Photo by Teresa Rehmann

I hold an MFA (2011) in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, a BEd (2017) from the University of Calgary and a BFA (2000) in Dramatic Arts from University of Lethbridge. In 2018, I moved across the country to join the School of Dramatic Arts at the University of Windsor, Ontario. As an Associate Prof. I teach courses in Drama in Education and Community, TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences), Theatre for Social Action, and Improvisation.

As a theatre educator, I’ve taught at Mount Royal University, Red Deer University, Ambrose University and Rosebud School of the Arts. As well, I’ve taught numerous workshops for community theatres, High School arts programs, and theatre festivals.

I’ve worked as an actor-creator, playwright, director, producer, puppeteer, improvisor, mask maker and clown. I’ve written and toured solo shows regarding social and political issues and co-created feminist theatre productionsAside from being a road warrior on the Fringe Circuit, my shows have been produced by the Calgary Animated Objects Society, New West Theatre, Downstage Theatre, Magnetic North Theatre Festival, Handsome Alice Theatre, and Sarasvàti Productions. As an improvisor, I was a company member with Loose Moose Theatre, frequently directing for their Kid’s Season. As a mask maker, I’ve supplied masks (Commedia and Emotional) internationally for theatre troupes, High Schools and Universities.

As an applied theatre practitioner, I have worked extensively as an artist-in-residence, creating original plays with children and youth in educational and community settings. Highlights include creating physical theatre plays with Trickster Theatre and bringing children’s storybooks to life with Quest Theatre. I worked for over a decade simulating real life medical situations with the Medical Skills Centre, University of Calgary. As a clown, I attended expeditions to South Africa, performing and leading workshops with the international humanitarian organization, Clown Without Borders. I was part of national museum tour with Journey of a Lifetime, a performance (both in French and English) representing the stories of Canada’s early immigrants. In 2023, I worked as a Performance Coach on The Shoe Project’s collaboration with Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Woman; supporting women in telling their stories of immigration to Canada. Recently, I performed with the Acting Troupe at Heritage Park, where they address historical racism through live street theatre.

Currently, I’m performing new work in both comedy and theatre for social justice with theatres in Detroit. As well, I’ve been doing outreach theatre with Community Living Windsor, coaching drama to people with intellectual disabilities.

TJ Dawe’s testimonial on my work.  Thank you TJ!