Photo by Moonrider Productions
ADULT COURSES
Our lineup of adult courses for 2025–2026 is here! Registration is now open for Acting 102 and Community Creates while applications are open for our NEW in-person Playwriting 102 program! Read more about our courses and season line-up below:
Playwriting 102 (In person)
During this eight-week course, participants will have the chance to workshop their plays, scenes, or outlines with a group of fellow writers looking to take their work to the next level. Students will give and receive feedback on each others’ plays, and revise their work between workshops. Participants should expect to spend time outside of class writing and reading their classmates’ scenes.
All writers with some playwriting experience are welcome to apply, whether that means you have taken a playwriting class, had a community production of your work, or have been working on writing a play in your free time.
Applicants will be asked to complete a form outlining their experience and what they wish to work on in this class.
When: Mondays*, 6:30–8:30 pm, Sep 22 – Nov 10, 2025
Where: BMO Theatre Centre, Backstage Lounge
Cost: $250.00 + GST
Instructor: Ashley Chodat (she/her), Sydney Marino (she/her)
*No class Mon, October 13, 2025, Thanksgiving. Class will take place Tue, October 14.
Application deadline: Sun, Sep 7, 2025
Cost: $250.00 (+ GST)
You can use the online application form, or fill out this Word version and email it to mpage@artsclub.com.
*Large print application forms available upon request. Please email mpage@artsclub.com for alternative formats.
Acting 102
The next step for acting enthusiasts. This class will teach you the fundamentals of working with a script. What is the hidden information found in a play? How can we make the words our own, and live in the moment? How do we play within a script? Students will explore text analysis, voice work, character work and creation, collaborating with a scene partner, and scene work based on acclaimed scripts. If you’ve had a taste of acting and want to dig a little deeper, join us in a words-based ‘excavation’ in a safe, friendly, and creative environment.
When: Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 pm, Oct 1–Dec 3, 2025
Where: BMO Theatre Centre
Instructor: Mikenzie Page (she/they)
Cost: $200.00 (+ GST)
Community Creates
A devised theatre program for adults, Community Creates invites community members to come together and create an original show in tandem. Students will explore acting, writing and movement while working as an ensemble to create an original performance that will be staged and performed on the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre. No previous experience is needed!
When: Dec 1, 2025 – Mar 2, 2026
Where: BMO Theatre Centre
Cost: $350 + GST
Instructors: Jill Goranson (she/her), Mikenzie Page (she/they)
Directing 101
Have you ever wondered what it takes to direct a production? In this all-levels class, participants will get hands-on experience as they learn what it’s like to direct a play. We will explore the history of the art form, notable directors and their styles, experiment with different techniques and weave it all together by directing final scenes together.
When: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Jan 12—Mar 9, 2026
Where: Backstage Lounge
Cost: $200.00 + GST
Instructor: Larisse Campbell (she/her)
Registration opens Oct. 15, 2025!
Playwriting 102 (Zoom)
Throughout this eight-week course, participants will have the chance to workshop their plays, scenes, or outlines with a group of fellow writers looking to take their work to the next level. Students will give and receive feedback on each others’ plays, and revise their work between workshops. Participants should expect to spend time outside of class writing and reading their classmates’ scenes.
All writers with some playwriting experience are welcome to apply, whether that means you have taken a playwriting class, had a community production of your work, or have been working on writing a play in your free time.
Applicants will be asked to complete a form outlining their experience and what they wish to work on in this class.
When: Thursdays, 6–8 pm, Mar 5 – Apr 23, 2026
Where: Zoom
Instructor: Ashley Chodat (she/her), Sydney Marino (she/her)
Applications open Nov 19, 2025!
Musical Theatre 101
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a musical? Join us at the Arts Club for this all-level class that will put you through the paces of rehearsing and performing various Broadway ensemble numbers. Led by a team of industry professionals, we’ll take you from page to stage—with music rehearsals and staging culminating in a casual performance for family and friends. We will explore how music, movement, and story are woven together to reach the heights of expression only found in musical theatre.
When: Tuesdays, 7 – 9 pm, Mar 31—Jun 2, 2026
Where: BMO Theatre Centre
Instructor: Eliza De Castro (she/her)
Registration opens Jan 5, 2026!
Improv Flight
In partnership with Tightrope Theatre
In this 8-week course, you will taste a little bit of all the different elements of improv. Whether you’re new to spontaneity, or an experienced player, this course will give you the skills you need to take your game to the next level, while being a part of a like-minded ensemble. Just like any “flight” taster, it’s a chance to expand your horizons! For theatre enthusiasts, actors, directors, writers, or any curious human who wants to taste the magic of Improvisation. All levels of experience are welcome!
When: Thursdays, 7–9pm, Apr 23–June 25, 2026
Where: BMO Theatre Centre
Instructor: Jeff Gladstone (he/him)
Registration opens Mar 4, 2025!
REFUND POLICY
We understand that plans can change! Our refund policy for classes is as follows:
- Full Refund: Available if requested before the first class.
- Partial Refund (50%): Available if requested within 6 days after the first class.
- No Refund: Requests made 7 or more days after the first class are not eligible for a refund.
All refund requests must be submitted to mpage@artsclub.com. Thank you for your understanding and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
We encourage applications from equity-seeking individuals, including but not limited to those who are Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Neurodivergent, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disabled/have lived experience of disability (including mental health disability).
The program facilitators will consult participants about their access needs and strive to adapt the program accordingly. Our access practices will include:
- Regular check-ins for access needs
- For COVID-19 safety, you are welcome to wear masks
- Physically accessible and gender-neutral washrooms
- Sighted-guide assistance
- Personal Support Workers are welcome in the space; advance notice is requested so we can adjust numbers based on safety procedures
- Wheelchair-user friendly space
- Program materials provided in accessible formats
- Automatic captions through participants’ personal devices
- Relaxed environment in class and chill-out zones in the building
- Fragrance-free space (everyone will be encouraged to use fragrance-free products; if this is a barrier for you, we will collaborate on finding a way to meet everyone’s needs)
- We currently cannot offer ASL services during classes
Our Accessibility Coordinator, Amy Amantea, will be happy to talk to you about your access needs, and how they may be addressed in our Adult Programs. Amy can be reached at aamantea@artsclub.com.
LARISSE CAMPBELL – DIRECTING 101
Larisse Campbell is a neurodivergent director, dramaturge, arts educator and current MFA Directing candidate at the University of British Columbia, where she was recently awarded the Dorothy Somerset Award and the Sydney F. Risk Award, both for Directing. Select credits include: Away Uniform (UBC Theatre), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival), Our Town (Little Dipper Theatre) and Wolves Are Coming For You (Stone's Throw Productions). Upcoming productions: Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman at United Players and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play at UBC. www.larissecampbell.com
ASHLEY CHODAT - PLAYWRITING 102
Ashley is a playwright, dramaturg, and teaching artist. In these roles, she has worked for companies such as Bard on the Beach, the Arts Club, Playwright's Theatre Centre, Arts Umbrella, Theatre SKAM, Kaleidoscope, Carousel Theatre, and Green Thumb. She is passionate about using theatre for young audiences to explore speculative futures. Recent playwright credits include Camp Goneaway (Vancouver Fringe 2024 Winner Patron's Pick Award and Best of Fest Award), June Bug (Vancouver Fringe 2022 Fringe winner of TYP Family Forward Award, UpintheAir's rEvolver Festival, Theatre on the Edge), FRANK (Impulse Theatre Peek Show 14), Mother Pin (Or Festival/Fabulist Theatre), and Be(a) Tree (Unwrap Theatre/Small Curiosities). Ashley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Theatre from UVic and a diploma in Theatre Performance from Douglas College. She is happy to be on the Board of Directors for LMDA Canada and the Co-Artistic Director of Ragamuffin Productions.
ELIZA DE CASTRO - MUSICAL THEATRE 101
Eliza De Castro (she/her) is a music director, vocal coach, and performer originally hailing from Brisbane, Australia.
A passionate musical theatre enthusiast, Eliza has been an integral part of Vancouver's musical theatre community since moving to Canada in 2023. She has served as music director for Theatre Under the Stars' productions of Legally Blonde and School of Rock, and as the BIPOC music directing fellow for The Prom. Her other notable music directing credits include Heathers: The Musical, Into the Woods (Studio 58 - Assistant MD), and Spring Awakening (Millennial Productions).
With a decade of experience in performing arts education, Eliza brings genuine enthusiasm to mentoring performers and emerging artists from all backgrounds and abilities. She is excited to return to the Arts Club education program, having previously been music instructor for the 2024 Adult Musical Theatre 101 cohort and two Summer Musical Theatre Intensive programs. Eliza is also the Musical Program Director at Vancouver Performing Stars in Mt. Pleasant, where she directs four musical companies for students aged 7-18, vocal coaches, and teaches adult musical theatre classes.
For Eliza, theatre is more than just putting on a show—it's about building community. Her teaching approach is warm and encouraging, designed to develop both musical skills and personal confidence. Eliza welcomes students of all levels to join her in discovering the transformative power of musical theatre in a supportive and inspiring environment.
JILL GORANSON – COMMUNITY CREATES
Jill Goranson is a Vancouver-based artist, producer, & educator of Métis, Swedish, and Austrian descent, originally from Red Deer, Alberta. As a 2019 graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Musical Theatre program, Jill received the Triple Threat Award and has since worked across Canada. Jill’s work spans producing (Art Pop-Up), improvised comedy (Vancouver International Improv Festival & Blind Tiger Comedy), and creating original shows at the Toronto & Vancouver Fringe Festival. As an educator, Jill has founded a dance camp, ran musical theatre intensives, developed community programs for kids and new workshops, taught private music lessons over the last decade, and now is so excited to be working with adults as the program lead for Community Creates.
MIKENZIE PAGE – ACTING 102, COMMUNITY CREATES
Mikenzie Page (she/they) is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, educator, and producer based on the unceded and ancestral territory of the oxʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ Nations. Mikenzie has been fortunate enough to collaborate, teach, work, perform, and learn from companies across Canada such as the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach, Bramble Theatre Collective, Carousel Theatre for Young People, the Stratford Festival Teaching Program, and more. She has performed across Alberta and BC with their original works being produced across the two provinces. Currently, Mikenzie works as a Co-Program Leader for the Arts Club’s Community Creates and Creative Teens devised theatre programs.
Mikenzie is one of the founding creators and producers of Fates Fest, a new theatre festival dedicated to the advancement of femme and non-binary voices in theatre. They are also a facilitator with Out on Screen (Vancouver Queer Film Festival), as part of their award-winning 2SLGBTQIA+ Out in Schools education program, which uses queer film and media to build safer, more inclusive communities. Mikenzie is the current Co-Managing Director of Promethean Theatre, a 2025 Bill Millerd Artist Fund recipient, a graduate of Studio 58, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Mikenzie also hates writing bios but LOVES talking about fostering inclusive spaces for theatre education!
SYDNEY MARINO – PLAYWRITING 102
Sydney Marino is a Vancouver-based playwright, director, and educator. Her plays have been produced in the Or Festival, Brave New Play Rites Festival, and by Killarney Theatre. She has taught a variety of playwriting, comedy writing, and theatre workshops to elementary and high school students through her work with Arts Umbrella and the Arts Club. Sydney has developed work in the LEAP Playwriting Intensive, PTC Block A Cohort, and Story Theatre’s Writer’s Room. Currently, Sydney has TYA work in development with Story Theatre and with Killarney Theatre, where she is also the Artist in Residence. She instructs the Arts Club's Playwriting 101 and 102 classes, and is a part of their 2023–2024 Emerging Playwrights' Unit. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from UBC.
Acting 101
Acting 101 is a 10-week introductory acting course where participants learn about the foundation of acting. Participants explore different aspects of theatre such as character creation, scene work, improvisation, physical theatre, storytelling, and more.
Instructor: Hila Graf
Community Creates
An introductory devised theatre program for adults, Community Creates invites participants to come together and create an original show in tandem. Participants explore acting, writing, and movement while working as an ensemble to create an original performance that is staged and performed on the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre.
Instructor: Hila Graf
DIRECTING 101
Have you ever wondered what it takes to direct a production? In this all-levels class, participants will get hands-on experience as they learn what it’s like to direct a play. We will explore the history of the art form, notable directors and their styles, experiment with different techniques and weave it all together by directing final scenes together.
Instructor: Larisse Campbell
Improv Flight
This 8-week course, in partnership with Tightrope Theatre, allows participants to “taste” a bit of all the different aspects of improv. Participants learn about embracing failure, building connections, and the skills needed to create engaging stories on stage.
Instructors: Ali Froggatt, Aamir Khan, Rina Shimomura, and Jeff Gladstone
Musical Theatre 101
Musical Theatre 101 is our all-ages, all-levels introductory musical theatre course. Led by a team of industry professionals, participants take part in music rehearsals, staging, and choreography as they explore how music, movement, and story are woven together while preparing (then performing!) a big Broadway ensemble number!
Instructor: Peter Jorgensen
Playwriting 101
Playwriting 101 is a 8-week playwriting course, open to all levels. This class teaches the fundamentals of playwriting, from character development and dialogue to conflict and scene structure, while encouraging participants to develop their own voice in writing.
Instructor: Sydney Marino
Playwriting 102
This collaborative workshop style course builds on Playwriting 101. It is intended for participants with a first draft or synopsis to further develop their work in progress.
Instructor: Sydney Marino
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Community Creates class. Photo by Moonrider Productions
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Community Creates class. Photo by Moonrider Productions
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Community Creates class. Photo by Moonrider Productions
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Community Creates class. Photo by Moonrider Productions
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Community Creates class. Photo by Moonrider Productions