News

Sep. 11, 2023

Hiring – Interim Managing Director

September 11, 2023
INTERIM MANAGING DIRECTOR, CATALYST THEATRE This is a 10-month full-time employment contract. Term: 1 November 2023 – 31 August 2024 Salary: $45,000 – $50,000/year (based on experience & prorated to 10 months) Holidays: 4 weeks (prorated to 10 months) Benefits include a health coverage plan and a parking allowance. JOB DESCRIPTION Working in close consultation with the Artistic Director, the ...
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Jul. 05, 2023

Confluence Call For Submissions 2023/24

July 5, 2023
CONFLUENCE – A CREATIVE FELLOWSHIP  APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! Stay tuned for the announcement on our 23/24 Artist!      OVERVIEW Catalyst Theatre is pleased to announce the fourth cycle of Confluence– a creative fellowship for an IBPOC artist based in Edmonton or surrounding areas.  The fellowship offers money, space and time as well as the opportunity to be in ...
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Jan. 19, 2023

BIG DAY KUMAR

January 19, 2023
Hello, dear reader! It’s your resident Confluence Fellow Sue Goberdhan here with a peek inside my brain. During my time with Catalyst, I am working on a play about belonging to a Guyanese family, and how persistent Guyanese joy is in the face of tragedy. Something that is less known about CHUMP (the working title of my piece) is that ...
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Jun. 10, 2022

Confluence 2022/23

June 10, 2022
Catalyst Theatre is pleased to announce the third cycle of CONFLUENCE – a creative fellowship for an IBPOC artist based in Edmonton or surrounding areas.The fellowship offers money, space and time as well as the opportunity to be in an ongoing conversation with the creative and administrative team at Catalyst who bring nearly three decades of professional experience in creating, ...
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Jun. 10, 2022

The Invisible – Stir Review (Vancouver)

June 10, 2022
Jonathan Christenson’s musical-theatre piece inspired by the only women to be given combat roles in World War II is bold, suspenseful. FIERCE AND INSPIRING female characters, a gripping storyline drawn from real events of World War II, an immersive soundscape that sometimes rumbles and vibrates throughout every corner of the theatre, film-noirish lighting, and Broadway-style songs that swing from catchy ...
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Apr. 22, 2022

Soundtrack Fundraiser!

April 22, 2022
We’re making soundtracks for Vigilante and The Invisible! ...
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Feb. 18, 2022

Meet a BIPOC Creator – Sokhana Mfenyana

February 18, 2022
Next up in the Meet a BIPCO Creator series, Berend chats with South African singer, actor, mover and performance educator, Sokhana Mfenyana.   Born and raised in South Africa, Sokhana has always had a passion and knack for the performing arts. Starting off in the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy and is currently in the graduating class of MacEwan’s Theatre program and ...
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Feb. 14, 2022

Someone On Your Side

February 14, 2022
“This is about visibility!” declares Berend McKenzie with the kind of go-for-the-gusto velocity that makes time fly when you talk to them. “This is about opportunity! This is about being in the room where it happens!” they say quoting a musical (Hamilton) they admire without actually liking. You’ll have to imagine the way the italics roll out….  McKenzie is talking about Confluence, the ...
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Feb. 01, 2022

Meet A BIPOC Creator – Minister Faust

February 1, 2022
In Celebration of the start of Black History Month, I have the pleasure of interviewing novelist, playwright, activist, Edmonton’s own, Minister Faust. Please keep your eye out this month for more interviews that celebrate black excellence in the arts. Visit his website here. ...
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Jan. 25, 2022

Meet A BIPOC Creator – Tia Kushniruk

January 25, 2022
One of my goals as the Confluence fellow has been to highlight the work of BIPOC artists in and around Edmonton. To do this I have decided to do a vlog called: Meet a BIPOC Creator.  ...
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Nov. 19, 2021

A Bit About Me

November 19, 2021
Since many readers of this (so the two of you) never met me, I wanted to give you a little background of what has brought me to this point and my fellowship with Catalyst. To entice you… here’s a picture of my newly found sister and me (in drag)… see the resemblance? ...
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Oct. 07, 2021

Off To A Running Start

October 7, 2021
Holy crap! A month goes by so quickly! Here are a few musings on what has transpired so far during my ten-month fellowship. ...
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Oct. 01, 2021

AGM Date & Searching For Board Members!

October 1, 2021
Interested in working with Catalyst? Find out how! Plus don’t miss our Annual General Meeting! ...
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Sep. 23, 2021

We’ve Updated Our Safer Spaces Policy!

September 23, 2021
An update to our Safer Spaces Policy. ...
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May. 12, 2021

CONFLUENCE – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

May 12, 2021
Catalyst Theatre is pleased to announce the second cycle of CONFLUENCE – a ten-month creative fellowship (September through June) for an IBPOC artist based in Edmonton or surrounding areas. The fellowship offers money, space and time as well as the opportunity to be in an ongoing conversation with the creative and administrative team at Catalyst who bring nearly three decades of professional experience in creating, producing and touring original work. CONFLUENCE is designed to make space for IBPOC artists to develop a specific creative project using the models that work best for them with the wholehearted support of Catalyst’s artistic and administrative team. ...
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Oct. 22, 2020

We’re Looking For Board Members

October 22, 2020
Interested in contributing to the vibrant Edmonton theatre community? Despite the difficulties surrounding COVID-19, Catalyst has been working on many new initiatives for the 2020 and 2021 seasons and we are looking for dedicated, theatre-loving people to join our board. Board commitments include sitting on and attending committee meetings in addition to general board meetings (a minimum of six per year).  The Catalyst board supports the ...
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Oct. 01, 2020

35//50

October 1, 2020
The 35//50 Initiative has invited Catalyst Theatre and other professional arts organizations across Alberta to commit to a set of organizational beliefs and policies, rooted in anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices. We are grateful for the invitation and wholeheartedly commit to working with the members of The 35//50 Initiative and our arts sector colleagues to create a professional landscape that more ...
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Mar. 16, 2020

2021/22 SEASON AUDITIONS

March 16, 2020
AUDITION UPDATE  Due to health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will no longer be holding live auditions. Instead, all those selected to audition will be given instructions on how to provide a video submission. Those who are selected, but unable to make a video selection, can be in contact with us and we’ll work together to come ...
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Mar. 13, 2020

4 Play – Cancelled due to COVID-19

March 13, 2020
With yesterday’s announcement by the Chief Medical Officer of Health that all events of 250 people or more should be cancelled, and in an effort to protect our audiences and artists, the board and staff of Catalyst Theatre have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s edition of Over the Edge With 4 Play. Over the past few days, ...
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Feb. 24, 2020

Review – The Invisible – Edmonton Journal

February 24, 2020
Review: The Invisible, Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare challenges stereotypes about women and war Well before the show starts, The Invisible starts to pulse. Audience members settling into their seats become aware of a deep rumble rolling through the Citadel’s Maclab Theatre, which has been reconfigured as a modified proscenium stage to create an intimate setting for this intense musical by ...
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Jul. 24, 2018

The Inspiration behind The Invisible – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warefare

July 24, 2018
We asked Jonathan Christenson about Catalyst Theatre’s upcoming production of THE INVISIBLE- AGENTS OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE. THE INVISIBLE will be premiering May 11- June 9 as the fifth show in our 2018/2019 season. THE INVISIBLE – AGENTS OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE has its roots in real-life history, including Canadian Millionaire William Stephenson’s WW2 contributions to British Security in the fight agains ...
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Dec. 14, 2017

More Awards For Vigilante

December 14, 2017
Internationally acclaimed CATALYST THEATRE, resident company in The Citadel’s Maclab Theatre, received the CAPITAL CRITICS AWARD FOR BEST PRODUCTION in Ottawa on Monday evening for its production of VIGILANTE. VIGILANTE, which premiered at THE CITADEL THEATRE during the 14/15 season, is a riveting rock musical that tells the shocking story of Johannah Donnelly and her six dangerous yet devoted sons. ...
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Oct. 12, 2017

CATALYST PRESENTS!

October 12, 2017
  We are thrilled to be announcing a new programming initiative, “Catalyst Presents”, launching with the hit indie-rock musical Onegin! Onegin (ON • YEG • IN) is the indie-rock musical that’s taking the country by storm. Catalyst Theatre presents this multi-award-winning Vancouver Arts Club production on the Maclab Stage from January 17th to 28th, 2018. “SPECTACULAR” The Globe and Mail ...
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Sep. 20, 2017

Vigilante Takes Home Three SATAwards!

September 20, 2017
We are thrilled to announce that Vigilante won three SATAwards. These awards recognize and celebrate professional theatre artists and organizations in Saskatoon and surrounding area. Vigilante was nominated for 9 awards and took home the prize for: -Outstanding Production -Outstanding Leading Performance – Jan Alexandra Smith -Outstanding Set Design – Jonathan Christenson. Big thanks to everyone involved in the SATAwards, and ...
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Jul. 11, 2017

Catalyst Welcomes Acting Managing Producer, Brenda O’Donnell

July 11, 2017
Catalyst Theatre’s board of directors announces that Brenda O’Donnell will assume the position of Acting Managing Producer, effective July 11th, 2017.  Ms. O’Donnell was previously the Executive Director of the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta and is a senior arts administrator with extensive experience working for many of Edmonton’s theatre companies. Ms. O’Donnell will work closely with Mr. Christenson, the ...
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Jul. 11, 2017

Farewell to Managing Producer, Eva Cairns

July 11, 2017
It is with mixed emotion that Catalyst Theatre’s board of directors announces that Eva Cairns will be stepping down as Managing Producer effective July 15, 2017 to assume a position as a Program Officer with the Canada Council in Ottawa.                                         ...
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Apr. 18, 2017

April News!

April 18, 2017
“It started wit’ just one little spark….” It’s hard to believe that our epic Vigilante tour is almost finished. A little known piece of dark Canadian history was the fuel that ignited this fiery show. It began at Keyano Theatre in Fort McMurray in 2013, and now, almost four years later, it will close at the National Arts Centre after ...
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Dec. 30, 2016

Look Inside: 6 Questions with Shannon Blanchet

December 30, 2016
Known affectionally to us as Elmira, Shannon Blanchet is a valued member of Edmonton’s theatre community and one of our favourite collaborators. She has toured the world with us for Nevermore, and we were over the moon when she accepted a part in Fortune Falls. Here are six quick questions with the  amazing Shannon. Who do you play in Fortune ...
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Oct. 25, 2016

Look Inside: 7 Questions With Beth Graham

October 25, 2016
Beth Graham is one of Canada’s most prolific playwrights, actors, and a long time collaborator with Catalyst. When she’s not hitting the stage with us in shows like Nevermore, Hunchback and The Blue Orphan she’s busy performing and writing for stages across the country. Most recently Beth received national attention for her award winning play The Gravitational Pull of Bernice ...
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Oct. 03, 2016

Jonathan Christenson Shortlisted for The Siminovitch Prize

October 3, 2016
Catalyst Theatre is thrilled that Artistic Director Jonathan Christenson has been announced as a finalist for the 2016 Siminovitch Prize. The internationally-recognized and honoured award shines a spotlight on excellence and innovation in Canadian Theatre with an annual prize worth $100,000. Over a three-year cycle, the prize recognizes a professional director, playwright, or designer as a leader in national theatre ...
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Jul. 19, 2016

New Office Construction Underway!

July 19, 2016
Construction on our new office space has begun on the north side of the Maclab Theatre lobby! But that’s not all! Also underway as part of our $1.2 million project is an upgrade to the lobby itself and a facelift for the Maclab Theatre. Get ready for a clean, elegant and modern feel for this beautiful theatre. We can’t say ...
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Apr. 12, 2016

2016/2017

April 12, 2016
Catalyst Theatre announces its 2016 – 2017 season, featuring the launch of its newest work, Fortune Falls, a forty-five performance / three-city tour of the company’s powerful rock musical Vigilante, and partnerships with five outstanding theatres across the country. FORTUNE FALLS PREMIERE Catalyst’s newest creation, Fortune Falls, will premiere in Calgary produced by Alberta Theatre Projects. In the New Year ...
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Sep. 16, 2015

A Message from Artistic Director, Jonathan Christenson

September 16, 2015
On August 31st, Catalyst said its final farewell to the theatre we began creating on Gateway Boulevard nineteen years ago. At that time there was no theatre there at all – only a neglected, graffiti-covered, shack-of-a-retired-railway-storehouse with chipped and broken asbestos tile falling from its sides and garbage piled in heaps all around it.  There was no “Big Miller Park”, ...
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Events

Sep. 28, 2023

The Play’s The Thing!

October 7 & 8, 2023

Catalyst is pleased to be one of the companies involved in Theatre Yes’s presentation of The Play’s The Thing!

The Play’s The Thing is a unique production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in which each of the play’s 20 scenes is created in secret and performed by a different Edmonton stage company. No one knows in advance what the full production will be.

 

Apr. 22, 2022

SOUNDTRACKS!

It’s been a long time coming for soundtracks for our smash-hit shows: The Invisible and Vigilante.
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

PAST Events

Apr. 06, 2023

Nevermore – In Concert (Edmonton)

April 28 & 29

Edmonton, before leaving on tour we wanted to bring you a special event! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to get up close to Catalyst’s smash hit multi-award winning musical, Nevermore – The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, for an intimate and stripped down concert version. Experience this bizarrely beautiful production’s haunting score and witty poetic storytelling in a whole new way.

Live streaming, April 29, at 7:30PM!

This intimate event will let you feel the tell-tale heart of this production like never before.

Seating is limited so get your tickets now!

Oct. 22, 2020

Here There Be Night

Past Event

A Walk at Night: Your cell phone, 8 stories, 8 locations.⁠

We are honoured to be included in Workshop West Playwright Theatre’s Here There Be Night, an intimate theatrical adventure about possibilities hidden all around us and finding treasure in unexpected places.

Produced by Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre in Partnership with Catalyst Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, Theatre Network, and Theatre Yes.⁠