Cochrane has long embraced the arts: music, sculpture, writing and now the newly formed Black Box Theatre Guild (BBTG) is working to give acting and theatre their turn in the spotlight.
“We really do believe that theatre has a home here,” said board member Anita McDonald. “There are people who enjoy theatre, both seeing it and being part of it.”
While many Cochranites head into Calgary for live performances, BBTG sees an opportunity to bring that experience closer to home. Formed in July 2024, the guild has spent its first year researching how to establish a black box theatre in town with a flexible performance space that could serve the wider arts community.
But McDonald said the group didn’t want to stay behind the scenes forever. “We thought, rather than just operating quietly in the background, is there a way to both share our love of theatre and let people know about our cause?”
That question led to their first major event: the Cochrane Children’s Theatre Festival. The family-friendly, free festival will be held at Mitford Park on August 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering live performances, music, food trucks, and hands-on activities.
The lineup includes Green Fools’ Gustavo the Impossibilist, Puddle of Mud Productions, The Kinkonauts, and Harmonize Counselling, along with balloon art, crafts at the Messy Moose Craft Table, and furry friends from the Cochrane Humane Society.
Funding for the event came from sponsors including Town of Cochrane, Cochrane Home Treasures, and a matched crowdfunding campaign through the Government of Alberta for the arts. It is organized by BBTG in partnership with Sleeping Giants Theatre and Take a Bow Community Theatre Society
“I think enjoying theatre in the park will be a fantastic way to spend a sunny August day,” said McDonald. “It’s our first venture into producing, and we’re excited to bring something fun to the community.”
Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs. Attendance is free, but registration on Eventbrite helps organizers track numbers. So far, more than 100 tickets have been claimed through word of mouth and social media.
To register, visit Eventbrite and learn more about the Black Box Theatre Guild at bbtg.ca.
