Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre

It was time. The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company’s first full theatre season had begun. 🎭✨

The first professional theatre production presented by SNTC was Kenneth T. Williams’ “Thunderstick”, directed by the one-and-only Lorne Cardinal, and later that year, a tradition would be born with the inaugural production of “Ms. Purdy Parsimonias: A Rez Christmas Story”. Written then by the 2001 Youth Ensemble, this Christmas comedy would be the first of many, with the Rez Christmas Story story evolving into a series written by Curtis Peeteetuce that would span for more than a decade. 🎄

"If we can provoke thought and feelings about what's happening with this group of people, who tend to be shunned, then we've accomplished something.” Donna Heimbecker on “The Alley”, 2002

The 2001/2002 season closed with the return of Circle of Voices, performing “The Alley” by Maria Campbell. The play was quoted as a “smash success” by the Saskatchewan Sage, and would spark new inspiration for the coming years of the program. ✨

📧 Have a story of your own to share with us? E-mail Jensine at [email protected] or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/cfpJHLw9nUF357Je6

🫶 Help us continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous artists: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/103976

Are you a new or emerging playwright who is looking for formal training and mentorship? Then this program is for you! ✨🖊

New Voices is a six-month, paid residency aiming to give the participants the tools and experience to write stories for the stage.

Interested? More information about the program can be found at https://gtnt.ca/new-voices/! 🎭

Spots in the program are limited so don't wait! Applications are open until October 30th.

“When I found the arts, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.” Artistic Director Kennetch Charlette in the La Ronge Northerner, 2001. ✨

The year 2000 was a time of growth and learning for SNTC, with the company taking a pause of recruiting new Circle of Voices participants and instead touring “Truth Hurts” across the province.

By March 2001, SNTC was back with a fresh cohort of Circle of Voices participants, producing “Love Songs From a War Drum” by Mark Dieter. As another COV production, The Saskatchewan Sage said, “...the young cast’s enthusiasm gives drive to the message that we all must change or be consumed by the hatred and conflicts in our societies.”

With the success of the company in its opening years, gears were turning and the stage was set: it was time to begin producing shows outside of the Circle of Voices program!

📧 Have a story of your own to share with us? E-mail Jensine at [email protected] or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/cfpJHLw9nUF357Je6

🫶 Help us continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous artists: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/103976

It may be raining cats and dogs today, but that hasn't stopped Kat from beginning their trek into high schools across the city to promote our Circle of Voices program! 🌧 🎭

Circle of Voices is a 6-month long program that works to develop Indigenous youth into the next generation of storytellers by teaching them artistic and theatrical skills, and ultimately culminating in the creation and performance of a full-length theatre production.

Interested in learning more about the program? E-mail Kat directly at [email protected] or visit our website, www.gtnt.ca/circle-of-voices ☀️

Applications to the program are open until October 1st!

The year is 1999. ✨

The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company (SNTC) is founded by Gordon Tootoosis, Tantoo Cardinal, Kennetch Charlette, and Dave Pratt to encourage the Indigenous youth of Saskatchewan to engage in the arts, using self-expression to develop self-confidence and to get out of risk mode.

Our current Artistic Director, Jennifer Dawn Bishop, was then in Grade 7 when SNTC came to her class to promote its new Circle of Voices program. In an interview from 2022, Jen reflected on her time with COV saying,

"It sort of just clicked into place for me and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.”

The inaugural Circle of Voices class performed “Truth Hurts” by Deanne Kasokeo, and was captured in an 45-minute documentary by Blue Hills Productions (Doug Cuthand & Tasha Hubbard).

Who else can you spot in these snapshots?

📧 Have a story of your own to share with us? E-mail Jensine at [email protected] or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/cfpJHLw9nUF357Je6!

🫶 Help us continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous artists: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/103976

"Theatre has always been an outlet for me. The fact that it also incorporates my culture was a bonus. It's nice to be able to meet people in your age range that can understand (to some degree) what you're going through." - 2023/2024 COV Participant ✨

For the past 25 years, GTNT has been raising the next generation of Indigenous theatre artists both on stage and off. With the support of our community, sponsors, and friends, we aim to continue this work for 25 more years to come.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we share stories from friends of the theatre and how the organization (and the Circle of Voices program) has shaped their lives and careers in the arts.

Have a story of your own to share with us? E-mail Jensine at [email protected] or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/cfpJHLw9nUF357Je6!

Photos by Micah Elgaard from "Mistikokamik of Horror" by Amanda Trapp for the 2023/2024 Circle of Voices program.

Last call for COV Assistant applications! ✨

Think you've got the gusto to join our team for the season? Want to spend some time creating theatre and mentoring awesome youth? Think Kat is a really cool homie that you want to work with? What's the worst that could happen! Apply and find out!

The full application package can be found at www.gtnt.ca/job-opportunities/! Applications close this Friday, September 6th.

GTNT is seeking a part-time Circle of Voices (COV) Assistant who is passionate about the power of art, creating community, and mentoring youth.

The primary focus of this position is to assist in the planning and facilitation of the COV Program in conjunction with our Artistic Associate, cultural advisor, local elders, and professional theatre artists! ✨

More information about the position can be found at https://gtnt.ca/job-opportunities/.

Applications are open until September 6th, 2024. Questions? E-mail Kat at [email protected].

Last week at Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation, we reconnected with an old friend.

Fred Cardinal, pictured with Kat and Rachel, was part of the Circle of Voices Program back in 2003, where the class performed "AWOL: Aboriginals Without Official Leave" by Kenneth T. Williams. Fred currently works at the BOCN Youth Center, where we ran our final week of Performer's Playhouse Day Camp!

Since 1999, the Circle of Voices program has been developing Indigenous youth into the next generation of storytellers by teaching them artistic and theatrical skills. Applications for the 2024/2025 program are now open! https://gtnt.ca/programs/circle-of-voices/

We had so much fun last week at Beardy's & Okemasis Cree Nation with our final week of Performer's Playhouse Day Camp! ✨

With everything from the three little pigs to sentient frybread possessed by a late husband's spirit (yes, you read that right), this past week's campers had us all in stitches with their incredible imaginations and wicked humour. 🍞🐽

Thank you to the folks at the BOCN Youth Center for welcoming us into your space, and making this such an incredible week for us all!

The 2024 Performer's Playhouse Day Camp was made possible through the support Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation and the Government of Canada. 🎭✨

Last call for applications! ✨

Submissions must be sent to [email protected] by this Sunday, August 18th. The full job package can be viewed at www.gtnt.ca/job-opportunities!

UPDATE: New deadline to apply is August 18th, 2024! ✨🎭

The Artistic Director (AD) is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing GTNT’s artistic vision and theatre season programming. As an organizational leader, the Artistic Director works to grow and strengthen the company’s artistic impact and presence in the community including relationship building within and outside of the arts.

Think you could be the right person for us? Head to www.gtnt.ca/job-opportunities for the full application and instructions on how to apply!

Applications are open until this Friday, August 2nd. Don't sleep on this opportunity! 😉

We're no strangers to the works of Shakespeare - especially after our production of "Lear" with La Troupe du Jour and Never Never Shakespeare earlier this year.

Now, our friends at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan are premiering "Done/Undone" by Kate Besworth - an introspective look at why people of all kinds around the world still flock to the works of this literary giant.

Join the conversation! Tickets are now 25% off until the end of the run!

A gift from our friends Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan:

From now until the end of the run, get 25% off yourtickets to 'Done/Undone' at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan by entering discount code DONE25 online!

Buy tickets HERE: https://shakespearesask.com/buy-tickets/

Support local theatre!

UPDATE: New deadline to apply is August 18th, 2024! ✨🎭

The Artistic Director (AD) is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing GTNT’s artistic vision and theatre season programming. As an organizational leader, the Artistic Director works to grow and strengthen the company’s artistic impact and presence in the community including relationship building within and outside of the arts.

Think you could be the right person for us? Head to www.gtnt.ca/job-opportunities for the full application and instructions on how to apply!

Applications are open until this Friday, August 2nd. Don't sleep on this opportunity! 😉

Yesterday, GTNT took a field trip to Back To Batoche! ♾️🌾

The Back to Batoche Festival, now known as Back to Batoche Days, began in 1970. This internationally recognized Métis cultural celebration welcomes participants from all over the world to learn the rich and resilient history of the Métis and the significant role played in Canadian history.

GTNT is proud to have many Métis staff members, artists, community members, and audience members as part of our community!

Back to Batoche is on until this Sunday (July 21st)! 💙

Puppets and paintings and playtime, oh my! Week one of the Performer's Playhouse Day Camp has flown by! 🌸

Due to popular demand, we are excited to announce that we are adding another week to the program. Registration is now available for August 6th - 9th (a short week due to the holiday Monday). Don't wait - slots fill up fast!

For more information about the camp and how to register, visit www.gtnt.ca/playhouse or contact Kat at [email protected] & 306.933.2262.

Performer's Playhouse is made possible through the support Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation and the Government of Canada. 🎭✨

GTNT is now hiring an Artistic Director! 🎭

After seven years, our illustrious leader Jennifer Dawn Bishop is stepping away from her position at GTNT. Naturally, we are sad to see her go but are excited to open up this opportunity at the cusp of our 25th anniversary season.

The full application package can be found at www.gtnt.ca/job-opportunities.

UPDATE: New deadline to apply is August 18th, 2024!
Questions? Contact General Manager Yulissa Campos at [email protected].

Summer has begun for GTNT! ☀️🌸

We've had some new faces join our team, both for the summer to work with us on the Performer's Playhouse Day Camp and joining our staff for the coming season.

Registration for our FREE Performer's Playhouse Day Camp is still open! More information and registration links can be found at www.gtnt.ca/playhouse or by calling Kat at 306-933-2247.

Back Row: Yulissa (General Manager), Ian, Meagan, and Sara (Performer's Playhouse Camp Leaders), Jennifer (Artistic Director)
Front Row: Kat (Artistic Associate), Jensine (New PR & Marketing Director)

We also want to wish Micah Elgaard all the best as he moves on from GTNT!

Thank you, Saskatoon!

We've had such an incredible response to the return of Performer's Playhouse and are elated to announce that week one (July 8 - 12) is officially full!

There's still one more week (July 22 - 26) open for registration at www.gtnt.ca/playhouse. Don't delay!

Questions about the program or registration? E-mail Kat at [email protected] or call 306-933-2247.

UPDATE: Week 1 of the Saskatoon camp is now full! Thank you!

Join us this summer for an Indigenous Drama Day Camp with GTNT!

Performer's Playhouse is a FREE week long day camp, geared towards youth ages 10-18. Join us for a week of drama games, crafts, and cultural learning. At the end of the week, we will have a small presentation for families to show what we've been working on!

This camp experience is designed to help youth gain confidence in groups, explore their imaginations and learn more about Indigenous culture & teachings. Lunch is provided!

Performer's Playhouse Day Camp
At GTNT, 539 20th St W, Saskatoon, SK

Saskatoon: July 8th - 12th (FULL) or July 22nd - 26th, 2024
Beardy's & Okemasis Cree Nation: August 12th - 16th, 2024

Register today at www.gtnt.ca/playhouse (link in bio)!

Our 25th season is now live! Thank you to everyone who came out to our season launch party last week.

We have four live theatre productions in our 2024/2025 season, as well as a number of programs for people of all ages:

'Li Mitchin de Mitchif' by V’ni Dansi Métis Traditional & Contemporary Dance
November 21 - 24, 2024 at The Refinery

'Leave it to Weavers' by Maureen Belanger, Dakota Ray Hebert, Ryan Moccasin, and Daniel Hanover Knight
November 29 - December 7, 2024 on a Saskatchewan Tour
December 12 - 19, 2024 at The Broadway Theatre

'A Sea Most Cruel' by Liam Scramstad for the Circle of Voices Program
March 14 - 22, 2025 at Studio 914

'Powwow - A Theatrical Production' by April Rogers
May 22, 2025 - June 1, 2025 at Studio 914

GTNT is also proud to be presenting the Performer's Playhouse Day Camp, New Voices Program, and Circle of Voices Program this season!

More information on all programs, including links to register, can be found on our website and will be shared throughout the week! www.gtnt.ca

🖌 Season 25 graphics by Hailey Verbonac

Our Circle of Voices program has been developing youth and giving them opportunities to perform since 1999 and our 2023/2024 cohort of students carried that tradition incredibly well with their production of Mistikokamik of Horror!

We're so proud of our students and we're excited for what our 2024/2025 season of programming will bring!

Join us on June 25th at 6:00pm for our 2024/2025 Season Launch Party at Studio 914 in Saskatoon.

Cast & Crew:
Aaron Okemaysim, Alrheanna Laprise, Bella Parenteau, Caress Big Eagle, Johnny Tootoosis, Kaylee Van Houwe, Larah Paskemin, Maximus Fleury, Meagan Angus, zannper martell, Aaron Shingoose, Amanda Trapp, Charlie Peters, Gage Hadeau, Ian Ninnie, J Fox, Kat MacLean, Kate Boyer, Liam Johnston, Liam Scramstad, Luka Kelly, Torien Cafferata

Sponsors & Funders:
Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, Community Initiatives Fund, City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, SK Arts, Affinity CU, SaskCulture

Our second show of 2023/2024 was our children's touring show, Tayen and the Mimi Kwesak, that had a successful tour presenting across Saskatchewan!

Join us tomorrow, June 25th, at 6:00pm in Studio 914 in Saskatoon for our 2024/2025 Season Launch Party!

Cast & Crew:
Leze Pewapsconias, Julia Kowalski, Meeka Fast, Dalton Lightfoot, Shawn Cuthand, Dan Macdonald, Mona Kormish, Emily Rempel, Emma Gustafson, Frank Engel, Jacqueline Latendresse, Jeff Kirzinger, Kei Tanaka, & Liam Scramstad.

Sponsors and Funders:
Business / Arts, City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government, Affinity CU, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, SK Arts, Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada

Our 2023/2024 season kicked off in high spirits with our incredible cast and crew from Mary of Patuanak!

Written by Bruce Sinclair and Co-Directed by Bruce Sinclair and Renae Morriseau

Mary of Patuanak Included over 20 cast and crew members from across Canada and we're so grateful to them all!

Don't miss out on our 2024/2025 Season launch party on June 25th where we'll be announcing all of our incredible shows for our next magical season! Get the details at GTNT.ca

Cast & Crew:
Miki Wolf, Dannyknightcomedy, Dolores Greyeyes, Lance Larocque, Cheyenna Sapp, Shawn Cuthand, Leze, Ed Mendez, Bruce Sinclair, Cody Brayshaw, Cory Dallas Standing, Erin Brophy, Hannah Fehr, Jeff Chief, Kei Tanaka, Liam Scramstad, Luka Kelly, Luke Von Eschen, Maskwasis Petwewekijik, Renae Morriseau, Shelby Lyn Lowe.

Sponsors and Funders
Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, SK Arts, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government, Affinity CU, Missinipi Broadcasting Corp., 650 CKOM, and Rock 102.