Performance Lab Series June 2026

The redesigned Performance Lab is a full day of professional development, offering artists the opportunity to deepen their practice through two distinct, artist-led classes taught by some of the most exciting professional artists working in the city today. This new structure supports focused learning, embodied exploration, and meaningful exchange across disciplines.

The day is structured as two workshop blocks, with a shared lunch break in between. Participants can take part in one or both classes, allowing ideas to build, shift, and expand over the course of the day, while also creating space for rest, reflection, and connection.

Led by: Lauren Brady

Ready to take your theatre project beyond a single performance? This practical workshop will guide artists through the essentials of creating a professional show package that can help your work tour, get programmed, and attract presenters, festivals, and collaborators. Whether you’re preparing for the Edmonton Fringe, Nextfest, or pitching future productions, you’ll learn how to present your show clearly and professionally so it has a stronger life beyond its premiere.

Together, we’ll break down the key materials artists need when submitting to theatres and festivals, including how to organize information, communicate your artistic vision, and build confidence in pitching your work.

Topics include:

• Creating a clear and effective tech rider
• Writing a risk assessment and production logistics overview
• Developing a marketing and audience outreach strategy
• Gathering and organizing promotional materials such as production photos, reviews, and archival footage
• Writing a compelling press release
• Building a professional show kit/package for festival and theatre submissions

Perfect for emerging and independent theatre artists looking to tour, self-produce, or strengthen the professional presentation of their work.

Led by: Lauren Brady

Dreaming of touring your work internationally? This workshop is designed for independent theatre and comedy artists who want to take their shows beyond their local scene and into major international festivals. With a focus on events like the Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, participants will learn the realities of international touring, festival applications, and how to strategically position their work for success abroad.

This workshop breaks down the practical and creative considerations behind building a sustainable touring plan — from choosing the right festival to understanding what success actually looks like for your career and your show.

Topics include:

• Understanding the differences between major international festivals
• Researching festivals and learning what opportunities they can realistically offer your project
• Connecting with artists who have previously attended and learning how to ask for guidance
• Building the right touring team and understanding production roles
• Defining your goals: networking, touring, selling a show, industry exposure, or artistic development
• Budgeting for international touring and identifying grant funding opportunities
• Choosing and negotiating venues
• Writing strong venue and festival proposals
• Marketing, producing, and executing your run while abroad
• Reflection, feedback, and evaluating the long-term impact of the experience

Ideal for emerging and independent artists looking to expand their practice internationally, build industry connections, and better understand how to navigate the global festival circuit.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Lab Session 1: Building Your Show Package

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break & Informal Mixer (Meal optional)

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Lab Session 2: Take Your Show On The International Circuit

Lauren Brady
Lauren has been laughing since Lauren has been alive. She's been a professional giggler since she graduated from the University of Alberta's BFA in Acting Program in 2021. Since then, she has pursued comedy, clowning and physical theatre through various programs, including One North Clown & Creation, Spymonkey Physical Theatre, Denise Clarke's One Yellow Rabbit's BYA Ensemble and Mentorship through The Creative Team of Mump & Smoot (Michael Kennard, John Turner, and Karen Hines).

Brady is the founder and artistic director of HEYwire Theatre/Bad Knees Studios, an internationally recognized physical comedy theatre company producing her solo works known for their ominous yet comedic themes. Her works include "SWAN?", “@interWEBBED” & “OWEaDEBT”. She has performed at The Adelaide Fringe Festival, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Edinburgh Fringe and loves performing locally whenever she gets the chance! Brady is a multi-award-winning artist and is a recent proud recipient of The High Commission of Canada & The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation Spotlight Canada Award for her production "SWAN?" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this past summer.

Check out Lauren's work at (badkneesstudios.com)and instagram(@badkneesstudios & @lauren_brady_)

Pay What You Will

Suggested Donation of $40 ($20/Workshop)

What Do You Need To Join?

Online

• A notebook
• A good attitude
• A desire to participate
  

Accessibility

In Person

• ASL Interpretation will be available in person

Recording Disclaimer
Please note that portions of the Performance Lab will be recorded for use in the Azimuth Theatre documentary. Waiver forms will be provided in advance, and participation in any recording is entirely optional. Opt-in and opt-out preferences will be clearly respected throughout the process, and we will work with participants to ensure care, consent, and comfort at all times.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Azimuth Theatre's Performance Lab