For over 20 years the Work Plays School Program has empowered young workers to feel confident about their rights and to know they are not alone in advocating for safe, healthy, and fair workplaces – for themselves and others.
Knowledge is power.
Through award-winning, live theatrical experiences, we educate junior and senior high school students about their rights and responsibilities at work, and give them current resources to support them in achieving fair, safe, and healthy workplaces
WHO WE ARE
Work Plays Schools Program is a free program of the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre, dedicated to educating young workers on workplace safety and rights.
WHY WE EXIST
Workers under the age of 25 entering the workforce for the first time are are more vulnerable to workplace injuries, financial exploitation, harassment and etc.
2004
Operating for over 20+ years
180,000+
Reached students across Alberta
100+
Unique schools visited across Alberta
Meet the Work Plays School Program Members
Gina Puntil
Artistic Director
Gina Puntil
Artistic Director
Gina (she/her/siya) is a proud Filipina-Canadian who has been involved with socially active theatre in Alberta for 18+ years as a Stage Manager, Production Manager, Director, Teacher, and Mentor/“Mentee” for emerging artists.
Her journey with the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre began in 2005, and she now serves as the Guardian [Artistic Director/Program Coordinator] of the Work Plays Schools Program. She’s honoured to deliver messages about workplace health, safety, and rights through artistic storytelling to students and new workers across Alberta.
Gina’s first job was as a pie cutter at the Calgary International Airport—a skill she still proudly shows off today.
Jeffrey Baglinit
Communications Coordinator
Jeffrey Baglinit
Communications Coordinator
Jeff joined the Work Plays Program in the fall of last year. New to the theatre community, he’s found real joy in watching live acting capture the attention of packed student audiences. Since then, he’s supported the program by filming promotional videos, managing social media content, and helping with outreach efforts.
Outside of the program, Jeff is a breakdancer and storyteller who creates videos with creatives, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Jeff’s first job was working the cash register at McDonald’s.
Kristi Hansen
Tour Booking Coordinator
Kristi Hansen
Tour Booking Coordinator
Kristi is a disabled theatre artist and the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of the Maggie Tree. She is the former co-Artistic Producer of Azimuth Theatre and former Associate Artist at the Citadel Theatre, where she piloted the first Accessible Performance Series as Access Coordinator for the 2024/25 Season.
Kristi’s work as an actor has taken them from Prince Edward to Vancouver Island, but Edmonton is their beloved home. Outside of theatre, she loves to touch grass and pet dogs.
Kristi’s first job was selling jewelry and piercing ears at Claire’s!
Meet the Alberta Workers Health Centre Members
Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull
Executive Director
Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull
Executive Director
Jared (he/him) has been with the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre (AWHC) since 2006, developing and delivering Workplace Health and Safety and workers’ rights education programming for workers across the province.
He has over 25 years of experience in popular education with and for marginalized populations. He also has a background in theatre as an actor, director, playwright, dramaturg and new play builder. His spare time is mostly filled with riding and fixing bicycles.
Jared’s first job was at a KFC franchise. Don’t ask how the gravy was made.
