Author: Ellen Close

About

Ellen Close is an actor, playwright and the Artistic Producer of Downstage in Calgary, Alberta – a theatre company that produces Canadian plays that create meaningful conversation about social issues. Much of her work at Downstage centres on developing approaches to remove barriers to accessing theatre, including touring to suburban and rural community halls, livestreaming work online, and a program that offers 25% of all tickets at no cost.

New Pathways | Calgary program participants found inspiration in a “random entry” activity, using the word carnivore during a brainstorming session. From there, they formed the Calgary “Kill Group” to help them dismantle outmoded ideas. (“Wolf Hunt: Walking the Plateau” courtesy of Flickr user AV Dezign | www.avdezign.ca) " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.artsfwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/9870561705_8fc740444e_h.jpg?fit=300%2C141&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.artsfwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/9870561705_8fc740444e_h.jpg?fit=640%2C301&ssl=1"/>
Op-Eds

Calgary’s “Kill Group” Carves out Space for Innovation

. . . The small group I was in spent time discussing the suggestion that we “come together to dismantle and kill ideas.” Like how some carnivores work in packs to bring down big animals, we would collaborate to tackle our biggest challenges . . .