We're Not Gonna Do Shakespeare...
That Edmonton has a lively theatre and arts scene for established artists and actors is a well-known fact. However, Edmonton also nurtures artists who are just starting out. Nextfest runs for approximately 10 days every year. The festival provides professional development opportunities for artists, and has over 80 performances in several venues in Edmonton’s downtown area. Festival attendees can see anything including new theatre, dance, cyber-art, music, painting, photography, filmmaking, and poetry and any number of collaborations between genres.
Who’s in the video?
Steve Pirot (the man in the black hat) is the festival director and curates the festival. Steve’s looking for the next Shakespeare.
Brian Lee (the guy in the striped blue shirt) painted Nextfest’s signature painting for 2009.
Nichole Schaefenacker (the lady in grey) is is playwright and wrote Fish at the Bottom of the Sea, the 2009 opening night play. Nicole has been involved with Nextfest since high school, and just finished her BA Honors degree in Drama.
Where Next?
Nextfest
Nextfest was created in 1996. It currently has 300-400 artists participating each year, and draws over 10,000 audience members.
