About Us
For more than four decades, the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society has helped bring live music, theatre and artistic experiences to Westlock.
Working with volunteers, community partners and funding organizations, the Society presents a varied season of professional performances and supports the continued use and development of the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre. Our goal is to make cultural experiences available in a way that is affordable, enjoyable and memorable for audiences of all ages.
Working with volunteers, community partners and funding organizations, the Society presents a varied season of professional performances and supports the continued use and development of the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre. Our goal is to make cultural experiences available in a way that is affordable, enjoyable and memorable for audiences of all ages.
Our Mission
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society provides access to local and regional performance in a rural community. We promote cultural enrichment through a variety of artistic expressions and work to make those experiences affordable, enjoyable and memorable.
What We Do
Each year, our volunteer board plans and presents the CATS performance series, featuring six shows across a variety of musical and performance genres.
Through these performances, partnerships and community activities, we create opportunities for people to experience professional live entertainment close to home, build lasting memories and develop an appreciation for the arts across generations.
Understanding the Names
You may see several related names used throughout this website:
Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre is the physical performance venue attached to R.F. Staples Secondary School. The intimate soft-seat theatre has 244 seats and professional lighting and sound equipment. It hosts the CATS performance series as well as school productions, dance and music recitals, drama productions, meetings, seminars and community rentals.
Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society is the volunteer-led, non-profit organization that supports the theatre and helps provide cultural programming in the community.
CATS
CATS is the familiar name used for the Cultural Arts Theatre Society and its presentation series.
The CATS Performance Series
The CATS performance series is the Society’s annual season of professional live entertainment. The series was established in 1984 to bring musical and performance theatre representing a wide variety of genres to local audiences.
Simply put: the theatre is the venue, the Society is the organization, CATS is the name our community knows, and the performance series is the season we present.
What We Do
Each year, our volunteer board plans and presents the CATS performance series, featuring six shows across a variety of musical and performance genres.
Through these performances, partnerships and community activities, we create opportunities for people to experience professional live entertainment close to home, build lasting memories and develop an appreciation for the arts across generations.
Understanding the Names
You may see several related names used throughout this website:
Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre is the physical performance venue attached to R.F. Staples Secondary School. The intimate soft-seat theatre has 244 seats and professional lighting and sound equipment. It hosts the CATS performance series as well as school productions, dance and music recitals, drama productions, meetings, seminars and community rentals.
Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society is the volunteer-led, non-profit organization that supports the theatre and helps provide cultural programming in the community.
CATS
CATS is the familiar name used for the Cultural Arts Theatre Society and its presentation series.
The CATS Performance Series
The CATS performance series is the Society’s annual season of professional live entertainment. The series was established in 1984 to bring musical and performance theatre representing a wide variety of genres to local audiences.
Simply put: the theatre is the venue, the Society is the organization, CATS is the name our community knows, and the performance series is the season we present.
Our History
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre was constructed in 1983 as part of an addition and renovation to R.F. Staples Secondary School. The project cost more than $600,000 and was made possible through a partnership involving the school division, the Province of Alberta, the Town of Westlock and the local community.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Society was incorporated on June 21, 1983. By October of that year, a community fundraising campaign led by Bunnie Arth had raised the remaining funds needed for the theatre. Local service clubs, community organizations, businesses and individuals all contributed, and their support is recognized on an engraved plaque in the theatre foyer.
The CATS presentation series was established in 1984 to provide live musical entertainment and showcase a wide variety of genres. Since then, the theatre has welcomed local performers, students, community organizations and internationally recognized professional artists, all contributing to the artistic life of Westlock and the surrounding region.
Milesontes
The Westlock Cultural Arts Society was incorporated on June 21, 1983. By October of that year, a community fundraising campaign led by Bunnie Arth had raised the remaining funds needed for the theatre. Local service clubs, community organizations, businesses and individuals all contributed, and their support is recognized on an engraved plaque in the theatre foyer.
The CATS presentation series was established in 1984 to provide live musical entertainment and showcase a wide variety of genres. Since then, the theatre has welcomed local performers, students, community organizations and internationally recognized professional artists, all contributing to the artistic life of Westlock and the surrounding region.
Milesontes
Theatre construction and Society incorporationThe theatre was constructed during the renovation and expansion of R.F. Staples Secondary School. The Westlock Cultural Arts Society was incorporated on June 21, 1983, and the community fundraising campaign was completed later that year.
Advisory Board and performance series establishedAn advisory board was formed to oversee use of the theatre outside school hours. The CATS presentation series also began, bringing live musical and theatrical entertainment to Westlock.
Sound and lighting improvementsSound and lighting upgrades were completed with support from grants, R.F. Staples Secondary School, the CATS board and the Westlock Rotary Club.
Charitable gaming revenueThe Society received charitable gaming licensing, creating an additional revenue source to support ongoing theatre expenses.
30 years of the CATS performance seriesThe presentation series celebrated its 30th anniversary.
New seating and facility upgradesA successful $80,000 fundraising campaign supported seat replacement and other facility improvements. Wheelchair-accessible seating was added in two locations on the main floor.
Stage and lighting modernizationThe theatre received LED lighting, a new lighting console, new stage flooring and curtains, and safety lighting beneath the banisters. The improvements were supported jointly by R.F. Staples Secondary School, the Cultural Arts Society and the CATS presentation series
The theatre continues to welcome professional performers, local artists, students, schools and community organizations. Student technicians also have opportunities to develop practical theatre-production skills, with some going on to work professionally in the field
Cultural Arts Theatre Society Board
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Board members provide leadership, oversee the Society’s activities and help ensure the theatre and CATS performance series continue to enrich the community.
Susan Bowsfield - President
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Teaching drama at R.F. Staples since 1996 has created a love for arts and the physical space. She has directed several shows for RF students including: Grease, Fame, Breakfast Club, Wizard of Oz, Annie and Mary Poppins. By sitting on the Society board she is able to give back to the beautiful space that brings her contentment during the school year. The arts make a community richer and she is grateful to contribute to Westlock's enrichment. |
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Arla Trueblood - Secretary
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Arla Trueblood came to the board from a background of amateur theatre with the Westlock Drama Society and three children who lived and breathed the arts during their formative school years. She has a keen interest in ensuring that the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre continues to be the hub for all types of artistic performances for years to come. |
Margaret Ruhl - Treasurer
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Margaret has always enjoyed the variety of performances that our society is able to bring to the community. For the society to provide this enriching experience volunteers are needed. When the need arose for a Treasurer her accounting experience was a good fit. She has volunteered as Treasurer since 2012. |
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Sponsors and Partners
We do not do this alone.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society is grateful for the funders, sponsors, community organizations and volunteers whose support helps bring professional live performances to Westlock.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society is grateful for the funders, sponsors, community organizations and volunteers whose support helps bring professional live performances to Westlock.
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Funding Partners
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts has provided ongoing funding assistance toward artist fees for the CATS presentation series |
Theatre Partners
The operation and care of the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre have historically been supported through cooperation among:
This partnership supports community use of the theatre outside school hours, facility maintenance and care, theatre bookings and ongoing programming. |
Many Thanks to our Season Sponsors and Community Partners
We also thank the businesses, organizations, ticket outlets and community partners that support individual performances, special events and the annual CATS season.
We also thank the businesses, organizations, ticket outlets and community partners that support individual performances, special events and the annual CATS season.
Gallery of Past Performances
Volunteer with CATS
CATS is powered by volunteers.
Our volunteers help create positive, welcoming experiences for performers, patrons and community partners. Opportunities are available for people who want to assist at an individual event, contribute throughout the performance season or become involved with the Society’s board and committees.
Our volunteers help create positive, welcoming experiences for performers, patrons and community partners. Opportunities are available for people who want to assist at an individual event, contribute throughout the performance season or become involved with the Society’s board and committees.
Volunteer Opportunities
Depending on the performance or event, volunteers may help with:
- welcoming patrons;
- ticket scanning and front-of-house support;
- ushering and seating assistance;
- concession service;
- event setup and takedown;
- performer hospitality;
- posters and community promotion;
- fundraising and casino activities;
- special events;
- committee work; and
- service on the Board of Directors.
Time Commitment
The commitment varies by position. Some roles require only a few hours at a single performance, while others involve planning or ongoing participation throughout the season.
Volunteers will receive information about their duties, schedule and expected time commitment before taking on a role.
Volunteers will receive information about their duties, schedule and expected time commitment before taking on a role.
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteers acting on behalf of the Society are expected to:
- act with fairness, honesty, integrity and openness;
- respect the opinions of others and treat everyone with equality and dignity;
- promote the Society’s mission and objectives;
- help provide a positive experience for theatre patrons and participants;
- take responsibility for their decisions and remain within the authority of their position;
- disclose potential conflicts of interest;
- respect confidential information; and
- help maintain an environment free from sexual, personal or discriminatory harassment.