Articles tagged with: Experiential Education

• 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

• Enbridge bursary empowers students through work-integrated learning, advocacy

  Friday, August 15, 2025 | By dvivian

  

  From left: Dramatic Arts students Sandra Nampiima, Makayla Finn and Karai Flowers celebrate The Masks We Wear, the One Acts Play Festival that featured a performance co-created by Finn and her fellow upper-year Brock Dramatic Arts students, which is part of the theatre-based projects she pursued through the Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary.

  This story was originally published in the Brock News on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.  Additional information has been included.

  ---

  The stage is more than a performance space for Brock University student Makayla Finn; it’s a platform for belonging and empowerment.

  This summer, it became a launchpad for deeper impact, made possible by support from Enbridge Inc.

  Finn, a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Physical Education program with a minor in Dramatic Arts, received the 2025 Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary alongside Justin Mafie, a Bachelor of Science student in Mathematics.

  The award supports undergraduate students involved in Brock’s Work Experience Program offered by Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE), with preference given to non-co-op students who demonstrate financial need. Funded by a $10,000 gift from Enbridge Inc., the bursary provides $5,000 to each recipient to pursue meaningful, career-aligned opportunities.

  Recognized on their academic transcript, the program allows students to set intentional learning goals, develop Brock’s core competencies and reflect on their growth with guidance from a member of the Co-op Education and Workplace Partnership team.

  

  Brock University student and entrepreneur Justin Mafie presents during Black History Month and African Heritage Month events. Mafie’s digital creative agency, CREOVA, grew through the Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary and Brock LINC’s Navigate program.

  Through feedback from employers and the chance to build industry connections, students gain insight and confidence to navigate their future careers.

  “We are deeply grateful for Enbridge’s generous bursary support, which makes it possible for students with financial need to pursue meaningful, career-relevant work experiences,” said Julia Zhu, Director, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education. “This support not only reduces financial barriers but also empowers students to gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields.”

  The bursary allowed Finn to pursue a suite of theatre-based initiatives this summer, including directing an adaptation of Miss Julie for Brock’s One Act Festival, acting and collaborating in four Summer Institute workshops, and contributing to the DART Performance Research Institute (DART PRI).

  For Finn, who grew up in Toronto, these experiences represent more than professional growth.

  “This summer’s projects reflected a transformation,” she said. “I was once a young girl who would’ve never imagined what she could accomplish, but through faith and perseverance, I’ve learned never to take the gift of life for granted.”

  Through the One Act Festival, Finn explored themes of race, gender and class in Miss Julie, co-directing a reimagined production with third-year DART student Gianna Lupparelli that pushed boundaries and challenged norms. The production featured the performers Landon Drexler as John, Megan Mastantuono as Julie, and Sandra Nampiima as Christine. Toronto-based DART instructor Michael Reinhart was the Artistic Director of the festival.

  At DART PRI, Finn worked in an incubator focused on anti-supremacy in theatre and education, combining creativity with critical advocacy. Her projects included Wife of Bath by Independent Auntie Productions, led by renown Canadian artists Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry, Minosis Gathers Hope by Carousel Players, led by Monica Dufault and Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, The Square, led by the Dora Nominated Nigerian Actor, Writer, Performer and Mother, Dienye Waboso Amajor, and The Source The Work The Story by In my own head theatre, led by Dienye Waboso Amajor, Marcel Stewart (DART alumnus), and Shabnam Sukhdev.

  “Silence doesn’t create opportunity,” Finn said. “To make a positive impact, you must advocate not just for others but for yourself.”

  Her work in the arts is part of a much broader mission. This past fall, Finn launched the Black Flourishing Advocacy Initiative, a community-wide effort promoting Black mental health, leadership and critical inclusivity at Brock.

  “The goal is to create braver and safer spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued,” she said. “This bursary gave me the time and resources to grow as an artist and advocate; to show up for others.”

  As Vice-President of the Black Student Association, she is spearheading the initiative alongside Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) clubs and community members.

  “I may not carry every lived experience,” said Finn. “But I show up. Helping someone find their voice and purpose — that’s power. I choose to speak loudly, fiercely, even when it’s uncomfortable, because my story, my truth and my voice deserve to take up space.”

  Meanwhile, Mafie used the funding to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship.

  Through Brock LINC’s Navigate program, he is developing his startup, CREOVA, which is short for “creative innovation.” The digital agency offers videography, photography, social media management and branding services.

  “With a background in computer science, math and business, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of data and creativity,” said Mafie. “CREOVA helps individuals and organizations tell their stories in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.”

  Through Navigate, Mafie has engaged with dozens of potential clients and gathered feedback to refine his services. The hands-on, 11-week program supports early-stage ventures by teaching lean startup methodology, connecting participants with mentors and encouraging customer discovery.

  “Receiving the bursary made a huge difference,” he said. “It allowed me to dedicate real time to developing the business and building a foundation for long-term growth.”

  Mafie said the support not only made the logistics of entrepreneurship easier but also affirmed that his work matters.

  “That kind of encouragement goes a long way,” he said. “The Enbridge bursary helped me turn an idea into something with real impact.”

  Tags: CCEE, co-op, DART, DART Performance Research Institute, DART PRI, development and donor relations, Dramatic Arts, Experiential Education, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Math and Science, FoH, Landon Drexler, Makayla Finn, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Megan Mastantuono, MIWSFPA, One Act Plays, physical education, Sandra Nampiima, Summer Institute, theatre
  Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, Future students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised, Visiting Artists

• Brock students on Broadway

  Monday, April 30, 2018 | By dtemprile

  

  Cast members from the student-run Mirror Theatre had the unique opportunity to perform in the heart of the New York City theatre district recently.

  On Wednesday, April 25, the cast members performed vignettes from their applied theatre work at the Marriott Marquis hotel.

  Mirror Theatre is a comprised primarily of Brock Dramatic Arts students that produce and perform interactive scenes on a variety of social issues. The group is coached by Dramatic Arts Chair and Professor of Drama in Education and Applied Theatre Joe Norris. It gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learn in their courses in real-world situations. Through experiential education, the students develop life and learning skills that will prepare them for their careers and future studies.

  Mirror Theatre was invited to attend the Arts Based Educational Research (ABER) business meeting in New York City by the ABER Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association. At the conference, they presented “Employing Playbuilding Research and Pedagogy in Addressing Educational and Social Issues Facing Youth.” Their scenes addressed issues of academic integrity, seeking help, dealing with gossip, refusing unsafe working conditions, parental pressures and healthy eating.

  

  Regent cheque presented to Mirror Theatre for $500.

  The trip was partially funded by the Regent Student Livings’ Dramatic Arts Student Independent and Outreach Projects fund. Recently, Mitch Allanson (BA ’16) presented Abby Rollo, Mirror Theatre’s President and Lindsey Abrams, Treasurer a cheque for $500. This award will be available to DART students each year and is part of Regent Student Livings investment in the success of the students at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

  Cast members of Mirror Theatre include, Lindsey Abrams, Dani Shae Barkley, Kaedyn Brouse, Candice De Freitas Braz, Aaron Drake, Nadia Ganesh, Rosa Moreno, Mike Metz, Abby Rollo, Sumer Seth, Dawson Strangway and Director Joe Norris.

  Tags: ABER, Broadway, brockudart, DART, Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts in Education, Experiential Education, Joe Norris, Joe Norris Playbuilding, Mirror Theatre, MIWSFPA, New York City, Regent, Regent Student Living
  Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, News, Performance Season