STEPHEN HAIR EMERGING ACTOR AWARD

This annual award of $2,500 is designed to assist new actors from the Calgary region in the dawn of their acting careers. Created in 2007, the award honors the distinguished 30+ year career of Calgary actor Stephen Hair, including over 60 appearances on Theatre Calgary’s stage and 18 consecutive years as Ebenezer Scrooge in our annual production of A Christmas Carol. 

Nominees will typically have graduated from their technical training and have from 12 to 24 months acting experience. Actors may apply for this award to support a broad range of career development opportunities such as, but not limited to:



•    Personal development courses

•    A specific project involving the artist

•    Funding for auditions

•    Help in taking an out-of-town role

•    Opportunity to understudy

•    Invitation to be mentored by a senior artist

•    Any form of professional development other than postgraduate degrees



Awards will not be considered for production costs, company operating costs or non-actor related activities. The award is intended to advance the career of actors who have experienced some success and are seeking developmental opportunities to further their careers.

How to Apply:

Download the application form  

Applications should include the following:


•    A completed application form 

•    A covering letter (no more than one page) giving a complete description of how you intend to utilize the award

•    A 1-2 page description of yourself, with answers to the following questions: What is your passion for theatre? Where does it stem from? What are your artistic dreams, goals and aspirations?

•    If funds are intended for use towards a collaborative or contractual engagement, appropriate documentation should accompany the application.

•    Applications may be submitted via email or in hard copy.

All applications will be retained by the committee and be held at Theatre Calgary including all supporting copies of documentation.

Please send completed applications to:


Theatre Calgary Stephen Hair Award
Attn: Susan McNair Reid

220 – 9th Avenue SE

Calgary, AB  T2G 5C4

403-294-7440 ext. 1062

or email

The deadline for applications for the 2011-12 season is Thursday, September 15th, 2011.

2010 Recipient

Geoffrey Brown, Stephen Hair

Geoffrey is a recent graduate of the Mount Royal University Theatre Arts diploma program, and has also appeared with Shakespeare in the Park, Sage Theatre's IGNITE! 2010 Fesitval and ATP's 2010 playRites Festival. Geoffrey will also be appearing in Theatre Calgary's production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING as a member of the 2010-11 FUEL Acting Company.