Events

"What if you spend the rest of your life 

chasing love, only find her cowering

in the pit of your stomach?

What then?"

Almost Loved, a poetry collection written by emerging poet, Alberta-based author Rena Joy, will be connecting with readers this October and November. 

Almost Loved follows an adoptee from foster care as she searches for love and healing while pushing back on the labels assigned to her. Grappling with subjects of abuse, mental health, and deeply held grief, this collection aims to answer: what does it truly mean to be loved in a world where you're seen as second best? ​​

This debut collection has been described as “real, vulnerable, evocative,” offering a rare glimpse into the adoptee experience and a safe space for readers who may struggle with their mental health. 

Almost Loved is available for purchase wherever books are sold. Rena will be connecting with readers in October during Foster Care Awareness Month in Alberta and in November for National Adoption Awareness Month. 

Book Signing Dates, 12-4 pm. 

October 4, Chapters St. Albert.

October 11, Indigo Sherwood Park.

November 1, Indigo South Edmonton Common. 

Poetry Reading - November 27 - Stony Plain Library, 7 pm.

Rena Joy is a 2023 Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient for her poetry work and 2021 Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant recipient for her work for children. She was also the 2024 featured writer with the Edmonton Public Library. She lives in rural Alberta, on the outskirts of Edmonton. For more information about Almost Loved and Rena Joy, visit renajoypoetry.com.

The Pumphouse Theatre has presented the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival with the Alberta Drama Festival Association for over 30 years and we are excited to do so again! Registration for 12 spots will open on a first-come, first serve basis beginning September 17th, 2025 at 12 pm. The Festival is scheduled to be held April 1 – 4, 2026, in the Victor Mitchell Theatre.

Find our PDF registration form here

One play is chosen by a professional adjudicator to represent Calgary at the Provincial One-Act Festival. Winning plays from each region may receive travel and food expenses reimbursement for their participation in the Provincial Festival by the Alberta Drama Festival Association.

Registration Requirements:

• All registrations must be submitted no earlier than noon on September 17th, 2025 with a completed registration form and a $60 non-refundable registration fee.
• The performing group is responsible for royalty payments. A letter confirming permission from the publisher or playwright must be included.
• A clean draft copy of the script must be delivered by the January 31st deadline. Photocopies will only be accepted for an original script. Outlines for collective creations will be accepted, but may not be eligible for Outstanding New Work. Improvised shows are not eligible.
• Payment can be made over the phone (credit), in-person (debit, credit, cash, cheque), by mail (cheques) or by e-transfer. Make cheques payable to the Pumphouse Theatres Society. E-transfers are sent to admin@pumphousetheatre.ca with the message “OAPF Registration Fee”.
• Participants who are members of CAEA, ACTRA, or IATSE are not eligible to participate in their professional vocation.
• Plays must be one act in length. Performances between 10 and 60 minutes. No excerpts.
• Each group is responsible for supplying its own technicians for stage management and light and sound operation. We can provide training to operators.
• Each show must be set up in 10 minutes and struck in 5 minutes.
• Casts shall be predominantly adult and from CALGARY.
• All performances and participants must adhere to the ADFA Rules and Guidelines. More information can be found on the ADFA website: https://adfa.ca/about/rules-regulation/

Awards & prizes are presented for

• Outstanding Production,
• Outstanding Director,
• Outstanding Performances,
• Outstanding Technical Merit
• and Outstanding New Work!

Registration for the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival at the Pumphouse Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Ave SW) starts Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 @ Noon.

Registration will close when all slots are filled or by January 31st, 2026. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.

For more information, including One-Act Play Festival rules and regulations, please feel free to email Troy Couillard at prod@pumphousetheatre.ca.