Articles tagged with: humanities

  • ‘Now, you get to exist the way you want to’: Dramatic Arts grad’s life-changing journey

    Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | By

    Graduating student in gown proudly holds up Pride flag

    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 

    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.

    Photograph of four actors in scene from Mementos

    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 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.”

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    Categories: Alumni, Current Students, News

  • Youth theatre festival shines spotlight on Canada’s brightest emerging talent

    Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | By

    Photo of high school students participating in Wardrobe workshop.

    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 

    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.

    Photo of carpentry expert Ed Harris giving demonstration to students at STAR Fest

    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.

    Photo of students performing onstage at STAR Fest.

    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)

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    Categories: Alumni, Future students, News, Visiting Artists

  • Rising Brock star makes feature film debut in pop musical ‘Juliet & Romeo’

    Monday, May 12, 2025 | By

    Photo of Max Parker in Marilyn I. Walker Theatre.

    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 

    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.

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    Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, News

  • Creative collaboration sets stage for new student play

    Friday, April 04, 2025 | By

    Photograph of four actors in scene from Mementos

    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 

    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.

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    Categories: Current Students, Performance Season, Plays

  • DART Invitationals provide a unique audition process at Brock

    Friday, March 28, 2025 | By

    Image caption: Participants of Brock University’s Dramatic Arts March Invitational create and explore a piece of theatre together.

    Thursday, March 20, 2025 | by 

    High school students across Canada are preparing for Brock University’s upcoming DART Invitationals.

    DART, an acronym that refers to the Dramatic Arts program at Brock University, recently held their first annual invitational of the year on March 1. Students who received a conditional offer of admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Dramatic Arts or Bachelor of Arts (Honours)/Dramatic Arts Concurrent Education programs were invited to attend the invitational, held at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), as a part of their admissions process.

    Unlike other, more traditional auditions, students who attended the invitational participated in a series of workshops that allowed them to develop introductory skills in performance, creation, design and production. The day gave students an opportunity to use what they learned to work together and create a piece of theatre with their peers.

    In preparation for the second invitational on May 3, The Brock Press spoke to DART student Adia Buckle — who participated in the process in May 2024 — about her experience being a part of the event.

    Buckle said while she got nervous driving herself from her hometown of Hamilton, she was “so excited to create.”

    The day started with a series of activities that allowed Buckle and her fellow classmates to get comfortable in the space they would be working in. The attendees, having been asked to read Sophocles’ play Antigone, all came with an essay they had prepared about the work. Their reading and writing helped guide them, inspiring many of the pieces they worked on throughout the day.

    This work was facilitated by upper-year student volunteers, professors and other Brock staff, allowing students like Buckle the opportunity to meet some of their future DART peers. David Vivian, a professor in the Dramatic Arts department at Brock, said he thinks professors and the current students are the heart of the DART invitational experience.

    “The Chair of the Department, Jennifer Roberts Smith, and the Invitational team of faculty and students, begin the day with presentations to the applicants and their parents and guardians about the program […] and then about the ideas that circulate in and inform our understanding of the play that we have asked our applicants to come prepared to investigate and explore during the day [of the invitational],” said Vivian.

    By allowing students to work with their prospective instructors, Vivian believes DART places all their applicants on a path to success for when they arrive in September. The process also allows students to get acquainted with the campus.

    “I had an opportunity to meet some of my future classmates,” said Buckle, an experience that gave her and her peers something to talk about when classes started in the fall. “Even figuring out where the bathrooms were prior to the first week of school was a comfort to me in those first days of university where everything was a little scary.”

    But most meaningful to Buckle was the experience she had working with her group to create a piece of theatre. “The moment where all of us were excitedly brainstorming, our passion at an all-time high,” said Buckle, “that is my favourite part of theatre creation.”

    While Buckle has spent much of her life working in the theatre world, she said the adrenaline of that moment is what draws her back to the work time after time. Getting to work alongside fellow artists and creatives helped cement her choice to pursue studies in dramatic arts at Brock University.

    Creating this feeling is the goal for Vivian and the other event organizers, as Vivian said participants often report that the experience helped them make sure they were making the right choice.

    “[Students] often remark that our methods and the context of learning at the MIWSFPA are different than what they’ve experienced when applying for other programs,” said Vivian, “and that by participating in the Invitational, they’ve discovered something that is unique and attractive to them.”

    Vivian, much like the students who attend the invitational, has found that his favourite part of the process is getting to learn about applicants’ dreams and hopes for the future, as well as what matters most in their lives.

    “Our applicants never fail to impress us with the depth and breadth of their passion for making theatre,” said Vivian, “whether by teaching theatre to youth in their future careers as teachers, as theatre artists, content generators, scholars and researchers, [or] as entrepreneurs and community leaders who want to make change in our world.”

    The work that Vivian and his colleagues are doing is important and timely, shaping young artistic minds to ensure the future of dramatic arts is in exceptionally good hands.

    Read the article directly here: https://brockpress.com/dart-invitationals-provide-a-unique-audition-process-at-brock/

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    Categories: Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future students, News

  • Brock to make splash with Metamorphoses mainstage

    Monday, February 24, 2025 | By

    Photograph of rehearsal for DART mainstage production Metamorphoses

    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 

    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.

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    Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, News, Performance Season, Plays

  • Educational theatre festival builds community connections

    Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | By

    A group of people wearing masks stand in a studio.

    Niagara high school students weren’t waiting in the wings at a recent theatre festival held at Brock; they had the spotlight.

    The second annual Niagara Regional STAR Festival (School Theatrical Arts Recognition) brought secondary school students and teachers to Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) on Dec. 12.

    Presented by the Theatrical Arts Education Association and MIWSFPA, the full-day event was organized by Brock Dramatic Arts (DART) Associate Professor and Scenographer David Vivian and Tracy Garratt, Program Leader for the Arts, School Culture and Student Engagement with the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and a teacher at A.N. Myer Secondary School in Niagara Falls, Ont.

    The festival activities were the result of collaboration between local professional artists, educators and arts organizations, including the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and the Shaw Festival.

    Following workshops in MIWSFPA studio spaces led by professional artists, Brock alumni, regional educators and theatre designers, students presented their performances and productions in the categories of Technical Theatre and Design, Musical Theatre Acting — including monologues, duet and ensemble — and one act plays.

    Garratt says these opportunities to engage with diverse narratives and characters will 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. Theatre not only nurtures artistic voices, but also serves as a vital educational tool that helps students explore complex social issues and inequities,” she said.

    Vivian said the talent of participants was impressive, with students singing one moment and sharing their design and production skills the next.

    “We can’t wait to see what these emerging artists will bring to the major stages of the world in the future,” he said.

    The Brock and Niagara community are invited to the upcoming three-day National South STAR Festival held at MIWSFPA in May 2025. For details, visit Theatrical Arts Education Association.

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    Categories: News

  • Grads in spotlight for enhancing local arts scene

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | By

    Headshot of Deanna Jones and Amber Lee Williams

    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 

    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)

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    Categories: Alumni, Announcements, In the Media

  • Dramatic Arts welcomes celebrated theatre leader for mainstage production

    Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | By

    Director Soheil Parsa works with students Simone Cinapri and Lennon Paul on stage.

    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 

    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.

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    Categories: Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Media Releases, News, Performance Season, Plays

  • Groundbreaking artists bring inspiration to Niagara

    Friday, August 30, 2024 | By

    Headshots of Jani Lauzon and Camille Turner side by side

    Image caption: Award-winning multidisciplinary artist Jani Lauzon (left) and artist and scholar Camille Turner will bring their creative expertise to Brock this fall as part of the 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader Series.

    Friday, August 30, 2024 | by 

    From nurturing Indigenous-settler reconciliation through theatre creation and exposing silenced Black histories through an immersive art exhibition, Brock is bringing unique, hands-on learning experiences to the campus and wider community this fall.

    As the University kicks off its 60th anniversary celebrations, a new season of compelling cultural events, workshops and lectures launches in September as part of Brock’s 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader (WCL) Series presented by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

    Supported by the generosity of the late Marilyn I. Walker, the series enriches local creative and intellectual life by inviting recognized cultural leaders, top researchers, scholars, professionals and visiting artists from all disciplines to Brock’s downtown arts school.

    MIWSFPA Director and Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts Linda Carreiro said the significant impact of arts and culture at Brock, and society at large, is highlighted by the work of renowned visiting artists and scholars in this year’s lineup.

    “It’s always such a pleasure to host cultural leaders with deep knowledge and expertise who are so willing to share their talents with the local community,” Carreiro said. “Our Walker Cultural Leaders provide not only examples of artistic excellence, but this year’s series also facilitates important conversations about respectful and meaningful collaboration, inclusion, reconciliation and redress.”

    The series begins Saturday, Sept. 7 with creative workshops, led by celebrated Montréal-based visual artist Marc-Alexandre Dumoulin, exploring art making and how art is defined.

    In October, award-winning artist and scholar Camille Turner, whose work combines Afrofuturism and history, will bring her Afronautic Research Lab project to the MIWSFPA Visual Arts Gallery in an immersive exhibition. She will also provide a workshop, Afronautic Research Methodology, to students and members of the public on Saturday, Oct. 5, with advance registration required.

    Gemini award recipient Jani Lauzon, a multidisciplinary artist of Métis, French and Finnish ancestry, will take the stage at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Film House on Wednesday, Oct. 2 for a public talk alongside Kaitlyn Riordin. The two co-authored the play 1939, which takes place in a fictional residential school in northern Ontario.

    Lauzon will continue to work with Dramatic Arts (DART) students, faculty and theatre production staff throughout the year in workshops on Indigenous productions in preparation for an upcoming DART mainstage production led by Métis DART faculty member Matthew MacKenzie.

     

    In the winter, Chicago-based composer, performer and music educator John Robert Matz will be in residency at Brock for a “sound jam” in partnership with Digital Humanities where participants will create video game prototypes using sound in innovative ways.

    Matz will also give a public lecture at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre about his experience of being invited to compose the score for the game Tchia (Awaceb2023) by members of New Caledonia, offering perspective on ethical, cross-cultural collaborations with Indigenous communities.

    Many of the WCL Series events are open to the public. Visit the MIWSFPA WCL website for more information on the visiting speakers and registration information.

    “Marilyn I. Walker’s generous gift continues to support impactful programming for our students and for the public who take part in the events,” Carreiro said.

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    Categories: Events, News, Uncategorised

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