About Theatre Network
Theatre Network has taken on a dedication to produce work that is challenging and engaging in content and form, and is not afraid to challenge our conceptions of the world we live in. Our continuing commitment is towards risk, especially where it involves content and the energy that is borne from that kind of risk. Not all of our work is controversial, but we have chosen to welcome controversy, rather than fear it.
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”. From its inception to 1997 Theatre Network fully devoted its resources to the development of Canadian Playwrights and dissemination of new Canadian work.
In 1997 Theatre Network and the Phoenix Theatre amalgamated into a new Theatre Network. A new company was founded upon the unique role that each theatre played in our Edmonton Theatre scene. Theatre Network now fulfills the dual commitment of the development of writers who speak from our community and to produce the most exciting voices from the around the world.
The integration of the two theatres created a new Theatre Network Mission Statement:
* To provide Edmonton audiences with the best of contemporary Theatre from around the world with an emphasis on Canadian Theatre
* To foster the development, production and dissemination of new Canadian Theatre writing with an emphasis on Western Canada
* To create opportunity for the development of local artists, Theatre workers and audiences with an emphasis on the playwright
Theatre Network is a non-profit charitable organization and operates within the jurisdiction of the Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA). Theatre Network is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA), the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) and the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC).
Theatre Network gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada through The Canada Council, the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council, the Province of Alberta through The Alberta Foundation for the Arts. And the generous contributions from our patron Donors, Sponsors and Volunteers.