In the early 1940s a very talented and highly
dedicated teacher taught drama in Room 14 at Western Canada High
School. Her name was Betty Mitchell and her methods were avant-garde at
the time. Her pupils were so inspired to continue in theatre after
leaving high school that Miss Mitchell constituted an amateur theatre
company. This was the birth of Workshop 14. From 1959 through 1965
Workshop 14 thrived. It later amalgamated with the Musicians and Actors
Club, housed in the old Isis Movie House, across the railway tracks on
First Street S.W., and became Mac 14.
By the end of the 1960's Theatre
Calgary emerged from Mac 14 and it was felt that a community theatre
arm should continue in the footsteps of what had been a noble element
in Calgary's theatre scene. Workshop Theatre was formed and mounted its
first season in 1969-1970.
Workshop Theatre is Calgary's longest
running community theatre organization. This volunteer-operated
organization performs four main stage productions during the year, all in The Easterbrook Theatre at The Community Arts Centre .
Workshop Theatre produces some of the best community theatre in Calgary with
past and present hits from New York, London and Canadian stages, as well as new works by local playwrights using
non-equity performers and backstage crews from the Calgary area.
Workshop Theatre is committed to providing local theatre enthusiasts an opportunity to develop and master their performance and stagecraft skills.
Mission Statement:
Workshop Theatre will achieve its vision and
goals by creating an experience that is guaranteed to be supportive,
progressive and passionate about theatre.
Vision and Goals:
Workshop Theatre is an integral part of Calgary community theatre that is dedicated to excellence, collaboration and passion for the arts.
- We want to be recognized as a leader in Calgary community theatre. We will strive for production excellence and always challenge our audience.
- We want to be accessible to all types of theatre enthusiasts by offering an affordable, entertaining and enriching experience.
- We want to support passion for community theatre by offering learning opportunities, honouring and respecting volunteers and providing a platform for local talent to succeed.
- We want to develop and maintain a sense of community by being open, inclusive and collaborative on stage and with our audience. We want to acknowledge and respect the rich history of community theatre in Calgary.
Values:
Workshop Theatre values its rich rich history while it moves forward with Excellence, Quality, Passion and Respect.
42 Years and counting!
