The Screen Production Yukon Association (SPYA) and Music Yukon are thrilled to announce a new partnership to deliver a dynamic series of technical workshops for Yukon’s emerging audio-visual professionals and musicians.
These workshops will take place in the lead-up to the highly anticipated Disco Dance Party Featuring the Major Funk Orchestra. They offer a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience working on a full-scale live production with one of the Yukon’s most celebrated music acts.
The mentorship workshops include:
Audio Tech Trainee Workshop
Sunday, September 28 | 9 AM–5 PM
Instructor: Étienne Girard
Participants will dive deep into the world of live concert production while assisting in the setup for a 13-piece band.
Audio Tech Multitrack Recording Workshop
Monday, September 29 | 9–11 AM & 2:15–4:15 PM
Instructor: Étienne Girard
A deep dive into the fundamentals of multitrack recording and digital audio systems.
In-Ear Monitor Training for Musicians
Monday, September 29 | 12 PM–4:15 PM
Instructor: Étienne Girard
This workshop helps musicians understand and utilize In-Ear Monitor (IEM) systems for optimal performance.
Stage Lighting Workshop
Wednesday, October 1 | 11 AM–5 PM & October 2 | 9 AM–5 PM
Instructor: Nicolas Filteau
Learn the theory and application of modern stage lighting with hands-on training using professional lighting gear.
“This is more than just a workshop series,” says Duncan Chalmers, Operations Manager, SPYA. “This is a hands-on mentorship opportunity, where participants are immersed in the real-world workflow of professional live event production.”
“We’re excited to provide in-depth practical opportunities to early career Yukoners looking to upskill their technical and production knowledge, providing advanced training to local musicians to level up their stagecraft, and celebrating our community with an incredible live show to top it off!” adds Beth Dart, Executive Director, Music Yukon.
For more information and to apply to join the workshops, visit spya.ca/events.
Major Funk Disco Extravaganza
Participants of these mentorship workshops will see their hard work pay off during the Major Funk Disco Extravaganza, co-presented by the Yukon Arts Centre, on Friday, October 3 at the SPYA Studio, located at 4051 4th Avenue in Whitehorse.
Get ready to boogie down at the ultimate Disco Dance Party, starring the Major Funk Orchestra — a 13-piece mega-band with strings, horns, guest vocalists, and dancers! Expect a night of choreographed disco hits, themed décor, and high-energy vibes, featuring all-vinyl DJ sets by DJ Jon Gel and DJ Katabatik to keep you grooving late into the night.
Costumes encouraged – dress to impress in your disco best!
Doors open at 7 PM, show kicks off at 8 PM. This is a 19+ licensed event. Tickets are $33.50 and available at through the Yukon Arts Centre at yukonartscentre.com/whats-on.
Shows are also taking place in Haines Junction on October 4 at the St. Elias Convention Centre and Dawson City on October 11 at Diamond Tooth Gerties.
Training opportunities and the show are made possible thanks to the support of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), Yukon Media Development, Yukon Arts Fund, Yukon Arts Centre, Music Yukon, Yukon Rendezvous, Screen Production Yukon Association, Northern Vision Development, Jazz Yukon, Junction Arts and Music, Klondike Visitors Association, and Integraphics.
About SPYA
SPYA is a non-profit organization established as a collective voice of the Yukon’s film and media production community. SPYA works to create a climate conducive to a strong industry sector by providing leadership, equipment, and information to our members. To achieve this, the core services include supporting the growth of the Yukon media industry and assisting career development of SPYA members. To learn more about SPYA, visit spya.ca.
About Music Yukon
Music Yukon works to enhance the presence of Yukon music in the community and the nation as a source of entertainment, cultural identity, economic opportunity and community quality of life. The organization helps artists achieve their artistic, career and business goals including musicianship, professionalism, business success, economic self-sufficiency and cultural expression. Music Yukon represent the interests of the Yukon’s music sector locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
About Major Funk Orchestra
The 13-piece “Major Funk Orchestra” features the Yukon’s favourite neighbourhood funk band, Major Funk, plus a full string section, additional horns, guest vocalists, and percussion. Major Funk is unique brand of Yukon Funk. High energy bass-led grooves, soaring vocals, and a tight horn section come together to form a great sound to move to.
About the Yukon Arts Centre
YAC was established as a resource for Northern artists, embodying and supporting the artistic goals of local community organizations. Our programs cover visual arts, performing arts, presenting, training, residencies, and community outreach to foster an inclusive, vibrant, and creative North.
