Applications for RISER Edmonton are open now until June 30!
Head to our website to learn more about the presenting opportunities, frequently asked questions, and submission process: https://commongroundarts.ca/riser/apply-for-riser-2025-26/
What is RISER?
RISER works to take obstacles out of the way of you producing a big, bold new idea through a training program and TWO presentation opportunities for your work. RISER is Common Ground Arts’ collaborative producing model originally developed by Why Not Theatre in 2014 to address barriers to independent producing in Toronto, Ontario.
Our support might look like:
– Grantwriting support (AKA: We’ll help with every draft and make sure you’ve got all the materials you need right til 11:59 on deadline day);
– Hands-on help building budgets and calendars (AKA: We’ll talk through every budget line and make sure you’re able to stay on track);
– Assistance in liaising with partners and collaborators (AKA: We’ll connect you to all sorts of great humans in our city and across Canada);
– Production and technical support (AKA: We’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need for your work to look and sound awesome);
– And helping you get access to other spaces and resources!
RISER artists also participate in “All-RISER Sessions”: 8-10 producing workshops on topics like contracting, working with technical artists, marketing, accessibility, and more facilitated by Common Ground with guest speakers from across Edmonton’s professional theatre industry.
YEAR ONE (Summer 2025 – Spring 2026)
– You’ll attend All-RISER workshops and get one-on-one assistance from Common Ground producers in grantwriting, finding project partners/mentors/artists, and accessing development opportunities (special thanks to our Development Partners, Azimuth Theatre!)
– You’ll also attend a couple of meetings with your presenting partner to discuss potential opportunities for you at their Festival.
– At the end of year one (May 2026), you’ll share a work-in-process of your project at the brand new RISER New Works Festival, hosted by Common Ground Arts.
YEAR TWO (Summer 2026-Summer 2027)
– You’ll work with your paired presenter to share your work as part of their Festival. This may be a full production, staged reading, workshop presentation, or anything in between based on what your partner is able to offer your project at its stage of development.
– Your presenting opportunity will be scaled to meet what your project needs & what your partner is able to offer.
– Throughout year two, all RISER artists will have access to the Common Ground team to help you get ready for presentation.
Our Festival Partners for the 2026-27 Season are:
Edmonton Fringe Theatre (Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival)
Theatre Outré (Quaint, Quirky, & QUEER Cabaret & Festival)
Common Ground Arts (RISER New Works Festival)
Head to our website to learn more about the presenting opportunities, frequently asked questions, and submission process: https://commongroundarts.ca/riser/apply-for-riser-2025-26/
We’re also available to meet with you to discuss the program and your project before you submit. Book a time here: https://calendly.com/commongroundarts/riser-application-chats
