Behind the Curtain

Join us for a ‘behind-the-curtain’ look at the wonderful world of the theatre

Behind the Curtain, Knowledge Sharing

While we wait for the curtain to rise, Theatre Aquarius Outreach, Artist Development and Education invites you to enjoy a deeper understanding of the wonderful world of the theatre, with extraordinary artists!

  • Join us as we share a tutorial series by theatre professionals, that reveals the craft, talent, hard work and expertise of theatre creation
  • and an Artist Talk series, in which established artists respond to questions from students, and share some of their valuable knowledge, artistry, and lived experience of a life in the theatre, with the next generation of theatre artists.

This week we present:

Artist Talks

with Mike Shara

 A life in the theatre. Performances across the country including Manitoba Theatre Centre, Theatre Calgary, Vancouver Playhouse, Theatre Aquarius, National Arts Centre, Tarragon Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage Company, Citadel Theatre (Edmonton) and more. 

Artist Talks

with Jessica Lee Fleming
(Theatre Aquarius Artist in Residence)

Jessica is a Métis / Scottish-settler cisgender woman. She is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer & performer. She creates in multi-disciplinary mediums as a means of exploring connection, identity & traditional knowledge.

Previous Releases:

Behind the Curtain: Lighting for Theatre

with Mickey Wagg

Mickey has been the Head of Lighting at Theatre Aquarius since 2008, working on over 75 productions during that span. Prior to his time here, he has work as a Lighting Tech, Lighting Designer, Technical Director or Followspot Operator at many venues in Southern Ontario

Artist Talks

with Carla Bennett

Carla (she/her) is a Filipina/English choreographer, actor, dancer and educator based in Toronto. Over the past 25 years her credits as a performer and creative team member span the entertainment industry including live theatre, film, tv and music.

Behind the Curtain: Dancer’s Warm-Up

with Amanda De Freitas 

Amanda is a highly expressive multi disciplined artist, and dance educator. Born in Hamilton, raised in Burlington, graduated from Etobicoke School of the Arts, and Canada’s National Ballet School (3 year teacher training diploma program) in Toronto.

Artist Talks

with Siobhán Sleath

Siobhán is a Toronto-based Lighting Designer with credits in Theatre, Opera and Dance. Over the past few years, her work has been seen in Canada, The United States, India, Sweden, Australia and the Czech Republic.

Behind the Curtain: Audio for Theatre

with Anna-Maria Grant

Anna-Maria has been the Head of Audio at Theatre Aquarius since 2007 where she has been a part of over 80 productions.  She has also worked for Drayton Entertainment, Stage West Theatre Restaurant and Way-To-Go Productions as a live mix operator.  

Artist Talks

with Walter Borden

Walter Borden is an internationally acclaimed actor, poet and playwright and a nationally recognized activist and teacher. He was born and educated in Nova Scotia and received his dramatic training at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York.

Behind the Curtain: Vocal Warm Up Tutorial

with Eliza Jane Scott

Eliza-Jane is an actor and singer based out of Hamilton Ontario. She is currently on “pandemic hiatus” from Come From Away where she plays Beverley Bass in the Toronto production. Take a behind the curtain look at vocal warm ups!

Artist Talks

with Gary Farmer

Gary is an accomplished actor, born on the Six Nations along the Grand River; whose work has been seen on stages and in numerous television series and films. Recently during the COVID period had some interesting new play developmental zoom gigs.

Behind the Curtain: Stage Management

with Josephine Ho

Josephine has been a stage manager for the past 15 years and still loves being able to work with so many different people on such a variety of shows. Take a behind the curtain look at the world of Stage Management.

Artist Talks

with Tracey Flye

Tracey is one of Canada’s busiest and most respected directors and choreographers with credits that span over 200 productions. She is committed to the mentorship of young artists and has taught at colleges throughout Canada.

Stayed tuned for future releases of Behind the Curtain and other Artist Talks!