10:00–11:00 AM · Saint John Arts Centre
Editing Plays Down to Size (UNB)
Dr. Sandra BellHow do you turn a full-length play into something manageable for a school production without losing what makes the story work? Explore practical approaches to cutting and adapting scripts while preserving essential characters, relationships, plot and dramatic momentum. This workshop offers useful strategies for teachers looking to make challenging or lengthy plays workable for student performers and school production schedules.
Presenter bio
Dr. Sandra Bell is a Professor of English at the University of New Brunswick Saint John, where she teaches drama, Shakespeare, Script into Performance and Shakespeare and Pedagogy. An award-winning educator, she received the 2022 Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Teaching Award and has presented numerous workshops on Shakespeare and theatre pedagogy. Sandra is also an active director, playwright and performer in the Saint John theatre community, co-founded the Fundy FRINGE Festival, and serves on the board of the Saint John Theatre Company.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Saint John Arts Centre
Ensemble Building with Alex Rioux (TNB)
Alex RiouxIn theatre we are not simply guiding individuals toward success, we are building a team that learns to trust, support, and depend on one another. Our goal as instructors is to make an environment where students feel comfortable taking creative risks, supporting one another, and working together as a true ensemble.
Led by Theatre New Brunswick’s Theatre School and Young Company Director Alex Rioux, participants will explore a variety of theatre games and exercises designed to break down barriers, foster collaboration, and help students develop a strong sense of ensemble. This workshop is intended for new and experienced drama teachers looking to add more activities to their repertoire.
Presenter bio
Alex Rioux (they/them) is a theatre producer, director, and educator based in Wolastoqey Territory (Fredericton, NB). Alex’s professional practice began through an internship with Solo Chicken Productions where, with the guidance of Artistic Director Lisa Anna Ross, they helped develop and execute new works of physical theatre, and innovative community programming. Since then, Alex has gone on to work with numerous New Brunswick companies including Bard in the Barracks, Notable Acts, The Calithumpians, and Theatre New Brunswick where they currently serve as the Theatre School and Young Company director. Most recent directing credits include The Velveteen Rabbit (TNB Young Company), A Midsummer Nights Dream (TNB Theatre School), Fruit Machine (Solo Chicken Productions), and Twelfth Night (Bard in the Barracks).
1:30–2:20 PM · Saint John Theatre Company BMO Theatre
Wardrobe Principles (SJTC)
Brenda McLeeseExplore the fundamentals of theatrical wardrobe and learn practical techniques for managing costumes in school productions. This hands-on session will introduce key principles of wardrobe organization, costume care, fittings, quick changes and preparing costumes for performance. Teachers will leave with practical ideas and approaches they can apply to their own school theatre programs.
Presenter bio
Brenda McLeese is a professional costume designer and wardrobe specialist with more than 35 years of experience working in theatre and film across Canada. A graduate of Dalhousie University’s Costume Studies program, she has worked with organizations including Neptune Theatre, Centaur Theatre, Theatre New Brunswick and Imperial Theatre. A longtime collaborator with Saint John Theatre Company, Brenda has designed costumes for more than 40 of its productions. She is also the owner and operator of BJM Costumes, a professional costume rental house.
2:30–3:30 PM · Saint John Theatre Company BMO Theatre
Scenic Painting: Techniques for the School Stage (SJTC)
Matthew BlackwoodBring your sets to life with practical scenic painting techniques that can be used in any school theatre program. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore approaches to creating texture, depth, dimension, and visual impact using accessible materials and efficient painting methods. From wood grain and stone effects to aging, shading, and large-scale scenic treatments, teachers will leave with adaptable techniques they can bring back to their students and productions.
Presenter bio
Matthew Blackwood is the Technical Director and Facilities Manager at Saint John Theatre Company. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Theatre Production program, Matthew has worked across many areas of technical theatre, including scenic painting, lighting, rigging, set construction, and production technology. Prior to returning to his home region of Saint John, he worked as a project manager for theatre and AV installation company Jack A. Frost in Mississauga. At SJTC, Matthew brings his broad technical expertise to productions while helping support the company’s performance spaces and production operations.
3:30–4:00 PM · Saint John Theatre Company BMO Theatre
TAEA / STAR Fest & Ideas to Support Your Drama Program (TAEA)
Sarah Koegler-ClarkeDiscover the programs, opportunities and resources available through TAEA and STAR Fest while exploring practical ideas for growing a thriving drama program at your school. This session will share strategies for increasing student involvement, building excitement around theatre, creating performance opportunities, developing student leadership and connecting your program with the wider theatre education community. Come ready to share ideas and leave with practical strategies you can take back to your school.
Presenter bio
Sarah Koegler-Clarke is an educator and program coordinator with extensive experience in education, youth programming and the arts. A graduate of the University of Windsor, Sarah has worked in educational settings both in Canada and internationally. Her theatre background includes many years working in community theatre in a variety of production roles, including stage management, technical theatre and costume design. She is passionate about creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences and supporting young people through creative and community-based programming.
