Call for Submissions (Edmonton): Mainstage Assistant Director Program – Citadel Theatre, Theater News

The Citadel Theatre is excited to announce a call for submissions for the Mainstage Assistant Director Program for the first half of our 2026/27 season. This professional development program has been created to support directors as they develop their skills, particularly in large scale Mainstage work.

THE PROGRAM
This is a specialized program that is built in collaboration with the selected artists involved and the Mainstage directors they will be working with. The program is supported by the Citadel’s Producer, Bridget Norris-Jones and Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran.

The program provides the opportunity to participate in the full rehearsal process for a Mainstage production. While every opportunity is unique, most Assistant Director placements involve:
– 1-on-1 mentorship with the Mainstage director
– Participation in pre-rehearsal meetings and planning (design/production meetings, etc.)
– Observing/Participating in rehearsals, technical rehearsals and previews
– Overseeing the rehearsal and preparation of understudies and youth performers (as applicable)

In addition to production-specific opportunities, Assistant Directors will also be offered:
– Tours of the Citadel facilities and conversations with Citadel staff throughout the season
– Invitations to opening nights
– Artist profile on the Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds

Artists will receive a $4000 honorarium as part of the program. We are not able to cover travel or accommodation expenses. The Assistant Director is expected to be available for the full rehearsal and preview process, up until the final understudy dress rehearsal, which typically occurs a few days after opening.

In the first half of the 2026/27 Season we have three opportunities which applicants can apply for: https://citadeltheatre.com/artists/artist-programs-mentorship/mainstage-assistant-director-program/call-for-submissions-mainstage-assistant-director-program/

Please read each description and call carefully. Assistant Director opportunities in the second half of our 2026/27 Season will be announced at a later date.

SUBMISSIONS
We invite applications from artists who would like to explore and build their professional skills in directing. We are looking for applicants who are based in Edmonton, and who have experience in directing multiple full-length plays or musicals, have demonstrated skill in this area and who are looking to build even more sophisticated tools. Students who are currently attending High School or Post Secondary programs are not eligible to apply. Previous participants in the Assistant Director program are welcome to apply again but should identify what new skills they hope to acquire from this assistantship and why this opportunity will be different from the past one.

View full submissions details here: https://citadeltheatre.com/artists/artist-programs-mentorship/mainstage-assistant-director-program/call-for-submissions-mainstage-assistant-director-program/

Citadel Theatre is accepting proposals for the Mainstage Assistant Director Program until Thursday, March 11, 2026. Please submit a proposal of up to four pages (PDF format) to: [email protected], Subject: Mainstage Assistant Director Program.

SELECTION
Artists will be selected by a panel of Citadel Theatre staff, including:
– Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director
– Bridget Norris-Jones, Producer
– Mieko Ouchi, Associate Artistic Director
There may be interviews requested with the Director of each Mainstage Production. All applicants will be informed of results via email by Monday March 30, 2026.
See full details here: https://citadeltheatre.com/artists/artist-programs-mentorship/mainstage-assistant-director-program/call-for-submissions-mainstage-assistant-director-program/