Articles by author: eknight

Co-op sets stage for Dramatic Arts student’s future career

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Liam Farrell, a third-year student studying Dramatic Arts at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, completed two co-op work terms that have shaped his career path in building community through the arts.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

Whether he’s on stage, behind the scenes or working with youth, Liam Farrell knows his calling is to build community through the arts.

A third-year Dramatic Arts (DART) student at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Farrell has explored different areas of the theatre industry through co-op work terms that have been pivotal in shaping his skills and career direction.

Over the summer, Farrell completed a work term with Carousel Players, an award-winning professional theatre company for young audiences in downtown St. Catharines.

Supporting drama educators and bringing performances to life for young campers was an experience he will never forget.

“I was mentored by artistic professionals and had the chance to meet, and be inspired by, incredibly creative kids,” he said.

Farrell, whose passion for performing arts encompasses acting and all aspects of creative production, helped support youth of all abilities during his time at Carousel Players.

“Being part of their inclusive community helped me grow in adaptability and empathy,” he said.

Over the summer, third-year Dramatic Arts student Liam Farrell gained valuable industry experience in the arts thanks to a co-op work term with Carousel Players, an award-winning professional theatre company for young audiences.

Facilitated by Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) team, which connects students with relevant work terms and offers a range of resources to support career development, these experience shed new light on Farrell’s studies.

“I applied ideas and approaches from my classes that deepened my understanding of arts education and my connection with the local arts community here in Niagara — the experience solidified my desire to work in theatre,” he said.

Farrell also gained valuable experience during his 2024 work term as an actor with Pirate Life Theatre in Hamilton where he honed his problem solving skills while learning about organizational logistics and administration.

Quentin Dus, Talent Partnership Consultant with CCEE, said experiences like Farrell’s demonstrate how they can open doors for students to explore their potential and the impact of strong partnerships between Brock’s co-op office and community partners.

“Watching Liam thrive in his co-op role at Carousel Players as well as Pirate Life Theatre previously has been incredibly rewarding. His growth and success speak volumes about his talent, adaptability and passion for the dramatic arts,” Dus said.

Looking to the future, Farrell aims to work with professional theatre companies, locally and abroad, and contribute his knowledge and experience to strengthening communities and building bridges through the arts.

“I’m grateful to Carousel Players for their mentorship, and I’m excited to carry these valuable experiences forward in my career.”

Tags: Carousel Players, CCEE, co-op, DART, Dramatic Arts, Experiential Education, Liam Farrell, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
Categories: Current Students, News
Distinguished grad builds community through transformative arts progamming

Friday, October 10, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Interim Dean of Humanities James Allard (left) presented Alana Perri (BA ’13) with the 2025 Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award on Sept. 21 during the University’s recent Homecoming celebrations.

Friday, October 10, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

Alana Perri (BA ’13) is on a mission to ensure creative expression is accessible to all.

Perri, who recently received the Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award during Brock’s 2025 Homecoming celebrations, is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, accessibility and empowerment by harnessing theatre for non-traditional uses.

A performer at heart, Perri began her journey at Brock in 2009 as a Dramatic Arts (DART) student.

Through her studies, and a pivotal course exploring “drama therapy,” she found her true calling in expressive arts therapy. She also gained co-op experience at RAFT, an organization aiming to reduce youth homelessness in St. Catharines through attachment-based programs.

“We brought drama into a place where feelings of joy and fun were often scarce. Together we created a book together filled with poems and art called I Just Need to Let This Out. This experience showed me how the arts for everyone; I still have the book, and every day it reminds me of the power of expressive art,” she said.

Now the Executive Director and Owner of Purple Carrots Drama Studio, an Toronto-based organization offering innovative drama and expressive arts programs for neurodiverse youth, teens and adults, she has had profound impact in the lives of others.

When Perri took the helm of Purple Carrots in 2020, she was driven to keep the arts programs running when much of the world was shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We work with the disability community and with people of all abilities, so it was not possible or beneficial for everyone to participate virtually, but our community is incredibly strong and passionate and rose to the challenge, and we’re still here,” she said.

The drama studio now serves approximately 300 participants across Canada, providing inclusive, expressive arts programs and workshops that encourage emotional regulation and self-awareness.

“We use different art forms to help build social and communication skills and work towards a final production or performance to share with family and friends. We also provide one-on-one coaching and other community services; it’s a really beautiful purple world we’ve built,” she said.

Perri often collaborates with fellow alumni at Purple Carrots, with more than half of the Purple Carrots team comprised of DART graduates.

“Being part of the DART community was a totally different way of learning, steeped in community. Everyone — faculty, staff and students — support each other, during and beyond graduation. I am grateful to have been given the space to create and find my path and continue working with my Brock community,” she said.

Perri’s professional practice previously extended beyond the drama studio as an Expressive Arts Therapist, using creative expression as a therapeutic tool to support diverse communities through life transitions, including grief and palliative care.

Perri has also empowered the next generation of creative leaders through education, teaching students at Mohawk College how to integrate the arts into treatment for individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and instructing DART students at Brock on how to leverage movement in education and theatre applications.

She said being recognized as a Distinguished Graduate is an honour.

“The University has always been there to support me. I am so grateful, and I try to pay it forward everyday through the work that I do. I’ve made it this far, and I will keep going.”

Tags: Alana Perri, alumni, Department of Dramatic Arts, distinguished graduates, Dramatic Arts, humanities
Categories: Alumni, News
‘Now, you get to exist the way you want to’: Dramatic Arts grad’s life-changing journey

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Dramatic Arts graduate Oliver Webb Wilkinson (BA ’25) celebrated his academic achievements as well as his journey of self-discovery through artistic creation during Brock’s 117th Convocation.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

Oliver Webb Wilkinson (BA ’25) will never forget the first time he stepped on the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre stage as his authentic self: a transgender man.

At the end of his first year studying Dramatic Arts (DART) at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Webb Wilkinson realized he was not quite who he thought he was.

“I entered first year living in residence a regular city girl, but quickly realized something was different for me,” he said.

Webb Wilkinson embarked on a winding — and joyful — journey of self-discovery.

“All of my professors and classmates were so supportive as I was figuring out what was happening in my head and heart. How could I marry what my soul is with what my body is? The path is different for every trans or gender-queer person,” he said.

Brock’s Student Health Services team helped Webb Wilkinson navigate important health information and access resources, support that Webb Wilkinson was grateful for as he began his medical transition.

Oliver Webb Wilkinson (BA ’25) performed alongside fourth-year Dramatic Arts students and members of Peregrine Theatre Co. in “Mementos,” which explores themes of hope and amidst life’s challenges. From left are Megan Mastantuono, Simon Bell, Webb Wilkinson and Maddox Keller.

“Partaking in the creation of who you are is a beautiful, empowering thing; truly feeling who you are and seeing it outwardly is magic,” he said.

Studying theatre at Brock, with a Concentration in Performance, allowed Webb Wilkinson to explore themes of identity through creativity and playfulness.

“Failure doesn’t exist in DART; if things don’t work, you try something else. What I will remember is the sense of play and lack of judgment in classes,” he said. “Trial and error is part of making theatre, we learn from things that don’t work.”

Through Brock co-op opportunities, Webb Wilkinson worked every summer at professional theatre organizations, including Crane Creations Theatre Company as Artistic Producer, Pirate Life Theatre as a performer and recently Theatrix Costume House in Hamilton as an intern.

These experiences gave Webb Wilkinson a sense of what his future workplace would look like and allowed him to benefit from professors who are theatre makers and learn from professionals like DART’s Head of Wardrobe Bobbi Pidduck, who works in wardrobe at the Shaw Festival.

“It’s school theatre at a professional calibre, and there is nothing like a mainstage at Brock,” Webb Wilkinson said.

In the DART 2023 mainstage production of A Vampire Story, Webb Wilkinson played his first role as a male character, and said the creative team led by Director Gyllian Raby were completely open to his interpretation of masculinity.

“It was an incredible and affirming moment for me,” he said.

In his final year, Webb Wilkinson explored his interest in costuming as the Assistant Designer for the Department Mainstage Scorched, mentored by Head of Wardrobe Bobbi Pidduck and production designer and faculty member, David Vivian, and also played key roles in the DART 4D56 production Mementos, a student-led production guided by Associate Professor Mike Griffin.

“We were so lucky to have Professor Griffin guiding us as we wrote and mounted Mementos,” he said. “I spoke with him a lot about the growing stress of being trans at a time when there is increasing oppressive legislation targeting the trans and queer community — but at the same time, experiencing the joy of being loved and supported by your family and friends.”

Webb Wilkinson wrote characters reflecting these themes into the play. He said a line in Mementos summed it up for him.

“‘Now, you get to exist the way you want to’: to write those words and perform them was life changing. Theatre speaks to people in profound ways, and Brock gave me that chance to communicate with audiences whose stories were similar,” Webb Wilkinson said.

This summer, Webb Wilkinson will be working in Toronto with MERCHANT, a production company specializing in commercials and collaborations with advertising agencies. He will help build storyboards, check and book film locations, conduct research on props and costumes and be a production assistant on set.

Webb Wilkinson said he’s become a whole different person in the best way possible at Brock.

“The University has been such a kind and wonderful environment. I don’t want to leave, but Brock has made sure I’m prepared to go.”

Tags: convocation, Department of Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts, humanities, Mementos, MIWSFPA, Oliver Webb Wilkinson, spring convocation, spring convocation 2025
Categories: Alumni, Current Students, News
Youth theatre festival shines spotlight on Canada’s brightest emerging talent

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | By eknight
Image caption: High school students from Ontario and New Brunswick made puppets in a workshop led by Dramatic Arts instructor and local designer for theatre Alexa Fraser as part of the 2025 National STAR Festival hosted at the MIWSFPA.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

Teens learn tricks of theatre trade from industry pros

Secondary school theatre students and creative professionals from across the country recently gathered for a dynamic celebration of creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

Hosted by Brock’s Department of Dramatic Arts (DART), the 2025 National STAR (School Theatrical Arts Recognition) Festival welcomed 200 students to the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) from May 8 to 10 for a packed schedule of workshops and opportunities to showcase their talents through friendly competition.

David Vivian, DART Associate Professor and Scenographer, said engaging workshops led by acclaimed industry professionals and post-secondary educators provided a powerful platform for students to shine.

“From musical theatre to playwriting and technical production participants gained valuable insight from influential theatre artists,” he said. The festival is unique for its focus on story telling and performance without design elements such as sets and costumes.

Vivian co-organized the festival with lead Tracy Garratt, Program Leader for the Arts with the District School Board of Niagara and a teacher at A.N. Myer Secondary School in Niagara Falls.

Dramatic Arts graduate James McCoy (BA ’14), left, Head Technician at the Roselawn Theatre and DART Head of Scenic Construction and Instructor Ed Harris demonstrated stagecraft skills to students of Laura Secord Secondary School, A.N. Myer Secondary School and Waterloo Oxford District Secondary School during the Technical Theatre Olympics Challenge.

Garratt, a champion of STAR Festival programming in Niagara, said opportunities to engage with diverse narratives and characters help students develop empathy and critical thinking skills, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them and inspiring change in their communities.

“As a passionate teacher in the arts, I believe in the transformative power of theatre and the joy of participating in festivals that celebrate creativity,” she said. “Theatre not only nurtures artistic voices but also serves as a vital educational tool that helps students explore complex social issues and inequities.”

DART Chair Jennifer Roberts-Smith’s delivered a keynote welcome and remarked that now — more than ever — the world needs theatre made by diverse new voices.

“Dramatic Arts at Brock is fortunate to have our University’s support in making an equitable and inclusive space for all voices to grow,” she said. “We were delighted to welcome the new perspectives of this year’s STAR Festival participants to our beautiful facilities at the Marilyn I. Walker School.”

Adjudicators of the event represented a diverse cast of theatre professionals in the region, including current and past Shaw Festival ensemble members.

Vivian said DART’s close relationship with the Shaw Festival’s performing, production and administrative teams is an important component of learning for the Brock community.

“The DART Shaw Festival Internship has been a life-changing experience for our senior and graduating students,” he said.

DART graduates also returned to lend their expertise to the next generation, including theatre artist James McCoy (BA ’14), Head Technician at the Roselawn Theatre with Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Colborne.

McCoy shared his skills and career experience in the STARfest Technical Theatre Olympics, a program of learning and fun competitive collaboration in stagecraft. Students learned news skills and put them to the test in a program adapted for the festival by McCoy, Vivian, and Head of Stage Construction for Dramatic Arts, Ed Harris.

The opportunity to meet colleague theatre artists from across the country was at the foundation of the community-building event. Emmett Carter, a student from A.N. Myer Secondary School emphasized that the opportunity to learn and create with new friends, and then witness their performances and presentations was the highpoint of their experience.

“Meeting people from across Canada was cool. …. Being all here, together at the festival, allows me to see what people are doing across the country and gives me the opportunity to learn what is important to kids from other provinces,” he said.

Students from DSBN Academy in St. Catharines performed an original new play “Dogs Smell Blood” written by student Alaster Nikolic (front). The students polished the play in two sessions with renowned Canadian playwright John Lazarus and Canadian actor, screenwriter and sound designer Sean Meldrum. The play was selected in the national competition for the STAR Short Play program and will be published by TRW Plays (New York).

Matt Niddrie, a student from A.N. Myer Secondary School, highlighted the joy of experiencing the final moments of the festival.

“We were all cheering each other on and celebrating each other and our respective accomplishments. This festival builds community. The workshops bring us all together; we all share the same ideals. The festival is a great time for us to be together supporting each other’s passion for theatre arts,” he said.

During the festival, a DART Creative Citizenship Scholarship award was launched by the department, with the inaugural award presented to a Saint Paul Catholic High School student.

“Whether these emerging young artists pursue studies in music theatre, dramatic arts, teacher education or other subjects such as the pre-med sciences, nursing, maths and business, I am very enthusiastic about their developing capacity to drive original and meaningful change,” Vivian said.

The third Niagara Regional STAR Festival is planned for December 2025 at the MIWSFPA.

Watch the video report below by YourTV Niagara featuring an interview with the lead organizer, Tracy Garratt. (4:13)
Tags: A.N. Myer Secondary School, DART, David Vivian, Department of Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts, DSBN Academy, humanities, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, National South STAR festival, Niagara Regional STAR Festival, TAEA, Theatrical Arts Education Association, Tracy Garratt
Categories: Alumni, Future students, News, Visiting Artists
Rising Brock star makes feature film debut in pop musical ‘Juliet & Romeo’

Monday, May 12, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Artist Max Parker, a third-year Brock student studying at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, plays Benvolio in Timothy Scott Bogart’s new pop musical ‘Juliet & Romeo’.

Monday, May 12, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

A new take on a Shakespeare classic has set the scene for Max Parker to take Hollywood by storm.

The third-year Brock student is ready to make his mark with moviegoers in his breakthrough role playing Benvolio in Juliet & Romeo, which premieres in theatres across Canada later this month.

The musical, from acclaimed filmmaker Timothy Scott Bogart, boasts a star-studded cast, including Rebel Wilson as Lady Capulet and Jason Isaacs as Lord Montague.

Majoring in Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC), including courses in Dramatic Arts (DART) at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Parker said his studio work at Brock helped him to hone his acting skills.

“My classes helped me realize the physicality in acting to prepare me for a role like Benvolio; a character who is always worried, weary and cautious,” he said. “I would not have played the role to the best of my abilities if it hadn’t been for all my training in the arts and at Brock.”

Driven to grow as an artist, Parker was signed by his acting agent in 2022 and thrown into a world of creating audition tapes while also studying full time at the University’s downtown arts school.

An accomplished musician whose debut album, including a chart-climbing single, was followed by the 2024 release of the song “Rush,” Parker’s musical ascension has rocketed over the past few years.

Currently working on a self-written and produced project, Parker also continues to work alongside award-winning Canadian and American producers such as Derek Hoffman (Arkells), John Nathaniel (OneRepublic) and Justin Gray (Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne), who is also a music producer alongside songwriter Evan Bogart (Beyoncé) for the film’s soundtrack.

It was a special moment when he broke the news to Associate Professor Danielle Wilson and retired Associate Professor Gyllian Raby that he had been cast in the feature film, which resulted in rescinding his role in the DART mainstage production that year.

A dedicated, straight-A student his whole life, Parker was heartbroken to let them down.

“They stared at me for a minute before erupting with joy and said, ‘you are going to act in a movie!’ I am forever grateful for their warmth and positivity, that vote of confidence will always stay with me,” he said.

Parker took key lessons with him while shooting on location in Italy, harnessing meditative and body breathwork skills from Wilson’s voice and speech class, which helped him stay grounded.

“Professor Wilson let me know she was just a phone call away, and that really shows how caring Brock is,” he said. “I felt comfortable, safe and supported to have this life-changing experience.”

Parker also drew on his studies in STAC, devouring diverse reading materials that deepened his connection to artistic creation.

“Truthfully, 75 per cent of the job in acting for film is waiting in your trailer. Breathwork, meditative exercises and reading allowed me to be ‘on’ when I was called to set,” he said.

In the film, Benvolio’s character is the peacekeeper, Romeo’s right-hand man, but anxious and cautious about the famous feuding families central to the plot. Parker relied on his practice to achieve heightened moments of emotion expressed through movement and facial expressions.

“My theatre skills gave me the foundation to make creative choices so I could channel those emotions for BenvoIio’s character,” he said.

Parker said Brock helped show him how much one can learn from others about their experiences and create lasting friendships in the process.

“Jason Isaacs, for example, was just looking for someone who would play tennis with him. I told him I’ve played since I was a kid and then taught tennis, and we ended up playing together off set. You learn quickly that human connection is what brings artists together,” he said.

Parker said believing in his abilities was his key to success, adding he “had confidence knowing my Brock family was in my corner.”

For updates on the film and behind-the-scenes moments, follow Parker on Instagram at @maxparkerofficial.

For official news and exclusive content from Juliet & Romeo, follow the film at @julietandromeomovie.

Tags: centre for studies in arts and culture, Department of Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts, humanities, Juliet & Romeo, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Max Parker, MIWSFPA
Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, News
Creative collaboration sets stage for new student play

Friday, April 04, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Fourth-year Dramatic Arts students and members of Peregrine Theatre Co. look for hope and amidst life’s challenges in their new play Mementos. From left are Megan Mastantuono, Simon Bell, Oliver Webb Wilkinson and Maddox Keller.

Friday, April 04, 2025 | by The Brock News

Aspiring theatre artists at Brock are mining the complexity of human experience in an original production premiering at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre.

Mementos, a new play conceived and created by students in DART 4D56 Collaborative Play Development, is the result of a year-long creative exploration into the world theatre-making from the initial inspiration to final presentation.

Through fragmented storytelling that builds a wider narrative arc, Mementos captures the beauty — and ugliness — of what it means to be human. Audiences take on an active role of “onlooker” as pieces of character’s lives, full of love, loss and uncertainty, unfold on stage.

DART 4D56 gives students the opportunity to develop their artistic voices, showcase their work and gain knowledge from industry professionals by taking on the roles of a small theatre company. The ensemble, Peregrine Theatre Co., is comprised of seven students each contributing to the final production in creative and technical ways.

Fourth-year student Megan Mastantuono, Mementos Associate Director and Head of Wardrobe, said working with a small company meant collaboration was key.

“As an ensemble, we’ve done a lot of writing together to create the final play. Through writing different pieces of the production, I have discovered new things about myself. It is an emotionally charged show for all of us,” she said.

Fourth-year student Maddox Keller, Peregrine Theatre Co.’s Head of Sound Design who also performs and leads the ensembles marketing and promotion, said his most valuable takeaway is embracing the idea that developing artistic work is never finished.

“No matter how you slice it, your first draft will never be the complete product. Things will change, things will get cut, things won’t always work on the first try — and that’s OK. The work will continue to grow and develop because of these stumbles,” he said.

The first iteration of Mementos was shown in November at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) under a different name: Picking Up the Pieces. The first draft of the script was created using a variety of devising experiments and exercises, challenging the cast to create material based on personal experience and interests.

Mementos explores themes from Picking Up the Pieces, such as loss and societal commentary, refining and expanding ideas to create an immersive and impactful performance for audiences.

Fourth-year student Oliver Webb Wilkinson — Mementos’ Costume Designer, Performer, Scripter and Graphic Designer — reflected on how working on the show has impacted the group’s artistic development.

“Mementos is a big experiment for all of us. Through nonlinear storytelling we examine human connection, the balance of hope and existential worry, and what we carry with us from our pasts,” he said. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far as a company, and I can’t wait for folks to see it.”

Mementos runs from Thursday, April 10 to Saturday, April 12 at the MIWSFPA. Tickets can be purchased through Brock University Tickets.

Tags: DART 4D56, Department of Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts, humanities, Maddox Keller, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Megan Mastantuono, Mementos, MIWSFPA, Oliver Webb Wilkinson, Peregrine Theatre Co.
Categories: Current Students, Performance Season, Plays
Brock to make splash with Metamorphoses mainstage

Monday, February 24, 2025 | By eknight

Image caption: Brock University’s Dramatic Arts mainstage performance of Ovid’s Metamorphoses opens this Friday, Feb. 28 at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre.

Monday, February 24, 2025 | by Gillian Minaker

Creative minds in Brock University’s Faculty of Humanities have joined forces to bring an epic ancient Roman poem to life on stage.

The Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) will present playwright Mary Zimmerman’s award-winning adaption of Metamorphoses — complete with a challenging stage element sure to make waves with audiences.

The play, which includes a large pool of water central to the production, opens Friday, Feb. 28 at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre stage in downtown St. Catharines.

Though the original literary work dates back more than 2,000 years, Metamorphoses continues to capture imaginations across creative and academic disciplines. Written in Latin by Ovid, a Roman poet exiled by emperor Augustus in 8 CE, the collection of myths explores themes of transformation, beauty and struggle in the ancient world.

“Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation shows how powerless people are empowered through Ovid’s stories, and we hope the hilarity and poignant drama will open similar transformations for audiences,” said retired DART Associate Professor Gyllian Raby, who is directing the production.

Adam Rappold, Assistant Professor of Classics and Archaeology, teaches a course dedicated to Ovid’s Metamorphoses and worked on the mainstage as Dramaturge — an expert in the interpretation and composition of theatrical works, often advising on the text and how it is represented on stage.

Rappold advised on the poem’s literary devices and shared insights with the cast about storytelling and the construction of myths.

“Contemporary artists and scholars have re-examined the rebelliousness of Ovid’s poem and rediscovered the critique of the Roman Empire, revealing the full compassionate range of the exiled Ovid’s vision,” he said.

Raby says that theatrically, this has been the most challenging play she has tackled to date. She credits the production team at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts for rising to the occasion.

The DART cast and production crew created a technically advanced and visually stunning stage environment, including the large pool of water famously called for by Zimmerman’s adaptation.

DART Technical Director Gavin Fearon said throughout rehearsals, the production crew have continued to discover new aspects of the pool’s impact on every element of the show including choreography, props and lighting.

“Students in every role are navigating challenges introduced by the water,” he said. “The costumes team in particular, needed to track wet and dry quick changes in under 30 seconds.”

Audiences will also experience original music of composer and DART sound design Instructor Joe Lapinski (BA ’99) who has drawn inspiration from the ancient Greek philosophical idea that celestial bodies make music, known as the “music of the spheres.”

Voice Instructor and soprano Leanne Vida in the Department of Music coached individual singers in the production, including fourth-year actor Maddox Keller, who also took on the role of Choral Conductor.

Metamorphoses opens Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines. Performances will also take place Saturday, March 1; Friday, March 7; and Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2.

General admission tickets are $25 and tickets for students and seniors are $20. Visit Brock University Tickets to reserve seats.

Tags: Adam Rappold, classics, DART, Dramatic Arts, Gyllian Raby, humanities, Joe Lapinski, Leanne Vida, Mainstage, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, Nav Brar
Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, News, Performance Season, Plays
Brock’s arts impact takes centre stage

Friday, November 22, 2024 | By eknight

Friday, November 22, 2024 | by April Jeffs

Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho (second from left) toured the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) along with St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe (third from left) on Thursday, Nov. 21. Visual Arts Professor and Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts Linda Carreiro (left), Provost and Vice-President Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila (second from right) and Dean of Humanities Carol Merriam (right) highlighted how Brock’s state-of-the-art facilities and world-class resources and instruction provide a strong foundation for students to pursue their career goals and make meaningful contributions to the arts by helping to grow a vibrant centre of culture in both Niagara.

Tags: centre for studies in arts and culture, Department of Dramatic Arts, Department of Music, Department of Visual Arts, Linda Carreiro, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA
Grads in spotlight for enhancing local arts scene

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | By eknight
Image caption: Brock graduates Deanna Jones (BA ’02), left, and Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20) are two of five alumni who were recently honoured with arts awards from the City of St. Catharines.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | by Gillian Minaker

According to Deanna Jones (BA ’02), a thriving local arts scene allows for people to connect by sharing stories and perspectives in innovative, creative and provocative ways.

Jones was one of five Brock graduates honoured across five categories for their creative talent and community engagement during the St. Catharines Arts Awards held Nov. 3 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC).

A Dramatic Arts graduate and actor, writer and director, Jones was the recipient of the 2024 Making a Difference Award. The co-founder of Suitcase in Point Multi-Arts Company is a firm believer in the power of the arts to bring about conversation, build understanding and create expressive outlets for change.

“A dynamic arts and culture sector also provides opportunities, including paid work for artists who contribute significantly to the local economy and quality of life for people who live there,” she said.

Jones said her experience at Brock significantly shaped who she is today, especially as the place where she connected with her future creative collaborators.

“As students, we were provided a platform to take risks and challenge ourselves,” she said. “I continued my education through professional experience and travel in other places and cultures that added to the foundation that was laid at Brock.”

For Visual Arts graduate Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20), winner of the 2024 Emerging Artist Award, art enriches community.

“For me, art is about making meaningful connections. It’s a way to share my thoughts and feelings while inviting others to respond and share their own perspectives,” she said.

Williams said her experiences at Brock, where she felt supported and encouraged by professors and the University community, gave her the confidence and drive to pursue a career in fine arts.

In addition to her own interdisciplinary creative practice centred in photography, Williams now works with many local community organizations like Niagara Artists Centre and Willow Arts Community delivering workshops and classes exploring photo-based mediums.

“Art brings joy and meaning to my life, even in the smallest, everyday moments. I am honoured and excited to help expand the arts community in Niagara region — and to give back to a community that has offered me so much support,” she said.

Linda Carreiro, Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts, said Brock has been successful in providing a strong foundation for students to pursue their careers.

“This path may take many forms, but we’re always pleased to see when people continue making meaningful contributions to the arts,” she said.

Jessica Wilson, Culture Supervisor for the City of St. Catharines, said the city is enriched by artists, educators, and supporters whose dedication and creative expression build a vibrant cultural landscape that connects and uplifts the whole community.

“This year’s Arts Awards recipients exemplify the profound impact the arts have on St. Catharines,” Wilson said.

“The artistic talent in this city continues to impress me and creates a huge sense of pride in our local artistic scene,” Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe said. “Their efforts continue to grow our cultural sector and have made St. Catharines the vibrant centre of culture in the Niagara region.”

The full list of Brock grads who received 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards includes:
- 2024 Emerging Artist Award — Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20)
- 2024 Established Artist — Cole Lewis (BA ’04, MA ’08)
- 2024 Arts in Education Award — Brenna McAllister (BA ’00, BEd ’02)
- 2024 Making a Difference Award — Deanna Jones (BA ’02)
- 2024 Patron of the Arts Award — Annette F. Urlocker (BA ’73)
Tags: alumni, City of St. Catharines, communication popular culture and film, Department of Dramatic Arts, Department of Visual Arts, Education, faculty of education, faculty of social sciences, Graduate Studies, humanities, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, St. Catharines Arts Awards
Categories: Alumni, Announcements, In the Media
Dramatic Arts welcomes celebrated theatre leader for mainstage production

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | By eknight

Image caption: Simone Cinapri (left), a fourth-year Concurrent Education student with teachables in Dramatic Arts (DART) and History, rehearses on stage at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre with guest Director Soheil Parsa and second-year DART student Lennon Paul (right) in preparation for DART’s mainstage production of Scorched.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | by Gillian Minaker

Director and writer Soheil Parsa is bringing his award-winning theatre expertise and artistry to Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

Parsa, co-founder and former artistic director of Modern Times Stage Company in Toronto, is directing Scorched, a bold, innovative play written by Wajdi Mouawad, for the Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) fall mainstage production. Parsa was Dramatic Arts Walker Cultural Leader for the 2023-24 season.

With set and costume design by DART Associate Professor and Scenographer David Vivian, the deeply political and philosophical play explores fate, retribution and the human capacity for violence and destruction.

Scorched tells the story of Nawal, a woman who fled a country tormented by violence, and her twins, Janine and Simon, who were raised in Quebec. Following Nawal’s death, the twins must return to their mother’s war-torn country to carry out her last wishes and deliver letters to their father, believed dead, and a brother they didn’t know they had.

Parsa said Scorched strongly resonates with the events shaping the world today.

“In this remarkable poetic piece, Mouawad explores the darker sides of human nature, contemporary barbarism, dehumanization in the face of war, friendship, separation, love and loss,” he said.

Fourth-year Concurrent Education student Simone Cinapri, who plays the role of Janine, said Parsa guided the cast and creative team through the challenging script with patience and wisdom.

“Beyond developing my skills as an actor, this experience has taught me about dedication, communication and creativity, lessons I will carry with me beyond my time at Brock,” she said.

Cinapri explored how to bring characters like Janine to life — characters Parsa described as archetypal beings representing the essence of human hope, struggle and failure — as a tribute to women who have been affected by war and sexual violence.

“By exploring the cycle of violence experienced by immigrant families in the play, I have drawn connections to my own family who faced many barriers to live in Canada today,” she said. “I am so grateful for DART’s dedication to providing memorable learning opportunities through mainstage productions.”

Vivian, who attended National Theatre School with Mouawad, said the DART students involved in the production have “carried the characters in the play very carefully in our hearts these past few months.”

“Digging deep into the histories and destinies of a multi-generation family led by women of great humanity has been simultaneously a privilege and a challenging responsibility for the artists of DART,” he said.

Scorched opens Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines. Performances will also take place Saturday, Nov. 2, Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.

General admission tickets are available for $25 and tickets for students and seniors are available for $20. Visit the DART event website to reserve tickets.

The public is also invited to a mini symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Film House (FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre) for an engaging conversation with lead creatives from the production and guest scholars from Brock’s Faculties of Humanities and Applied Health Sciences. Free registration, ticket required.

Content Advisory: The production contains mature content and is only recommended for individuals aged 16 and up.

Tags: David Vivian, Dramatic Arts, humanities, Mainstage, MIWSFPA, Scorched, Simone Cinapri, Soheil Parsa
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