Alberta Theatre Projects 2017

The Cause

Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP), a Calgary-based, not-for-profit, professional theatre company, invites the Field Law Community Fund Program to contribute to a vital Youth Engagement program during the 2017 production of Charlotte’s Web. This ATP initiative supports a blend of Field Law’s preferred causes, including at-risk youth, community, and arts & culture. As part of a long-standing tradition, ATP wishes to welcome Calgary youth from at-risk and underserved populations to join us for special evening of family-friendly theatre and a holiday party, in partnership with community agencies, such as Kids Up Front Foundation.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, ATP offered over 1,200 subsidized tickets to families in need through partner organizations, such as the Kids Up Front Foundation, and would like to do this again in 2017. With a contribution from the Field Law Community Fund, ATP would designate one evening to host 400 youth for this night of family-friendly theatre and a holiday party, including food, crafts, face-painting, games, and treats. ATP has had such positive feedback from past participants, their families and partner agencies, but continuing this special evening is in jeopardy, after a cumulative 77% drop in corporate sponsorship.

Alberta Theatre Projects’ Youth Engagement programs allow ATP experiences to be more accessible to deserving youth & teens in the Calgary area. At Alberta Theatre Projects, there is an increased demand and need for youth programs and services; accessibility is a key value, and ATP does not want to have to turn any students or youth groups away due to financial barriers.

The much-beloved Charlotte’s Web has been Alberta Theatre Projects’ most popular show to date, and ATP is pleased to announce the return of this award-winning family holiday show to the Martha Cohen Theatre in the 2017/2018 season. ATP had a record-setting 16,000+ patrons see this play throughout the 43 performances in November and December 2014, and there have been numerous calls for ATP to bring back this play. During that run of Charlotte’s Web, ATP had over 4,000 students from schools throughout the city attend 10 student matinee performances.

Who Will it Benefit?

ATP loves to provide unique experiences to deserving kids, teens and families - and give them a great night out at the theatre with their families. These experiences nurture spirits and inspire dreams. Youth from many of the partner organizations we work with are affected by poverty, abuse, illness and disability. They may be newcomers to Canada. Many endure trying conditions, sometimes without any family support. Please consider supporting these deserving youth through the Community Fund program.

Youth Engagement programs at Alberta Theatre Projects foster community, engage the inquisitive mind, and bring young audiences and artists together. ATP believes that early exposure to theatre is essential to learning and development and positively impacts the creativity and overall performance of the young people in the community. It is this belief that fuels our dedication to making ATP, and the contemporary live theatre we create, accessible to ALL youth – no matter their economic status, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender, disability or sexual orientation. The plays on our stage include a wide range of stories and perspectives, reflecting our community in all its diversity. “When young minds are exposed to the arts, the experience gives them the ability to better understand themselves and the world around them, encouraging them to be active and engaged citizens throughout their lives.” – the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.