Featuring the work of women in the arts in Edmonton - MARCH 5-15, 2026

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SkirtsAfire Festival
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      • Ms Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela J. McNeil
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      • Put Your Lips Together by Louise Casemore
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  • Home
  • Donate
  • About
    • The Organization
    • The Board
    • The Staff
    • Artistic Producer Announcement
    • Festival Artist Impact Statements
    • Strategic Plan
    • Honorary Skirts
    • Covid Collections: The Book
    • Policies
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Land Acknowledgement
  • Festival
    • Festival Passes
    • Festival Schedule
    • Venues
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • ArtsHub Ortona
      • Ms Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela J. McNeil
    • Walterdale Theatre
      • I am Eagle by Matricia Bauer
      • Things I Shouldn’t Tell You by Shannan Calcutt
      • Lobby Art Exhibit by Irina Grobman
    • Gateway Theatre
      • The Shoe Project
      • Put Your Lips Together by Louise Casemore
      • Sparklers: Adventures for Young Audiences
      • Comedy Night
    • Holy Trinity Church
      • Songs in the Sanctuary
    • Chianti Cafe
      • The Key of Me at Chianti
    • La Cité Francophone
      • Off the Page
      • emBODYment
    • Workshops
      • Celebrate Your Ridiculousness – Workshop
    • Skirts on Whyte: Skirt Design Challenge
  • Sponsors
    • Our Sponsors & Partners
    • Become a Sponsor
  • Get Involved
    • 2026 Festival Merch Presale
    • Aflame: Playwright in Residence
    • Call for Artists
    • The Shoe Project 2026
    • Volunteer
    • Call for Board & Committee Members
    • Membership
      • Become a Member
      • Membership Payment Form
    • Sign up for our Newsletter
  • Media & Photos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
    • Media Contact
  • Contact

Venues

Find an event list with each venue and click for more info!

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ArtsHub Ortona

9722 102 St NW

Ms. Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela J. McNeil (March 5-8)

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Gateway Theatre

8529 Gateway Blvd NW

Click here for Venue Accessibility information

The Shoe Project (March 7 & 8)
Put Your Lips Together by Louise Casemore (March 10 & 12)
Comedy Night (March 13)

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Walterdale Theatre

10322 83 Ave NW

Click here for Venue Accessibility information

I am Eagle by Matricia Bauer (March 6 & 7)
Workshop: Celebrate Your Ridiculousness (March 8)
Things I Shouldn’t Tell You by Shannan Calcutt (March 12-15)

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Théâtre Servus Credit Union, La Cité Francophone

8627 91 Street

Off the Page (March 11)
emBODYment (March 13 & 14)

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church

10037 84 Ave NW

Songs in the Sanctuary (March 14)

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Chianti Cafe & Restaurant

10501 82 Ave NW

The Key of Me at Chianti (March 11 & 12)

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👞 EVENT SPOTLIGHT! 👠 Meet the participants of The 👞 EVENT SPOTLIGHT! 👠

Meet the participants of The Shoe Project 2026! These women have been working hard for the past few months on writing and preparing their stories, and will be sharing them for the first time at SkirtsAfire Festival!

Join us at Gateway Theatre for three chances to catch these unforgettable performances:
- Saturday, March 7th @ 7:30pm (followed by a Catered Reception by Culina)
- Sunday, March 8th @ 1:30pm (ASL Interpreted) & 7:30pm

 These performances will open your heart and transform your perceptions of what it means to be Canadian. ❤️

👟 Featuring:
- Shenin, Bangladesh
- Sasha Kim, Ukraine
- Najiba, Afghanistan
- Mounira Koujah, Syria
- Mona Alshaab, Syria
- Irene Akumagba, Nigeria
- Eve Christine, Uganda
- Dera, Haiti
- AyanaStrong, Burkina Faso
- HEYA, South Korea

The Shoe Project is presented by SkirtsAfire in partnership with @ywca_edmonton, with support from @workshopwest, who first brought this initiative to Edmonton.

🌟 Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters: @ywcacanada, @kunitz_shoes, Allard Foundation, @bffoundationyeg, and @beetogether.ca 🌟

Thank you to Jane Henderson (@janeesterart), who created the shoe design for these graphics as part of a collaboration with MacEwan University students in ARTE 225: Gender and Sexuality in Art (@studioartsmacewan).
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #EventSpotlight #TheShoeProject #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
🌟 SPONSOR SHOUTOUT! 🌟 A heartfelt thank you to @y 🌟 SPONSOR SHOUTOUT! 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to @ywca_edmonton for their continued support of SkirtsAfire and the community we serve. Over the years, they’ve opened their doors to us for meetings and gatherings, hosted retreats for our Shoe Project participants, and helped foster meaningful connections that extend far beyond the festival.

This year, YWCA Edmonton is the Venue Sponsor of Gateway Theatre and a proud Partner of The Shoe Project, which will be presented at Gateway Theatre during the festival.

💙 We’re so grateful for their ongoing partnership and for standing alongside the artists and stories that make SkirtsAfire possible.
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #SponsorShoutout #YWCAEdmonton #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
🎪 WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT! 🎪 Celebrate Your Ridiculousn 🎪 WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT! 🎪
Celebrate Your Ridiculousness with @shannancalcuttofficial 

It’s time to risk being seen in all your glory! Discover the freedom and joy that comes when you embrace your clown and celebrate your ridiculousness. 

In this workshop, you will:

• Take big risks
• Flaunt your flaws
• Follow your impulses
• Laugh in failure’s face
• Connect with your audience
• Experience the power of the ensemble

And much more!

This is a rare chance to train in Edmonton with Shannan Calcutt, one of the world’s leading instructors of clown and play. Her workshops have inspired artists from all walks of life to live in the moment, play from the heart, risk being vulnerable, overcome obstacles, and be the kind of collaborator that lifts up everyone in the room. Shannan teaches regularly at Cirque du Soleil, Celebration Barn Theatre and The Clown School. Her popular residency, Make a Show with Shannan, has helped over two dozen artists create new shows that have toured throughout North America. Learn more about her remarkable work at shannancalcutt.com

✨ Come play! Come celebrate! Come be ridiculous!

🎟️ Learn more and register now at the link in our bio.

Thank you to our Workshop Sponsor: @bottomlineproductions!

Spots are limited - don't delay!
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #WorkshopSpotlight #CelebrateYourRidiculousness #ShannanCalcutt #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
⏳ The countdown is on! ⏳ In just one month, Edmon ⏳ The countdown is on! ⏳

In just one month, Edmonton comes alive with bold performances, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable experiences at SkirtsAfire Festival 2026. 🎭🎶✨

This year’s festival features four brand-new plays by women artists, alongside music, dance, comedy, visual art, workshops, and more, all inspired by our 2026 theme: The Maps We Make. There’s so much to explore, and now’s the perfect time to start planning your festival itinerary.

📅 March 5–15, 2026
📍 Venues in Old Strathcona and the French Quarter, plus our newest venue: ArtsHub Ortona
🎟️ Tickets & Festival Passes available now at skirtsafire.com

Let the countdown begin! What’s on your must-see list? 🔥
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 Honorary We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 Honorary Skirt is Tina Thomas! 🔥

Our Honorary Skirt is chosen each year in recognition of a woman whose contributions have strengthened our community in lasting ways. We celebrate leaders who are deeply engaged, generously collaborative, and committed to creating space for others to thrive.

Tina Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer at the Edmonton Community Foundation, the largest non-governmental funder of the charitable sector in Edmonton granting over $40M annually. She is proud to lead a group of passionate and dedicated staff who work with donors and community partners to build a better city. Prior to her tenure at ECF she spent over 13 years at the Edmonton Public Library, most recently as the Executive Director of Customer Experience. Before this she spent 13 years in the private sector working for Canadian Telecommunications provider Nortel. A lifelong learner, Tina has earned an executive MBA, a Masters in Library Information Science, a CPA-CMA professional accounting designation and the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D. She was an Edify Magazine Top 40 Under 40, Library Journal Magazine Mover and Shaker,  IABC Edmonton Communicator of the Year and a King Charles III’s Coronation Medal recipient. She was the co-chair of the Mayor’s Taskforce on the Housing and Houselessness Emergency and is currently on the boards of the Edmonton Community Development Corporation, the Association of Grant Makers in Alberta, and Canada Helps. She is also easily bribed with full bodied red wines or dark chocolate.
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #HonorarySkirt #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
Make a difference by Adopting an Artist! ✨ With a Make a difference by Adopting an Artist! ✨

With a $500 donation, you’ll join our incredible community of supporters and make a lasting impact, helping us elevate women in the arts and celebrate underrepresented voices. As a thank you, your name will be listed on our website and shared at your artist's event. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue creating spaces for bold and inspiring stories! 🔥

Ready to join the SkirtsAfire family? Donate now at the link in our bio.
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #AdoptAnArtist #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
🦅 Bringing I am Eagle to life… Check out these st 🦅 Bringing I am Eagle to life…

Check out these stunning puppets created by the wildly talented Jessica Hickman of @mixed.media.monsters! We can’t wait to see them take flight on stage at the world premiere of I am Eagle by Matricia Bauer next month. We’re absolutely in awe of how detailed, lifelike, and full of spirit these handcrafted birds are!

I am Eagle by Matricia Bauer will have performances at Walterdale Theatre on March 6th and 7th. 

🎟️ Get your tickets before it’s too late! Link in bio.

Huge gratitude to Jessica for sharing her artistry with the festival, we can’t wait for audiences to see these beauties up close.
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #IAmEagle #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
🥘 EVENT SPOTLIGHT! 🥘 Ms. Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela 🥘 EVENT SPOTLIGHT! 🥘
Ms. Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela J. McNeil
Featured New Work at SkirtsAfire 2026

Pat Bailey would do anything to see her daughter succeed, but what if the very thing that could change her life for good is the very thing that harms her? Ms. Pat’s Kitchen is a story about a mother and daughter navigating growing pains, self-sacrifice, and change in order to strengthen their relationship.

🔥 Artistic Team:
Jameela J. McNeil: Playwright & Producer
Patricia Darbasie: Director 
Kat Evans: Production Manager/Technical Director
Amy Dass: Sound Designer 
Andraya Diogo: Lighting Designer
Chantel Fortin: Set Designer
Chariz Faulmino: Costume Designer
Makeda Romanetti: Stage Manager

🔥 Cast:
Noreta Lewis: Pat
Michelle Todd: Sharmaine
Rochelle Laplante: Kenise
Kijo Gatama: Phyllis
Douglas Prout: Robert

📅 Performance Dates:
Thursday, March 5th @ 7:30pm (join us for a post-show reception catered by OTTO Food and Drink!)
Friday, March 6th @ 7:30pm
Saturday, March 7th @ 1:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, March 8th @ 7:30pm

📍Venue: ArtsHub Ortona

Don’t miss out on this exciting new work! Learn more and get your tickets at the link in our bio.
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#SkirtsAfire2026 #EventSpotlight #MsPatsKitchen #YEGHerStory #YEGTheirStory #YEGOurStory #YEGHistory #FeelTheHeat #InternationalWomensDay #EdmontonArt #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFestival #YEG #WomenInTheArts #YEGTheatre #CityOfFestivals #YEGgers #YEGEvent #YEGDance #IndigenousArt #YEGMusic #YEGPoetry #YEGDate #YEGDesign #QueerTheatre #QueerArt
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Copyright 2025 SkirtsAfire.

SkirtsAfire respectfully acknowledges that we are telling stories on the traditional and ancestral homeland of diverse Indigenous peoples including Nehiyawak (Cree), Metis, Inuit, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux, who have lived and travelled through this place thousands of years before us. We are all treaty people and as settlers to Treaty 6 Territory, which is also home to Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta, we are striving to better listen, understand and learn from the Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. We respect and celebrate the languages, history and culture of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit whose presence continues to enrich this vibrant community here in ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, Amiskwacîwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton, and at SkirtsAfire.

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