SRE announces 2023 season

On the heels of the resounding success of its first production-filled year, Swamp Rat Experience (SRE) is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of theatrical experiences for 2023. Among the season offerings is a groovy summer of love dinner theatre, a magical fundraiser, an award-winning Broadway musical and artistic development opportunities including masterclasses and community workshops - there is something for everyone!

“Our second season is all about exploration and connecting with our community,” said Artist Director Hanna Fridhed. “We want to offer opportunities that are low-barrier and easy to participate in, reinvigorating theatre with innovative and inclusive productions and exploration opportunities. We want to create theatre with the community, for the community and invite new artists to tell their stories on stage.”

SRE is proud to open its season with the Waypoints Dinner Theatre Summer of ‘69 written by Bob Cunningham and Tony Copp. In its revisit of a tumultuous era, Summer of ‘69 brings the groovy summer of love to life at Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts on February 24-25 with tickets available on Waypoints' website on February 3. All proceeds will support Waypoints in their crucial work to end domestic-family violence, sexual assault, abuse, and homelessness in the region.

“The services Waypoints offer are crucial to our region, and we are proud to be able to support their work through the theatre arts,” says Fridhed. “Both the artistic team and cast are insanely talented, and made up of completely local talent.”

Slated for March through May, SRE will be running their new youth program The Theatre Club. SRE is calling out to all youth theatre enthusiasts ages seven to eleven! Registration opens January 31 for the eight-week program in an exciting theatrical learning experience and creative performance opportunity. Participants will learn performance skills in a variety of disciplines like acting, voice, movement, dance, and improvisation as well as the basics of technical theatre. Celebrating the participants' hard work and creative spirit, friends and family are invited to a performance at the end of the program. The Theatre Club is led by experienced theatre artist and dance instructor Alexandra Durocher, who will be joined by guest instructors throughout the program.

Next, step through the magical portal on Platform 9¾ and join a celebration of imagination and magic as the Potterverse is apparating to Wood Buffalo at A Magical Fundraiser! Celebrate theatre, meet your favourite Harry Potter characters, and support SRE programming, including The Theatre Club, Community Workshops, Master Classes, explorative and engaging theatre productions - and more.

By day, immerse in a vast of Harry Potter themed activities and fun games for the whole family of wizards and witches. Be sure to dress as your favourite character, the kids are off to a magical time! By night, the Yule Ball invites those who have already graduated from Hogwarts to an evening of butterbeer and house-themed specialty drinks, witchy live performances and a live auction. Accio an incredible experience! 

To close the season off with a bang, SRE and Keyano Theatre present the iconic Broadway show RENT by Jonathan Larson! This award-winning musical took the world by storm when it first opened in the mid-nineties, inspiring all to ‘choose love over fear and to live without regret.’ Directed by Zachary Barrett and Music Director Jenny Price, this phenomenal musical will make its Wood Buffalo debut in November at Keyano Theatre. 

“RENT was the first musical I ever fell in love with, I am incredibly excited to be a part of this monumental independent theatre production,” said Price.

The story takes place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where you will follow a group of friends in Manhattan’s East Village who fight to build the lives of their dreams. RENT resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled with life, love and everything in between. This rock opera pulls the heartstrings to tell the tale of a group of friends who grapple with addiction, eviction, sexual identity, parents, materialism and the yearning to leave a meaningful legacy. 

“When looking into shows that would give us the opportunity to welcome other communities into the local theatre scene, RENT was a no-brainer,” stated Barrett. “I admire this musical’s message and what it means to so many people. It was also the perfect opportunity to create a space for others to share their stories in our amazing local theatre spaces.”

SRE will also present free workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions followed by a cabaret as part of Pride YMM, using material from RENT. 

SRE Community Workshops aim to engage artists who are new to the craft and want to dip their toe into performing arts. Are you interested in hosting a theatre workshop for your organization or group? Email swampratexperience@gmail.com. 

For more information about programming, upcoming events and auditions, visit www.swampratexperience.com. Don’t miss out on announcements, follow SRE on Facebook and Instagram.