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SPS collegiate theatre productions shine

The winter theatre season is in full swing at Saskatoon Public Schools, and behind every curtain is a whirlwind of creativity, teamwork, and student talent. On December 4, Bedford Road Collegiate was preparing to open its theatre doors for the school’s highly anticipated production of Mamma Mia!

Bedford Road’s Simone Brodie (Drama Teacher and Stage Director) and Justin La (Music Teacher and Musical Director) offered a behind-the-scenes look at what takes place both on and off the stage with these productions.

A Busy Theatre at Bedford Road

Walking into the Bedford Road theatre, the energy is unmistakable. Students are painting sets, adjusting lights, practicing choreography, and perfecting their lines—all with opening night just hours away.

“It’s a busy spot today,” said Ms. Brodie. “Our students—so many of our students—have been hard at work to make this production a reality. We have actors of course, but also a huge team working behind the scenes, all contributing to put on a great show.”

Brodie explained that the production team chose Mamma Mia! because it’s joyful and full of opportunities for students to shine—whether through singing, dancing, acting, or technical theatre roles.

A Strong Season of Shows Across the Division

Bedford Road is just one of many SPS schools producing major shows this year.

“This year, in addition to Bedford’s Mamma Mia, we have Little Women at Aden Bowman, Footloose at Centennial, Matilda the Musical at Evan Hardy, and Elf Jr. at Marion Graham,” said Mr. La. “We also have productions coming to Tommy Douglas and Walter Murray this spring.”

Each show involves dozens—and in some cases, hundreds—of students contributing in different ways.

What It Takes to Put on a Show

A theatrical production doesn’t happen overnight, La explained.

“We begin by selecting our concept and script—essentially what play we’re doing and how we’re going to tell the story. Then we identify our creative, design, and technical teams. They look after music, sets, lights, costumes, props—all of that,” he said.

Casting is done through auditions, followed by months of rehearsals, set construction, costume design, and technical preparation. Schools also manage front-of-house duties such as ticket sales, programs, promotion, and concessions.

“It’s a huge undertaking,” La continued, “but it’s also an incredible learning experience.”

Learning Through Theatre

Students are involved at every level—performance, design, management, technical operations. But they do earn academic credit for their contribution in addition to the skills and new relationships they acquire.

“It’s wonderful to see students gaining confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience,” said Ms. Brodie.

One Grade 12 student involved in the Bedford Road production, Emmie, shared that it was like being part of a family.

Get Your Tickets

While a few SPS productions have already wrapped, it’s not too late to experience the excitement of collegiate theatre.

Audiences can still catch:

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the school directly:

Prices are around $10 per ticket—which is cost-recovery and exceptional value for high-quality productions that showcase the creativity and dedication of Saskatoon Public Schools’ students and staff.

Watch Global TV interview Simone Brodie and Justin La about SPS collegiate productions