PLAYBILL
CITADEL THEATER
INSPIRING STORIES
OF HOPE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 2016
SSA's 5th ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
2016
I want to tell you how shocked I was, when the man who installed the SSA sign on our
building, told us his brother has lived with schizophrenia for the past 12 years, and they had
never heard of our organization. I never want that to happen again! But I need your help
The truth is, this man’s brother was from Rainbow Lake, a rural community in Alberta and a
year ago he wouldn’t have been able to access our programs even if he had heard of the
Schizophrenia Society of Alberta (SSA). He would have fallen through the cracks and he
and his family would not have received SSA’s support to help him on his path to recovery.
That was before we implemented Online Programming.
Now that has changed… we wanted to do our part to close this gap, so we started a new
service last year. Online Programming is a free online service that hosts interactive SSA
programs in a secure environment that anyone can join at no cost ­ no matter where they
live in Alberta.
Since we started, Online programming has provided support to many rural and urban
communities where SSA branches don’t exist including; Elk Point, Taber, Fort McMurray
and Grande Prairie – just to name a few. This program is very successful and quickly
increased SSA’s profile throughout Alberta. Now hospitals, care facilities and other mental
health professionals know about SSA and refer their clients to our programs regularly. In fact, families from China and Australia have joined us on our Online Family Support
group because they have family with schizophrenia living in Alberta!
How amazing it is, that technology can help us instill hope, provide education, peer support
and resources ­ the tools needed for recovery. 1
The Online programs are;
Online Peer Support
Family and Caregiver Educational Forum
Online Family Support
Strengthening Families Together Series
Your Recovery Journey Series
“The peer support programs are facilitated by clients living successfully with
schizophrenia. SSA employs over 200 individuals living with schizophrenia in
various positions”
But we didn’t stop there ­ this past year we created a new website that’s easy to navigate
and find support for clients, families and caregivers. We’ve also formed strong viable
relationships with government and community stakeholders who are learning more about the
vital impact SSA’s programs and services have on the wellness of our Alberta communities.
This means we are growing and increasing our participation quickly and we can’t slow
down now…
Schizophrenia affects 34, 000 Albertans
SSA provided support to over 22,000 Albertans last year
Our goal for this year is to ensure everyone is aware of SSA and that ALL
Albertans affected by schizophrenia have access to SSA’s programs
This is where we need your help, your donation of $100, $500, $1000 or whatever you can
afford. To make your gift, please complete the enclosed form and drop it into our donation box
located in the lobby.
Thank you for your support!
Rubyann Rice
Provincial Executive Director
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STARRY STARRY NIGHT
Performance
Back in 1998 a group of people living with schizophrenia decided to write a play about
their lives. They were all part of the SSA’s Community Eduction Program, in which
individuals living with the disorder and their family members do public presentations, to
educate people about schizophrenia and mental illness.
A Very Theatrical Annual Campaign Launch
This group felt that writing a play would help people understand how it feels to live with
The theatre lights will dim, the stage lights will come up and this year’s
schizophrenia. They wanted people to know the facts and to pave the path for more
SSA Annual Campaign will kick off on November 19th with a
empathy and understanding.
performance of “Starry, Starry Night” at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton.
Now, hundreds of performances later, Starry Starry Night is on a return run in
Edmonton.
The play, written by a member of SSA, follows David and his journey
living with schizophrenia. It’s a poignant, sometimes funny and inspiring
This play is performed in Reader’s Theatre which means cast members will use scripts
during the performance. This helps reduce stress, which is a major trigger for
play; dramatizing the inner voices he battles as he gets treatment and
symptoms of schizophrenia. When actors are comfortable with performing their role,
resolves conflicts with his family and loved ones. The stories shared
they can try a new one which helps build confidence. Each person brings a unique
during the play are drawn from the real and sometimes raw experiences
twist to his or her role, which means the play morphs with each new cast configuration.
of the play’s writers and performers, all of whom live with schizophrenia.
Importantly, Starry Starry Night is not just educational and impactful for audiences, it’s
also part of the healing process. Every performance is truly recovery in action.
After the performance, there will be a Q & A with the audience and
actors. We hope the audience will be packed not only with SSA
Starry Starry night is an extraordinary performance by extraordinary individuals. Each
members and their family and friends, but also with SSA supporters,
performer, past and present, brings new insight, courage and hope to all who are
touched by schizophrenia.
government officials and the general public at this free event.
SSA provides supportive employment to over 200
people living with schizophrenia. 78% of those
provide peer support
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SPONSORS
2016
Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. (OCPI) is an innovative, fast­growing healthcare
A Very Theatrical Annual Campaign Launch
company that commercializes Otsuka medicines in Canada, with a focus on neuroscience,
nephrology, oncology and cardiovascular health. OCPI is dedicated to improving patients'
health and the quality of human life. OCPI was established in 2010, with headquarters in
The theatre lights will dim, the stage lights will come up and this year’s
Saint­Laurent, Québec.
SSA Annual Campaign will kick off on November 19th with a
performance of “Starry, Starry Night” at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton.
The play, written by a member of SSA, follows David and his journey
living with schizophrenia. It’s a poignant, sometimes funny and inspiring
play; dramatizing the inner voices he battles as he gets treatment and
Through research, development, education, and partnerships with other companies and
patient organizations, Lundbeck employees are improving the quality of life for people living
resolves conflicts with his family and loved ones. The stories shared
with brain diseases and cancer. We are committed to making improvements in these areas
during the play are drawn from the real and sometimes raw experiences
and this belief drives us to constantly challenge the status quo because people living with
of the play’s writers and performers, all of whom live with schizophrenia.
brain diseases and cancer deserve better.
After the performance, there will be a Q & A with the audience and
actors. We hope the audience will be packed not only with SSA
members and their family and friends, but also with SSA supporters,
government officials and the general public at this free event.
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports,
information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada’s most­watched
television network for the past 13 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada’s
premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out of
Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest
communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network’s
website at CTV.ca.
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SPONSORS
2016
CanaDream has been a supporter of SSA for over 7 years. CanaDream offers their Guests
the opportunity to experience Canada at their own pace in the comfort of a motorhome
from six getaway locations across Canada. Visit CanaDream at www.canadream.com
Proforma's Kin Leong has been a long time supporter of SSA, helping to get the best
solutions at the lowest cost. Proforma is a solutions­driven graphic communications
company with a history of success connecting brands with consumers. While some
companies simply provide products, Proforma provides integrated solutions that deliver your
message, change perceptions and drive sales. Think of us as your full­service creative
agency without the agency fees. You can find out more by contacting Leong at
[email protected]
Pure Artists is a local initiative that features artists from across Alberta who have
demonstrated performance excellence through a commitment to family, education and the
community. Pure Artists are not only pursuing a professional career in music, but they also
find every opportunity to put their voices to use for local charitable initiatives to work to make
our communities better. Each artist is extremely talented with a track record beyond
reproach. It is this humility, poise and grace that gives each artist's music credibility and
integrity. This is a brand of music that crosses all genres and any other form of artistry. Last
year, the performers from Pure Artists performed for over 1.7 million people and helped
charitable organizations to raise over $7 million. 5
SHAWNA RANDOLF
EVENT HOST
Shawna Randolph joined Alberta Primetime as co­host in November of 2013, because
the AMPIA­winning news magazine program is dedicated to the Alberta perspective –
something true to her heart.
Shawna grew up in Alberta, born in Edmonton and also spent part of her childhood in
Devon. As a child, she had a passion for story­telling and finding out all she could about
every person she crossed paths with from childhood.
That passion led her to study TV journalism at the Northern Alberta Institute of
Technology (NAIT) in 1989­91, and her extensive career launched from there.
Shawna has a combined 24 years of experience in TV journalism and media relations
(including a decade with CTV Edmonton from 1991­2001 which was CFRN at the time),
and now as co­host of Alberta Primetime.
Her media relations experience includes roles with the Provincial Government and City
of Edmonton and, most notably, as the spokesperson for the Edmonton Humane Society
(2008­2013).
Her talent for sincere, warm, and compelling storytelling has been vital in her success.
Shawna was a recent recipient of the Woman of the Year, Consumer’s Choice Award for
Business Excellence in Alberta. Shawna enjoys spending quality time with her husband,
two children and three cats. She also loves to golf and run.
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CAST
2016
Lisa Gayle
Lisa is a new member of SSA within the last
year. Her hobbies include painting with acrylic
on canvas, poetry and doing crossword puzzles.
Her mother, who shares a similar diagnosis, is
her greatest support. In addition to Lisa's
participation in Starry Starry Night, she is also
involved with SSA's Adult Peer Support
Program as a supportive employee.
Suzan Desserud
Suzan is 55 years old, but looks younger! She
joined the SSA in 1995. A long­term participant in
the Partnership Education Program, Suzan also co­
facilitates the Art and Writing Group. Suzan is an
artist who works in a variety of media. She also
enjoys doing cryptic crossword puzzles with a group
of friends.
Dale Silbernagel
My name is Dale. I like to work with tools and play
around with woodworking. I also like computer
games and doing cross stitch. I belong to the SSA’s
Unsung Heroes. I have a computer science degree
from the University of Calgary. My two brothers are
farmers living outside Calgary. They’re extremely
supportive of me and my illness.
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CAST
2016
Darnell Piltingsrud I enjoy working part­time at SSA. My hobbies are
classical music, camping and fishing. I belong to
the Sons of Norway, a group for people of
Scandinavian descent. We socialize at meetings
and go on outings. My favorite Norwegian dish is
Rommegrot, a porridge with sour cream, milk,
butter, flour and salt. Yvette Branker Yvette has had a life­long love of theatre,
culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from
the University of Calgary and an internship at the
Citadel Theatre. After a 16 year absence to deal
with mental health issues,Yvette is proud to be
returning to Edmonton to perform a play that carries
such an important message. In her spare time,
Yvette is obsessed with painting landscapes,
knitting, and playing match 3 games on her tablet.
Glen Moore I grew up in Calgary. I got sick when I was in
university. I now work for SSA and am happy doing
that. I became a born again Christian through
struggles with my illness and because of this I am
glad I got sick. I love to read and I love doing
presentations. Of course going to church is always
a highlight of my week. 8
CAST
2016
Mark Sunderland
I like playing all the roles in Starry Starry Night. In
my spare time I like going to restaurants, exercising
and doing art. I also like going to museums and
looking at all the fancy buildings in downtown
Calgary. I have a sister who is very supportive of
me and my illness, and I have brother who lives
outside of Calgary. Michael Mabee
Michael is a cast member of Starry Starry Night. He
is actively involved at all the rehearsals and really
enjoys challenging himself by trying out different
roles in the play. Kathy Loveday I like to travel the world ­ especially on cruise ships.
My favorite places are Greece and Egypt. So many
sites and so much history! 9
CAST
2016
Rob Laird Hi my name is Rob and I am 43 years old. I was
diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. I struggled
with my illness through my twenties before getting on
the right medication. Now in recovery with part­time
work, a girlfriend, and lots of support. I also enjoy
collecting action figures and DVDs. Glenda Schroeder I have been with my boyfriend for almost 12 years.
My family is very supportive of my illness. I work
part­time at both M&M Meat Shop and SSA. I like to
watch movies and hangout with my friends. My
favorite meal is butter chicken!! Dianna Dowson
Hello my name is Diana Dowson. I was diagnosed
with schizophrenia at age 16. I’m on the road to
recovery and now work at SSA. I also collect
jewelry! 10
CAST
2016
Lai Wong
Lai enjoys going for nature walks by the zoo
valley. She also likes to hang out with family and
friends in her spare time. Lai’s favorite holiday is
Christmas. Natasha Michael When I'm not working, I like to be with my family and
friends. I like going out of town, but when I’m not
travelling I like movies and going out for dinner. SSA served over 22,000 Albertans affected by
schizophrenia last year
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Tea G
Pure Artists
Tea G is a local 14 year old dynamic performer that has been singing since she was six years old
and started singing professionally when she was 9. Tea has been a very committed young local philanthropist by using her music to serve her
community. Her list of local charities that she has served numbers over one hundred including the
Alberta Cancer Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Canadian National Institute
of the Blind.
Her accomplishments include the 2015 & 2016 Edmonton Youth Talent Grand Winner and 2016
Big Valley Jamboree Grand Prize Winner. The last prize gave her the opportunity to open for Sam
Hunt and Carrie Underwood in Camrose, Alberta.
Tea is also a budding YouTube sensation. In only 6 short months, she has already garnered
nearly 1500 subscribers and her videos are regularly garnering nearly 50,000 views each. Tea is a captivating pop entertainer that believes that she needs to connect her music and songs
always with a purpose. She is honored to be a part of the Alberta Touring Alliance of Alberta
Showcase, and looks forward to connecting with many of her peers. 12
Sidney Mae
Pure Artists
Sydney Mae is an award­​
‐winning, Alberta based recording artist and experienced performer with a
deep rooted passion for songwriting. Her talents have garnered international awards, recognizing both
her performance and songwriting. Her intense, smoldering vocal quality gives her a maturity that
belies her years and has quickly earned her a reputation as a powerhouse in Alberta’s music scene
proving that age is just a number compared to talent and hard work. She has played everything from
small intimate stages to major festivals such as the Big Valley Jamboree, Country Thunder and the
Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
Sydney released her debut EP in the summer of 2016 produced by industry veteran Mike Little. She
was nominated for both Female Artist of the Year and Fan’s Choice Award with the Association of
Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) in 2015 and 2016 and was also chosen to participate in the first
annual ACMA Fan Fest in 2016. As a songwriter that has penned over 100 songs, Sydney Mae is
quickly gaining a reputation as a superior storyteller gaining the respect of her more senior peers. She
continues to develop her craft, she recently had her first song cut by another artist in Nashville, and
she continues to write with Canadian and Nashville based songwriters.
In giving back to her community, Sydney Mae is a much sought after anthem singer and has lent her
voice to over 10 different charities and fundraisers, including performing at W. Brett Wilson’s annual
Christmas Charity Fundraiser for the Calgary Veterans Food Bank. The Alberta Music Education
Foundation named Sydney a top finalist for her community service in 2014 and she also received the
“Special Recognition Award” for entertainment in community service at the Calgary Stampede by the
Western Showcase Committee.
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Julia Nicholson
Pure Artists
Julia Nicholson is a pop and R&B soul recording artist from St. Albert. She
infuses her distinctive swagger to classic cover tunes, combined with the naturally
gifted song­writing of a seasoned artist. Captivating crowds, she’s performed at
major events in the province like Canmore Folk Fest, Big Valley Jamboree and K­
Days, all the way to global stages of Nashville. This award­winning young talent
is quickly becoming Alberta’s up and coming act to watch, as she prepares to
record her second album to be released in spring of 2017.
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SSA PROGRAMS
2016
LIVING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
You are not defined by your illness. Whether you're
looking to talk with someone who understands what
you're going through, or ready to join a community
that will support you without judgement, we're here
to help you live a life that is meaningful to you.
FAMILY & CAREGIVER SUPPORT
It's not just about learning how to better support your
loved one, it's about finding ways to better take care of
yourself. We connect you with others who understand
the unique journey you're on, while our peer­led
programs provide you with the knowledge and
confidence to empower yourself and your loved one.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Schizophrenia is one of the most highly stigmatized and
misunderstood mental health disorders. We provide
educational programming to a variety of groups, including high
school and post­secondary students and first responders. Led
by those with lived experience, our programs (including
performances by the Starry Starry Night Theatre Group) allow
those with schizophrenia to share their experience in their
own words.
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SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT
SSA provides over two hundred people living with
schizophrenia with supportive employment opportunities
including running peer­led groups and giving community
presentations. These leaders and mentors are recipients
of SSA programming themselves and bring invaluable
insight gained from their own lived experience.
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
We provide housing in Edmonton and Red Deer
to 52 people living with schizophrenia who
otherwise would be at risk of homelessness.
With safe and supportive housing, our tenants
are able to focus on growing and flourishing
individually and in the community. RESOURCES
SSA has many many in branch and community
resources for clients and family members to
access. 15
SSA FACTS
2016
Over 34,000 Albertans are affected by schizophrenia
SSA supports over 22,000 Albertans affected by schizophrenia
SSA's programs help reduce the number of hospitals stays for those living
with schizophrenia
SSA housing and support programs cost one­quarter of the price of a day
in hospital
SSA provides supportive employment to over 200 people living with
schizophrenia. 78% of those provide peer support
2014­2015 year SSA provided Community Education presentations to over
352 community education institutions, front line public professionals and
other community organizations
SSA Community Education Programs bust myths and reduce stigmas.
After our high school and university presentations, we often have young
people come forward and ask for help
For more information visit www.schizophrenia.ab.ca
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