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Light in the Dark
Theatre
Vision Statement:
Light in the Dark Theatre believes that light shines the brightest in the darkest of places. Therefore, we choose to share stories which illuminate hope, stories which make the glimmer of the world brighter, and stories which inspire an infectious flicker that continues to spread even after the curtain goes down.
Light in the Dark Theatre believes in the healing power of storytelling, and we view theatre as a spark that can ignite a more caring, understanding, compassionate and empathetic humanity. Therefore, we choose to share stories that exemplify and inspire personal as well as community and societal healing, and we endeavour to provide creative environments where both artists and audiences are cared for physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In an effort to bridge the divide between urban artistic opportunities and rural artistic isolation, we often bring these stories to small, rural communities in Alberta which have minimal arts opportunities due to their physical location.
Meet the Team
Emily Marisabel - Artistic Director
“The world is depressing enough. If you have the ability and the talent to bring hope and joy into someone’s life then you have the obligation to do so.”
(An American in Paris the Musical).
I watched from the balcony of the Palace Theatre in 2016, as the character Adam Hochberg, a composer surrounded by a world still in turmoil after the devastation of WWII, discovers how his music can successfully bring people hope and joy. If he has the ability to accomplish this, then it is his duty to the world to do so. I too have been given the talent and ability to bring hope and joy to others; therefore, I believe, it is my responsibility to do so.
- Emily Marisabel
Kevin Cambridge - Artistic Associate
"Yet despite it all the world spins on and the blackest night yields to the breaking dawn. So I make a vow set against the dark: if the world needs light, I'll be the spark!"
(The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz)
I have been blessed to work with Light in the Dark Theatre from their first production back in 2017. Emily and I both grew up in small rural Alberta towns. I was fortunate enough to have a vibrant community theatre in my town, while Emily's community at that time, did not offer a lot of artistic opportunity. Emily's family had to drive her multiple times a week to cities hours away in order for her to have theatrical opportunities and experiences. Not all children or families have this luxury, so we bring theatre to them!
- Kevin Cambridge
History
Light in the Dark Theatre produced their first show in February of 2017. They performed the musical
Dani Girl by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond at the BMO Studio Stage in Rosebud, Alberta. During this production, Light in the Dark Theatre raised money for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation to help kids, like Dani in the musical, who are struggling with cancer.
After this initial production, Light in the Dark Theatre was welcomed into the community of Peace River, Alberta to perform a "theatre for young audience" show called Twisted Tales:Snow White by Adam Furfaro. In 2019, Light in the Dark Theatre went to Rumsey, Alberta to perform Punch Up! by Kat Sandler, in association with the The Rumsey Agricultural Society.
Light in the Dark Theatre also produced Never Swim Alone by Daniel MacIvor at the 2019 Edmonton International Fringe Festival.
After a break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Light in the Dark Theatre returned to the stage with our largest production to date! We performed the Canadian premiere of the new musical The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond. With this production, we sold out the Westbury Theatre at the 2023 Edmonton Fringe Festival. We also recieved glowing reviews from multiple audience members including:
“I don’t usually give standing ovations, but did for this!”
“ Everyone should see this show!”
“I can say, without hesitation, you made my day. Heck, you actually made the 42nd Fringe!”
“Nothing short of unequivocally excellent!”
If you are interested in Light in the Dark Theatre bringing a production to your community, please contact us: