STEPHEN HAIR
EMERGING ACTOR AWARD

 
2008 Award Recipient Named

Stephen Hair, Alexander Arsenault

Theatre Calgary is pleased to continue its commitment to the development of new artists in the Calgary community with the announcement of the Stephen Hair Emerging Actor Award. Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and actor Stephen Hair have named ALEXANDER ARSENAULT as the 2008 recipient.

Alexander, 23, has studied for the past two years at the Company of Rogues Acting Studio here in Calgary.  He has appeared recently in Habitat with Downstage Productions and Cowtown, St. Scarlet and The Dinning Room with Rogues Theatre. He will be seen in the upcoming Unknown Pleasures for Sage Theatre’s Ignite ‘08 festival and The Lieutenant of Inishmore with Ground Zero Theatre.

The Stephen Hair Emerging Actor Award is designed to assist new actors from the Calgary region in the dawn of their acting careers. Nominees typically have graduated from their technical training and have from 12 to 24 months acting experience.

Stephen Hair is proud of the choice.  “Alex is an extraordinary young talent. I have just had the distinct privilege of working with him in Downstage's production of Habitat and was blown away by his dedication, courage , intelligence and above all his visceral passion for his art. I learned so much from him.  Alex has huge potential and it would be my pleasure to work on other projects with him anywhere at any time. He truly is an ‘artist’.”

Dennis Garnhum agrees. “Alex was the unanimous choice for the Stephen Hair Award this year.  His performance in HABITAT combined with his passionate application ensured him the top slot.  Alex was able to communicate vivid, original and inspired ideas for his future in his application which is exactly the intention behind this award.  I look forward to watching Alex develop and excel in Canadian Theatre.”

Created in December, 2006, the Stephen Hair Emerging Actor Award was created by Theatre Calgary to present an annual award of $2500 for an emerging actor. Mr. Hair has a distinguished 30-year career in the Canadian arts scene with 60 appearances on Theatre Calgary’s stage, including his thirteen consecutive years as Ebenezer Scrooge in our annual production of A Christmas Carol. Theatre Calgary’s created an award in his name to acknowledge his contribution to our success.  The award was first handed out in 2007 to Justin Michael-Carriere.

ABOUT THE AWARD 

This annual award of $2,500 is designed to assist new actors from the Calgary region in the dawn of their acting careers. Created in 2007, the award honors the distinguished 30-year career of Calgary actor Stephen Hair, including over 60 appearances on Theatre Calgary’s stage and 15 consecutive years as Ebenezer Scrooge in our annual production of A Christmas Carol.

Nominees will typically have graduated from their technical training and have from 12 to 24 months acting experience. Actors may apply for this award to support a broad range of career development opportunities such as, but not limited to:

•    Personal development courses
•    A specific project involving the artist
•    Funding for auditions
•    Help in taking an out-of-town role
•    Opportunity to understudy
•    Invitation to be mentored by a senior artist
•    Any form of professional development other than postgraduate degrees

Awards will not be considered for production costs, company operating costs or non-actor related activities. The award is intended to advance the career of actors who have experienced some success and are seeking developmental opportunities to further their careers.

How to Apply:

The deadlines for applications has passed.  We thank all that showed interest in the Stephen Hair Award. The winner will be announced on June 24.

Applications should include the following:
•    A completed application form (available March 10, on this page)
•    A covering letter (no more than one page) giving a complete description of how you intend to utilize the award
•    A 1-2 page description of yourself, with answers to the following questions: What is your passion for theatre? Where does it stem from? What are your artistic dreams, goals and aspirations?
•    If funds are intended for use towards a collaborative or contractual engagement, appropriate documentation should accompany the application.
•    Applications may be submitted via email or in hard copy.

All applications will be retained by the committee and be held at Theatre Calgary including all supporting copies of documentation.