Create and Develop Your Artistic Practice
Carte blanche - Cercle des écrivains - Training
Carte blanche
Submissions for Carte blanche will be accepted from December 1, 2026 to February 1, 2027, for a residency taking place in summer 2027, with dates to be determined.
To contribute to the vitality and development of French-language theatre practice in Western Canada, La Troupe du Jour offers the Carte blanche program at its Centre de production in Saskatoon.
Chaque année, ce projet permet d’accueillir dans nos espaces un·e artiste-créateur·rice établi·e ou un groupe d’artistes souhaitant mener un laboratoire de création théâtrale.
Each year, the program welcomes an established artist-creator or group of artists into our spaces to undertake a theatre creation lab.
At the end of the residency, La Troupe du Jour asks the artist or group to present their work-in-progress publicly and/or offer a workshop to local artists. La Troupe du Jour also provides promotional support for the public presentation.
Carte blanche is not limited to Fransaskois artists. We also welcome French-speaking artists and groups from outside Saskatchewan.
What La Troupe du Jour Provides
- Access to our performance studio for a set period of time
- Logistical support for a public presentation
- Promotion of the public presentation through our network
- Technical staff costs related to the public presentation, up to a maximum of 20 hours
What Artists Provide
- Fees for all artists participating in the project
- Materials required for the project
- Technical staff costs related to the public presentation that are not covered by La Troupe du Jour
- Travel and accommodation expenses for artists coming from outside Saskatoon
Submit Your Project
Interested in proposing a project for Carte blanche?
Submissions for Carte blanche will be accepted from December 1, 2026 to February 1, 2027, for a residency taking place in summer 2027, with dates to be determined.
Your Project
Please include the following in your proposal:
- Project title
- Intended audience
- Your artistic background
- A description of the project and your artistic approach
- The project’s current stage of development
- Your work plan for the coming months
Accepted formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX (PDF recommended).
Have a Question?
For any questions about Carte blanche, contact:
Bruce McKay
Artistic Director and Co-Executive Director
Cercle des écrivains
The Cercle des écrivains gives French-speaking writers of all genres an opportunity to meet regularly with the guidance of two dramaturgical consultants.
Participants can choose to share their writing with the group to receive feedback and continue developing their work in a stimulating and supportive environment.
Meet Our Consultants
David Baudemont
David Baudemont lives in Saskatoon, where he writes plays, novels and poetry. He is a three-time winner of the French-language book award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards. He has co-facilitated the Cercle des écrivains for approximately twelve years. Over the years, he has seen many Fransaskois works take shape and evolve through the Cercle, including several of his own creations. He enjoys proposing “philosophicofarfelus” warm-up exercises that, with a little luck, might just inspire you.
Madeleine Blais-Dahlem
Madeleine Blais-Dahlem has participated in the Cercle des écrivains for some twenty years and has co-facilitated it with David since 2019. Primarily a playwright, she is also the author of La voix de mon père, a semi-autobiographical novel celebrating Fransaskois culture. The Cercle plays a central role in her literary practice. The guidance and support she finds there provide an essential springboard for her creative process. She also enjoys proposing writing exercises that encourage writers to follow their inspiration and explore new directions.
Interested in Joining the Cercle?
To join the Cercle des écrivains or learn more, contact us using the form or reach out directly to our team.
Lina Ouaakarrouch
Administrative Director and Co-Executive Director
Training on Request
Develop Your Theatre Practice
La Troupe du Jour offers training sessions and workshops in Saskatoon to help you develop your skills, explore new practices and nurture your creativity. Designed for artists, young people and theatre enthusiasts, these activities encourage learning, exchange and the practice of theatre in French.
“It’s been 18 years since I did my first show with La Troupe du Jour (I was 15), and they also gave me my first role as a professional actor. I love this company!” - Lauren Allen
