Quest Theatre’s New Strategic Plan

Arts Boards and Leaders struggle to find time to revise their Strategic plans, and Quest is no different. Developing and producing school touring shows, conducting In-School Programming and Summer Camp keep us busy all year long – who has time to do long-term planning!  However, with the help of this terrible pandemic, (lemons…) we have had unprecedented time (lemonade!) to do a deep dive into planning for Quest’s future through, and beyond this pandemic.   

Our journey began with securing funds through a CADA Recovery Grant (God bless CADA!) to hire Mary Blais Consulting to help Quest chart a course for the next 3 years.   

In terms of process, our Quest Board and Leadership analyzed, discovered, brainstormed, debated, word smithed and found consensus!  The work included over 275 hours of work, 110 stakeholder responses and 8 executive interviews, spanned over 7 months. Tasks included a SWOT, a Risk Matrix, Questionnaires, Program Reviews, 110 stakeholder responses, 8 executive interviews, updating our Vision, Mission, Artistic Statements and Values, and creating strategic Pillars, Commitments and Actions that guided an Operational Plan with goals, targets, and timelines.  Needless to say, the process was detailed, thorough, and insightful. 

We are excited to share with you, in a nut shell, Quest’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan! 

Vision  

Quest Theatre envisions a galaxy where theatre is valued as an essential part of growing up. 

Mission Statement  

Quest Theatre creates community through exceptional theatre adventures for young people throughout Alberta. 

Artistic Statement  

We know theatre is spectacularly fun. At Quest we also know that theatre can bring an added range of extraordinary benefits for young people.  We use theatre to help a child explore who they are, discover the world around them and build the kind of world they want to live in. We do this by asking good questions and answering them with exceptional theatre adventures. 

How do we help a child understand that sometimes personal success is outweighed by the success of everyone?  How do you teach a child that a little act of kindness can really make a difference? How do we convince a child that giving someone an advantage can make things fair?  How can we convey how much courage is necessary to stand up for what you believe in?  How can we create a happy, healthy, and inclusive society for everyone? 

We delight in pursuing the answers to these questions, and others like them, as creative, meaningful, and responsible community builders, who enthusiastically celebrate the inspiring journey of young people. 

Values 

We are creative, meaningful, and responsible community builders, who enthusiastically celebrate the inspiring journey of young people. 

Quest Pursues Creativity 

The Quest experience is inspiring. We evolve the creative practice for artists and for young people.  We experiment with new forms, try new approaches, and work with new people.  We believe in the joy of creating things ourselves.   

 Quest Makes it Meaningful 

In designing programing, Quest asks, “What do we want young people to know, to think about, or to experience?” With every theatrical experience we strive to create cycles of inquiry, understanding, empathy and action.  

 Quest is Responsible 

Quest takes time, acts with intention, and is a responsible organization. We engage experts and professionals to work with us, to guide us, and advise us.  We encourage critical discourse and implement valuable feedback from our stakeholders. 

  Quest Encourages Community 

Quest brings people together through making and presenting theatre. We believe that everyone has a story, everyone can play, and things are always better when we do it together. We encourage belonging and pursue stories that promote a happy, healthy, and inclusive society for everyone.  

 Quest Celebrates Theatre 

The people at Quest love what we do. We take time to enjoy each other and celebrate our achievements.  When working with young people we know it is important to say thank you, good job, and we did it. 

Strategic Pillars 

Pillar 1: Embrace Community 

• Expand our team to include marginalized voices and give weight to their contributions.   

• Create increased volunteer opportunities for young people. 

• Increase Access to underserved communities, marginalized communities, youth at risk. 

Pillar 2: Cultivate Creativity and Experimentation 

• Collaborate with others to enrich drama education and to advance artistic theatre practice. 

• Explore theatre structure.  

• Advocate the benefits of theatre for young people. 

Pillar 3: Build Organizational Capacity and Resiliency 

• Invest in in an internal culture where everyone can thrive.   

• Maintain a balance between revenue streams, impact on young people, and sustainability. 

• Create opportunities for individuals to advance and champion TYA. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this important and significant project. We look forward to a strategic, meaningful, and impactful future!