ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Creating opportunities for artists of all experience levels and backgrounds to explore the performing arts and develop their craft
DIRECTING INTENSIVE
WITH MICHELLE THORNE-SPEIR
Level up as a theatre artist with this four week intensive for new and experienced directors!
We are now accepting registrations for individual classes.
This is your opportunity to learn the foundations of directing by theatre professional Michelle Thorne-Speir! This intensive is a hands-on experience in directing for the theatre, including text analysis, casting, designer collaborations, staging, and working with actors.
We are accepting a maximum of 10 participants for this intensive. All experience levels are welcome to register, however, the recommended age is 16 and older.
Thursday, January 9, 6 PM - 9 PM - Text Analysis
Thursday, January 16, 6 PM - 9 PM - Casting
Monday, January 2, 6 PM - 9 PM - Designer Collaborations
Thursday, January 30, 6 PM - 9 PM - In the Room
DATES
REGISTRATION FEES
Swamp Rat Experience is a registered non-profit that aspire to make theatre accessible and eliminate barriers for folx to participate in the performing arts. With this in mind, we are using a sliding scale tier fee schedule based on an honour system (you will never be asked to provide proof of income). Choose the one that best describes your circumstances, and please note that this information is kept strictly confidential.
TIER 1: $240 ($60/class)
TIER 2: $210 ($52/class)
TIER 3: $180 ($45/class)
TIER 4: $150 ($37/class)
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Originally from Fort McMurray, Alberta, Michelle Thorne-Speir is a practice-based Director, Designer, and Educator residing on the traditional lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and Səl̓ílwətaɬ Nations (commonly known as Vancouver, BC). Her work focuses on building community through innovative and collaborative performance arts experiences.
She holds an MFA in Directing from The University of British Columbia and a BFA in Dramatic Arts from The University of Lethbridge. Since completing her master’s program, Michelle has worked with Excavation Theatre, Rice & Beans Theatre Company, The Arts Club Theatre Company, Playwrights Theatre Centre, Vancouver Fringe, Keyano Theatre, Arts Council Wood Buffalo, Vancouver Young Actor’s School, Lights Up Musical Theatre School, First Impressions Theatre, and Swamp Rat Experience.
Thorne is the recipient of the Yvonne Firkins Prize and the Sydney J. Risk Award in Directing with UBC, as well as the 2016 Buffy Awards for Collective Collaboration and Theatre Artist. She is currently directing Keyano Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz and will be directing A Peter Rabbit Tale for CTORA theatre in Vancouver this summer.
MASTER CLASSES
Creating opportunities for local artists to develop their craft by learning from industry professionals.
By inviting industry professionals to our region, we create opportunities for local artists to develop and add new tools to their theatre toolbox. We host Master Classes in a wide range of theatre disciplines, including Acting, Directing, Stage Management, and Design.
Do you have a request for a specific class or instructor?
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Connecting the community in Wood Buffalo with performing arts opportunities.
Our Community Workshops aim to engage artists who are new to the craft and want to dip their toe into performing arts. These workshops are created in collaboration with community and cultural groups within Wood Buffalo and tailored specifically to their members. To eliminate barriers for folx to participate in our workshops, they are offered by donation.
Are you interested in hosting a theatre workshop for your organization or group?
