Alberta Theatre Projects

Alberta Theatre Projects distinguishes itself by concentrating on both new and non-​mainstream plays. I’d say about half the productions are misses, while the other half are really, really good. A highlight is the unparalleled Enbridge playRites festival, which premieres 4 new Canadian plays every year. The company is heavily involved in development of these works, providing a great service to the arts community.
To hedge your bets on enjoyment of the play, there are several things to note. First, opening night is usually followed by reception with free nibbles and bubbles. There is a also «Pizza with V» night for each production, which includes free pizza and a featured live chat between the ATP artistic director and a special guest. There is no extra charge for this. If you are a struggling student, some nights are designated $ 10 student ticket nights.
Other highlights are 1) the free season preview, and 2) the 10 minute play festival. Both are highly entertaining, and good for people with short attention spans that don’t normally go to plays.
On the practical side, you should probably order your intermission drinks ahead of time («London Bar service») because it’s usually a crazy long line otherwise. The municipal building parkade is a good choice for safe parking, or you can risk the dodgy street parking behind city hall.

While not every play is a hit at ATP, they sure to try their best. The theatre itself is not too big for a more intimate setting and you get a view. The play subject matter is not as stuffy and sedate as Theatre Calgary tends to be. Sets and props are well done and the acting is good.

I love ATP. They’ve been churning out really good theatre forever in Calgary, and it never stops. I’ve seen some of my favorite plays at ATP — they make choices that might be more risky than the other big theatre companies in town (coughtheatrecalgarycough).
Because of these risks they take, I’ve seen a few plays that I haven’t enjoyed, but I’ve never regretted giving my money to the company in town that respects the performing arts and works to make theatre approachable, meaningful and stunning.

Otherwise known as ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects is a theatre company that offers a variety of plays, usually a bit edgy in nature. The programs take place in the Martha Cohen Theatre which is just the perfect size to create an intimate atmosphere in which to enjoy a play. (450 seats or so)
I doubt there’s a poor seat in the house. I’ve sat both centre and on the extreme sides, the latter offering a great view of the stage, and I have never felt that I was missing out on any of the action. Sometimes the side mezzanine or balcony seats are better just because there are less people sitting in front of you than if you sat in the centre. (Actually some of the side seats are just one row, so there’s nobody sitting in front of you.)
ATP offers the Playrites Festival of new Canadian plays each year in about February. You can see a bunch of plays over a two week period.