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HIGH SCHOOL/POST-SECONDARY TECH PROGRAMMING
Backstage Access is a one-of-a-kind event for high school tech students to broaden their knowledge and skills in the events and entertainment industry. Students will participate in hands-on workshops in lighting, audio, set design, scenic painting, stage management, make-up, costumes, and much more!
Students will be able to participate in 4 different hour long workshops during the event. Individual class registration links will be sent to all who've registered. Backstage Access is open to any high school student interested in learning more about the technical arts.
Attendance is free, but schools are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.
Registration for 2026 is now full.
Fill out the form below to be notified when 2027 registration is live
CHECK OUT OUR 2026 SESSIONS
Concert Lighting, time to get Lit
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Stage
Instructor: Kevin Humphrey
Ever wonder how lighting and haze transform a concert? Join Northern Jubilee Lighting Operator Kevin Humphrey for a hands-on introduction to fixtures, consoles, and professional techniques—plus time to create your own looks on a GrandMA console and sync them to music. After all, without lighting, concerts are just radio.
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Some Sound Advice: Don't Miss Audio 101!
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Banquet Room
Instructor: Owen Hutchinson
Curious about how a whisper reaches the balcony or a button triggers thunder? Audio 101 is a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to professional audio where you’ll go beyond the volume knob—and learn by doing.
Do you even lift?
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am
Location: Loading Dock
Instructor: Carlee Field & Andrew Hill
Join principal stage technicians from Calgary and Edmonton for an introductory session on overhead scenery and equipment lifting. This hands-on workshop covers the basics of flying, key safety considerations, and what’s required to safely lift scenery, equipment, or performers above the stage or audience.
MIXING A BAND
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Rehearsal Hall
Instructor: Curtis Jacobs
Join Curtis Jacobs for a hands-on live audio mixing workshop. You’ll be guided through a real time soundcheck to EQ a 5-piece band.
Stage Management
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: First Balcony Lobby
Instructor: Marian Brant
Learn about what it takes to Stage Manage a show from prep to rehearsals to the stage.
Special effects Makeup
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Chorus Dressing Room
Instructor: Tammy Neron
Join Tammy Neron from Theatre Garage for a Special Effects Makeup class! In this workshop students will use blood, wax and crème colors and more to learn different techniques of wound and bruise making.
Unconventional materials: Prop Making Challenge
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Meeting Room
Instructor: April Viczko
Turn “trash” into treasure in this hands-on prop-building workshop. Use cardboard, packaging, and whatever else we found in the depths of the Jubilee to create one-of-a-kind props.
IATSE 210: So you want to be a theatre technician panel
March 4, 2026: 9:00am-10:00am, 10:15am-11:15am, 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Kaasa Lobby
Panelists: Amy Clarke, Jacqueline Poissant, Melvin (Mel) Geary & Jeff Burwash
Post Secondary Panel
March 4, 2026: 11:30am-12:00pm
Location: Main Lobby
Panelists: Travis Hatt from Grant MacEwan, Betty Hushlak from University of Lethbridge, April Viczko University of Alberta, Keri Mitchell Theatre AB.
Moderated by Jonathan Love
Wardrobe
March 4, 2026: 12:15pm-1:15pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Wardrobe Room
Instructor: Christy Greenwood
Join Christy Greenwood from Theatre Garage for a Stitching in the Wardrobe Class! In this workshop students will practice a variety of stitching techniques on a small project while discussing what it means to work in a wardrobe.