One by One
StoryBook Theatre, Recipient

StoryBook Theatre

Calgary, Alberta

Youth find purpose, passion and creativity on stage

StoryBook Theatre is Canada’s largest volunteer-driven theatre program for young audiences and families. For nearly 50 years, the organization has fostered a love and passion for theatre. Through plays and musicals, theatre schools, playwriting competitions and more, StoryBook Theatre has impacted countless lives in Calgary and beyond.

“Our mission is to make high-quality, accessible theatre experiences available to people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of financial means,” said JP Thibodeau, artistic producer. “Each year, we welcome over 40,000 audience members to our productions—many of them attending live theatre for the very first time.”

In late 2025, StoryBook Theatre kicked off its 49th season, Season to be BRAVE. Its productions include “School of Rock,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Shrek the Musical®.” Each season is achieved through the work of a remarkable 3,500 to 5,000 volunteers.

Volunteer thank-you gifts commemorate the season

Heading into the new season, StoryBook Theatre purchased branded water bottles for its on-stage volunteers. But the opportunity provided by the one by one grant enabled them to buy more, ensuring a volunteer recognition gift for those helping behind the scenes too.

“It worked out great that we didn’t have to choose who gets one and who doesn’t based on created hierarchy,” Thibodeau said. “This is a group of people who give up hundreds of hours of their time. They have day jobs. We have doctors, dentists, stay-at-home moms and dads, and we’re thankful for every one of them.”

The bottles—which feature an imprint promoting the theatre’s 49th season—were handed out with scripts before the first read-through in late summer. “Unlike a lot of other people who probably buy promotional products, our goal wasn’t necessarily to get our name out there,” Thibodeau said. “Instead, it was to say thank you and acknowledge the season they’re a part of.”

StoryBook Theatre has given its volunteer teams water bottles in the past. They help keep everyone hydrated, have a closed top to avoid spills and become instant keepsakes. When imprinted for the season, they become like trophies for some volunteers who can show them off years later.

“I still see people with that specific water bottle from probably 10 years ago coming to rehearsals,” Thibodeau said. “I figured this was the way to go about thanking people if they’re still floating around after 10 years. They have staying power.”

A note from Cheryl

For nearly 50 years, StoryBook Theatre has sparked a love of theatre for young people and families—encouraging them to think, dream and explore. It was a delight to provide volunteer recognition gifts. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.

For more information about StoryBook Theatre, please visit https://www.storybooktheatre.org/

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