Students performing EVITA - Grand Theatre High School Project 2017
Claus Andersen - photographer
“Jan is an extraordinary acting coach. She taught me how to use my script and all the information in it to discover my own personal intersection with the material, all the while making me feel comfortable enough to go outside my comfort zone. Thank you, Jan!”
Rebecca Poff, Canadian actor and soprano
“Jan helped build the foundation for our acting program- providing her wealth of experience and her knowledge of craft. She was able to offer our students clear, creative and impactful exercises. She engaged students with play as well as rigorous analysis, centering her approach on action and connection.”
Jennie Esdale, Outlook-Development-Education Program Director of Theatre Aquarius.
instructor resumÉ
INSTRUCTOR
As an acting teacher, Jan’s primary focus tends toward identifying, exploring and playing of action. She encourages students to strip away the text, and to identify precisely what the character wants and how they intend to fight for it. Students develop specificity in performance. They learn how to rehearse, how to perform, how to work collaboratively, and develop a vital tool for short notice audition requirements.
Grand Theatre, London Ontario - Culture City Instructor - 2019
Acting workshop instructor for 20 students in Grade 7/8 at Tecumseh Public School as part of the annual Culture City Program.
Shakespeare Co., Calgary, Alberta - Director 2018
Director of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING for professional mentoring company. Two thirds of the cast were non-professional, and advised / trained throughout rehearsals.
Grand Theatre, London Ontario - High School Project 2017
Director/Choreographer of EVITA; mentored 45 high school students from throughout London, Ontario and surrounding area.
Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton, Ontario - ODE Program - 2017-2018
Musical Performance instructor for children, youth and young adults with economic and cultural barriers.
St. Lawrence College, Brockville Campus, Brockville, ON - 2015
Director/choreographer of SEUSSICAL with a cast of 19 students in either their second or final year of Musical Performance training.
Charlottetown Festival, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - 2015-2016
Acting & Action workshop instructor for the Charlottetown Festival Young Company for two consecutive seasons.
Festival Players of Prince Edward Country - Picton, Ontario - 2014
Acting & Action Workshop and Yoga instructor for Festival Players Young Company.
Private professional acting coach 2014 - present.
