To book or for more information please visit ...€¦ · and Broadway’s Miss Saigon), and Richard...

To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123

http://www.tift.ca/

mailto:[email protected]

CON-ACT is a brand-new online program that brings people of all ages together and connects friends and families through one-time arts-based classes. This new endeavour by Talk Is Free Theatre offers an eclectic variety of classes taught by some of Canada’s premiere theatre artists. We are thrilled to have such talented instructors as Jake Epstein (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Kimberly-Ann Truong (Stratford’s Rocky Horror Show, A Little Night Music, and Broadway’s Miss Saigon), and Richard Ouzounian (playwright and former theatre critic for The Toronto Star). Classes include Mime Over Matter, Playwriting for Beginners, Acting Through Song and many more! CON-ACT offers both group, semi-private, and private classes in three categories: for children between 6 and 9 years of age, for teenagers between 10 and 14, and for individuals starting at 15 years of age and adults. These one-time class offerings include games for actors, dance, mime, monologue work, musical theatre, Shakespeare analysis, and more. Using Zoom, individuals will have the opportunity to register into small groups or private one-on-one sessions to have fun and learn more about theatre, music, dance and more and through this build a community!


http://www.tift.ca/


Advanced classes are for individuals 15+ years of age.

Advanced Groups are available.

All Private and Semi-Private classes are scheduled based on artist availability.

To register for a class, please email

[email protected] with the name of the class you would like to take


Musical Theatre for Adults (1 hr) Advanced Group (Maximum of 5): $25 per person

Private: $50 Instructor: Jennifer Stewart

Do you love to tell stories? Do you have a passion for singing and expressing yourself through music? Or maybe you have always been curious about singing and acting at the same time? How does a performer sing and tell the story simultaneously? With a focus on truthful story telling, set to music, this class is suitable for any level of performer. All you need is passion, curiosity, and a willingness to have fun! Recommended for 15+ and adults preparing a song for an audition, a performance or just for fun.

Shakespeare Can be Fun! (1 hr) Advanced Group (Maximum of 5): $25 per person

Private: $50 Instructor: Jennifer Stewart

Shakespeare wrote sweeping and dramatic plays, with exciting and imaginative characters - and all in poetry! Let's crack this language open and explore the universality of these stories in a fun and interactive class for performers of all ages.

About the Instructor Jennifer Stewart is a theatre director, actor, singer, dancer and teacher. Jennifer holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from East 15/University of Essex in London, UK, and is an honours graduate of the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Currently she is on the faculty of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

Her directing credits include: The Shape of a Girl (Calder Theatre, London, UK), The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie (Talk Is Free Theatre), Emily, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Best of Enemies, The Heiress (Bluff City Theater, Hannibal, Missouri), Hairspray (YES Theatre), Honk (St Lawrence College) and assistant director for the Stratford Festival’s Othello, Long Day’s Journey into Night and HMS Pinafore. As an actor she has worked for Mirvish Productions as Penny Pingleton in the Original Canadian Company of Hairspray and Lisa in Mamma Mia. Other favourites include: Fiddler on the Roof, 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance, Tommy (Stratford Festival), Kiss Me Kate, Sunday in the Park with George, Guys and Dolls, Harvest Moon Rising, Anyone Can Whistle (TIFT)

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults wanting to learn more about performing Shakespeare.

Adult-Introductory and Advanced Classes To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123

http://www.tift.ca/


Ukulele for Beginners of all ages! (1hr) Private: $55

Instructor: Judy Marshak Want to get happy? Learn to play the ukulele! Award-winning actress and recording artist Judy Marshak will share her joy and expertise, take you through the basics of tuning, chording, and strumming, and before you know it, you'll be a player! Whether you are a total Newbie with zero experience, or you have a dozen chords under your belt with a list of tunes you’ve been dying to learn, there’s never been a better time. All the songs you've ever loved can be played on the ukulele - jazz, folk, country, pop, rock, motown, Latin....the possibilities are endless! Absolutely no previous musical background necessary!

About the Instructor An award-winning Actress/Singer/Songwriter, Judy has enjoyed a long and celebrated career in music, theatre, television, film, voiceover and animation. As a singer, Judy has graced jazz clubs and concert halls across the country, having sung for legendary Hollywood composer Harry Warren (42nd Street,You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby), worked with Grammy award winning team Richard Maltby (Miss Saigon) and David Shire (Saturday Night Fever), and shared billing with Ian Tyson and Jim Carey at the iconic Imperial Room in Toronto’s Royal York Hotel.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults at all levels of ukulele learning. You must provide your own working ukulele.

Adult-Introductory and Advanced Classes


http://www.tift.ca/


Finding your Voice through Writing for Songwriters and Playwrights (1 hr)

Private: $80 Instructor: Kimberly-Ann Truong

Find your individual voice and style through writing. Everyone has a story to tell, this class will help you make them listen to your unique voice as a writer. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with some experience in playwrighting and

song writing.

Acting Technique (1 hr)

Private: $80 Instructor: Kimberly-Ann Truong

Kimmy is excited to offer her knowledge and guidance in the world of acting. One-on-one lessons are catered to and solely focused on the individual student’s needs and wants as they work with Kimmy on honing their skills and mastering their craft. These lessons aim to make students more knowledgeable their field and leave them feeling much more confident as they move forward in their journey as an actor.

About the Instructor Kimberly-Ann (Kimmy) Truong is a Vietnamese-Canadian actress

from British Columbia and has been teaching and choreographing

for over a decade. After graduating from Sheridan college in 2015,

she found herself at The Stratford Festival, playing Fredrika in A

Little Night Music and Vicki in A Chorus Line as well as

understudying 3 lead roles. Kimmy left Canada for a year to

perform in Miss Saigon on Broadway and returned to play some of

her most prestigious roles including Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show at The Stratford

Festival as well as starring in the revival production of Kronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical

as Ophelia at The Charlottetown Festival.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with previous experience in performance

and looking to improve their craft.



http://www.tift.ca/


Voice Training (1 hr) Private: $80

Instructor: Kimberly-Ann Truong Kimmy is excited to offer her knowledge and guidance in vocal technique. One-on-one lessons are catered to and solely focused on the individual student’s needs and wants as they work with Kimmy on honing their skills and mastering their craft. These lessons aim to make students more knowledgeable in the field and leave them feeling much more confident as they move forward in their journey as a singer. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with previous experience in performance


Dance Technique (1hr) Private: $80

Instructor: Kimberly-Ann Truong Kimmy is excited to offer her knowledge and guidance in the world of dance. One-on-one lessons are catered to and solely focused on the individual student’s needs and wants as they work with Kimmy on honing their skills and mastering their craft. These lessons aim to make students more knowledgeable in the field and leave them feeling much more confident as they move forward in their journey as a dancer.

About the Instructor Kimberly-Ann (Kimmy) Truong is a Vietnamese-Canadian actress

from British Columbia and has been teaching and choreographing

for over a decade. After graduating from Sheridan college in 2015,

she found herself at The Stratford Festival, playing Fredrika in A

Little Night Music and Vicki in A Chorus Line as well as

understudying 3 lead roles. Kimmy left Canada for a year to

perform in Miss Saigon on Broadway and returned to play some of

her most prestigious roles including Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show at The Stratford

Festival as well as starring in the revival production of Kronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical

as Ophelia at The Charlottetown Festival.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with previous experience in performance


Adult-Introductory and Advanced Classes To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123

http://www.tift.ca/


Classic and Contemporary Monologue (1 hr) Private: $80

Instructor: Steve Ross Is there a monologue you have used for a long time? Would you like to freshen it up? Is there a speech you have always loved but have never had the time to work on? Now is the time to work on your monologue skills so you are ready to audition like never before. This is a one-hour coaching session that will allow you to take a “deep dive” into monologues. Classical. Contemporary. American. Canadian. Anything you feel passionate about.

About the Instructor Steve has spent the last 30 years performing at many of the country’s regional theatres. He’s been a member of the acting company with The Stratford Festival for 16 seasons. Barrie audiences might remember him from such shows as Emily, Assassins, No Way to Treat a Lady and Guys and Dolls. He also directed TIFT’s production of Sunday in the Park with George. Other career highlights include Every Brilliant Thing (New Stages), The Producers (Neptune),

Seussical (Theatre Aquarius) and A Year with Frog and Toad (MTYP). Recommended for adults with previous acting experience who are looking to elevate audition pieces.



http://www.tift.ca/


Calling a Musical (1 hr) Private: $50

Semi-Private Available Upon Request Instructor: Dustyn Wales

In this course, you will learn what it is like to be in the SM booth for a musical production. We will discuss the differences between Stage Managing a play and a musical, the elements of a good call, working with designers, creating a calling script, and look at video examples from Hart House Theatre's The Rocky Horror Show. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with previous experience in stage management and looking to elevate to the professional quality.

Getting into the Biz (1 hr)

Private: $50

Semi-Privates Available Upon Request

Instructor: Dustyn Wales

This course will cover some of the possible steps to take to join the crazy business we call

show. While everyone's path is different, we will discuss the various disciplines of theatre

and the steppingstones to launching your career including training, networking, apply to

positions, and the various organizations for Canadian Theatre Artists.

About the Instructor Dustyn has worked on over 75 productions across Canada including Kinky Boots, Disney's Newsies (Drayton Entertainment), The Gigli Concert, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Glengarry Glen Ross, Faith Healer, Travesties, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Soulpepper), Light in The Piazza, Reprint, Craigslist Cantata (Musical Stage), You Dance (National Ballet), A Man A Fish (Persephone), Musical of Musicals

(Mirvish), I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change (Angelwalk), i think i can, The Great Mountain, Blue Planet (YPT), Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, Into the Woods, Tempest, Great American Trailer Park Musical (Hart House), Pan Am Games. Other: Former Business Rep Manager - Theatre Agreements at Canadian Actors' Equity. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults perusing a career in the arts.



http://www.tift.ca/


Musical Theatre Song Interpretation (30 mins)

Private: $35

Instructor: Glynis Ranney

This half hour one on one session involves working on songs from the musical theatre

canon with a focus on song interpretation - acting the song. Take your performance to

the next level!

About the Instructor

Glynis Ranney has starred in musicals across Canada for over 30

years. She has spent 8 seasons with the Shaw Festival, 4 with the

Stratford Festival, and has been the recipient of 2 Dora Awards for

Outstanding Performance in Musical Theatre.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults of all skill levels.

Act Your Song! – Musical Theatre (1 hr)

Private: $80

Semi-Private (Group of 3): $30 per person

Instructor: Jake Epstein

Learn to approach a musical theatre song from an actor’s perspective and have an edge

over other performers. Students will pre-record a song on their phone, and then through

a series of exercises, Jake will coach them on character, point of view, and through line.

Recommended ages 15+ and adults with audition experience and looking to

elevate their pieces.



http://www.tift.ca/


Acting for Film and Television (1 hr)

Private: $80



New to the business or curious to learn what it’s like to act on TV? Jake will share insights

on how to act for the camera, while students get to act out different TV and film scenes.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with performance experience looking for

specific guidance for success in film and television.

Nail that Monologue! (1 hr)

Private: $80



For young actors, knowing a monologue can help you land your dream role and get

started in the business. Through a series of fun exercises and mini lessons, Jake will break

down the easy steps to picking the right monologue and nailing it.


Jake Epstein is a well-known Broadway actor and singer. He

starred in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Spider-Man: Turn

Off the Dark, Spring Awakening, American Idiot and Billy Elliott.

On TV, he is best known for starring in Degrassi, Designated

Survivor, and Suits along with over 50 other films and TV shows.

He graduated from The National Theatre School of Canada and is

currently part of a program to create virtual live theatre.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults of all skill levels looking to elevate their

monologue skills.



http://www.tift.ca/


Beginner’s Playwrighting (1hr)

Group (Maximum 5 participants): $40 per person


Private: $100

Instructor: Ash Knight

This one-hour course will cover the basic building blocks of theatre, of creating a play,

and if time permits, early character development. Come prepared to take notes, ask

questions and write scenes.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults of all skill levels looking to learn the craft

of playwrighting.

Exploring Shakespearean Text (1 hr)


Private: $90


A one-hour course looking at the playing of a Shakespearean monologue. We will look at

iambic pentameter, grammar and how to bring it to life. Be ready to learn and act!


Ash is a Dora-nominated actor, Critics Award-nominated director,

and dramaturg who has been practicing theatre for over 20 years.

He is classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and

has performed all over Canada as well as internationally. With

these classes he hopes to inspire students to want to learn more.

Recommended for ages 15+ and adults with some experience with Shakespeare’s

work.



http://www.tift.ca/


Stage Combat Starter Session (1 hr)


Private: $60


In one hour, we will go through the basic safety measures of stage combat, the illusion of

storytelling through the use of choreographed movement and acting to sell it all. Be in

clothes you can move in.


Ash is a Dora-nominated actor, Critics Award-nominated director,

and dramaturg who has been practicing theatre for over 20 years.

He is classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and

has performed all over Canada as well as internationally. With

these classes he hopes to inspire students to want to learn more.

Recommended for adults (individual or pairs) of all levels. Must have access to a

space that allows for movement.

Developing Your One-Person Show! (1 hr) Private: $80

Instructor: Izad Etemadi Don’t wait to be part of something amazing – be amazing yourself. Guided by Izad Etemadi whose award-winning character Leila has entertained audiences for years will help you find the character you need to create a one-person experience like no other.

About the Instructor Izad Etemadi is an Iranian-Canadian artist originally from

Victoria, BC. He is a graduate of the Canadian College of

Performing Arts and the recipient of the 2017 Emerging Queer

Artist Award from Buddies In Bad Times Theatre. With TIFT he

has performed in Music Man, Offline, Amadeus, The Gamblers, Pal

Joey and The Curious Voyage. Some of his most recent TV credits

include Odd Squad (PBS Kids), Bajillionaires (Family Channel) and Tall Boyz (CBC)

Recommended for adults with experience in performance looking to develop a

new, solo character.



http://www.tift.ca/


Music Analysis for the Singing Actor (1 hr) Private: $45

Instructor: Daniel Rutzen

This class is for emerging artists interested in the serious pursuit of acting through a song. Learn why composers pick a key, a tempo, a style. Learn how to look at a new song and extract vital information that answers the questions, “Who am I”, “Where am I”, “What do I want”, and “How do I feel”. This includes the Italian rehearsal markings, piano accompaniment, articulations and dynamics and the form or structure of the song. This class is a solid introduction to the types of Music Analysis required at all Canadian post-secondary Musical Theatre institutions and carrying on into your careers.

About the Instructor Dan Rutzen is a Conductor, Musical Director, and Educator. Recent credits include Sweeney Todd, Pal Joey (Talk is Free Theatre); On the Town (Theatre Sheridan); Be More Chill - Canadian Premier (Bravo Academy)

Elsewhere: Candide (UofT Opera); Mimi (Tarragon Theatre); Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna (Luminato Festival); West Side Story, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, Anything Goes, Anne of Green Gables (Lower Ossington Theatre); Napoleon (Talk is Free Theatre) Dan is a committed educator. He teaches music theatre at Sheridan, directs the concert band at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, and is on his fifth season with Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts (Newsies, Matilda, School of Rock, Secret Garden, Curtains, Drowsy Chaperone, ...Spelling Bee, Sondheim On Sondheim). Dan is also a choral conductor with associations with Canadian Men’s Chorus, Scarborough Dukes of Harmony and was a participant in the prestigious Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Emerging Conductor Symposium and Goodspeed’s Music Director Intensive Recommended for adults with a strong music background and able to read music.



http://www.tift.ca/


A Historical Guide to Building Your Audition Book (1 hr) Private $45

Instructor: Daniel Rutzen

This class is a historical seminar of Musical Theatre designed to help you create a healthy and living audition book. Understand from where the "32-Bar cut” originated. Explore the periods from early Vaudeville, Operetta, Tin Pan Alley, and the Golden Age to the contemporary, post-Sondheim and Lloyd Webber era of the musical comedy. Learn the importance of having Jazz Standards and Pop Music in your audition book. This class includes an introduction on how to cut your auditions songs as well as a method for choosing the RIGHT song for your audition.

About the Instructor Dan Rutzen is a Conductor, Musical Director, and Educator. Recent credits include Sweeney Todd, Pal Joey (Talk is Free Theatre); On the Town (Theatre Sheridan); Be More Chill - Canadian Premier (Bravo Academy)

Elsewhere: Candide (UofT Opera); Mimi (Tarragon Theatre); Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna (Luminato Festival); West Side Story, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, Anything Goes, Anne of Green Gables (Lower Ossington Theatre); Napoleon (Talk is Free Theatre) Dan is a committed educator. He teaches music theatre at Sheridan, directs the concert band at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, and is on his fifth season with Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts (Newsies, Matilda, School of Rock, Secret Garden, Curtains, Drowsy Chaperone, ...Spelling Bee, Sondheim On Sondheim). Dan is also a choral conductor with associations with Canadian Men’s Chorus, Scarborough Dukes of Harmony and was a participant in the prestigious Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Emerging Conductor Symposium and Goodspeed’s Music Director Intensive Recommended for adults with a strong music background looking to expand and elevate their audition pieces.



http://www.tift.ca/


How to make ZOOM really “ZOOM” for you! (1 hr) Private: $100

Group (3-5 people): $50 per person Instructor: Richard Ouzounian

In the past three months, we have all spent a lot of time on Zoom - with friends, business colleagues, or - if you’re in show business - auditioning and/or performing but do you really know what you’re doing? There are a lot of tricks and techniques to make yourself look and feel more comfortable. If you are a performer, there’s a variety of technical boosts that could make the difference between success and failure. Let Richard share what he has learned with you! This course consists of two workshops- one to find out what you are doing and one to help you do it better!

About the Instructor Richard Ouzounian, besides a nearly 50 year career as a writer/director/performer/critic, has recently had to master the art of Zoom and directed a full-length musical with a cast of 13, Super School, for Bravo Academy, which was auditioned workshopped, rehearsed, and performed, all on that sometimes exasperating device!

Recommended for adults with audition experience and looking to improve their virtual presence.

Rhythmic Conditioning – Adult Acro/Jazz Group Price (Maximum 5): $20 for 30 minutes or $30 for 45 mins

Instructor: Vanessa Smythe Connect to your own unique way of moving through a fun and high-energy class of stretching, strength-building, and getting out of our heads (and into our bodies). Fun throwback dance tunes are very likely. All levels welcome. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults looking to have fun and stay fit. Active wear and a safe space to move is required.



http://www.tift.ca/


Writing & Creation: Unlocking & Supporting your Creativity $30 for 60 minutes or $45 for 90 minutes

Instructor: Vanessa Smythe Feeling writer's block? Or not sure how to access your creativity these days? Come with an open heart to explore the reasons and sources of your own unique creativity. Leave feeling empowered, brave, and more ready to tell your own story. Recommended for both artist professionals and those just beginning to explore their writing and creativity.

About the Instructor Vanessa Smythe is a Canadian actor and writer. Recent credits include Mrs. America (FX, recurring) Designated Survivor (ABC, recurring), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the film We Had It Coming. Select theatre credits include Domesticated (CanStage), For Both Resting and Breeding, Offline, Plural of She (TIFT), and Lip Sync Sleepover (Crow’s). Her original solo show, In Case We Disappear, played to critical and popular embrace in North America and the UK, and was named one of the best free shows at the Edinburgh

Fringe. A graduate of the Humber School for Writers, Vanessa is the co-creator of The Tape Escape - “Outside the March’s latest site-specific marvel” – (NOW). She has worked with Soulpepper, Company Theatre, Crow’s Theatre, Starvox, fu-GEN, Howland, and YPT. Vanessa is also a poet, recently collaborating with Olympic Gold Medalist Simon Whitfield to compose a poem for AthletesCAN, featured on CBC and read by some of Canada’s most celebrated Olympians. Upcoming: Vanessa joins Shia Labeouf and Vanessa Kirby in the film Pieces of a Woman. Recommended for ages 15+ and adults of all skill levels looking to express themselves through writing.



http://www.tift.ca/


Singing Technique and Song Coaching (1hr) Private: $85

Instructor: Gabi Epstein Gabi has made a name for herself as one of the country's top vocalists and she owes it all to her singing training and technique. In this one-hour private class you will learn the fundamentals of good singing technique and how to use that in your own repertoire. Gabi has been teaching singing lessons for 15 years specialising in Musical Theatre but is trained to teach classical (including RCM exams), jazz, pop/rock, and song interpretation.

About the Instructor Gabi is a DORA award winner and one of the country's top stage/cabaret performers best known for playing Audrey in the Stratford Festival's production of Little Shop of Horrors and Fanny Brice in the Segal Centre's production of Funny Girl. She was also in the Canadian cast of the Mirvish Production of Once which garnered her company two DORA Awards (Best Ensemble and Best Production). Gabi has worked all over Canada in shows with Drayton Entertainment, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre, Stage

West, Theatre by the Bay, and the Capitol Theatre among others, but Barrie audiences will recognise Gabi from her many past performances with TIFT including Kim in Bye Bye Birdie, Clarice in Napoleon, Dani in Dani Girl, Paquette/Old Lady in Candide, and Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Her famous "Gabarets" have been performed all over North America and have received praise such as "Best Cabaret of the Year" by the Times Square Chronicles in NYC. Her CD "Show Off" is available on Spotify and iTunes. @gabifayepstein Recommended for individuals of all levels looking to elevate their technique and performance skills.



http://www.tift.ca/


ADVANCED AND ADULT-INTRODUCTORY CLASSES Requests for private classes will be considered on an individual basis and approved by the artist. To register, please email [email protected] with the subject line CON-ACT APPLICATION – [NAME OF COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR]. We will respond to you in two business days if you are able to welcome you into a class. Please note that payment (all major credit cards are accepted) must be received within 72 hours of the notification to guarantee a spot.


Applicants over the age of 18 may connect with their instructor for their class using any format they the feel most comfortable with.


http://www.tift.ca/


For information and to register please visit:

https://www.tift.ca

For any questions please email:

[email protected]

Or call us at:

705-792-1949 ex 123


https://www.tift.ca/


http://www.tift.ca/


To book or for more information please visit ...€¦ · and Broadway’s Miss Saigon), and Richard...

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Transcript of To book or for more information please visit ...€¦ · and Broadway’s Miss Saigon), and Richard...