CALGARY PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL: 94 YEARS OF INSPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS

Take The Stage. Let Your Spirit Shine

ABOUT US

The Calgary Performing Arts Festival (CPAF) is a non-profit organization that has inspired and supported talented and aspiring young performance artists for 94 years.

Since 1931, CPAF has been an integral part of Calgary’s arts, music & culture community. We are committed to celebrating young performers (artists can compete until the age of 25 years) of all skill levels. Although it’s held in our beautiful city, our participants have come from across Alberta to Take The Stage and Be Heard.

Participants have the opportunity to participate in a variety of musical genres and spoken word.

We pride ourselves on offering invaluable self-development and growth opportunities for our young artists during our unique three-week adjudicated performing arts festival.

OUR VALUES

Passion for the Performing Arts

  • Fun

  • Community

  • Creativity

Aspiration of Possibilities

  • Journey

  • Belonging

  • Accessibility

Pursuit of Excellence

  • Learning and Growth

  • Discipline

  • Competitive

OUR SMALL BUT MIGHTY TEAM

ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE DEDICATED TO INSPIRING ASPIRING PERFORMING ARTISTS.

MIKE JEWITT

Executive Director

Mike comes to the Festival with a strong background, organizational experiences and exceptional results in music and leadership in profit and non-profit organizations. He has served as the Executive Director for Calgary Round-Up Band, Calgary Stetson Show Band, multiple roles at Calgary Stampede and most recently comes to us after time with Three Hills School Division as a music educator. He has volunteered with World Association of Marching Show Bands, Alberta International Band Festivals, and is a member of Phi Beta Mu.

Mike holds degrees in music from the University of Calgary and education from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane Australia. Mike has a strong commitment to music, a true appreciation for the Arts, and was a participant in music festivals as a child in choral, band, and Saxophone.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Weston Jacques

President

Weston Jacques, MAPC, is a communications and marketing leader who partners with executives, staff, and stakeholders to share their vision, grow their brands, tell their stories and inspire connection. With over ten years of experience in both non-profit and corporate environments, focusing on the arts, science, health and technology, he designs strategies to drive audience engagement and campaigns to inspire stakeholders and branding to leave an impression. As a master of both traditional and digital marketing and communications, he helps organizations and businesses design effective plans to solve problems, connect to stakeholders, foster relationships and influence change. Weston grew up performing at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival in clarinet performance.

Sean Weber

Director

Sean is a dedicated Professional Engineer with a passion for the performing arts and giving back to the community. A University of Calgary Alumni, Sean has spent the last 20 years in the energy industry leading diverse teams and delivering projects with positive impacts in communities across Western North America.  Throughout his career, Sean has been known for his problem-solving abilities, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his professional career, Sean is a passionate advocate for the arts, particularly music. Driven by his personal experience of music inspiring and uniting people, he is excited to lend his expertise to the Festival as a member of the board.  Whether collaborating on long term vision or championing each unique performer, Sean looks forward to supporting the foundation’s mission of inspiring aspiring performing artists in our community.

With his diverse skill set and genuine enthusiasm for giving back, Sean is eager to help create a lasting impact on both the individuals he works with and the broader community the foundation serves.

Sarah Huber

Treasurer

Sarah Huber is a Chartered Professional Accountant and an alumna of Mount Royal University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Currently a Cost Controller in the aviation industry, she is the go-to contact for senior leadership in the pursuit of strategic alignment, cost optimization, the realization of opportunities, and mitigation of risk. Sarah’s career experience includes years of in-depth financial assurance for many Alberta based Non-Profit entities and she is familiar with the nuances of N.P.O. accounting.

Sarah has always been involved in the performing arts playing the flute for a few years and as a competitive dancer in her youth. Immersing herself in the community after moving to the city by dancing professionally for a few Calgary sports teams, Sarah accredits much of her professionalism, communication, and other business skillsets to her time in the arts.
Sarah is excited to assist in showcasing the incredible talent of local performers and the continuous improvement of the Calgary Performing Arts Festival.

Mathea Mitchell

Director

Mathea Mitchell is a Chartered Professional Accountant who is passionate about the amateur arts community. She is an alumni of the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters in Professional Accounting.

Her background brings a unique blend of finance and the arts, as she grew up performing in Lethbridge’s branch of the Performing Arts Festival (formerly Kiwanis Music Festival) in a variety of disciplines, including voice, musical theatre, and piano.

Mathea is excited to get back to her roots and help further grow the Festival!

Nathalie Berard

Director

Nathalie Berard is a marketing professional with a deep passion for the performing arts and extensive experience in promoting creative projects. Currently working in marketing at the Calgary Stampede, Nathalie excels in developing impactful campaigns and fostering connections with diverse audiences. Her professional journey includes supporting non-profit organizations and championing programs that benefit children and youth, demonstrating her commitment to community enrichment.

With a background in dance, Nathalie has spent years immersed in the arts, performing on a salsa and bachata dance team and participating in various dance festivals and classes. Her firsthand experience as a performer gives her a unique understanding of the dedication and creativity that artists bring to their craft. Nathalie’s expertise in social media strategy, content creation, and event promotion positions her to effectively amplify the Festival’s vision and reach.

Nathalie is excited to contribute her marketing skills, artistic passion, and collaborative energy to the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, helping to celebrate and inspire the next generation of performers.