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Who We Are
In 1976, before the existence of the City of St. Albert's Cultural Services Department, St. Albert's youth programs were focused in the areas of recreation, social services and, to some degree, culture. After conducting several surveys and holding many meetings in schools, the City recognized a need for more specialized programming in theatre and performing arts.
In 1978 the City introduced performing arts programs that were more relevant to community theatre. By 1979 the City had shifted the program's emphasis to children's theatre. In 1981 the City created a Cultural Leadership Coordinator position, which helped focus this programming to develop leadership skills in youth. This focus led to the inception of Imaginings — the City's 1981 summer drama program. Imaginings presented St. Albert's first all-children production, The Hobbit. From that, St. Albert Children's Theatre was born.
In 1983 St. Albert Place opened its doors and St. Albert Children's Theatre (SACT) became its "resident" company. SACT put on regular productions and started to develop a loyal following. By the late 1980s, the program had increased its profile outside of St. Albert. Spring and winter productions became regular, well-publicized events.
To this day, SACT's audiences continue to increase.
In 1995 the City first hosted the International Children's Festival and invited SACT to provide entertainment on the Festival's Outdoor Stage. The following year, SACT moved its spring production to the International Children's Festival and it became a Main Stage act. Year after year, SACT productions are always the first to sell out at the Festival.
Over SACT's 25-year history, there have been three Artistic Directors: Maralyn Ryan, the program's founder (1981 to 1991); John B. Lowe (1991 to 1995); and Janice Flower (1995 to present).
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St. Albert Children’s Theatre Facts |
- Initially a summer drama program, St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) was established in 1981.
- SACT has presented 55 productions.
- More than 300 children participate in St. Albert Children’s Theatre projects each year.
- Since 1981, more than 3,400 children have participated in SACT productions.
- SACT participated in the IAVE World Volunteer Conference in 1997, which was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- SACT has toured nationally and has produced a professional CD compilation.
- SACT is supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, a Government of Alberta Foundation, and other private foundations.
- SACT is known as a unique Canadian program and regularly receives provincial and national coverage.
Do you want to get involved in St. Albert Children’s Theatre?
Call the City of St. Albert’s Community and Protective Services Department at 780.459.1600 today.
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Friends of St. Albert Children's Theatre
The mandate of the Friends of St. Albert Children’s Theatre Society is to support theatre arts for youth and to encourage youth’s contribution to community leadership. The Friends Society has an elected Board of Directors and an Executive Committee comprised of community members and business leaders who have a strong commitment to provide exposure to theatre and leadership skills for children. The Friends Society holds an Annual General Meeting each September.
The Friends of St. Albert Children’s Theatre Society ensures all children receive the opportunity to become involved in SACT. The Friends Society supports children from economically disadvantaged homes through a scholarship program and ensures SACT’s programs are accessible to children with special needs.
For more information about the Friends Society please contact Janice Flower:
| Phone: | 780.459.1695 |
| Fax: | 780.458.5417 |
| Email: |
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