Adjudicator
&
Workshop Plays
Director

A critically acclaimed and highly regarded theatre professional, Glynis Leyshon became the Artistic Director of The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company on July 1, 1997. She has over 25 years experience as an actor and director and was Artistic Director of Victoria’s Belfry Theatre.

Ms. Leyshon has directed for theatre companies across the country, including the Shaw Festival, where she most recently directed THE CHILDREN’S HOUR. Other recent credits include THE ATTIC, THE PEARLS & THREE FINE GIRLS, ATLANTIS, A PERFECT GANESH and MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION for The Playhouse, DEATH AND THE MAIDEN for the National Arts Centre/Belfry Theatre, PRIVATE LIVES for Canadian Stage and London’s Grand Theatre, MRS. KLEIN for the Tarragon Theatre, and THE THREEPENNY OPERA for the Arts Club and Belfry Theatres. Ms. Leyshon also has extensive experience directing musicals and opera, having worked with Vancouver, Calgary and Pacific Opera companies, most recently directing TURN OF THE SCREW and DON GIOVANNI for Pacific Opera Victoria.

Ms. Leyshon grew up in North Vancouver. While she was completing a degree in Art History at the University of Victoria, she became a founding member of Company One Theatre, a company dedicated to developing new work using improvisational techniques. During her 11 years as Artistic Director of Victoria’s Belfry Theatre, Ms. Leyshon brought the company record critical and financial success culminating in the Belfry owning and restoring its heritage theatre. Ms. Leyshon counts the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Award for Leadership in Arts and Culture in Victoria among her numerous awards.

Glynis will be providing a brief public adjudication following each of the competitive Zone Festival "Best Production" performances at The Port Theatre. She will also lead the morning "Coffee Critique" discussions on the previous day's performance(s).

David has been the Artistic Director of Western Canada Theatre Company for fifteen years. Prior to returning to the West, he co-founded Rising Tide Theatre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and toured Canada, England, Wales and Ireland with that company.

Some of his favourite roles in recent years include Phil Gaglardi in FLYING PHIL, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Sir Toby Belch in TWELFTH NIGHT, Sister Mary Regina in NUNSENSE and Wolf in THE RETREAT.

His recent directing credits include THE MCLEAN BOYS, THE ORPHAN MUSES, OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY, AMADEUS, AN INSPECTOR CALLS and, most recently, the co-directing of PETER PAN.

In addition to his work at WCTC, David adjudicates student and community drama festivals, and performs Celtic / folk music whenever possible. He has also performed regularly in film, television, and particularly radio.

DIRECTING LAB

Participants in these exciting two-and-a-half day workshops will observe the first performance of the Workshop Play, taking and comparing notes with Director David Ross.

Over the next two days, directing students will have the opportunity to observe David’s rehearsals, and at the end of each session, discuss choices that were made and the techniques used. Although the participants will have no "voice" during the actual rehearsals, they will have opportunities to discuss strategies and methods with David before and after each session. The Lab gives the participants a chance to have a "hands-on experience" rather than a "theory only class".

Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn his directing skills first hand.
Applicants must submit a resume.