June 16-21, 2012

Compass Points is a gathering of post secondary students and emerging artists from across the country which helps them navigate the Festival and offers a firsthand introduction to the professional theatre industry. Organized in consultation with students and emerging artists from the University of Calgary and across the nation, the week-long event consists of workshops, panel discussions, and social events, designed to inspire participants to chart their own course in Canadian theatre.

Compass Points builds on the festival experience – performances, Magnetic Encounters and the Industry Series – with the student perspective in mind. Past topics include touring in Canadian theatre, theatre creation and criticism in the age of blogging, union do's and don'ts, grant writing for emerging artists, new play development, self-production and workshops led by some of Canada's most prominent theatre directors.

Topics and events vary from year to year to complement festival programming and address current concerns and questions. Some of our past panelists and workshop leaders include: Pat Bradley, Robert Chafe, Denise Clarke, David Ferry, Erika Hennebury, Peter Hinton, Brooke Johnson, Denyse Karn, James Long, Julia Mackey, Mump & Smoot, Darren O’Donnell, Matthew Payne, Richard Rose, Kim Selody, Joey Tremblay, Ian Watson, Why Not Theatre, Zuppa Theatre. This year we are pleased to announce Daniel MacIvor as our keynote speaker.

Compass Points accepts applications from across the country.

We accept applications from across the country. We welcome university, conservatory, college and independently taught students, and emerging artists from all aspects of theatre including but not limited to acting, directing, playwriting, design, technical production and arts administration.

We invite students and emerging artists of diverse cultural backgrounds who are passionate and curious about Canadian theatre and have an interest in being a part of the national community.

Download your application form here:

Comapss Points Information: CP-Info-Letter2012.pdf (Adobe PDF, 14K)
Comapss Points Application Form: CP-Application-2012.doc (Word 97 Doc, 45K)

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