The Citadel Theatre is excited to announce a call for submissions for our Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program, thanks to the incredible support of the RBC Foundation. This professional development program has been developed to support artists as they develop their skills, particularly in large scale Mainstage work.
THE PROGRAM
With the support of the RBC Foundation, 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, D/deaf, D/disabled, MAD and LGBTQ2S+ artists. We want to eliminate barriers by giving five 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. The program is supported by the Citadel’s Producer, Bridget Norris-Jones and Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran.
This year we will specifically place five mentees in the roles of Assistant Director, Assistant Designer, Assistant Choreographer, and Assistant Music Director for our Mainstage Productions of The Wizard of Oz and Cyrano de Bergerac. Please refer to the additional information on each production and the corresponding mentorship opportunities: www.citadeltheatre.com/submissions-mainstage-emerging-artists-mentorship-program/
Opportunities will include:
- 1-on-1 mentorship with a professional mentor on a large-scale production
- Participation in pre-rehearsal meetings and planning (design/production meetings, etc.)
- Observing/Participating in rehearsals, technical rehearsals and previews
- Overseeing the rehearsal and preparation of understudies and youth performers (as applicable)
- Tours of the Citadel facilities and conversations with Citadel staff throughout the season
- Invitations to opening nights
- Artist profile on the Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds
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
In 2025/26, we are providing five Assistant opportunities through the Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program. Please view the available mentorship opportunities here: www.citadeltheatre.com/submissions-mainstage-emerging-artists-mentorship-program/
PROPOSALS
We invite applications from artists who would like to explore and build their professional skills in their specific artistic discipline. We are looking for applicants who are based in Edmonton, and who have experience working on multiple full-length plays or musicals, have demonstrated skill in their specific discipline and who are looking to build even more sophisticated tools. Students who are currently enrolled in and attending High School or Post Secondary programs are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be available during daytime hours Tuesday to Sunday.
Previous participants in the Emerging Artist or Assistant Director programs are welcome to apply again but should identify what new skills they hope to acquire from this assistantship and why this opportunity will be different from the past one.
As one of the largest cultural organizations in Alberta, Citadel Theatre commits to dismantling the systemic racism in Canadian theatre practice. This includes making space for those that have not been given the opportunity to create and thrive in rehearsal halls and theatres across the country. We also strive to provide an opportunity for emerging, early career and even established artists to make the leap from smaller independent projects to learning the skills required to lead large productions at a regional theatre.
Proposals should be a maximum of four pages, and should include:
- A biography or resumé;
- A letter outlining:
- Which position 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);
- Areas and topics that the applicant hopes to build knowledge in from mentorship;
- Skills the applicant can bring to the production;
- Why this program is a good fit for you at this point in your career;
- A rough schedule/sense of the applicant’s availability.
SUBMISSION
Citadel Theatre is accepting proposals for the Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program until Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Please submit a proposal of up to four pages (PDF format) to: bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com with the Subject line: "Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program."
SELECTION
Artists will be selected by a panel of Citadel Theatre staff, including:
- Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director
- Bridget Norris-Jones, Producer
- Mieko Ouchi, Associate Artistic Director
- In consultation with each of the Mentors (Directors, Choreographer, Music Director, Designers)
All applicants will be informed of results via email no later than Tuesday September 23, 2025.
Please view full program and proposal submission details here: www.citadeltheatre.com/submissions-mainstage-emerging-artists-mentorship-program/
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The Citadel Theatre is calling for submissions. This professional development program is meant to support theatre artists as they develop their skills and gain experience in large scale Mainstage work.
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The Citadel Theatre is calling for submissions. This professional development program is meant to support theatre artists as they develop their skills and gain experience in large scale Mainstage work.
