ARTISTIC STATEMENT & PHILOSOPHY

My career in theatre and education began in drama in education and this beginning built a strong foundation for my journey as a professional artist. As I have evolved as a theatre artist, I have worked towards a career that stimulates both myself, and my community. Completing my Master of Applied Theatre at the University of Victoria (UVic) between 2015 and 2017 was life changing for my artistic practice. I had felt very isolated as an artist in my small community of Revelstoke, BC and so by branching out in this way I was able to form a network of theatre artists to collaborate, discuss ideas, share work and gain inspiration. The master’s program offered valuable hands-on skills, specifically in workshop design and facilitation, that I brought back to my community. My time at UVic also taught me the power of theatre in communities, about what is possible and how to get there. As I continued my learning journey into my PhD research, I was excited to expand my research area to further appreciate how theatre can impact marginalized communities and the importance of sharing this knowledge with the wider world. My research into the ethical practice of applied theatre in refugee communities has become part of my guiding principles as a director and facilitator when working with multi-cultural, at-risk and marginalized community members and when handling complicated themes and subject matter. On this journey, I have been able to combine my love for artistic theatre facilitation and continued learning with my passion for teaching and mentoring others.

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As part of my artistic mandate, I engage in diverse and intergenerational processes to ensure all community members are welcomed so theatre becomes a true tool for community dialogue and engagement. I embody an inclusive approach to my artistic work and part of this approach is to not exclude participants, but rather I find or create roles for all as I am a firm believer that the arts should never be competitive. I am proud of my welcoming directing approach where the aim is enjoyment, playfulness and collaborative exploration. My approach relies on building authentic relationships for listening and hearing my participants so we can learn from each other in a democratic process. I enjoy taking risks in my creative work, pushing new ideas and forms, especially those that are generated by and with members of the team.

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I look forward to upcoming adventures and new learning for my continued personal growth. I am excited for my onward journey in utilizing theatre as a tool for social change within my own small community and across varied communities.