To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
CON-ACT is a brand-new online program that brings people of all ages together and connects friends and families through one-time arts-based classes. This new endeavour by Talk Is Free Theatre offers an eclectic variety of classes taught by some of Canada’s premiere theatre artists.
We are thrilled to have such talented instructors as Jake Epstein (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Kimberly-Ann Truong (Stratford’s Rocky Horror Show, A Little Night Music, and Broadway’s Miss Saigon), and Richard Ouzounian (playwright and former theatre critic for The Toronto Star). Classes include Mime Over Matter, Playwriting for Beginners, Acting Through Song and many more!
CON-ACT offers both group, semi-private, and private classes in three categories: for children between 6 and 9 years of age, for teenagers between 10 and 14, and for individuals starting at 15 years of age and adults. These one-time class offerings include games for actors, dance, mime, monologue work, musical theatre, Shakespeare analysis, and more.
Using Zoom, individuals will have the opportunity to register into small groups or private one-on-one sessions to have fun and learn more about theatre, music, dance and more and through this build a community!
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
All classes are for groups of five (5) participants Private Classes are available upon request*
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Acting Through Story (1 hr)* $30 per person Instructor: Griffin Hewitt
Do you like acting, performing, creating fun characters, and exploring fantastical stories of magic and adventure? With Acting Through Story, you will learn how to use our imaginations and all the parts of great storytelling to perform stories from all over the world - and beyond!
Choose a Date Monday July 13, 20, or 27 at 1pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Writing for Musicals (1 hr)* $30 per person Instructor: Griffin Hewitt
Do you love musicals? Do you want to know more about what makes a great musical? With Writing for Musicals you’ll learn from a professional book writer and lyricist about what it takes to write a musical, including writing interesting characters, building an exciting story, what makes a great song, and how to collaborate with others to bring your imagination to life!
About the Instructor Griffin Hewitt is an actor, playwright, and creator of new musical theatre, and has performed in multiple productions for Talk Is Free Theatre. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, he has a bachelor’s degree in Music Theatre Performance from Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, and currently lives and works in Toronto. Griffin has taught children at many levels in music, art, and drama, as well as English as a second language. He loves stories and theatre of all types but has a special love for musicals and the joy they can bring to people of all ages! Choose a Date Tuesday July 14, 21, or 28 at 2pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Games for Actors (1 hr) $30 per person Instructor: Kimberly-Ann Truong
This acting class will challenge teen students to act, react and express themselves. The goal is to have fun while highlighting your strengths and bettering your weaknesses so you can be a great team member and future actor. These games are inspired by exercises practiced by acting professionals.
About the Instructor Kimberly-Ann (Kimmy) Truong is a Vietnamese-Canadian actress from British Columbia and has been teaching and choreographing for over a decade. After graduating from Sheridan college in 2015, she found herself at The Stratford Festival, playing Fredrika in A Little Night Music and Vicki in A Chorus Line as well as understudying 3 lead roles. Kimmy left Canada for a year to perform in Miss Saigon on Broadway and returned to play some of her most prestigious roles including Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show at The Stratford Festival as well as starring in the revival production of Kronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical as Ophelia at The Charlottetown Festival. Choose a Date Thursday July 16, 23, or 30 at 1pm CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Music Theatre for Teens (1hr) $25 per person Instructor: Jennifer Stewart
Do you love to tell stories? Do you have a passion for singing and expressing yourself through music? Or maybe you have always been curious about singing and acting at the same time? How does a performer sing and tell the story simultaneously? With a focus on truthful story telling, set to music, this class is suitable for any level of performer. All you need is passion, curiosity, and a willingness to have fun!
About the Instructor Jennifer Stewart is a theatre director, actor, singer, dancer, and teacher. Jennifer holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from East 15/University of Essex in London, UK, and is an honours graduate of the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Currently she is on the faculty of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto.
Her directing credits include: The Shape of a Girl (Calder Theatre, London, UK), The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie (Talk Is Free Theatre), Emily, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Best of Enemies, The Heiress (Bluff City Theater, Hannibal, Missouri), Hairspray (YES Theatre), Honk (St Lawrence College) and assistant director for the Stratford Festival’s Othello, Long Day’s Journey into Night and HMS Pinafore.
As an actor she has worked for Mirvish Productions as Penny Pingleton in the Original Canadian Company of Hairspray and Lisa in Mamma Mia. Other favourites include: Fiddler on the Roof, 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance, Tommy (Stratford Festival), Kiss Me Kate, Sunday in the Park with George, Guys and Dolls, Harvest Moon Rising, Anyone Can Whistle (TIFT)
Choose a Date Monday July 13, 20, or 27 at 2pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Shakespeare can be Fun! (1hr) $25 per person Instructor: Jennifer Stewart
Shakespeare wrote sweeping and dramatic plays, with exciting and imaginative characters - and all in poetry! Let's crack this language open and explore the universality of these stories in a fun and interactive class for performers of all ages.
About the Instructor Jennifer Stewart is a theatre director, actor, singer, dancer, and teacher. Jennifer holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from East 15/University of Essex in London, UK, and is an honours graduate of the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Currently she is on the faculty of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto.
Her directing credits include: The Shape of a Girl (Calder Theatre, London, UK), The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie (Talk Is Free Theatre), Emily, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Best of Enemies, The Heiress (Bluff City Theater, Hannibal, Missouri), Hairspray (YES Theatre), Honk (St Lawrence College) and assistant director for the Stratford Festival’s Othello, Long Day’s Journey into Night and HMS Pinafore.
As an actor she has worked for Mirvish Productions as Penny Pingleton in the Original Canadian Company of Hairspray and Lisa in Mamma Mia. Other favourites include: Fiddler on the Roof, 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance, Tommy (Stratford Festival), Kiss Me Kate, Sunday in the Park with George, Guys and Dolls, Harvest Moon Rising, Anyone Can Whistle (TIFT)
Choose a Date Wednesday July 15, 22, or 29 at 2pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Mime Over Matter (1 hr) $30 per person Instructor: Billy Lake
Mime is not just about white face paint and imaginary boxes! It is a great tool for exploring the expressiveness of your body, for becoming more comfortable with your physical expression, and for fostering confidence, focus, and self-esteem. This workshop will provide a basic introduction to the concept of mime with an emphasis on invisible or “imaginary” props and sets.
Choose a Date
Tuesday July 14, 21, or 28 at 3pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Storytelling through Movement (1hr) $30 per person Instructor: Billy Lake
Stories are not just words. When performing, you need to be able to express emotion and take your audience on a journey. One way to do that is to tell a story with movement. This workshop will encourage you to include a story in every performance, to use your performance skills to enhance that story, and to reach your audience more effectively.
About the Instructor Originally from Newfoundland, Billy has been performing professionally for over 15 years in theatres across Canada, with ten of those years being spent at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the- Lake. As an arts educator, he's facilitated theatre workshops at the Shaw and through Drayton Entertainment, as well as teaching dance, art, and physical theatre with various companies in Toronto.
Choose a Date
Thursday July 16, 23, or 30 at 4pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Intro to Creative Writing $30 per person Instructor: Billy Lake
It is never too early to start writing! If you love to read, have an idea in your head for an awesome story or play, it is time to get those creative juices flowing. This workshop will help you write more freely about topics that interest you and encourage both enthusiastic and reluctant writers to relax, brainstorm, take risks, think deeper, and just write.
About the Instructor Originally from Newfoundland, Billy has been performing professionally for over 15 years in theatres across Canada, with ten of those years being spent at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the- Lake. As an arts educator, he's facilitated theatre workshops at the Shaw and through Drayton Entertainment, as well as teaching dance, art, and physical theatre with various companies in Toronto.
Choose a Date
Tuesday July 14, 21, or 28 at 4pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Discover Dance! (Acro/Jazz)* $20 for 30 mins or $30 for 45 mins Instructor: Vanessa Smythe
A combination of moving and shaking through acrobatics and jazz. Build strength and flexibility. Get shaking. Come play!
Choose a Date Thursday July 16, 23, or 30 at 2pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Discover Dance! (Tap) (30 mins)* $20 per person Instructor: Vanessa Smythe
All levels welcome and no tap shoes necessary! (but of course, if you have 'em, bring 'em!). Learn how to stomp, stamp, and shake. Explore rhythms and music - all through the sounds of the feet. Come play!
About the Instructor Vanessa Smythe is a Canadian actor and writer. Recent credits include Mrs. America (FX, recurring) Designated Survivor (ABC, recurring), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the film We Had It Coming. Select theatre credits include Domesticated (CanStage), For Both Resting and Breeding, Offline, Plural of She (TIFT), and Lip Sync Sleepover (Crow’s). Her original solo show, In Case We Disappear, played to critical and popular embrace in North America and the UK, and was named one of the best free shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.
A graduate of the Humber School for Writers, Vanessa is the co-creator of The Tape Escape - “Outside the March’s latest site-specific marvel” – (NOW). She has worked with Soulpepper, Company Theatre, Crow’s Theatre, Starvox, fu-GEN, Howland, and YPT. Vanessa is also a poet, recently collaborating with Olympic Gold Medalist Simon Whitfield to compose a poem for AthletesCAN, featured on CBC and read by some of Canada’s most celebrated Olympians. Upcoming: Vanessa joins Shia Labeouf and Vanessa Kirby in the film Pieces of a Woman.
Choose a Date Thursday July 16, 23, or 30 at 3pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Beginner’s Playwrighting (1hr) Group (Maximum 8 participants): $25 per person Private: $100* Instructor: Ash Knight
This one-hour course will cover the basic building blocks of theatre, of creating a play, and if time permits, early character development. Come prepared to take notes, ask questions and write scenes.
About the Instructor Ash is a Dora-nominated actor, Critics Award-nominated director, and dramaturg who has been practicing theatre for over 20 years. He is classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has performed all over Canada as well as internationally. With these classes he hopes to inspire students to want to learn more.
Choose a Date
Wednesday July 15, 22, or 29 at 3pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Ages 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Character Creation (1 hr) $30 per person Instructor: Izad Etemadi
Create a totally unique character based off your ideas. Use your body, your voice, and your mind to become a character only you can play. By the end of this class, you’ll be able to write and perform a monologue as this brand-new person!
About the Instructor Izad Etemadi is an Iranian-Canadian artist originally from Victoria, BC. He is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts and the recipient of the 2017 Emerging Queer Artist Award from Buddies In Bad Times Theatre. With TIFT he has performed in Music Man, Offline, Amadeus, The Gamblers, Pal Joey and The Curious Voyage. Some of his most recent TV credits include Odd Squad (PBS Kids), Bajillionaires (Family Channel) and Tall Boyz (CBC) Choose a Date
Friday July 15, 17, 22, 24, or 31 at 1pm CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Improv Games! (45 mins) $20 per person Instructor: Richard Varty
Don’t be afraid to get silly! This class for people of all levels will help you create fun characters, say yes, and have fun.
About the Instructor Richard is an actor, director, writer, and improviser who has been working in theatre for over 15 years. He started his improv career in the Canadian Improv Games as a player and later as a coach. He spent several years learning and performing long form improv with a focus on “The Harold”.
Choose a Date Wednesday July 15, 22, or 29 at 3:30pm
CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW
Classes for Aged 10-14
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123
Group classes (6-9 and 10-14) will be made available for purchase starting Thursday, June 18 through Talk Is Free Theatre’s website HERE. Registration can also be done over the phone by calling 705-792-1949.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
If a group session is not at full capacity, the instructor reserves the right to do the following:
1)The group proceeds as is
2)The individuals of the group will either be offered a private class at the higher rate or will be grouped with another group at a later date.
3)A credit will be offered.
4)A refund will be offered.
Upon successful registration, a private Zoom link will be sent to the registrant. With a reminder of the date and time of the class.
Youth classes MUST be facilitated on the Zoom platform.
For information and to register please visit:
https://www.tift.ca
For any questions please email:
Or call us at:
705-792-1949 ex 123
To book or for more information please visit www.tift.ca - email: [email protected] - phone: 705-792-1949 ex 123