SRE Sponsors Local Youth to Attend Artstrek
For the third consecutive year, Swamp Rat Experience (SRE) is proud to sponsor a young artist from the Wood Buffalo region to attend Artstrek, Theatre Alberta’s renowned summer theatre school for teens. This immersive program provides professional training led by experienced artists and educators, offering students the opportunity to explore acting, devised theatre, design, voice, and movement.
This year, 14-year-old Zoey Zaharchuk has been selected to attend Exploration I at Red Deer Polytechnic: “I’m so excited to have the chance to go to Artstrek, a program I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to attend,” said Zoey. “Theatre has been a big part of my life for years — it’s a safe space where I can be myself. I can’t wait to meet new people and deepen my understanding of the arts.”
SRE was founded in 2021 with a mission to make the performing arts accessible to all. Whether through dynamic productions, mentorship opportunities, or educational partnerships, SRE is dedicated to nurturing creativity, self-expression, and the joy of performance in youth and adults. Supporting students like Zoey on their journey to Artstrek helps empower young artists to discover their potential, gain confidence, and forge lasting friendships through the power of theatre.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of Artstrek, and participants will study and explore the acclaimed Canadian musical Come From Away.
“Swamp Rat Experience believes in the transformative power of the arts,” said Hanna Fridhed, Artistic Director of SRE. “By supporting local youth to attend Artstrek, we’re not just funding theatre education—we’re helping shape confident, creative individuals with a lifelong passion for the arts.”
Since 2024, SRE has also partnered with Fort McMurray Composite High School to revitalize the King Street Theatre, reenergizing the community theatre scene and expanding opportunities for young artists through initiatives such as the Theatre Club and summer camps.
As Swamp Rat Experience continues to grow, so does its commitment to creating welcoming, inspiring, and transformative theatre experiences for the entire community.
