Canmore Summer Theatre Festival

The Cause

The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival (CSTF) is a ten day, two-show outdoor theatre festival that brings together professional, emerging, and community theatre artists to create an inclusive cultural experience in the Bow Valley. The CSTF fills critical gaps in the local arts landscape, offering a unique opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to engage in theatre, build community, and find inspiration through the performing arts.

In a place where many activities are sports-focused, the CSTF provides an important creative outlet for community members, especially youth. By offering an inclusive ‘brave space’, the CSTF empowers artists to explore their potential, whether it's a neurodivergent performer stepping into their first role or an experienced actor challenging traditional gender casting. This environment encourages artistic growth and fosters a sense of belonging for all participants, with a particular focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community members.

Now in its eighth year, the CSTF is the only outdoor theatre event in Canmore, transforming the town’s stunning natural setting into a stage. This unique environment not only enhances the creative process but also engages audiences in immersive ways, breaking down barriers to theatre and making the performing arts accessible to newcomers and young people.

Affordability is at the heart of the CSTF. With no participation fees for amateur artists, equitable wages for professional artists, and affordable ticketing options, the CSTF ensures that both participants and audiences can enjoy live theatre without financial barriers. Through pay-what-you-can performances, discounts for low-income residents, and free admission for young children, the CSTF makes the magic of theatre available to everyone.

Who Will it Benefit?

The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival (CSTF) brings together a diverse set of theatre artists of all ages and abilities in community and mentorship to celebrate storytelling in a fun and inclusive way. The CSTF benefits a wide range of community members:

1. Performers of All Ages and Abilities: Around 30 local performers, including 35% youth, are involved, providing opportunities for creative expression, learning, and collaboration. The CSTF also partners with the Bow Valley Connections Centre to include neurodivergent performers.

2. Local Artists: The CSTF hires about 10 professional theatre artists, paying them equitable wages, which supports the local arts community.

3. Creative Community Members: The CSTF engages over 60 volunteers, who collectively contribute 2,800 hours of their time to support the production. Through mentorship by experienced theatre professionals, community members gain valuable experience and skills, with over 80% of participants something new.

4. Local Businesses: The CSTF supports local businesses, aiming to spend 80% of its production budget locally, which stimulates economic activity in Canmore.

5. Bow Valley Residents: The CSTF offers affordable outdoor theatre, with over 1,000 people attending performances annually, providing quality entertainment in the community’s own backyard.

The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival is a powerful catalyst for community building and artistic growth. By fostering inclusion, offering mentorship, and providing employment to local artists, the CSTF strengthens the cultural fabric of the Bow Valley. The CSTF’s impact ripples far beyond the stage, enriching the lives of performers and audiences. With its commitment to accessible, high quality outdoor theatre, the CSTF inspires a love of the performing arts, nurtures emerging talent, and creates lasting connections within the community.