Cue the Future: Support Emerging Backstage Artists

This Giving Tuesday, the Varscona Theatre is launching Cue the Future, a campaign to support the designers, technicians, and stage professionals whose artistry brings every performance to life. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to create two paid mentorship positions for emerging theatre designers and technicians in 2026.

Thanks to Crowdfunding Alberta, the Government of Alberta will match 50% of every donation, helping your gift go even further.

Donate today

About Our Mentorship Program

The Varscona Tech Mentorship Program will provide hands-on, paid training for two emerging artists in lighting, sound, or stage management. Each mentee will work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining real-world experience in a professional theatre environment. The program also compensates mentors for their time and expertise, ensuring that both learning and teaching are valued.

This initiative strengthens Edmonton’s theatre ecosystem by building skills, supporting careers, and keeping industry knowledge flowing between generations.

Why Technical Theatre Matters

Theatre design and technical production are the invisible architecture of live performance. Lighting designers, sound designers, stage managers, and technicians shape how every moment looks, sounds, and feels.

Their work is essential — yet often overlooked.

Ever wonderered what it takes to transform the Varscona stage? Check out this timelapse of the set build and tech for Shadow Theatre’s 2025 production of After Mourning, Before Van Gogh.

Your Impact

Your Giving Tuesday donation helps us:

Fund two paid mentorship positions for emerging designers or technicians
Provide honoraria for mentors, recognizing the importance of their expertise
Remove financial barriers that often prevent early-career artists from accessing technical training
Build a stronger theatre community in Edmonton
Ensure backstage talent is nurtured, supported, and celebrated

With the 50% provincial match, every dollar you give stretches further — creating real opportunities for the artists who rarely get the spotlight but make the magic possible.

Join Us and Cue the Future

Your support ensures the Varscona continues to be a place where emerging artists can learn, create, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Edmonton.

Help us reach our $20,000 goal and launch these transformative mentorships.