High Performance Rodeo kicks off in Calgary

Come for a few, or stay for them all.

The High Performance Radio kicked off Tuesday in Calgary, marking the start of nearly three full weeks of productions, some of which are free to attend.

There’s something for everyone at the 39th rendition of One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo — dance, music, theatre. Shows to take in include well-known Canadian artists clowns Mump & Smoot, and femme fatale magician Carisa Hendrix.

Producer Oliver Armstrong says the first step to planning your rodeo experience is checking out the website.

“Take a deep breath, do a bit of scrolling on the website or on our digital guide and take a look at one thing that really excites you,” he explained. “Maybe it’s the image that draws you in, or you recognize the name of the artist, and come and see that show.”

Three concerts are also playing for free at a downtown cathedral over the next three weeks, starting Wednesday.

“This is sort of a sleeper hit every year, and the audiences that go love it, and it’s the Pro Arts Concert Series,” explained show producer Oliver Armstrong. “So, we partner with the Pro Arts Society and they do concerts year-round on Wednesday at noon, at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, right across the street from Arts Commons.”

The first event of the more than two week festival — the 10-minute play festival — ran Tuesday. Five separate organizations began developing fully original ten minute plays from scratch on Monday night, and presented them nearly 24 hours later.

“They’re full of vinegar and piss and ideas and no sleep and they present these, all in Martha Cohen Theatre,” said One Yellow Rabbit artistic director, Blake Brooker. “Just like there’s a scene for the development of hockey, or gymnastics, or speed skating, there’s quite a scene of developing theatre skills and presentation.”

For the full schedule, visit oyr.org