The Citadel Theatre is excited to announce a call for submissions for our RBC Emerging Artist Production Mentorship Program, thanks to the incredible support of RBC.
THE PROGRAM
With the support of the RBC Emerging Artists Project, Citadel Theatre offers a training program to support emerging and early career artists that have not been able to see themselves in these artistic creation roles at one of Canada’s largest theatre companies. While the application is open to anyone who identifies as an Emerging Artist in their practice, we will prioritize under-represented communities such as BIPOC, Deaf, D/disabled and Mad theatre artists. We want to eliminate barriers by giving four Edmonton-based artists direct access to our creation spaces and team of professionals, and to help them make contacts within our industry in their chosen practice.
This year we will specifically place four mentees in the roles of Assistant Director, Assistant Designer, Assistant Choreographer and Assistant Music Director for our Mainstage Productions of Disney’s Frozen: A Broadway Musical and Little Women. Please refer to the additional information on each production and the corresponding mentorship opportunities.
Opportunities will include:
- taking part in an immersive five-week professional development experience, gaining hands on learning with a professional mentor on a large-scale production.
- Access to and participation in rehearsals for your Mainstage production.
- Hands-on creative apprenticeships on your Mainstage production.
- Attendance at design and production meetings in advance of rehearsals.
- Invitations to opening nights throughout the season, providing valuable networking opportunity.
- Meetings and mentorship with our Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran and Associate Artistic Director, Mieko Ouchi.
- Meetings with Citadel staff about topics of interest, such as marketing, grants, producing, arts leadership and production management.
- Access to space, materials, and equipment relevant to their chose artistic endeavour.
Participants will also receive:
- A $4000 honorarium
- An artist profile on The Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds.
- Support for access needs they may require.
Specifically, in 2024/25, we are providing four Assistant opportunities through the RBC Emerging Artist Production Mentorship Program:
DISNEY’S FROZEN A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Synopsis: When Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge the land of Arendelle into an eternal winter, her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom before it’s too late. But as the storm rages on, both sisters must learn that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. Frozen will defy all expectations on an unforgettable journey packed with thrilling surprises, hilarious characters and soaring music.
This production will be directed by Rachel Peake, choreographed by Ainsley Hillyard and music directed by Steven Greenfield. Set and costume design by Cory Sincennes.
Rehearsal Starts – January 7, 2025
First Preview – February 1, 2025
Opening – February 6, 2025
The schedule includes 4.25 weeks of rehearsal, tech and previews. An additional .75 weeks are reserved for meetings and preparation in advance of rehearsals (production meetings, meetings with mentors, meetings with Citadel leadership and staff, etc.)
Available Mentorship opportunities include:
- Assistant Choreographer
- Assistant Music Director
- Assistant Designer
LITTLE WOMEN
Based on the books Little Women & Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott
Adapted for the stage by Jordi Mand
Synopsis: The March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, navigate childhood to adulthood while facing the trials of life in 1860s Massachusetts. Struggling to balance societal pressures and expectations with their own hopes and dreams, the sisters are united by the bonds of family, love and loyalty. This classic coming-of-age story, adapted for the stage by Canadian playwright Jordi Mand is a heartwarming tale filled with hope, adventure, heartbreak and love.
This production will be directed by Jenna Rodgers.
Rehearsal Starts – April 8, 2025
First Preview – May 3, 2025
Opening – May 8, 2025
The schedule includes 4.25 weeks of rehearsal, tech and previews. An additional .75 weeks are reserved for meetings and preparation in advance of rehearsals (production meetings, meetings with mentors, meetings with Citadel leadership and staff, etc.)
Available Mentorship opportunities include:
- Assistant Director
PROPOSALS
We invite applications from anyone who identifies as an Emerging Artist however we will prioritize BIPOC, Deaf, D/disabled and Mad artists.
Proposals should be a maximum of four pages, and should include:
- A biography or resumé;
- A letter outlining:
- Which production the applicant would like to be considered for and why;
- Practical skills the applicant hopes to learn, build upon and augment during the production (keep in mind each opportunity is unique);
- Resources the applicant would like access to at the Citadel
- Areas and topics that the applicant hopes to build knowledge in from mentorship;
- Why this program is a good fit for you at this point in your career;
- A rough schedule/sense of the applicant’s availability.
EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We wish to acknowledge that the land on which we live and work is Treaty No. 6 territory and a traditional meeting ground and home of the First Nations, including both the treaty signatories – Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stony and Cree-Iroquois – as well as other Indigenous peoples, such as the Blackfoot and Métis, who occupied this land. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live, create and perform on this territory.
The Citadel Theatre is in the heart of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, AB), and we are proud to call Treaty 6 Territory home. As a regional theatre, it is integral that we ensure that the stories we tell, as well as the composition of our artists, board, staff, students and audience are reflective of the diverse lived experiences in this dynamic city. We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of under-represented communities. If there are barriers (language, disability, or any other consideration) about the process preventing you from submitting, please let us know and we will work with you to overcome them.
For more on Citadel Theatre’s Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity work, including our 35//50 commitment, statements of support, annual diversity reports, CAEA Declared Actions Regarding Anti-Oppression and Inclusion, and other information, please visit our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page on our website.
SAFE WORKPLACE CULTURE
Citadel Theatre commits to providing a welcoming and safe experience for all artists, including clear workplace harassment policies. In situations where cultural safety and knowledge is needed as part of facilitating conversation, Citadel commits to working with third-party affinity counsel.
SUBMISSION
Citadel Theatre is accepting proposals for the RBC Emerging Artist Production Mentorship Program until September 6, 2024. Please submit a proposal of up to four pages (PDF format) to:
bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com
Subject: 2024/25 RBC Emerging Artist Program.
SELECTION
Artists will be selected by the mentor in consultation with a panel of Citadel Theatre staff, including:
Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director
Mieko Ouchi, Associate Artistic Director
Bridget Norris-Jones, Producer
All applicants will be informed of results via email by September 30, 2024.