Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society
Our Mission:
"The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society provides access to local and regional performance in a rural community. As a Society, we work diligently to promote cultural enrichment through a variety of expressions of an artistic nature. It is the Mission of the Society, a non-profit organization, that these cultural experiences be made available in a format which is affordable, enjoyable, and memorable."
"The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society provides access to local and regional performance in a rural community. As a Society, we work diligently to promote cultural enrichment through a variety of expressions of an artistic nature. It is the Mission of the Society, a non-profit organization, that these cultural experiences be made available in a format which is affordable, enjoyable, and memorable."
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Our Story
For 41 years the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Series (CATS) has been bringing live music to the stage. We have brought laughter, tears, joy, and empathy through music, theatre, and art. We have helped build a community while building memories that will last a lifetime. The sharing of art is a special connection. CATS is a non-profit organization which works together with members of the Westlock Community to provide culturally enriching experiences for a wide variety of ages. Our board of volunteers assemble and operate this program each year, rewarded by the knowledge that we are cultivating a passion for the arts for generations to come. In this, we contribute toward a creative future. Six shows of multiple genres are presented each season. Come join us this season for a great evening out, a date night or an escape to a place that will expand your musical and theatrical horizons. |
Memories of Past Seasons |
History - a part of your community!
The Theatre was constructed during an addition and renovation to the R.F Staples High School in 1983 at a cost of over $600,000. Raising the funds for such a facility was a community, municipal and provincial effort. The school provided over $200,000 and with a Provincial (MCR) Grant secured for just under $200,000, the Town of Westlock delivered $53,000 leaving the community to raise $153,000.
On June 21, 1983 the Westlock Cultural Arts Society was incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta. By October, 1983 the Society headed by Bunnie Arth, had completed the successful fundraising campaign needed. Significant contributions came from local clubs such as the Drama Society, Rotary, Lions Club, Elks Club, Legion, Chamber of Commerce and the Art Club. The generosity of this community continued with corporate and individual donations. All donations were recognized on an engraved plaque located in the foyer of the theatre.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre operations are a cooperative effort between the Town of Westlock, the Pembina Hills Regional Division #7-PHRD (now Pembina Hills School Division PHSD) and the Westlock Cultural Arts Society Advisory Board.
The Advisory board was formed in February 1984 to oversee ‘non-school hours’ use of the facility. After hours use includes rentals for dance recitals, piano recitals, school Christmas productions, drama productions, meetings and seminars. Bookings for the theatre are provided by a designated Town of Westlock employee and partnership with PHSD provides for regular maintenance and care along with facility insurance.
In the early years of the theatre, the Drama Society presented many plays on this stage including “My Fair Lady”, “A Good Look at Boney Kern”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “We’ll Meet Again”, “Take Me Where the Water’s Warm”, “Sound of Music”, “Nunsense” and more.
A presentation series (CATS) was formed in 1984 with the mandate of providing live musical entertainment while showcasing a wide variety of genres. The presentation of musical and performance theatre for ages 5-99 is a cultural gem in the community. Each season runs during the fall and winter months and delivers a welcome diversion to the snow and cold. CATS presentation series celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2014, and was commemorated by the Honorable Ken Kowalski, MLA.
Many thanks to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) which has consistently provided significant annual funding assistance to the presentation series in the form of a subsidy for artists fees. https://www.affta.ab.ca/
In 2010 the board applied for Charitable Gaming Licensing and has been aided by that revenue stream which provides for regular theatre expenditures. https://aglc.ca/gaming/charitablegaming/albertas-charitable-gaming-model.
Historical Theatre Upgrades
The Theatre has benefitted from a number of improvements over the years.
2004: Sound and Lighting upgrades. Funds were raised through grants, contributions from R.F Staples Secondary School and from the CATS board plus a generous donation from the Westlock Rotary Club.
2015: Theatre seat replacement and facility upgrades: The fundraising campaign was successful in raising the $80,000 needed. Thank you to the 55+Legacy Grant https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities/legacy-fund.html which spearheaded the project. Remaining funds were donated by the community seat purchase program, PHRD, The Rock of Ages Fundraiser, The RF Staples Parent Fundraising Committee, The Westlock Drama Society and the CATS Advisory Board. Wheelchair accessible seating was added in two locations on the main floor.
2018: Modernized lighting to LED, added new lighting console, new stage flooring and curtains. Safety lighting was installed under banisters. Monies nearing $60,000.00 were needed to complete the projects and were garnered from a split between the R.F. Staples Secondary School, Cultural Arts Society and the Cultural Arts Theatre presentation series.
The theatre boasts an intimate soft seat theatre setting with 244 seats and has state of the art lighting and sound systems. Special opportunity exists in this Theatre for interested students who take on the role of student technician. A lead technician works with performers and their riders to ensure that technical requirements are met for each show. Many of these student technicians have gone on to work as professionals in the field.
Over the years, a tremendous array of performers has graced the stage of the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre. From local amateurs and young students in school, dance and music recitals to internationally-acclaimed professionals, they have all served to enrich the artistic life of our community.
On June 21, 1983 the Westlock Cultural Arts Society was incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta. By October, 1983 the Society headed by Bunnie Arth, had completed the successful fundraising campaign needed. Significant contributions came from local clubs such as the Drama Society, Rotary, Lions Club, Elks Club, Legion, Chamber of Commerce and the Art Club. The generosity of this community continued with corporate and individual donations. All donations were recognized on an engraved plaque located in the foyer of the theatre.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre operations are a cooperative effort between the Town of Westlock, the Pembina Hills Regional Division #7-PHRD (now Pembina Hills School Division PHSD) and the Westlock Cultural Arts Society Advisory Board.
The Advisory board was formed in February 1984 to oversee ‘non-school hours’ use of the facility. After hours use includes rentals for dance recitals, piano recitals, school Christmas productions, drama productions, meetings and seminars. Bookings for the theatre are provided by a designated Town of Westlock employee and partnership with PHSD provides for regular maintenance and care along with facility insurance.
In the early years of the theatre, the Drama Society presented many plays on this stage including “My Fair Lady”, “A Good Look at Boney Kern”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “We’ll Meet Again”, “Take Me Where the Water’s Warm”, “Sound of Music”, “Nunsense” and more.
A presentation series (CATS) was formed in 1984 with the mandate of providing live musical entertainment while showcasing a wide variety of genres. The presentation of musical and performance theatre for ages 5-99 is a cultural gem in the community. Each season runs during the fall and winter months and delivers a welcome diversion to the snow and cold. CATS presentation series celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2014, and was commemorated by the Honorable Ken Kowalski, MLA.
Many thanks to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) which has consistently provided significant annual funding assistance to the presentation series in the form of a subsidy for artists fees. https://www.affta.ab.ca/
In 2010 the board applied for Charitable Gaming Licensing and has been aided by that revenue stream which provides for regular theatre expenditures. https://aglc.ca/gaming/charitablegaming/albertas-charitable-gaming-model.
Historical Theatre Upgrades
The Theatre has benefitted from a number of improvements over the years.
2004: Sound and Lighting upgrades. Funds were raised through grants, contributions from R.F Staples Secondary School and from the CATS board plus a generous donation from the Westlock Rotary Club.
2015: Theatre seat replacement and facility upgrades: The fundraising campaign was successful in raising the $80,000 needed. Thank you to the 55+Legacy Grant https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities/legacy-fund.html which spearheaded the project. Remaining funds were donated by the community seat purchase program, PHRD, The Rock of Ages Fundraiser, The RF Staples Parent Fundraising Committee, The Westlock Drama Society and the CATS Advisory Board. Wheelchair accessible seating was added in two locations on the main floor.
2018: Modernized lighting to LED, added new lighting console, new stage flooring and curtains. Safety lighting was installed under banisters. Monies nearing $60,000.00 were needed to complete the projects and were garnered from a split between the R.F. Staples Secondary School, Cultural Arts Society and the Cultural Arts Theatre presentation series.
The theatre boasts an intimate soft seat theatre setting with 244 seats and has state of the art lighting and sound systems. Special opportunity exists in this Theatre for interested students who take on the role of student technician. A lead technician works with performers and their riders to ensure that technical requirements are met for each show. Many of these student technicians have gone on to work as professionals in the field.
Over the years, a tremendous array of performers has graced the stage of the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre. From local amateurs and young students in school, dance and music recitals to internationally-acclaimed professionals, they have all served to enrich the artistic life of our community.
The Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Society provides access to local and regional performance in a rural community
