Fine Arts Council Conference 2025: Arts Unleashed: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Sched site for Arts Unleashed: Conference 2025 for the ATA Fine Arts Council.

1:00pm MDT

Friday Add-On: So, You Want to Sing Gospel Music? (Teacher Observation) (Registration Required)

Friday October 17, 2025 1:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

This session is "Frozen". Attendees will be added to this session by the conference admin after it has been registered and paid for in your initial registration. If you have paid for this session and do not have it on your "My Schedule", please email webmanager@fineartsata.ca.
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In this hands-on session, watch Darren work with local high school students as he guides them through this gospel music workshop. The session will be followed by a Q&A opportunity.

Gospel music has rich cultural roots in African American history and has influenced several popular music genres. This workshop will engage students in learning a gospel song through rote learning, the development of aural musicianship skills and the application of gospel music vocal nuances and performance practices. Participants will leave the session with a greater understanding of the role that gospel music plays in influencing other popular music genres and in promoting messages of hope, perseverance and resilience. Come prepared to sing!

1:00-2:30 - Student Workshop
2:30-2:45 - Break
2:45-3:15 - Teacher Q & A

NOTE: This session will be held off-site at a local high school. Delegates who have paid for this session will have it automatically added to their Sched. The address for the session's location will be sent out to those who have paid for the session in advance of the conference.

Speakers

Darren Hamilton

Assistant Professor, Music Education, University of Toronto

Dr. Darren Hamilton is an assistant professor of music education and the founding director of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir. His work with the gospel choir was featured in three recent CBC Radio documentaries and at the 2024 Toronto Jazz Festival. Dr. Hamilton’s... Read More →

Friday October 17, 2025 1:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Music

7:00pm MDT

Sip 'n' Socialize: A Night of Improv with FAC & Rapid Fire Theatre (Registration Required)

Friday October 17, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm MDT

TBD

Due to limited capacity, this session is "Frozen". Attendees will be added to this session by the conference admin after it has been registered for in your initial registration. If you have signed up for this session and do not have it on your "My Schedule", please email webmanager@fineartsata.ca.
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Join us for an unforgettable evening at "Sip 'n' Socialize," where you'll enjoy a perfect blend of socializing and entertainment. Kick off the night with a social hour, complete with one complimentary drink ticket to get the conversations flowing. Then, sit back and enjoy a hilarious improv show presented by the talented Rapid Fire Theatre. This event is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to connect, laugh, and unleash their creativity in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Don't miss out on this exciting start to our fine arts conference!

Please note: To enroll for this Friday night event, you have to pay for it as a Friday Add-On during the initial registration. Only those who have added the add-on will receive a ticket to the Rapid Fire Show & complimentary drink ticket. There is a limited number of tickets available.

Friday October 17, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
TBD

Food

8:00am MDT

Coffee & Connections: Registration Welcome

Saturday October 18, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

Lobby

Start your day with a warm welcome to Coffee & Connections: a registration welcome! Enjoy a delightful selection of coffee, tea, and treats as you register for the conference. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, get acquainted with the event schedule, and start your day caffeinated! Join us for a refreshing start to the conference and make the most of this chance to connect and energize!

Saturday October 18, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Lobby

Food

9:00am MDT

Welcome to Arts Unleashed: Opening Remarks by Jason Schilling, ATA President

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am MDT

Westbury Theatre

Welcome to Arts Unleashed! Join us as Jason Schilling, ATA President, opens up the conference.

Speakers

Jason Schilling

Jason Schilling (he/him) was re-elected president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association in 2023, following four years of service as president, two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am MDT
Westbury Theatre Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada

General

9:10am MDT

Land Acknowledgement

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:10am - 9:30am MDT

Westbury Theatre

Land Acknowledgement

Speakers

Shana Dion

Shana Dion (MSc) is the Assistant Dean of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Students at the University of Alberta. She is nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) from Kehewin Cree Nation in Alberta. As Assistant Dean, her responsibility is to ensure that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:10am - 9:30am MDT
Westbury Theatre Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada

General

9:30am MDT

Keynote: The Art of Breakdancing: Phil Wizard's Artistic Journey to Olympic Gold

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Westbury Theatre

Come learn from breaker and creative dance artist, Phil Wizard, as he talks about his journey and career in breaking. Join us for a fireside chat with Olympic gold medalist, Phil Wizard, hosted by Jason Schilling. Including an exclusive Q and A with Phil Wizard and a special performance!

To succeed in the world of breaking, Phil believes you have to stand out from the crowd and to do that you can’t take shortcuts when it comes to improving your skills. He doesn’t believe you need to change the way you dance just to try and win. Phil promotes working to develop and cultivate your most authentic self within your dance and also says that an important part of this development comes from learning to be alone and at one with your art.

Moderators

Jason Schilling

Speakers

Phil Wizard

Olympic Gold Medal Breakdancer

Back in 2009, Phil Wizard saw the Now or Never (N.O.N.) crew performing street shows in downtown Vancouver and was inspired by what he had seen. Completely mesmerized, Phil went home and started searching for breaking videos on YouTube — and that’s all he needed to form the passion... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Westbury Theatre Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada

Keynote

Host Organization www.philwizard.com

10:45am MDT

The Myths of Motivation

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Dance Studio A

In "Myths of Motivation," Lauren debunks common misconceptions surrounding motivation, particularly in the context of dance training. Drawing on impactful academic research, Lauren draws the distinctions between motivation and discipline while exploring the pillars of motivational training climates. In this timely and tangible presentation, Lauren equips dedicated performing arts teachers with insights to inspire and empower their students from the training to the stage.

Speakers

Lauren Ritchie

MEd - Coaching: Mental Performance & Skills Educator

Lauren Ritchie is a mental skills educator, dance teacher, and choreographer. She helps students and educators integrate mental training, excellence, and well-being into their performance environments. Known for transforming complex ideas into practical tools, Lauren creates programs... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Dance Studio A

Dance, Drama

10:45am MDT

OWN THE STORY: Collective Storytelling & Adaptation for the Modern Classroom

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Dance Studio B

Let's face it, sometimes a traditional five act play isn't the right fit for your students. In this session, learn how to employ interactive storytelling techniques and collective creation to adapt classical stories into relevant, modern day stories with your students. Whether it's a drama class, a performance troupe or an English unit, this collaborative creativity can work for all ages, encouraging students to take ownership of the project and employ their own voices. Presented by Ellen Chorley, an Edmonton playwright and drama teacher (teacher at Foote Theatre School at the Citadel, Director of the Theatre Network Summer Academy) who has lead collective student adaptations of Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" (updated to warring punk bands in 1997), "Electra" (re-imagined as an action revenge), "Tristian and Isolde" (told with puppets and two huge parachutes), "The Beggars Opera" (set in an1980s caravan village) and many more.

Speakers

Ellen Chorley

Ellen Chorley (she/her) is an Edmonton-based playwright, producer, performer and arts educator. She is the current Artistic & Festival Director of Nextfest (Edmonton’s annual emerging arts festival), the Academy Director of the Theatre Network Summer Academy, an acting and playwrighting... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Dance Studio B

Drama, Musical Theatre

10:45am MDT

nitsiy:an exploration of the interconnection between nehiyaw ceremonies ekwa physical activities.

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Studio Theatre

This exploration contributes to understanding the interconnection between nehiyaw Ceremonies and physical activity. Through an autoethnography I will share my knowledge and Truth Tellings through âcimowina (stories) of sharing the love âcimowina (story) of me and kokum, which was fundamental in understanding wâhkôhtowin (relational knowledge). Sharing my love âcimowina (story) of running speaks of honoring the mobility of my maskawâtisiwin (physical power). In sharing rejuvenating my soul, âcimowina, I described the importance of the sharing of sacred Cree Star Teachings.

Speakers

Shana Dion

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Studio Theatre

General

10:45am MDT

Music, Dance, and Traditions of the Philippines for Elementary Music Classrooms

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Orange Hall

In this workshop, we will explore the culture of the Philippines and how elementary educators can apply these teachings in a musical classroom. As first-generation Filipino-Canadians, we understand the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the curriculum. We have seen and experienced the positive impact representation has on all students. From a Kodaly and Orff lens, we will share Filipino folk music, games, dances, and additional resources that have been successful and meaningful in the classroom. We hope to provide the knowledge and confidence for teachers to share Filipino music and culture with their students.

Speakers

Katrina Sosa

Katrina has been teaching music since 2018. She is the choreographer for the Philippine Barangay Performing Arts Society, an international award winning dance group for Filipino youth in Edmonton. Her goal is to share her culture through music and dance, not only for fellow Filipinos... Read More →

Hazel Cavida

Hazel has been teaching music since 2019. Since moving from the Philippines as an infant, she has been working on reconnecting with her identity as a Filipina woman in Canada. Her goal is to create a classroom environment that fosters cultural appreciation and creativity. She has... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Orange Hall

Music, Dance

10:45am MDT

The Language of Visual Art in Education

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Backstage Theatre

In this lecture artist, Robin Smith Peck will present her experiences learning and teaching Visual Arts in Colleges, University, Community Groups and Primary Schools.

Speakers

Robin Smith-Peck

Robin Smith Peck has spent most of her career in northern Canada. She grew up in Goose Bay, Labrador; received her BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and later her MVA from University of Alberta. Robin's practice is rooted in printmaking.She has taught printmaking... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Backstage Theatre

Visual Art

12:15pm MDT

AGM and Lunch by Pals Sandwiches

Saturday October 18, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Westbury Theatre

Join us for a productive and enjoyable midday break at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and lunch session. Enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Pals Sandwiches while we discuss important updates and plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to learn about the initiatives and activities of the Fine Arts Council, and how you can get involved. Don't miss this chance to nourish both your body and mind while staying informed about the exciting developments within our organization. And a sneak peak of our Conference 2026!

Saturday October 18, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Westbury Theatre Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada

Food

1:30pm MDT

Lighting Design for Fine Arts Educators: Enhancing Choreography

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT

Backstage Theatre

Ever wanted to find a collaborator to realize a vivid visual landscape to augment your choreography? Curious about ways that lighting supports and elevates the physical virtuosity of dancers? In this one-hour workshop we will explore what a lighting designer can bring to your piece, how they can fit into your process, and how to communicate your ideas to them and their technical colleagues. Note taking implements recommended.

Speakers

T. Erin Gruber

T. Erin Gruber is an award-winning set, lighting, costume, and projected media designer. She works professionally across Canada and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta Department of Drama. In June 2019 her work was featured at the Prague Quadrennial International... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Backstage Theatre

Dance, Drama

1:30pm MDT

Demystifying Shakespeare for the Stage

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT

Dance Studio A

Unlock the timeless magic of Shakespeare with our workshop, Demystifying Shakespeare for the Stage. This session is designed to make the Bard’s works accessible and engaging for performers of all levels. Explore techniques for interpreting Shakespearean language, bringing characters to life, and making the text resonate with modern audiences. Perfect for actors, directors, and educators, this workshop provides practical tools and insights to confidently tackle Shakespearean drama. Join us and discover the joy of performing Shakespeare with clarity and passion!

Speakers

Andrew Ritchie

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Dance Studio A

Drama

1:30pm MDT

Teacher Wellness Workshop: Mindful Movement and Breathing Exercises

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT

Dance Studio B

Join us for a rejuvenating session where participants will be guided through a yoga practice focusing on mindful movements and breathing exercises. This workshop is designed to promote mindfulness and well-being, helping teachers lower stress and enhance their overall wellness. Experience the benefits of mindful movement and learn breathing techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Don't miss this opportunity to unwind and recharge!

Speakers

Nicole Van Woerkom

Nicole is a dedicated yoga instructor with over a decade of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. She is passionate about sharing her love of movement and breath as tools for mindfulness and stress relief. Her classes create a welcoming environment for participants of all... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Dance Studio B

General, Dance

1:30pm MDT

So You Want to Teach Your Choir Gospel Music?

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT

Studio Theatre

Gospel music has rich cultural roots in African American history and has influenced several popular music genres. This workshop will provide practical strategies for engaging students and choristers in rote learning, aural musicianship development, and gospel music performance practices. Stylistic nuances and considerations for repertoire selection will also be discussed. Come prepared to sing!

Speakers

Darren Hamilton

Assistant Professor, Music Education, University of Toronto

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Studio Theatre

Music

1:30pm MDT

Hands-On Drawing, Painting, Colour Workshop - Oil Pastel: The Underused Media is a Perfect Drawing-Painting Skill Bridge (Registration Required)

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

TBA

This session is "Frozen". Attendees will be added to this session by the conference admin after it has been registered and paid for in your initial registration. If you have paid for this session and do not have it on your "My Schedule", please email webmanager@fineartsata.ca.
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Novice or expert, everyone can draw. This hands-on colour workshop offers demo, hands-on-practice and feedback, reopening possibilities to use oil pastel as both layered colour drawing and as bridge to direct painting techniques. Instruction will weave teaching praxis tips to build confidence to teach this colour pigment. Oil pastel has strengths and limitations. Used badly, it becomes ‘unworkable mud’, ending with student unlearning. Art cupboards are full of unused media. Oil pastel is portable, flexible, cheap, multimedia friendly, forgiving and can shift studio time, layered paintings are done very swiftly. This medium crosses the boundary of drawing and painting, as it is both at once. It is perfect to swiftly cheaply study colour.

NOTE: This is a whole afternoon session, spanning session 2 and 3 time slots. This session has a limited capacity.

To enroll for this session, you must pay for it as an Add-On during the initial conference registration. Only those who have added and paid for the add-on during the conference registration will be admitted into the session due to the limited capacity for the session.

Speakers

Ron Wigglesworth

PhD. Graduate Studies and Teacher, University of Alberta Secondary Education Art

Studied art and art education at University of Alberta. Taught art for over forty-two years in middle and High school, U of A Department of Extension, and U of A Secondary Education – in Art Ed and CTS IPT and APT Curriculum and design and art making. Taught 6 years at Swiss IB... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
TBA

Visual Art

2:45pm MDT

Coffee & Snack Refuel

Saturday October 18, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT

Lobby

Saturday October 18, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Lobby

Food

3:15pm MDT

Dance Creation as an Embodied Experience

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Dance Studio A

In this session, teachers will become familiar with different approaches and tools to enrich dance creation and choreography for their students, as we include our own creativity in the process. Through fresh perspectives and activities (games!) we will build choreography from our personal movement preferences -or our signature neuromuscular types. This approach is engaging and also very useful for class management as we make sure that students feel included and welcomed with all of themselves. Included in the session as well: dynamic anatomy and neuromuscular activation; Laban and Elements of Dance; locomotor and non-locomotor patterns as transitions; and basic group shapes to stimulate collaboration and creation.

Speakers

Isabelle Rousseau

I teach dance and movement to different ages and levels, focusing on the pleasure of moving, basic patterns of movement, and technique adjusted to each body. I am guided by several dance traditions. My classes are festive and inclusive, drawing on my experience as a somatic educator... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Dance Studio A

Dance, Drama

3:15pm MDT

Intimacy and Consent for Underage Performers

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Westbury Theatre

Join us for an essential workshop on Intimacy and Consent for Underage Performers. This session addresses the critical aspects of creating a safe and respectful environment in the performing arts. Learn best practices for navigating intimate scenes, understanding consent, and fostering open communication among young performers. Ideal for educators, directors, and young artists, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to ensure a supportive and ethical approach to performance. Empower your practice with the principles of safety and respect.

Speakers

Morgan Yamada

Morgan is a theatre artist with a wide range of interests—she is an actor, fight director, arts educator, creative collaborator, and producer. As a Fight Director, her choreography has been showcased at theatres across Canada. She collaborates with high schools and universities... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Westbury Theatre Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada

Drama, Dance

3:15pm MDT

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Backstage Theatre

Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional considerations—because AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about impact.

Speakers

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Dan is Executive Staff Officer in the ATA’s Professional Development program. Before joining the ATA in January 2016, Dan worked as a teacher and learning leader for the CBE, as an instructor and research assistant at the U of A, and as a senior manager for YMCA Calgary. In 2011... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Backstage Theatre

General

3:15pm MDT

#BlackMusicMatters: Hip Hop and Social Justice in Canada

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Studio Theatre

The session will explore how all subject educators can incorporate music by Canadian hip-hop artists in their classrooms using a free MusiCounts Learn/Advance resource. Interdisciplinary teaching tools, lesson plans and activities will be discussed so educators can broaden their students' understanding of Canadian hip-hop music and social justice themes. These lessons are designed for students in Grades 7-12.

Speakers

Darren Hamilton

Assistant Professor, Music Education, University of Toronto

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Studio Theatre

Music, Dance

3:15pm MDT

Métis Kitchen Party: Bringing Culture to Life Through Music, Dance, and Storytelling

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Dance Studio B

Join Métis music educators Nicole Schutz and Tenielle Bennett of MétisVoicesEd for an engaging, hands-on session that celebrates Métis culture through singing, dance, and storytelling. Experience the joy of a traditional Métis kitchen party as we explore fiddle tunes, songs, jigging, musical spoons, and oral traditions that bring history to life. This interactive workshop provides educators with practical ways to integrate Métis music and movement into their classrooms while honoring cultural traditions and perspectives. Come ready to sing, play, and move!

Speakers

Nicole Schutz

Nicole Schutz is a Métis music educator in Edmonton, Alberta. She has over 20 years of experience as a music specialist for Edmonton Public Schools and has taught at the post-secondary level, including the Orff Levels movement at the Univeristy of Alberta. Nicole holds a Master's... Read More →

Tenielle Bennett

Tenielle Bennett is a Métis educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, teaching elementary and Jr. high music with Edmonton Public School Board. Passionate about sharing Métis music through storytelling, song, and dance, she leads the First Nations, Métis and Inuit team at her school... Read More →

Saturday October 18, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Dance Studio B

Music, Dance