IGNITE! Open call for projects & artists
For nearly 20 years, the IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists has put a focus on helping develop Calgary’s rising talent by presenting their work to the public and connecting them to a network of established industry professionals.
Applications close April 8, 2025.
Next in our season
Mary Stuart, By Dacia Maraini
April 21 – May 4, 2025
Motel Theatre
Directed by Javier Vilalta
Standard ticket is $30.
Freely inspired by the work of Friedrich von Schiller, Dacia Maraini’s Mary Stuart depicts a confrontation between the Queen of Scotland and her cousin, Elizabeth I, Queen of England. But more than a historical drama, it is a conflict between two women that is at stake here. Mary Stuart envies the power her cousin holds; Elizabeth is jealous of the femininity of others. The conflict is also internal, because each person is in struggle with herself, struggling with dreams that thwart her ambitions.
From director Javier Vilalta: “What excites me most is to give two female performers the opportunity to showcase their talents in a staging where gender and politics are explored at length.” The cast includes Lauren Brotman and Norma Lewis.
IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists
June 4 – 7, 2025
Every year in June, Sage Theatre presents the IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists – a multi-disciplinary, 4-day festival of emerging art and artists. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s beautiful! With about 100 artists programmed each year, IGNITE! is a fantastic development, networking, and presentation opportunity for Calgary’s artists.
IGNITE! is a festival dedicated to supporting, mentoring and presenting early career artists of all disciplines. IGNITE! allows artists to embrace risks in a supportive environment while providing resources, a bridge to the professional arts community, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration and community building with their peers.
