US
ABOUT
OUR MISSION
To promote interest, involvement, and development in all phases of drama and theatre for students and teachers in Alberta high schools through the
sponsorship of annual drama festivals.
It is to be understood that all involvement in AHSDFA sponsored festivals - Zones and Provincial - is for the betterment and development of students and that all involvement will be underscored with integrity, flexibility, and co-operation.
OUR EQUITY
& INCLUSION STATEMENT
The Alberta High School Drama Association is committed to creating nurturing spaces and highlighting diverse voices in Alberta high school theatre. We believe that theatre should be a positive, transformative, and an inclusive cultural experience and that the empowering values that create important theatrical experiences should also drive the conversation of how and why we share high school theatre.
The AHSDFA commits to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable association. All students, educators, employees, and volunteers are valued and respected whatever their gender, race, economic status, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or ability. We respect diverse life experiences and want to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts industry of the secondary education sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. We are learning from enlightening conversations with members of our communities and accept the call to action to create meaningful change while continuing to build trusting relationships with those who support and work with us. We are committed to fostering a more equitable artistic community. On this journey, it is vital for us all to hold one another up with love, kindness, and understanding as we strive to better ourselves and our world.
OUR
Executive BOARD
Emily Morrison
President
2023
CHANTAL
YARDLEY
Vice-President
2023
Piper
Rempel
Secretary
2024
Dustin
Whetton
Treasurer
2017
OUR ZONE PRESIDENTS
Zone Map
ZONE 1
ZONE 2E
ZONE 2W
ZONE 3
ZONE 4E
ZONE 4W
ZONE 7
ZONE
6
ZONE 8
EDMONTON
ZONE 9
CALGARY
ZONE
5
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AHSDFA
Since 1970, the Alberta High School Drama Festival Association (AHSDFA) has been celebrating high school theatre and supporting young artists across the province. Our mission has always been to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents, connect with a broader drama community, and learn from industry professionals through enriching workshops.
The Provincial Festival is the heart of our organization, bringing together outstanding productions from our 11 Zone Festivals. Unlike traditional competitions, there is no single "winning play"—every school invited to Provincials has already been recognized for its excellence. In addition to performances, students engage in workshops led by professional artists, fostering both artistic growth and community spirit.
Theatre Alberta has been a valued partner since 2004, funding our workshop leaders' honorariums and giving students and teachers access to their extensive dramatic library. In 2023, we proudly partnered with the National Theatre School of Canada, strengthening our financial stability and providing even more resources to our participants.
Like many arts organizations, we faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the festival’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, we adapted by offering both in-person and virtual entries, ensuring all students—regardless of travel restrictions—had the chance to participate. By 2023, we were back in full force, reaffirming our commitment to supporting high school theatre in Alberta.
In 2024, we embraced an exciting new chapter by adopting a roaming festival model. To make the event more accessible and equitable, the festival will now rotate between Northern, Central, and Southern Alberta. This change not only helps balance travel costs but also gives students the opportunity to explore different regions of our beautiful province.
Through decades of change, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to fostering a thriving high school theatre community. Whether onstage, backstage, or in the audience, every participant in the AHSDFA is part of a legacy of creativity, collaboration, and passion for the performing arts.