Haysam Kadri joined Alberta Theatre Projects as Artistic Director in 2023, stepping into one of Canada’s leading theatre companies at a moment when the entire arts sector was still finding its footing after the pandemic. Rather than coast on ATP’s 50-year legacy, he’s been building on it, growing audiences and subscriptions, strengthening the company’s financial position, and programming a season ambitious enough to run from Evil Dead The Musical to an adaptation of The Hobbit to original Canadian work
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s arts community for five decades, showcasing the best in live theatre and fostering a vibrant cultural hub for audiences of all ages. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, ATP continues to inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of theatregoers across the region.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We produce world-class theatre that reflects our diverse community, collaborates across the arts sector, and strengthens Calgary’s cultural heartbeat.
When did you start/join it?
I joined Alberta Theatre Projects as Artistic Director in 2023.
What made you want to get involved?
Alberta Theatre Projects has long been one of Canada’s leading theatre companies, with an incredible legacy of championing Canadian stories. I was excited by the opportunity to build on that legacy, and help shape the next chapter of the company while deepening its connection with the Calgary community.
What was the situation like when you started?
Like many arts organizations, ATP was still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Audiences were returning, but the sector continued to face financial challenges and changing attendance habits. Despite those obstacles, there was an incredibly dedicated team and a shared determination to come back stronger than ever.
How has it changed since?
We’ve built tremendous momentum. Audience attendance and subscriptions have grown, we’ve strengthened our financial position, expanded community partnerships, and continued to produce exciting, ambitious theatre. Today, there’s a real sense of optimism and excitement around ATP, and we’re focused on building an even stronger future for the company and our community.
What more needs to be done?
Engaging with the arts is a powerful force of good that helps build Calgary’s culture. The arts connect people, challenge perspectives, spark imagination and fuel the economy. Attending events, collaborating and volunteering all strengthen our community.
How can our readers help?
The easiest way to help? Come and check out one of our upcoming shows! Whether you enjoy cult classics, musicals, adventures, or dramas – we have something for everyone.
You can also consider donating to ATP. Every contribution powers the creation of bold new plays, strengthens our community connections, and nurtures the growth of local artists. It transforms lives by providing thousands of young people with unforgettable learning experiences through education programs and affordable tickets.
Do you have any events coming up?
ATP’s 2026-27 Season: At The Edge of Being begins this fall with Evil Dead The Musical (Oct. 13 – Nov. 14), followed by The Hobbit (Dec. 1 – Jan. 3), Fifteen Dogs (Feb. 2 – 21), Burning Mom (April 6 – 25) and finally Dream: A Canadian Musical (May 25 – June 20). Single Tickets on sale to the public through our website or by phone with our Ticket Office at 403-294-7402.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We recently collaborated with Safelink Alberta during our production of “Casey and Diana” in February of this year. The show follows the residents of Casey House, Canada’s first free-standing AIDS hospice in Toronto, and their visit with Princess Diana in 1991. The story is a powerful tribute to those affected by the virus and their hard-won dignity, compassion, and community at the peak of the epidemic. Safelink Alberta set up a booth in our lobby during the run of the show, sharing resources, preventative tools and support for the community. It was with their help that we could help break stigma around HIV and AIDS through storytelling and real community support. Big shoutout to Mark Randall at Safelink, who championed the community like no other.
