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White hat and hands holding circular flower in the Handmaids Tale Illustration
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This innovative and collaborative educational program invites those interested in opera and theatre to have the unique opportunity to work with industry professionals on a fully produced opera, The Handmaid’s Tale, composed by Poul Ruders, libretto by Paul Bentley, in a new arrangement by Dan Schlosberg, premiering at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity on July 26, 2025..

Roles Required

GUARDIANS/THE EYES

We are looking for people between the ages of 20 and 60 who possess a strong stage presence, experience and the ability to convey authority and menace through their physicality. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in being part of a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Role Profile: The Eyes / Guardians The Eyes and Guardians are the enforcers of Gilead's totalitarian regime. They are silent, watchful figures who represent the constant surveillance and oppressive control within this dystopian society. Their presence on stage contributes significantly to the tension and fear experienced by the characters. They will also lead most scene changes in the transportation of furniture and characters around the stage.

Key Requirements:

  • Age: 20-60 years old.
  • Physicality: Must be able to move comfortably and with purpose, often standing for the duration of a scene (approximately 3 minutes) without fidgeting or distraction. A commanding and disciplined posture is essential.
  • Stage Presence: Ability to convey a sense of authority, intimidation, and unwavering presence through non-verbal communication.
  • Comfort with Thematic Content: Crucially, applicants must be fully comfortable with the mature, disturbing, and often brutal thematic content of The Handmaid's Tale. This includes depictions of violence, oppression, and the subjugation of women. While all staging will be handled with artistic integrity, the roles of the Eyes/Guardians may involve being present during intense and potentially violent stage action.


Rehearsal Schedule (some flexibility possible in scheduling)
Saturday, June 28 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and/or 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 5 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and/or 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, July 12 from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm (full run, piano tech)
Wednesday, July 16 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Super Rehearsal)


Technical Schedule (mandatory attendance required, approximately 13 hours)

Thursday, July 17 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (piano dress)
Saturday, July 19 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (orcha tech 1)
Monday, July 21 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (orcha techs)
Tuesday, July 22 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (orcha dress)


Performance Schedule (mandatory attendance required, approximately 6 hours)

Thursday, July 24 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 26 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm


If you are interested in this unique opportunity and would like more information, please contact:

Ally Schuurman, Program Manager of Theatre Arts -- Ally_Schuurman@banffcentre.ca

Media Release
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Left to right: Aiyun Huang, Jose Franch-Ballester, Cristina Gómez Godoy, Joel Brennan.  Photos courtesy of the artists.
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with Aiyun Huang, Jose Franch-Ballester, Cristina Gómez Godoy & Interplay Musicians
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Image of the Garneau String Quartet
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with Garneau String Quartet & Interplay Musicians
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Headshots of Sung-Won Yang, Patricia Shih, Nikita Pogrebnoy
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with Éric Le Sage, Lee Allen, Patricia Shih, Nikita Pogrebnoy, Sung-Won Yang & Interplay Musicians
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Headshots of Left to right: Éric Le Sage, photo by Nicolas Guerin. Magali Mosnier, photo courtesy of the artist.  Paul Meyer, photo by Edith Held Vandoren. Lee Allen, photo courtesy of the artist.
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with Éric Le Sage, Magali Mosnier, Paul Meyer, Lee Allen, Joel Brennan & Gahlord Dewald

Submitted by Dolson Rhona on
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Dave Horrocks is a mastering engineer, drummer and percussionist from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Associated with Infinite Wave Mastering studio and Sundae Sound recording studio. Formerly the co-owner of Sundae Sound recording studio.

Dolson Rhona
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Kenna Burima, photo by Sean Dennie; Timothonius, photo courtesy of the artist; Spencer Britten, photo by Amanda Palmer; DJ Rob Faust, courtesy of the artist. John Alcorn, photo courtesy of the artist.

Kenna Burima, photo by Sean Dennie; Timothonius, photo courtesy of the artist; Spencer Britten, photo by Amanda Palmer; DJ Rob Faust, courtesy of the artist. John Alcorn, photo courtesy of the artist.
 

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Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity celebrates two unique venues on campus with the free outdoor Amp Sessions and the jazzy, late-night Live at CLVB ’33 Series in Banff Centre’s newest venue. Performances begin this weekend with an open mic night from Banff Centre staff.


BANFF, AB, June 25, 2025 – The Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival is about bringing every corner of campus to life with music, art, prose, and more. In addition to the roster of over 70 festival events announced in April, Banff Centre is thrilled to add additional programming in two venues: the stunning Shaw Amphitheatre with the return of the free Amp Sessions series, and the newly opened CLVB ’33 with the Live at CLVB ’33 Series, an eclectic lineup of jazz artists, DJs, and can’t miss performers. 

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These two venues are steeped in history at Banff Centre, and they’re both fan favourites for very different reasons.One is the ultimate outdoor spot to soak up sunshine and endless mountain views. The other is perfect for intimate, after-hours getaways. By activating them both throughout the summer, locals from Banff, Canmore, and Calgary have limitless options for their summer nights in the mountains.

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Chris Lorway, President and CEO of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
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LIVE AT CLVB ’33

Located in the lower level of Banff Centre’s theatre complex, tucked away secretively behind the Jenny Belzberg Theatre and the Rolston Recital Hall, CLVB ’33 is Banff Centre’s new spot for late-night artistic conversations, performances, and endless surprises. Named after the year Banff Centre was founded, 1933, CLVB ’33 also harkens back to the storied Banff Centre cabaret space, The Club. With low light, close quarters, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and impeccable vibes, CLVB ’33 is the best spot to be whether fresh off the trail or just out of a show.  

Reviving that spirit of informal jams, under-the-radar performers, and social hotspots, the 2025 Live at CLVB ’33 Series includes:  

  • Staff Picks – Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. FREE
    Typically the ones who place the spotlight on others, head to CLVB ’33 to celebrate the hidden talents of Banff Centre’s own staff. 
     
  • Timothonius – Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.
    Experience a genre-blending performance by Calgary-based pianist Timothonius, whose soulful, expressive style draws from jazz, gospel, neo-soul, and contemporary traditions.
     
  • Kenna Burima – Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.
    A fearless songwriter, pianist, and creative force, Calgary’s Kenna Burima blends classical chops with the spirit of cabaret and the soul of a dive bar.
     
  • Spencer Britten's Who am I? – Friday, July 11 at 10 p.m.
    Following recent appearances in New York City and Philadelphia, acclaimed tenor Spencer Britten brings a brand-new showtunes cabaret to CLVB ‘33—an intimate evening of music, story, and self-discovery.
     
  • Piano Bar Night – Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. FREE
    Pull up a chair, order your favourite drink, and ease into a night of live piano, stories, and great company.
     
  • John Alcorn's Diva Cabaret – Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
    John Alcorn’s Diva Cabaret brings together some of Canada’s top vocalists—including Alcorn, Laura Hubert, Thom Allison, and Patricia Cano—backed by a stellar band.
     
  • DJ Rob Faust – Saturday, July 26 at 10 p.m. FREE
    A staple of Calgary’s nightlife scene, Rob Faust is known for his disco-powered, funk-fuelled sets that channel the energy of a 1970s New York loft party. With residencies at iconic venues like The Embassy, Night Gallery, and Bamboo, and his current Friday nights at Sweet Loretta, Faust brings decades of experience, deep musical knowledge, and undeniable groove to every set.
     
  • Jazz Jams – August 1-2, 8-9, 14-15 at 10 p.m.
    Improvisation is the heart of these events, where all original music is created spontaneously by anyone who chooses to participate. Six Jazz Jams are programmed through Banff Centre’s Jazz and Sonic Arts residency.

Cover charge for Live at CLVB ’33 is $20 unless otherwise stated. Tickets to same-night events at Banff Centre allow free entry to CLVB ’33. 

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AMP SESSIONS

Returning from its debut in the 2024 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, Amp Sessions returns for four performances over July and August. Amp Sessions brings the quintessential summer festival scene—sun, grass, music, bites, beverages, and an epic view—to Banff Centre and the Bow Valley. All Amp Sessions are FREE to attend.  

The 2025 Amp Sessions series includes:

  • The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s – Thursday, July 10 at 6 p.m.
    Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time with Banff’s own Rocky Mountain country band! Known for their boot-kickin’ blend of bluegrass, roots, and rock with a twangy twist, this hometown crew brings big energy and bigger heart to the stage.
     
  • Zebra – Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.
    Blending silky saxophone with funky rhythms, improvised grooves, and pure rock ‘n soul, Canmore’s Zebra delivers a dynamic live experience you won’t want to miss.
     
  • Ellen Braun – Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m.
    Ellen Braun, a captivating indie-folk artist from Canmore, is known for her poignant storytelling, rich melodies, and heartfelt stage presence.  
     
  • Stay tuned for the final 2025 Amp Session artist to be announced!
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Live at CLVB ’33 and Amp Sessions are so fun to program because they can offer so much, and we’re able to find all the talent we need here in the Calgary and Bow Valley area. I hope everyone feels welcome to stroll up the hill with a group of friends for a show, a bite, and a drink and make Banff Centre part of their summer.

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Josephine Ridge, Executive Director, Arts at Banff Centre
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A tradition since 1950, the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival is today a months-long calendar of free and ticketed events, welcoming some of the finest artists in the world to Banff. Tickets are now available for the 2025 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, which began on May 1 and runs until September 5, at banffcentre.ca/summer-arts-fest. Contact the Banff Centre Box Office for more information at 1.403.762.6301.

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For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact: 

Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423 
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca

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Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Photo by Rita Taylor.
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Four-day summit operation transforms Banff Centre from arts and leadership institute into a full-scale international media hub, reinforcing its position as a premier venue for high-profile conferences and global convening.  

BANFF, AB, June 20, 2025 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Banff Centre), located in the heart of Banff National Park, is not only the cultural cornerstone of the Rocky Mountains, but a fully equipped, G7-tested conference venue. This month, the magnificence of its location, abundance of space and facilities, and the talent of its team created the ideal setting for the 2025 G7 Summit’s International Media Centre, welcoming over 500 international journalists and 200 delegates, government staff and suppliers to its 43-acre mountain campus.

With scalable infrastructure, 36 meeting spaces, 5,000 hotel nights and 24/7 technical and culinary operations, Banff Centre delivered a seamless experience that met the G7’s high-stakes demands – without compromising its ongoing programming. As a non-degree granting post-secondary institution, the day-to-day operations at Banff Centre include running world-renowned programs in arts, leadership, Indigenous culture and mountain culture, serving participants, faculty, as well as conference guests with multiple restaurants, two hotels and a fitness and recreation centre.

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We have long known Banff Centre is uniquely positioned to host high-profile events, but the G7 gave us the opportunity to prove it at scale – in real time, on the world stage. Over months of planning, with our amazing partners at Global Affairs Canada, the RCMP, our host broadcaster Dome Productions, and local partners here in the Bow Valley, we pulled off a seamless experience from start to finish. Banff Centre has always been a host for the world’s important gatherings and conversations, now it is indisputable.

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Chris Lorway, President and CEO of Banff Centre
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Banff Centre’s work with Global Affairs Canada included:

  • Over a year of detailed operation and logistics planning
  • 14 days of set-up and install
  • Four days of live G7 media operations
  • Three days of load-out
  • 5,000 hotel nights during primary event activity
  • 36 meeting rooms in active use
  • Four dining areas, including 24/7 food and beverage operations
  • 24/7 technical service availability

Banff Centre’s campus also received significant infrastructure upgrades in the lead-up to the G7, including 5G connectivity and enhanced Wi-Fi throughout its buildings. These improvements are now permanent fixtures, elevating Banff Centre’s year-round offering for future conferences, events and global convening retreats.

As a not-for-profit with a mission that has culture, innovation and creative thinking at its core, Banff Centre reinvests all conference revenue into scholarships that support up to 4,000 artists and leaders annually. Booking an event at Banff Centre not only delivers an exceptional experience – it directly supports Canada’s creative and leadership development. 

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Hosting the 2025 G7 Summit International Media Centre was a major collaboration across departments, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished together. If you’re planning a board meeting, leadership summit or creative convening, we’re equipped to meet your needs with world-class operational strength.

Source
Jodi Burke Rinkel, Managing Director of Conference Sales at Banff Centre
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To learn more, visit banffcentre.ca/conferences.

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For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact: 

Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423 
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca

Image Credit:

  1. Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Media Release
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Submitted by Jessica Brende… on
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Anastasia (she/her) is a queer, certified intimacy director, coordinator and fight designer from Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 Territory. She is a founding member of Principal Intimacy Professionals (PIPs), and an instructor for the PIP’s SAG-AFTRA accredited intimacy training program. She’s worked with students at Ambrose University, UBC and UofA and is on the Board for the National Society of Intimacy Professionals. Anastasia holds mental health and trauma-informed care as central to her practice.

Select credits include: Legally Blonde (Citadel Co pro), A Streetcar Named Desire, Beaches the Musical, Selma Burke (Alberta Theatre Projects Co Pro), Meteor Shower, Escape To Margaritaville (Theatre Calgary), Hurry Hard (Western Canada Theatre), Mary Stuart (SAGE Theatre), Girl On The Train (Vertigo), Bombay Black (Alberta Theatre Projects), A Midsummer Nights Dream, Measure For Measure (Free Will Shakespeare), Genesis: The Mary Shelley Play (ACT Edinburgh Fringe), Guilty Party (Paramount+), Peacemaker (HBO), Upload S2 (Amazon). 

Special thanks to her PIPs Pals and loved ones for their ongoing support.

Submitted by Jessica Brende… on
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Composer Karim Al-Zand’s (b.1970) music is acclaimed for its expressive power and imaginative spirit, described by the Boston Globe as “strong and startlingly lovely.” His works have been performed across North American and internationally, earning him such distinctions as the Arts and Letter Award from the American academy of Arts and Letters and the 2024 Barlow Prize. A prolific and versatile composer, Al-Zand has created a catalogue of works spanning orchestra, opera, chamber, vocal and solo repertoire. His music embraces a variety of interests, issues and influences. It explores connections between sound and other art forms, drawing inspiration from graphic art, myths and fables, folk music of the world, film, spoken word, jazz, and his own Middle Eastern heritage. From compositions for young audiences to scores for dances to interdisciplinary projects, Al-Zand’s music resonate with a wide range of listeners and collaborators. Alongside his creative work, Al-Zand is a founding and artistic director of Musiqa, Houston’s leading contemporary music ensemble, where he helps shape programming of 21st century repertoire. In his scholarly work, he has pursued several diverse areas of music theory, including topics in jazz, counterpoint, and improvisation (both jazz and 18th century extemporization). Al-Zand was born in Tunis, Tunisia, to an Iraqi father and an American mother. He was raised in Ottawa, Canada and educated in Montreal (McGill University, BMus 1993) and Cambridge (Harvard University, PhD 2000). Since 2000 he has taught composition and music theory in Houston at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University.

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