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.

10:45am MDT

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

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

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

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

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