This is Theatre Network

Theatre Network returns to its oeuvre of the late 1980s in creating and developing the small musical. This year it was the world premiere of With Bells On! The Musical by Tommy Newman and Devanand Janki, based on the beloved play by Darrin Hagen. For this ambitious production Theatre Network teams up with Live and In Colour and Mary J. Davis & MBL Productions.

Theatre Network pilots its first ever TN Summer Academy for high school students, with the generous support of the Newell Family. Theatre Network presents the world premiere of The Innocence of Trees by Eugene Stickland, the first produced play created as part of the Morris Foundation/Theatre Network Fund for Commission of Plays. Theatre Network pilots a winter contemporary arts festival, branded this first year as AnotherF!*#@$g Festival. Theatre Network hosts its annual Spring Fling gala fundraiser in the Roxy and surrounding neighbourhood as a roving dinner for the first time ever.

Theatre Network’s first mainstage production in the rebuilt Roxy Theatre is a presentation of a Crow’s Theatre Production: William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal. Nextfest produces its first festival in the rebuilt Roxy. The Miller Art Gallery and Theatre Network’s suite of visual arts programming are born out of the generosity of committed supporters and community members: Briana & Jonathon Miller, Jody & Ken Peck, and Kyle & Colleen Murray.

The rebuilt Roxy Theatre officially opens on April 14, 2022 with a Gala & Opening Ceremonies hosted by Theatre Network’s board. The public is invited inside throughout the weekend for special backstage tours.

Construction is ongoing on The Roxy Theatre.

Erin Newell-Lupien joins Theatre Network’s board of directors. The season featured Bed and Breakfast by Mark Crawford and The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius by Colleen Murphy. On March 13, 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, The Roxy on Gateway was closed and all remaining performances at the theatre were canceled including the final show in Theatre Network’s season, Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch. Nextfest 2020 forged ahead and presented their festival programming online which included socially distant creations, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Theatre Network was the recipient of three Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius), Outstanding Supporting Performance – Comedy (Hunter Cardinal – The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius), and Outstanding Costume Design (Tessa Stamp – The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius). In July of 2020 Maggie Barton Baird stepped down as Festival Producer of Nextfest. Construction of The New Roxy Theatre continues on 124 Street.

Jared Tabler is named the new President and Paul Manuel is named the new Vice President of Theatre Network’s board of director’s. Marianne Stewart joins the board of directors. In January 2019 MP Randy Boissonnault appeared on behalf of the Government of Canada to announce that Canadian Heritage is committing $2.5 million to the rebuild of The Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. The season featured the Western Canadian Premiere of What A Young Wife Ought to Know by Hannah Moscovitch, We Are Not Alone written & performed by Damien Atkins which was brought in from Crow’s Theatre and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, and the World Premiere of Darrin Hagen’s The Empress & The Prime Minister. The season closed with Nextfest 2019 produced by The Nextfest Arts Company. Theatre Network was the recipient of three Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Performance in a Support Role – Drama (Bobbi Goddard in What A Young Wife Ought to Know), Outstanding Lighting Design (Kimberly Purtell, We Are Not Alone) and Outstanding Production of a Play (We Are Not Alone). On June 24, 2019 Theatre Network broke ground on The New Roxy Theatre.

Lewis Cardinal joins the board of directors. Paul Nahirney is hired as Capital Campaign Fund Development Director to work with the new Roxy Theatre project. In February of 2018 the City of Edmonton and Canadian Heritage host a joint announcement at The Roxy on Gateway that they are both contributing funds (Canadian Heritage – $330,270 & City of Edmonton – $208,000) to the design of a new Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. In April of 2018 the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism with the support of Deputy Premiere, MLA for Edmonton-Glenora Sarah Hoffman announced that they are contributing $2.5 towards a new Roxy Theatre on 124 Street. The season featured the world premiere of a new show from The Old Trout Puppet Workshop called Jabberwocky, and Hannah Moscovitch’s Infinity. The season also featured Sheldon Elter’s Métis Mutt which was first developed at Nextfest in 2001 and had a short run in The Roxy Performance Series in 2003. Theatre Network received Sterling Awards for Outstanding Production of a Play (Métis Mutt), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Sheldon Elter – Métis Mutt), and Outstanding Multi-Media Design (Ian Jackson – Infinity). Theatre Network also received nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Ryan Parker – Infinity), and Outstanding Multi-Media Design (T. Erin Gruber, Métis Mutt).

Jared Tabler is appointed as vice president of Theatre Network Society. Season 42 was Theatre Network’s second full season at The Roxy on Gateway as the company continues conversations and research into rebuilding on 124 Street. The 2016/2017 Season featured two World Premieres from local writers (Bust by Matthew MacKenzie & Irma Voth by Chris Craddock Adapted from the Novel by Miriam Toews) as well as an anniversary production of Darrin Hagen’s Tornado Magnet. Theatre Network received four Sterling Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (Irma Voth), Outstanding New Play (Chris Craddock for Irma Voth), Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Andréa Jorawsky for Irma Voth), and Outstanding Multi Media Design (Ian Jackson for Irma Voth). Theatre Network also received nominations for Outstanding New Play (Matthew MacKenzie for Bust), Oustanding Director (Bradley Moss for Irma Voth), Outstanding Set Design (Megan Koshka for Irma Voth) and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Kendra Connor for Irma Voth).

Theatre Network moves into the space formerly occupied by Catalyst Theatre at 8529 Gateway Blvd and renames it The Roxy on Gateway. The space is rented by Theatre Network and is owned by The Edmonton Jazz Society. Season 42 for Theatre Network featured two musicals: The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown and the a new musical from Guys in Disguise, Klondykes by Darrin Hagen & Trevor Schmidt. The season closed with Morris Panych’s Gordon. Theatre Network won one Sterling Award (Musical Director, Erik Mortimer – The Last Five Years) and was nominated for 12 awards including Outstanding Production of a Play (Gordon) and Outstanding Production of a Musical (The Last Five Years).

Theatre Network celebrates their 40th Anniversary Season. A fire destroys The Roxy Theatre, the long-time home of Theatre Network. Productions for the 40th Season continue with Famous Puppet Death Scenes at Eastglen High School and Armstrong’s War at The Backstage Theatre in the ATB Financial Arts Barns. Theatre Network receives two Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards including: Outstanding Director (Bradley Moss – The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble) and Outstanding Set Design (Cory Sincennes – The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble) with nominations including two for Outstanding Production of a Play (The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble & Armstrong’s War), two for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Clarice Eckford in The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble & Eva Foote in Armstrong’s War) and two nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Patricia Zentilli & Susan Gilmour in The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble). Theatre Network continues operations heading into their 41st Season by taking up residence at 8529 Gateway Blvd beside the Yardbird Suite. The venue is renamed The Roxy on Gateway.

Theatre Network receives two Elizabeth Sterling Hayenes Awards including: Outstanding Production of a Play (Little One) and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Amber Borotsik in Little One) with nominations including Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Nadien Chu in Pig Girl), Outstanding New Play (Pig Girl by Colleen Murphy), Outstanding Director (Bradley Moss – Little One), Outstanding Lighting Design (Scott Peters – Little One), Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical (Matt Skopyk – Pig Girl & Darrin Hagen – Little One).

Fawnda Mithrush is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network’s production of Let the Light of Day Through receives four Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards including Outstanding Light Design (Award to Scott Peters), Outstanding New Play (Award to Collin Doyle), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Award to Jesse Gervais) and Outstanding Production of a Play. Theatre Network productions were also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Lora Brovold in Let the Light of Day Through, Outstanding Director: Bradley Moss for Let the Light of Day Through, Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Craig Lauzon in Where the Blood Mixes and Outstanding Production of a Musical: Typhoon Judy.

Jill Roszell steps down as General Manager. Theatre Network is nominated for Outstanding Production of a Play and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Michel & Ti-Jean and In on It), Outstanding Director and Outstanding Set Design (Michel & Ti-Jean).

Theatre Network is nominated for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Public Speaking), Outstanding Director and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Communion), Outstanding Costume Design (Hard Core Logo: Live), Outstanding Set Design (Mump and Smoot Cracked)

Theatre Network’s production on The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan receives the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, as well as Costume and Lighting Design Sterling Awards. Marianne Copithorne receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding Director for The Woman in Black.

Theatre Network’s past president Nancy Power receives the Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre in Edmonton. Theatre Network is nominated for eleven Sterling Awards including Outstanding New Play (Buddy). Natasha Girgis receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Palace of the End).

Jill Roszell is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network’s infamous publicist Kevin Hendricks receives The Margaret Mooney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Administration.

David Cheoros steps down as General Manager. Theatre Network breaks all previous subscription records. Ronnie Burkett’s 10 Days On Earth marked Theatre Network’s longest running production and breaks all box office records. Theatre Network takes the hit production Summer of My Amazing Luck on a Western Canada tour

Theatre Network receives Sterling Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role (Caroline Livingstone, Girl in a Goldfish Bowl) and Outstanding Set Design (Roger Schultz, The Leisure Society)

Theatre Network receives 18 Sterling Nominations and 8 Sterling Awards, including Outstanding New Play for Summer of My Amazing Luck and Outstanding Production of a Musical for Black Rider.

David Cheoros is appointed General Manager. Theatre Network receives the Sterling Award for Outstanding New Play (Provenance), Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Vanessa Holmes, Vincent in Brixton and Outstanding Set Design (Roger Schultz, A Skull in Conemmara)

Theatre Network receives 8 Sterling Awards, including Best Production of a Play for Perfect Pie, and Best Production of a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig is held over for a week and breaks all Box Office records.

General Manager Jacquie Richardson receives the MacLab Enterprises Award for Excellence in Arts Management. Theatre Network begins a feasibility study of the Roxy Theatre with Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc. NextFest expands to a 10-day festival format. And yellowpencil.com develops Theatre Network’s web site www.attheroxy.com.

Jacquie Richardson is appointed General Manager. Steve Pirot is appointed Festival Director of Nextfest. Theatre Network breaks previous box office records and wins the Sterling award for Outstanding Production of a Play for Ronnie Burkett’s marionette production of Happy. NeWest Press publishes the NeXtFest Anthology, edited by Festival Director Glenda Stirling.

Theatre Network announces Bradley Moss as its new Artistic Director. Theatre Network celebrates its 25th Anniversary Season and invites past artistic director Stephen Heatley to direct Your Wildest Dreams by Marianne Copithorne & Murray McCune. NeXtFest 2000 – Syncrude NeXt Generation Arts Festival goes world wide with its CKUA Live Theatre Broadcast. Theatre Network continues to break box office records with the success of Ronnie Burkett’s Street Of Blood and High Life by Lee MacDougall.

Glenda Stirling is appointed Festival Director for NeXtFest’99. Theatre Network breaks all previous box office records with the successful runs of; Marty Chan’s Mom, Dad, I’m Living With A White Girl (Sterling winner for Outstanding New Play).

Theatre Network appoints Bradley Moss as their interim Artistic Director on the eve of the third annual Next Fest’98.Theatre Network takes the initiative to expand its mandate to include contemporary works without geographic borders, and incorporates the artistic vision of the Phoenix Theatre – to provide the very best of contemporary theatre from around the world. Theatre Network receives a Sterling award for Outstanding Production of a Play for Ronnie Burkett’s Tinka’s New Dress. David Hennessey – General Manager – wins a Sterling for Outstanding Administration.

Theatre Network’s The Stone Angel based on the novel by Margaret Lawrence receives an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Production of a Play.

Theatre Network creates their annual NextFest – the Syncrude NeXt Generation Arts Festival, under the founding Festival Director/Producer Bradley Moss.

Scraping The Surface by Lyle Victor Albert receives a Sterling for Outstanding New Play.

David Hennessey is appointed General Manager.

Ben Henderson is appointed Artistic Director.

Castrato by Greg Nelson receives a Sterling for Outstanding New Play, and Skippy Gets A Boner by Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie wins a Sterling for Outstanding Production of a Musical.

The Other Side of the Pole by Stephen Heatley and Others receives a Sterling for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences.

Theatre Network finds a new home in the historic Roxy Theatre donated to the company by Nancy Power. Built in 1938, the Roxy had become an alternative second-run movie house by the 1970’s. Learn more about the history of The Roxy Theatre by clicking here.

Haunting Melody by Marianne Copithorne & Murray McCune receives an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. The Third Ascent by Frank Moher wins a Sterling for Outstanding New Play.

Odd Jobs by Frank Moher and Walt and Roy by Michael McKinlay are nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Drama.

Due South and Men with Brooms actor Paul Gross premiere’s his new play The Deer and Antelope Play.

Theatre Network launches the world premiere of Wolfboy by Brad Fraser.

Country Chorale by Raymond Storey makes its musical debut at Theatre Network, and it also marks the stage debut of future Grammy Award winner kd Lang.

1981

Stephen Heatley is appointed Artistic Director. Under Heatley, Theatre Network’s new mandate or artistic mission statement becomes “to assist, develop, and perform original plays by Alberta playwrights”. Theatre Network on their Dark Monday’s launches Theatresports.

Andras Tahn serves as interim Artistic Director while on leave from 25th Street Theatre

Hard Hats and Stolen Hearts: A Tar Sand Myth (Collective/Gordon Penguilly), a play about life in boomtown Fort McMurray, was Theatre Network’s (and Edmonton’s) first professional play to grace the off-Broadway stages of New York City at Richard Schechner’s Performance Garage.

Theatre Network (1975) Society was founded in 1975 as a co-operative; headed by Artistic Director Mark Manson, with Jonathan Barker, Jeurgen Beerwald, Theresa Bryson, Shay Garner, Dennis Robinson, Tanya Ryga, Gerry Zelinski. The original objective was to produce plays “about Alberta for Albertans” with an overall mandate to foster the development of original regional theatre, and to promote the arts in Alberta through the medium of Theatre.