Evergreen proudly offers school curriculum-based musical theatre touring shows and artist-in-residency programs. We also offer custom workshops, presentations, and activities for conferences and organizations nation wide. Beyond that, we also provide commissioned works for zoos, science centres, museums, and corporations. Evergreen Theatre has been on the forefront of “green” programming for over 25 years.
Evergreen Theatre was established in 1991. Its founding members Scott Mair, Tara Ryan, Elinor Holt, Gerald Matthews, Don Enright and Monique Keiran were passionate about creating opportunities for a larger audience to access the excellent interpretative theatre programs they created and performed each summer in Kananaskis Provincial Park. Driven by this desire to expand their audience base, and a deep enthusiasm for science & environmental issues, they formed Evergreen Theatre: a touring educational, environmental, science based, theatre company for young audiences.
In the years since its inception, Evergreen has grown and expanded in diverse ways, without ever losing sight of its commitment to young audiences and the fine art of science. While touring shows and residency programs remain flagship endeavors, programming now includes the Big Green Puppet Bus, home school programs, and Drama Camp.
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Staff
Meet the talented team of people that bring all of our amazing programs and spaces to life.
Sean Fraser
Executive Director
Christina Chase Warrier
Program Director
Michelle Brandenburg
Development
Board
Valmai Goggin - President
Valmai is a Calgary-based director, education, producer, and Maritimer. She served as Evergreen Theatre's Artistic Producer 2013-2017. She holds a BA English and Drama (Mount Allison University) and an MFA Directing (University of Calgary). She was the 2014 Graduate-in-Residence at Mount Allison University, and is a founding member of Theatre Transit. Valmai has directed and taught at theatres and schools across Alberta and is currently the Development Associate at Lunchbox Theatre.
Carly McKee - Member
Carly is an actor/improviser/instructor/producer here in Calgary.She's the Good Host Director for Inside Out Theater and the Artistic Director of Dirty Laundry Calgary. She's also had several years working as a Residency Artist with Evergreen and she works as the Jube School Coordinator atthe Jubilee Auditorium. Carly is a graduate of the BFA Drama program at the University of Calgary and the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program.
Kim McCann - Member
As passionate about people as she is about process, Kim is lifelong Calgarian and a Mount Royal educated HR Professional. With an extensive background in both social work and private aviation, she brings many worlds of experience to her current role with Avanti. In her downtime she enjoys coaching baton twirling and is very active in the baton community; mentoring young coaches, guest coaching in other clubs along with holding past roles within the Alberta Baton Twirling Association. In addition, she also spends time actively volunteering with various organizations, travelling and loves spending time with her friends and family.
Suzanne Exkstadt - Member
Suzanne is a born and raised Calgarian and mother of 3 grown children who has held various positions over the last 30 years, including 13 years with a large non-profit Arts organization in Calgary. She has been a Volunteer Manager, Production Manager, Touring Manager and Marketing & Special Events Manager as well as done contract work and LOTS of volunteering at home and around the world. Most recently her life long love of coffee has led her to become a Starbucks Store Manager where she is enjoying being surrounded by the sight and smell of espresso all day long! Suzanne firmly believes that volunteering has provided her with a rich, meaningful and engaged life that goes well beyond job titles and salaries, and will continue to explore opportunities to be an involved and contributing member of the community.
Amy Sawka - Member
Amy Sawka is a theatre practitioner in Calgary and surrounding areas. She is an actor, creator, writer, director and instructor around town. She performed in Evergreen Theatre's hit touring show Goldielocks and the Three Polar Bears and loves Planet Earth.
Lorne Lilico - Past President
Lorne is a Journeyman Floor Installer by trade and has run his own small businesses' over 40 years. Currently he works as a Field Supervisor for Contempa Flooring. Lorne is highly creative with visual and graphic arts and woodworking skills developed while owning a hand-painted sign company in the 80's. He works as a Set & Construction manager for the Youth Singers of Calgary, which includes working with IATSE at the Jubliee Auditorium. Lorne enjoys working with and mentoring people. He has extensive experience managing the logistics of large stage productions. He has been a member of Evergreen Theatre Society for over 10 years.
Kelly Malcolm - Secretary
Kelly Malcolm is a Calgary based theatre actor, instructor, and arts administrator. A graduate from the University of Lethbridge, Kelly has a passion for the art of physical theatre, and is part of the award winning clown duo The Tighty Whities. Kelly has worked along side Evergreen Theatre as an artist in residency, and as an actor in “Invasion of the Pine Beetles” and “The Legend of Four”.
Jamie Matchullis - Member
Jamie is a Calgary based actor, singer and arts enthusiast. She has had the privilege of working with Evergreen theatre in many different capacities as an actor, puppeteer and instructor and is now excited to serve as a board member. Jamie holds a Diploma in Theatre Arts from Playhouse North School of Theatre as well as a BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Calgary.
Alec Reimer - Member
Alec is a lifelong Calgarian, environmentalist, and appreciator of local arts. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to support the development of arts and our community in Calgary as a board member for Evergreen. He holds a B.Sc. in Biological Science and Environmental Science from the University of Calgary, and has done work in community development, geospatial analysis, and environmental policy.
Join Us! - New Member
We are always looking for creative, innovative and dedicated individuals to join our board. Reach out to our main office at if you are interested in joining our board.
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Vision
To advance Evergreen Theatre as an innovative arts organization that is recognized as a leader in science based eduction and community cultivation.
Mission
To create, facilitate and empower youth by fostering meaningful curriculum-based theatrical programming that explores and inspires; innovation, stewardship and sustainability through the intersection of education, art, science and community.
Value Driven Priorities
Accessible Arts, Culture and Education
Bridging and Connecting Community
Environmental Stewardship and Social Responsibility
Inclusion, Equity and Diversity
Truth and Reconciliation
Innovation and Resiliency
Authenticity and Transparency
Vibrant, Creative Team Culture
Awards & Achievments
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2018
Leader Legacy - Creative Placemakers Award - Sean Fraser - Executive Director
2013
Puppet Bus Wins First Place in Okotoks Annual Parade
2008
Alberta's Promise Red Wagon Award
2003
Recycling Council of Alberta's 3R's of Excellence Award
1999
Interpretation Canada Gold Award
2018
Alberta Business Award of Distinction/Arts and Culture - Winner
2013
Evergreen Theatre Executive Director Finalist in Rosza Foundation Arts Award
2006
Reached our one-millionth audience member
2002
NSERC Michael Smith Award of Outstanding Educational Merit
1999
Calgary Mayor's Environmental Excellence Award
2017
Alberta Business Award of Distinction/Arts & Culture - Finalist
2011
Alberta Emerald Award for Environmental Education - Finalist
2004
Global Woman of Vision Award for Tara Ryan, Artistic Director
2002
Global, Environment & Outdoor Education Award of Merit
1998
Alberta Emerald Award for Communication, Media & Arts
2015
Evergreen Community SPACES launches in Mayland Heights
2009
Alberta Emerald Award for Environmental Education - Finalist
2004
Global, Environment & Outdoor Education Award of Merit
