CREW College is looking for your support!

Thank you to everyone who assisted us with interviews and feedback for our Community Consultation project. Our colleagues shared that not only Props and Costumes are experienccing a shortage of skilled labor, but it is prevelant across all technical roles. Startlingly 92% of you reported that those entering the workforce did not have the training they need to be successful in their careers, while nearly 70% of local professionals who responded to our survery were trained in programs which no longer exist.
You provided us insight which led us to approach AUArts about the possibility of including industry relevant training at their institution. AUArts is interested in exploring the idea further, and we've asked them to consider partnering with other local institutions, like the University of Calgary, who provide training in the performing arts. This is a complicated question to explore, because of the governance attached to large post-secondary institutions and for that reason we are requesting support from The Rosza Foundation's Future Focus Grant to hire consultant Dr. Claire Carolan. Claire has developed over 20 post secondary programs, and has over 30 years of experience as a designer and technician in theatre. She is uniquely qualified to help us navigate this question: "How can underutilized local training resources be connected to deliver comprehensive technical training for stage and film technicians." 
Ultimately this project seeks to facilitate a shared, sector-responsive “training container”—a collaboration that pools facilities, equipment, instructional expertise, and scheduling flexibility across partners—so that learning translates quickly to show-ready practice. It is imperative that we let the funders of this grant understand that this request is coming not just from the institutions, but from our industry leaders and colleagues as well.
Please add your voice by submitting a short response, or a long form letter of support. We will put all your responses together for the jury to review and submit it along with our formal grant request.