What is Evergreen Theatre?

Our mission is to create distinctive, dynamic theatrical programming that explores pertinent topics through the arts, and leaves our audience feeling connected, inspired and empowered with science and the natural world.

Our Distinctive Excellence

Evergreen Theatre...

Creates and produces award-winning curriculum-based performing arts programming.
Inspires other professionals through our dynamic arts-integrated programming.
Delivers affordable and accessible educational theatre.
Promotes scientific literacy and the development of critical thinking skills.
Inspires audiences to become responsible global citizens.
Engages audiences and makes learning fun.
Demonstrates innovative and resourceful methods in all operations.

Evergreen's Company Vision

To become a leading, innovative, educational arts organization that is recognized and sought after on local, national, and international stages.

Evergreen's Artistic Mandate

Is to collaboratively create new and choice inspiring works, within
our Artistic, Educational, and Organizational values. We expose young
audiences to the magic of live theatre, in most cases for the first time. We
promote employment opportunities to emerging and established artists. We
support the arts community by providing affordable office, rehearsal and
performance space. We believe there is a great artistic value in producing
works using resources of local arts talent.

The Evergreen Style - Artistic Integrity

Evergreen Theatre values a balanced approach to interpretive theatre whereby the elements of entertainment and education are given equal attention and importance.

Artistic Values

While Evergreen encourages and nurtures a diversity of entertainment styles, and is dedicated to collaboration with artists of diverse theatrical backgrounds, there are certain elements we consider key to accomplishing the specific objectives of effective interpretative theatre:

Thus all of Evergreen Theatre’s productions utilize the following elements:

1. Aimed at a family audience, inclusive stories for all ages.
2. The use of song, dance, and large expressive characters (which often includes the use of masks and puppets)
3. Costumes and sets that are larger than life, colorful and engaging as well as scientifically accurate.
4. No fourth wall. We consider the audience to be one of the characters, interact with them often, and encourage their participation.
5. Fact-to-Fiction Process. All artistic choices (script, costumes, character development choices) begin based in scientific fact.
6. Relevancy. Use of current and relevant information. Evergreen strives to produce shows and residencies that address current environmental and scientific issues and contain an awareness of popular culture and modern sensibilities.

Educational Values

Evergreen Theatre operates with an inherent sense of respect for audience intelligence. We recognize the value of the multiple intelligence theory and believe every child and adult is capable of affecting change in his or her world. We endeavor to encourage life long learning. To this end all of our productions strive to:

1. Support mainstream scientific discourse, ensure accurate representation of facts and present a balanced representation of controversial issues.
2. Ensure the inclusion of Government created curriculum in the content of our script
3. Employ techniques that address a variety of learning modalities: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.
4. Utilize highly effective audience participation techniques and offer opportunities for audience members to be volunteer actors.
5. Develop inquiry-based learning techniques. Encourage curiosity in our audience.
6. Ensure our audiences are left feeling empowered with the knowledge of small, personal actions that can affect big change.

Awards & Achievements

2009 - Alberta Emerald Award for Environmental Education - Finalist
2008 - Alberta's Promise Red Wagon Award
2006 - Reached our one-millionth audience member
2004 - Global Woman of Vision Award for Tara Ryan, Artistic Director
2004 - Global, Environment & Outdoor Education Award of Merit
2003 - Recycling Council of Alberta's 3R's of Excellence Award
2002 - NSERC Michael Smith Award of Outstanding Educational Merit
2002 - Global, Environment & Outdoor Education Award of Merit
2000 - Internation Canada Bronze Award

1999 -Internation Canada Bronze Award

1999 - Interpretation Canada Gold Award
1999 - Calgary Mayor's Environmental Excellence Award
1998 - Alberta Emerald Award for Communication, Media & Arts
1998 - Calgary Mayor's Environmental Excellence Award

Click Here to see our nominee video for The Emerald Foundation Award 2009

Evergreen's Community Affiliates

Evergreen Theatre strives to be involved with various community groups to build strong community partnerships, and to expose our work to a variety of people and organizations. The following are some examples of community groups that Evergreen Theatre is currently a part of either as an official member, or a close partner:

- Alberta’s Promise
- Theatre Alberta
- Cochrane Chamber of Commerce
- NSERC (Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council)
- REAP Sustainable Business Association
- SERG (Society of Educational Resource Groups)
- CADAC (Calgary Arts Development)
- CPAA (Calgary Professional Arts Alliance)
- Calgary Centre for NFP Management
- GEOEC (Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council)
- ACEE (Alberta Council for Environmental Education)
- Interpretation Canada
- Alberta Playwrights' Network

For information on how to support Evergreen Theatre, visit our Support page.