Thursday July 30, 2026 at 7:00pm
GCA Theatre, 16520 24 St SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 4W2
Adult $25, Student/Senior: $20, Family (4-6 members): $60

The Tragic Tale of Frankenstein: Join us for an enlightening adventure and musical hit of the summer!

A chilling story of great loneliness, cruel fate, and within it, a lesson for us all. I bid you to take heed and listen well.

Book by Simon Rose, Jane Dennison‍ & ‍Meredith Taylor-Parry Music by Tim Janz Lyrics by Jane Dennison Arrangements by Lyudmyla Heath

Cassa Musical Theatre (Ages 9-21)

Location: Rehearsals and Performance at GCA Theatre, 16520 24 St SW, Calgary AB
2026 Dates: July 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 & 30 from 9:00am-3:00pm

Performance: July 30, 2026 at 7:00pm
Early Bird fee: $429, after June 15 $469

Are you ready to shine on stage? Join our Musical Theatre Program and immerse yourself in a world of song, dance, and drama! Train with top professionals and receive one-on-one mentorship as you master essential skills like story and character exploration, vocal techniques, solo and group singing, choreography, and set design. This comprehensive program culminates in a spectacular final performance, where you’ll showcase your talents before a live theatre audience and a professional band. Don’t miss this chance to make your musical theatre dreams come true!

This summer’s musical will be The Tragic Tale of Frankenstein: A chilling story of great loneliness, cruel fate, and within it, a lesson for us all. I bid you to take heed and listen well. The book is by Simon Rose, Jane Dennison and Meredith Taylor-Parry; music is by Tim Janz, arranged by Lyudmyla Heath, and lyrics are by Jane Dennison. ‍

Our Open House and Casting Workshop is coming up:

• Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Location: Fish Creek Library - First Floor Program Room

What to expect:

• Students will be invited to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, acting, and/or design.

• Come between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

• Bring a friend (or friends!). New friends may register on site.

More information about the Open House & Casting Workshop is available here: www.cassamusicalarts.com/about-us/news/you-are-invited-to-cassas-open-house-and-casting-workshop

Spaces limited—Register now!

Don’t let your financial situation be a barrier to joining us. Apply here.

Experts: Jane Dennison, Lyudmyla Heath, Deanne Walsh, Michelle Delisle, Karen Scarlett, Lillith Mitchell

Assistant Coaches: Justine Cherry-Delisle, Tess Coleman

Mentors: Eleanor Reckseidler, Abram Schwonik, Jordan Runions and Savannah King

Mentors-in-Training: Ruby Cassam, Sofia Dennison, Kaslyn Chan, Luke Giardino, Aiden Heath, Hiyab Zeru and Sophia Roggensack

Cassa Guitar Immersive (Ages 9 - Adult)

July 6-10, 2026 9am-12pm Brentview Baptist Church
Fees: Early bird $249, after June 15 $299

Ignite your passion for music this summer with Cassa Guitar Immersive, a fun and engaging half-day program designed for players at all skill levels. Students will dive deep into the world of guitar through hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and collaborative music-making—all in a supportive environment. 

With small teacher-to-student ratios, each day blends skill-building and creativity, helping students grow in confidence while developing real musical ability. Students will learn proper technique, chords, scales, strumming and picking patterns, rhythm, and music theory, while also exploring improvisation, and ensemble playing.

What Students Will Experience

• Daily guitar instruction tailored to skill level

• Learning popular songs across multiple styles

• Rhythm training and ensemble playing

• Music games and creative challenges

• Performance skills and confidence building

The week culminates in a casual showcase, where students get the chance to perform for friends and family to celebrate their progress.

Whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or ready to take their playing to the next level, this immersive program offers the perfect mix of learning, creativity, and summer fun!

Expert: Brett Gunther

Cassa Online Piano Immersive (Ages 9-Adult)

Online: July 20-23, 2026

Early Bird Registration Fee: $349, Fee After June 15: $399

Online Cassa Piano is an exciting four-day experience for pianists level 3 RCM/CC and up, to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing. Students receive some online masterclasses and talks from our Cassa Guest Artist and Expert throughout the week.

Students from age 9 to adults are welcome to join this exciting online piano program. The Guest Artist talks and online masterclasses will culminate with a recital performance on July 23. Dependent on enrollment, students may be split into different age groups for their performances.

The Cassa Piano composer of the year will be Franz Schubert. Students will learn more about the featured composer and may perform a piece written by Schubert during the program.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Experts: TBA depending on enrollment, along with Linda Kundert

In-Person: July 13, 2026, 9am-4pm - lunch is included. Brentview Baptist Church
Fee for Teachers: Early Bird $99, after June 15 $119. Fee for Students: Early Bird $49, after June 15 $89.

Online: July 20-21, 2026, 9am-12pm
$89 both sessions, $49 per individual session

Cassa Piano Pedagogy

Cassa Pedagogy offers thoughtful exploration of artistry, interpretation, and student development at the piano. This year's guest artist, Gregg Pauley, will present the following topics:

Session I: All About Franz Schubert This session examines Schubert’s life, his piano works and stylistic voice, with a special focus on the depth and structure of his final sonata.

Session II: The Use of Narrative in Creating a Cohesive Structure Mr. Pauley will explore how narrative, or storytelling, can shape structure in performance repertoire. Participants will explore connections within the music that reflect real or imagined experiences we can relate to personally, and they will learn how to apply these experiences in a linear way to create a cohesive and logical narrative that aligns with the musical content of any piece. Examples participants will work through include Chopin’s Second Piano Sonata and Schumann’s Arabeske.

Session III: Sound and Listening This talk centers on musical sound through active listening, encouraging participants to refine their own tonal awareness. Mr. Pauley will discuss and demonstrate how to develop a “speaking” sound and how to create “colour" at the piano.

Session IV: Enrolling Students in High Achievement at the Piano In this session, Mr. Pauley will address strategies for motivating students toward high achievement, which includes effective goal-setting and the development of good practice habits. He will also talk about preparing students both mentally and physically for competitions.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Cassa Creative Music (Age 10 - Adult)

In Person: July 6-10, 2026 9:00am - 3:30pm Early Bird $349, after June 15 $399 Brentview Baptist Church‍ Cassa Cabaret — Live Band Performance & Reception July 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Have you ever wanted to compose your own music? Do you have ideas for songs, melodies, rhythms or chord progressions that you would like to be able to develop into a complete piece? Are you a player or singer who would like to explore your own musical creativity, but do not know where to start?

Explore songwriting, composition and improvisation while learning how musical ideas grow into complete pieces. Guided by experienced composers and musicians, students develop their creativity and showcase their original work in a showcase.

The Cassa Cabaret performance with a live band will take place on July 10, 2026 7:00pm at Brentview Baptist Church.

This program is for students, aged 10 to adult. Some musical experience is helpful, but it is not necessary. All instrumentalists and voice students are welcome to attend.

Experts: Lorna MacLachlan,‍ Lyudmyla Heath

Cassa Piano Immersive (Ages 9-19)

July 13-17, 2026 9:00am-5:00pm Recitals: Thursday July 16, 2026 at 6:00pm or 7:30 pm & Friday July 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm Brentview Baptist Church‍ ‍

Early Bird Registration Fee: $479, Fee After June 15: $529

Cassa Piano is an exciting five-day experience for pianists level 3 RCM/CC and up, to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive, fun atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing. Students are coached in prepared solo repertoire and new ensemble pieces. Students attend classes in musical style, interpretation, memorization, technique and performance anxiety. Classes in choir, art, and improvisation are also offered.

The Cassa Piano composer of the year will be Franz Schubert. Students will learn more about the featured composer and will perform a piece written by Schubert during the program.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Experts: Dr. Laura Bell, Joseph Fridman, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos.

Supervisors: Georgeanne van Helden, Jakob Springett

Special Guest Instructors: Jennifer Aumentado (Piano Improvisation Instructor), Lorna MacLachlan (Choir Director), Leanne Simpson-Cole(Movement Instructor)

Cassa Piano Mentors: Abram Schwonik, Kaslyn Chan, Joel Cook, Lucy Zabawski, Nate Lopaschuk

Cassa Adult Piano (for Students Age 18+)

July 14-16, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm Musicale: Thursday July 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm Brentview Baptist Church

Early Bird Pricing: $349, Registration After June 15: $399

Cassa Adult Piano is an exciting three-day experience for adult pianists to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive, fun atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing.

The Cassa Piano composer of the year will be Franz Schubert. Students will learn more about the featured composer and may perform a piece written by Schubert during the program.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Experts: Dr. Laura Bell, Joseph Fridman, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos.

Instructor/Supervisor: Georgeanne van Helden, Jakob Springett