TAMRMS#: B06
14.1
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Restoration of the Children's Theatre Program to Youth Actors
Notice given by: Councillor Hughes
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That the Children's Theatre Program is restored back to be exclusively open for actors who are 19 years of age or younger and that any adult actors are to be considered for separate Community Theatre performances.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration understands that the intent of this motion is to establish a change in service level for the Children’s Theatre program as a youth-exclusive offering, limiting participation to those aged 19 and under, while directing adult performers to separate performance opportunities.
ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION
That Council consider maintaining the current service level and program approach, which prioritizes youth participation while also providing opportunities for broader community involvement through a combination of youth-only, all-ages, and adult focused programming, in alignment with demonstrated participation trends and service levels.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Hughes gave notice on June 22, 2026.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City’s Performing Arts program, offered through the Community Services Cultural Branch, includes a component historically known as St. Albert Children’s Theatre, which was originally established in the early 1980s to provide theatre opportunities for children and youth. While youth participation has always been foundational, the program has included elements of intergenerational participation since its early years.
Prior to the establishment of a formal alumni participant base, productions occasionally included adults in key roles to meet casting needs and support the overall quality of performances. This practice dates to the program's early years; for example, productions such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Babes in Toyland in 1985 included paid adult performers as part of the cast.
By the program’s first decade, a practice of inviting alumni back to participate in productions had developed, supporting both performance quality and mentorship opportunities for younger performers. This practice has helped maintain continuity in the program, support community connections, and provide ongoing performance opportunities for adults who wish to continue developing their skills while remaining in St. Albert.
Since 2005, nearly every winter production has included at least some adult performers, with the level of involvement varying based on the specific needs of each production, for example, Beauty and the Beast (2005) included five adult performers, while the following year’s production included only one.
While adult performers have been included in winter productions, spring productions have historically remained exclusively youth-focused, apart from James and the Giant Peach (2015) where one adult was included.
St. Albert Children’s Theatre was recently rebranded as St. Albert Children’s and Community Theatre to provide greater clarity about who the program is for within the City’s Performing Arts Programming and Cultural Development services for participants and patrons.
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The updated name more accurately reflects the program’s historical practices, including opportunities for both youth and adults to participate in productions, support artistic development, and contribute to performing arts experiences within their community. It also helps clarify that the program is intended to serve the broader community, not only as participants, but also as audience members.
As a municipal arts program, the service goal has been to create accessible and inclusive opportunities for residents to engage in the performing arts. The rebranding provides flexibility for future programming while maintaining the historically strong commitment to youth development and community participation
Casting for St. Albert Children’s Theatre, since its inception, has been intended to balance several objectives: providing meaningful opportunities for youth development, fostering mentorship and skills development, and delivering a high-quality production for the community.
Historically, the program has observed that participation often declines in the later high school years as youth take on increased academic, employment, and other extracurricular commitments. This is typically the stage when performers would otherwise begin transitioning into more mature or adult roles within productions.
For the current winter production, Anne of Green Gables, 82 audition applications were received, including 62 youth applicants and 20 adults. Of the youth applicants, only 5 are between the ages of 16 and 19, which is the age range most likely to align with the adult-character roles in the production. There is also only one male applicant within this group.
These demographics are an example of the considerations that inform program planning and casting decisions. The City's role is not only to create opportunities for participation, but also to support sustainable learning while ensuring productions are appropriately cast and able to meet audience expectations.
Where there is a significant gap between the requirements of a production and the available participant pool, options historically employed include additional recruitment efforts, expanded audition opportunities, mentorship-based casting approaches, or selecting productions that better align with the demographics and experience levels of anticipated participants.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual performing arts programming saw increased participation from adults seeking creative outlets and opportunities for connection. Following the return to in-person programming, this translated into sustained interest and increasing demand for adult participation in local, community-based theatre opportunities.
Current programming reflects a balance of these interests and includes:
• Youth-focused productions and classes
• An annual spring production that remains youth-only
• Youth-only summer camps and associated performance opportunities
• An all-ages winter production, with youth participants continuing to form much of the cast
• Adult-focused classes
• A dedicated adult performance was included this year to respond to participation trends.
Recent participation trends demonstrate continued strong youth engagement alongside growing adult interest. Since 2022, youth participation has increased by approximately 23% (from 52 to 64 participants), while adult participation has increased from 2 to 16 individuals. Adult participants include a range of residents, including recent program alumni who have aged out of youth programming.
Additionally, the program is increasingly supporting intergenerational participation. For the Winter 2026 production, multiple families have registered to audition together, noting that it offers one of the few opportunities in the community for shared involvement in a creative activity. This model supports mentorship, strengthens community connections, and enhances participant experience.
The net budget for Performing Arts programming has decreased from $72,300 in 2022 to $29,100 currently. Programming continues to align with established service levels in Community Cultural Programming and Performing Arts.
Within this framework, youth-focused programming remains a priority, while additional opportunities reflect evolving participation trends and community interest.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
No direct financial impacts have been identified; however, changes to program structure may influence participation levels and overall program.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
The proposed motion would result in a change to the current service level by limiting participation in Children’s Theatre productions to youth only. This differs from the current program approach, which has historically included both youth-only and all-ages participation opportunities based on program and production needs.
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks
• Reduced flexibility in responding to participation demand across age groups, potentially limiting opportunities for adult residents, including recent alumni.
• Loss of intergenerational participation and mentorship opportunities currently supported through all-ages productions
• Potential demand for expanded or enhanced separate adult programming.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
B.3.1 Cultural Programming
B.3.1.b Community Cultural Programming
• Access to cultural experiences, artistic development and performance opportunities for residents.
• A range of diverse and relevant arts is provided to the community. Programming selection is based on demand and community needs. (e.g. Poet Laureate, emerging artist programs, youth artist development)
B.3.1.e Performing Arts
• Art forms such as music, dance and theatre arts.
• Programs are offered for all age groups at all levels of ability.
ALTERNATIVES
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternatives for Council’s consideration.
That Council maintain the current program approach which includes:
• A youth only spring production
• An all-ages winter production with a strong youth presence
• Adult-focused classes and separate performance opportunities, in response to participation trends.
ALTERNATIVE 1:
Financial:
None at this time
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks
Minimal, as this reflects established practices and recent participation trends.
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Report Date: July 14, 2026
Author(s): Elizabeth Budd
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher