top of page
David Connolly.jpeg

Photo: David Leyes

EDUCATOR

 

"Your character's only obligation is to be present." That's the foundation of how I help actors unearth and develop their skills as authentic story-tellers. I've had wonderful mentors over the course of my thirty-year career including most recently, a year-long intensive with Broadway Legend, Betty Buckley, through New York's Terry Schreiber Studios.

 

I am always thrilled to pass on what I've learned through a lens of empathy and resilience.

I’ve been taking many classes during quarantine but yours stand out because EVERY piece of advice felt applicable to me. My notebook is full of practical tools for how to explore, care for and protect these characters we love so much. - Student

 

I have a better idea of how the puzzle works. I really needed someone to show me that getting messy, taking risks and taking my time is the only way to deeply connect to a character. - Student

 

Since our classes, I feel myself vibrating higher. I didn’t feel pre-judged. I felt supported by smiles, gentleness and hope and that created a safe space for big risks and big vulnerability. Thank you for encouraging us to be who we are. No excuses. - Student

 

I love theatre so much. There are very few things in this life that make me feel as full of hope and pure power. I’ve found so much joy I lost in theatre school in the last four weeks and I’m overflowing with gratitude.- Student

 

I felt like my passion had left me during quarantine, but these classes have revived my explorative spirit, and gave me the feeling in my heart (the one you get when you get to do what you love) that I had been missing so deeply. I understand myself better, the work better and have reaffirmed that my chosen career is the right one. - Student

EDUCATOR

  • Adjunct Professor/ Advisor to the Musical Theatre Performance Programs at Sheridan College, Randolph College, Fanshawe College, St Lawrence College.

  • Guest Lecturer at Wilfred Laurier University, Western University and Vandercook College

  • Curator and host of "Matinee to Z,"  an online Musical Theater Q&A Series with guests including deaf Broadway actor, John McGinty, one legged tap dancer, Evan Ruggeiro and the first disabled Rockette, Sydney Mesher.

  • Producer and host of The AFC Master Class Series in support of the Actors Fund of Canada with guests including TONY Award-winners Stephanie J Block, Sergio Trujillo, Karen Olivo and Jerry Mitchell.

  • Creator and Education Director of Drayton Entertainment's Youth Musical Theatre Program

  • Sheridan College, Guest Director/ Choreographer: Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie, Crazy For You, A Day In Hollywood..., Choreographer: Orpheus In the Underworld, Half A Sixpence, The Pajama Game, On The Town, Crazy For You 

  • Stage Door Manor, NY Faculty: Director/ Choreographer: Anne Of Green Gables, 42nd St., Crazy For You, Mame, Meet Me In St Louis, Another Openin’, Another Show, Chess...

  • Showchoir Canada: Lead Adjudicator and Clinician

  • Los Alamitos High School Show Choirs, Los Alamitos, CA - Choreographer/ Consultant for multiple Grand National Championships

  • The Sullivan Singers Show Choir, Sullivan Illinois - Writer/ Choreographer National Disneyworld Show Choir Champions - 4 consecutive years

  • Etobicoke School For The Arts: Master Class Teacher, Contributing Choreographer and Audition Panelist: Seussical, Footloose, Anne Of Green Gables, Splash, Star-Crossed...

 

ADJUDICATOR | CLINICIAN

  • Dance Fuzion Convention Faculty; Arizona All State Show Choir Championships – Clinician; Show Choir Camps Of America; Steppin' Out, Butler College Kansas – Clinician; Mundelein High School, Chicago - Guest Choreographer; Dance Adjudicator:  D-Force, Triple Threat, Terpsichore Conventions, CDMA, Dance Manitoba - Festival Adjudicator; Gotta Sing Gotta Dance Performing Arts Academy, Vancouver, Faculty.

bottom of page