Are there theaters or concert halls with programs for newcomers?
Calgary has a rich theater and concert scene with numerous venues offering special programs and initiatives for newcomers and immigrants. These programs help new residents integrate into the local cultural community and gain access to high-quality artistic performances.
Arts Commons and RBC Newcomers Accessibility Program
Arts Commons is the largest performing arts center in Western Canada and a major cultural landmark in downtown Calgary. The center offers the RBC Newcomers Accessibility Program, the most significant initiative for newcomers to the city.
The program aims to integrate 1,400 newcomers into the community by providing them with opportunities to attend concerts. Participants can access programs such as the BD&P World Music series, Classic Albums Live, National Geographic Live, and other special presentations at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Newcomers can access this program through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship's Canoo Access Pass program. Canoo is a mobile app that provides new Canadian citizens with free or discounted admission to over 2,000 cultural and natural attractions across Canada.
Arts Commons also provides City of Calgary Recreation Fee Assistance for those who are already approved for the City of Calgary's Fair Entry program, which includes special discounts on tickets to Arts Commons events.
Theater companies with programs for newcomers
Theatre Calgary
Theatre Calgary is the city's largest and oldest theatre and offers a variety of accessibility programs. The theatre provides ASL-interpreted performances, relaxed performances for people with autism and other special needs, and audio description programs.
Theatre Calgary also participates in the 35//50 Initiative, which advocates for a more equitable, diverse, accessible, and inclusive future for Calgary's arts community.
Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects has youth engagement programs that aim to deepen the theater experience for young audiences and emerging artists. The theatre is committed to accessibility for ALL youth regardless of economic status, race, color, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
Quest Theatre
Quest Theatre is a traveling theater company for young audiences that works with children in schools and communities throughout Alberta. The company offers week-long residencies, drama camps, and classes. Quest's programs reach children regardless of economic, language, ability, or geographic barriers.
StoryBook Theatre
StoryBook Theatre is one of the largest theaters for young audiences in Canada. The theater provides over $100,000 annually in subsidized programming, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate regardless of their circumstances. Their mission includes ensuring that children never experience rejection and that all children have access to their programs.
Special Ukrainian theater initiatives
STRUM UA Theatre
STRUM UA Theatre is the first Ukrainian theater in Calgary, founded in 2023 by two Ukrainian refugee artists, Snizhana Gukasyan-Korobeinikova and Anna Lupeko. The theatre presents performances in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
According to the founders, there are about 2,000 Ukrainians involved in the arts in Calgary, and STRUM is the first Ukrainian theatre in the city. The theatre acts as a “bridge between Ukrainians and Canadians.”
Artis Theatre
Artis Theatre is another Ukrainian theater group formed by Ukrainian refugees. The members of the company describe their theater work as “our therapy,” which helps them express their feelings of loss, loneliness, and anxiety after what they have experienced.
Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre
Founded in 2004, Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre combines ballet and traditional folk dance. The theatre actively promotes Ukrainian culture throughout Calgary through performances for the Ukrainian community, city events, and private functions.
Specialized programs for newly arrived artists
Newcomer Arts Professional Program (NAPP)
The Newcomer Arts Professional Program is a special professional development initiative for newly arrived artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers. The program is available exclusively to arts professionals in Calgary and Edmonton who are new to Canada with a residency history of less than 7 years.
The program includes:
- One-on-one mentoring with experienced professionals
- Group professional development sessions
- Opportunities to gain work experience in the arts sector
- A $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of the program
Calgary Public Library Newcomer Artist in Residence
Calgary Public Library has a Newcomer Artist in Residence program that supports artists who have recently arrived in Canada (five years or less). The residency is a recipient of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) New Canadian Artist Award.
In 2025, the resident is Yeisen Chang, a Cuban video artist whose work explores migration, identity, and memory. The program provides artists with collaborative opportunities and introduces library visitors to a variety of artists and art forms.
Support and Accessibility Programs
Green Fools Theatre Society
Green Fools Theatre Society is a pioneer of the Social Circus movement in Western Canada, offering free circus programs for at-risk youth. Their programs target marginalized youth, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, refugees, and other underserved communities.
Alberta Ballet Welcoming Newcomers Program
Alberta Ballet has a Welcoming Newcomers program that has introduced over 2,000 new Canadians to the magic of dance since 2019 by offering free tickets to performances and recreational dance classes to newcomers.
Inside Out Theatre
Inside Out Theatre specializes in inclusive programming and removing barriers for deaf and disabled people. The theater offers ASL programs, technology for people with hearing impairments, and inclusive performances.
Educational and Development Programs
Centre for Newcomers
The Centre for Newcomers in Calgary provides a wide range of programs for immigrants and refugees. The center offers arts programs, including the “Let's Paint!” program, which introduces participants to various painting techniques.
YMCA Calgary Art Programs
YMCA Calgary offers arts programs for adults, including painting, choir, photography, salsa, dance, and drama. Programs are designed for all levels of interest and skill.
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
CIWA provides comprehensive support programs for immigrant women. The organization offers over 50 programs covering adaptation, language, professional development, and family support.
Financial Support and Accessibility
Many theaters and concert halls in Calgary have special financial support programs:
- Theatre Calgary's $40 Under 40 program for young professionals and students
- Inside Out Theatre's Pay-What-You-Can model
- StoryBook Theatre's subsidized programs, which provide over $100,000 annually
- Green Fools' free programs for at-risk youth
Conclusion
Calgary has a well-developed network of theaters and concert halls with a variety of programs for newcomers. From large initiatives such as the RBC Newcomers Accessibility Program at Arts Commons to specialized Ukrainian theater groups and artist-in-residence programs, the city offers numerous opportunities for cultural integration and artistic development. These programs not only provide access to high-quality artistic performances, but also build bridges between different communities, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.