The oLD tROUT pUPPET WORKSHOP
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Literal-minded people rejoice! The Old Trout Puppet Workshop now actually has a physical building that justifies the fourth word in its name. No longer merely an architectural metaphor for an experimental and collectivist attitude, we make the leap from the imaginary to the real – and YOU CAN RENT IT!
Okay so what actually is the WORKSHOP?
The WORKSHOP is where the Trouts make their shows, in the wondrous 'BONNYBOOM' building in Southeast Calgary (3640 - 15A St SE, to be exact) – the result of a magical collision between a scenery shop, rehearsal hall, & makerspace topped with a big sprinkle of Trout which now that we say it sounds revolting but there’s no taking it back now!
It’s divided into 2 spaces –
The BUILD space:
A proper place for making things, complete with workbenches, layout space, paint area, sculpting booth, & a full set of stationary tools like a table saw, bandsaw, radial arm saw, and drill press. 22' wide x 32' long (measurements taken from the inside of permanent counter-spaces/shelves), this space has a rolling garage door for ease of getting large items in and out.
The sTUDIO space:
A stage area complete with wall-mounted mirrors and sprung floor as well as a green room section and open floor space suitable for storage, layout or seating. The stage itself is 17'7" deep x 33'10" wide, and there's a small sound system you can plug your laptop into for playback. The rest of the room is approximately 30' deep x 27' wide, and includes fridge, microwave, counter space, and seating areas.
IN OTHER WORDS it’s the perfect place for your next creation, collaboration, meeting, build, rehearsal or artistic adventure.
Build Space
Studio Space (mirrors behind black drape)
Yes but what’s the WORKSHOP’s mandate?
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To provide low-barrier access for smaller arts organizations, collectives and independent artists, for rehearsal, construction, administration, meeting, and making stuff, with a specific focus on supporting under-represented groups and those with an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)-driven mandate.
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HOW MUCH IS IT?
We have a sliding scale of rental fees, shown here:
Build OR Studo Space only (this rate allows someone else to rent the other space)
Standard not for profit/ indie artist DEIA mandate
half day (4hrs). $250 $75 Negotiable
Full day $500 $150 $75
weekly $1500 $700 $350
Build AND Studio Space together (this rate gives you exclusive access)
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Standard not for profit/ indie artist DEIA mandate
half day (4hrs). $450 $100 Negotiable
Full day $700 $250 $150
weekly $2500 $1000 $700
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We’re committed to providing spaces to artists and groups who might not otherwise have access to space and resources and/or who have been historically underrepresented.
If these rates still create barriers, please reach out to marcie@theoldtrouts.org. We’ll try to make it work!
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That’s exactly what I need! How do I rent it?
For availability inquiries, or more information, please contact marcie@theoldtrouts.org
Studio Space - coffee area
Last question:
is “the WORKSHOP” really the best name
you could come up with?
Yes. Yes it was.
If you have a better idea, keep it to yourself. We don’t want to think about it anymore.
Call it whatever you want.