ATCO Uses Edu-tainment To Teach Safety Education

EDMONTON, AB – (Sept. 30, 2015) – Who says safety education can’t be fun? This month, ATCO Energy Theatre is on the road once again with its safety performance, POWER TEAM: Origin of Power Woman. Visiting schools in 24 communities across central and northern Alberta, this show will get students giggling and singing, while learning to be safe around natural gas and electricity.

Offered free-of-charge to elementary schools in communities served by ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, ATCO Energy Theatre is a unique approach that uses
“edu-tainment” to teach young children important lessons about the safe use and benefits of electricity and natural gas.

“Safety of the public, our customers and our employees is a core value at ATCO, and ATCO Energy Theatre is a tangible part of that commitment,” said Bill Stephens, President, ATCO Gas. “The program reinforces information presented in safety education programs already offered to schools by both ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, as well as science information related to the Alberta school curriculum for Grades 3-6.”

“We believe live theatre is a particularly effective educational tool,” said Sett Policicchio, President, ATCO Electric. “The script and performances by our actors allow our young audience members to see themselves in the context of the play which is extremely important for learning. We’re using the power of theatre to tell a story that is relevant to their world while providing important information students can bring home and start applying immediately.”

POWER TEAM: Origin of Power Woman is the first chapter in a series of musicals being developed by ATCO Energy Theatre. With script and direction by Maralyn Ryan and music by Justin McDonough, this high-energy and hilarious adventure introduces Power Woman as she discovers her super power of knowledge, and forms her crew of superhero friends, the Power Team.

Since its introduction in 2007, ATCO Energy Theatre has “edu-tained” nearly 120,000 students, teachers and school principals in every corner of the province. In 2012, the Canadian Gas Association awarded the ATCO Energy Theatre program with its Public Safety Award recognizing the program as an excellent source for natural gas safety education and public awareness in Canada. More fun and learning can be found at www.atcoenergytheatre.com.

• A professional three-person acting troupe supported by a stage manager delivering up to two 40-minute theatrical performances per scheduled day.
  • Madelaine Knight as Patty/Power Woman
  •  Nasra Adem as Mother/Rocket Socket
  • Tyler Pinsent as Father/Blue Flame
  • Molly Pearson is the Stage Manager/Sound Technician
• Delivering two four-week tours annually:
  • Fall Tour – northern and central Alberta (October 2015)

  • Spring Tour – south and central Alberta (May 2016)

• Produced by ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric and offered free of charge to elementary schools throughout its service areas. Since its introduction in 2007, the production has completed 13 four-week tours and performed to nearly 120,000 elementary school students, teachers and principals in every corner of the province.

Purpose

•    As part of ATCO’s commitment to public safety, ATCO Energy Theatre teaches our customers and future customers about the hazards of, as well as how to be safe around, electricity and natural gas.
•    To support the learning objectives of current ATCO school safety education programs.
•    To reinforce learning in a young “media-savvy” audience by harnessing the power of “edu-tainment.”
  •    Combines music and live theatre to enhance delivery of important safety information.
  •    Students interact and see themselves within the context of the story which enhances learning.
  •        Learning experiences are extended using interactive online games.

Central & Northern Alberta communities October 5 – 30, 2015

Week #1: October 5 – 9
Oct 5 – Edmonton
Oct 6 – Round Hill / Tofield

Corporate Communications
ATCO Electric
Tel: 780-691-1866

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