IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists

Where bold ideas take the stage and the future of the arts ignites.

That's a wrap on 2026 IGNITE!

The IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists brought together audiences and artists for four unforgettable days of original performance.

This year’s festival showcased a dynamic lineup of emerging Canadian talent, highlighting new work across disciplines and uplifting fresh perspectives from the next generation of creators.

We are deeply grateful to our curious and engaged audiences who showed up, supported new work and helped create an electric festival atmosphere. Your enthusiasm and openness make IGNITE! possible.

What is IGNITE?

IGNITE! is an exploration of original work created by emerging artists who are ready to take risks, challenge norms and share stories that need to be seen.

Audiences can expect:

Original one‑act plays
Innovative dance and movement performances
Genre‑blending artistic experiences
Deeply human storytelling
Opportunities to connect directly with artists and creators

Each year, IGNITE! offers something new because the artists themselves are new, their voices freshly amplified their ideas boldly presented.

THANK YOU!

Festival Team

We are so grateful to the team behind the scenes who make this festival possible. They are a dedicated group who provide their time, skill and passion to make IGNITE! what it is.

SAGE THEATRE BOARD

President – Dany Allard
Vice President – Shane Anderson
Secretary – Kim McCann
Treasurer – Shevaughn Evans
Director – Vanja Cingel
Director – Syindhika Sharma
Director – Joanna Williams
Director – Brendan Hunter

IGNITE! FESTIVAL TEAM

Artistic Director – Jason Mehmel
Festival Producer/Technical Director – Dylan Lindsay
Associate Festival Producer/Front of House Manager – Alan Johnson
Victor Mitchell Venue Technician – Kailee Owen
Joyce Doolittle Venue Technician – Keely Deibert
Festival Photographer – Morgan Laidley
Marketing, Web and Design – Hartley Rose

Emerging Artists

We celebrate the artists, creators and creative teams who brought this year’s festival to life. Your passion, innovation and courage to share new work are at the heart of IGNITE!.

Aakshi Sharma
Adania Reyes
Ahona Sanyal
Ale
Ali Miller
Alli Miller
Allison Weninger
Anaya Tawar
Andrea Cortes
Andrea Thring
Andressa Ester
Ane Zapirain
Ange Tamdem
Anna Matronic
Audrey Badzgon
Autumn Storm
Arman Kaur
Boden Broadhead
Chavi
Chris Mosimann
Ciaran Volke
Daniel Sanguinetti
Deborah Olubaju
Diana
El Spring
Ella Doney
Ethan Hugel-Oulette
Emily Sharp
Geraldine Fuenmayor
Gian Dayrit
Hanna Ferrow
Isabel Liscano
Ivan Guevara Garcia

Jackson Lee Thompson
Jessica Ramisch
Joyce Kabengele
Justin Many Fingers
Kyle Pacheco
Mark Edwards
Mariza Iturbe-Becerril
Madiha Anam
Maverick Vermilya
Max Hanic
Morgan Laidey
Natalie Cortes
Nicole Pearce
Nikhat Saheb
Nikki Orana Rvachew
Oli Khubyar
Randy Plain Eagle
Sarah Barker
Sarah Innes
Siena Yee
Sleman Gerius Aldib
Sophia Garcia
Soph Sloan
Spencer Heindle
Sylviane (Sylvie) Allard
Tony Toosick
Valeria

A Festival with a legacy

Launched in 2005 by Sage Theatre, the IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists was created to address a need in Calgary’s arts environment: meaningful opportunities for early‑career artists to present their work professionally.

For nearly 20 years, IGNITE! has become a pillar of Sage Theatre’s mandate and a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts community.

IGNITE! doesn’t just showcase talent; it nurtures it, connects it and sets it in motion.

Why IGNITE! Matters

Emerging artists often have bold ideas but limited platforms. IGNITE! exists to change that.

The festival is dedicated to:

Creating professional presentation opportunities for early‑career artists
Building bridges between emerging talent and established industry professionals
Strengthening Calgary’s cultural ecosystem
Ensuring the future of Canadian performing arts remains diverse, innovative, and fearless

When you attend IGNITE!, you’re not just watching a performance, you’re investing in the future of the arts.

Thank you to our partners and supporters

Get involved

Sponsorship

Support the future of Canadian performing arts.

By partnering with IGNITE!, sponsors help fuel a vibrant platform where bold ideas, fresh perspectives and emerging voices are brought to life. Your support directly fosters creativity, innovation and meaningful opportunities—while actively contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient arts community.

We offer custom sponsorship opportunities, including both monetary and in‑kind support, tailored to align with your values and goals.

Become a sponsor and help the next generation of artists shine.

Donate

Help artists take their first bold step into the spotlight.

Your donation provides vital financial support that allows IGNITE! to thrive, ensuring emerging artists have access to professional resources, performance opportunities and meaningful exposure. Every contribution helps remove barriers and empowers creators to share their stories with the world.

Sage Theatre is a registered charitable organization, and eligible donations receive a tax receipt.

Donate today>>

Volunteer

Be part of the energy behind the festival.

Volunteers are the heart of IGNITE! By lending your time and skills, you’ll help create an unforgettable experience for artists, audiences, and the wider community—while gaining behind‑the‑scenes access to an exciting multi‑day festival.

We offer a variety of volunteer roles, from to front‑of‑house and on‑site positions during the festival. Whether you have a few hours or several days, there’s a role for you.

Join the team and help IGNITE! come to life.

Volunteer>>

OR MORE EMERGING ARTISTS EVERY YEAR