5 eNews exclusive Q&A’s – if you’re not signed up yet, what are you waiting for?! 
Click here to sign up for our eNews today. 

Meet Sochi Fried – she has lived in both Canada and the United States. You can catch Sochi playing the role of Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons in our upcoming spring production of  A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Sochi describes herself as “curious”, “hungry”, “adventurous”, “introspective”, and “passionate”. She is very happy on stage; however, she does long for more dance in her career and her life. Sochi is a lovely girl, but if you have a floral garden beware, as she may sneak a few stems from it for her own pleasure. We caught up with Sochi during a very hectic tech week to get to know her a bit better.

1. Do you see yourself staying in the theatre world, or would you like to transition into film or television?
I see myself spending the rest of my life in the theatre. But, yes, I would love to act more in film and TV.

2. Do you see yourself being more than just an actor?
Sometimes I fantasize about writing a play or directing one. But, I don’t really have a strong enough desire or aptitude to actually do either at the moment. I am rather obsessive by nature and I am absolutely obsessed with acting. I do, however, long with my entire being to do more dance.

3. Why did you audition for the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program?
To work with people who are as passionate and nuts about theatre as I am and who are willing to do everything and anything to create something outstanding. I was looking for a place where I could bring together everything I know about acting and take it to another, deeper level.

4. Describe the Professional Theatre Program in 5 words.
Challenging. All-consuming. Wonderful. A gift. Pure luxury.

5. What do you hope to gain from being a participant?
Confidence. A keener focus and clarity as to what I have to offer as an actor.

6. What have you gained from your time in Banff?
A new family of talented, generous, and beautiful menschen.

7. Tell us about your role in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
I play Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons and betrothed of Theseus. I am over the moon to have the opportunity to play her. She remains on the periphery of most of the action, but I find her utterly fascinating. I’ve been perusing a lot of Pre-Raphaelite art, trying to get myself into tip-top shape, reading up on Greek myths where she appears, looking at examples of mature, romantic love in my life.

8. Who is your idol?
Nina Simone. Hands down. Her ability to tap into naked truth is awe inspiring. She was a heart-stoppingly extraordinary musician, woman, and social activist. I simply adore her.

9. What is your dream role?
I have a few, but I would currently give an arm and a leg to play Sonya in Uncle Vanya.

10. What are some of your all-time favourite productions and why?
The Vancouver Playhouse production of The Overcoat—it changed my life. I saw it in grade 7, when I very much wanted to be a dancer and an actor. I had never seen anything like it, a marriage of movement with a stirring narrative and zero text.

The UK’s Little Angel Theatre production of Venus and Adonis with puppets — too my breath away. It was so very simply and beautifully told.

11. What do you do in your spare time?
Read. Listen to the radio. I love shopping for food, going to the theatre and the movies, draw and surreptitiously pick flowers out of other people’s gardens.

Meet Alex McCooeye – this Easterner has a frayed suitcase and quite the sense of humour. We challenge you to distinguish between his truths and humors in the following questions. Alex is the perfect person to be playing the role of Starveling in our upcoming spring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Spring is officially here, which means summer is just around the corner.

Celebrate almost summer with A Midsummer Night Out, which includes one ticket to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and dinner at one of our restaurant partners.

The best part – this fantastic night out is only $89.50 per person!

Call our Box Office for all the details – 780-425-1820.

If you’re signed up to our weekly eNews, you already got a sneak peak at Justin with 5 eNews exclusive Q&A’s – if you’re not signed up yet, what are you waiting for?! 
Click here to sign up for our eNews today. 

Meet Justin Bott – this Ontario native was bit by the acting bug in grade 6, and has been pursuing roles ever since. You can catch Justin playing Snug (Snug plays Lion later in the play) in our upcoming spring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

In addition to saving energy, we will also be hosting a special free candlelight performance by classical cellist Morag Northey in the Tucker Amphitheatre.

Do your part and dim your lights for an hour – why not save some energy and join us at this public concert event, surrounded by the greenery and warmth of the Lee Pavilion instead.

Morag Northey is a Calgary-based cellist, singer, songwriter, composer, teacher, pianist and poet. She has collaborated with such artists as Tony Bennet, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Mathis, Linda Ronstadt and Rod Stewart. She has worked extensively across Canada for theatre and dance companies, has collaborated on film soundtracks and played nightly at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Villages.

Click here for more information on Morag Northey.

To celebrate our first love, theatre, we want to hear why you love theatre!

Post a picture of the Citadel to our Facebook wall or Twitter and tell us why you love theatre – but more importantly – why you love the Citadel!

Winners will be chosen throughout the day, and will receive a pair of tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All winners will be put into a draw to win our grand prize, a Foote Theatre School adult spring class of your choice.

Good luck – and thank you for celebrating World Theatre Day with us!