TC Learning

DANCE SESSIONS with Alexa Elser

Spring 2026:  April 13, May 11

6:30pm–8:30pm


Theatre Calgary or ATP Rehearsal Halls

Ages 16+

Registration Fee $15 per class or $60 for all sessions
To register, please email Jennie Esdale, Education & Outreach Associate

We’re back with monthly dance sessions , the perfect way to stay moving, growing, and gaining confidence all season long. Actors, singers, and performers of all levels: keep your skills sharp in this fun and welcoming series! Build fundamentals, expand your dance vocabulary, and strengthen your technique through warmups, combos, and drills. Each class focuses on confidence, fitness, and readiness for your next dance call. Attend one, some, or all, it’s up to you!

Alexa Elser is a Calgary-based actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, and clown. She has been training in dance for over 20 years. She has been working as an arts educator, theatre instructor, and dance teacher for nearly a decade. Let’s move and groove!

AUDITION TECHNIQUE – MUSICAL THEATRE with Sherry Dayton

March 16, 2026
10:00am–6:00pm

Registration Fee $35 participant / $15 audit
To register, please email Jennie Esdale, Education & Outreach Associate

Join renowned casting director Sherry Dayton for a dynamic, day-long intensive designed to elevate your musical theatre audition skills. Through an indepth exploration of the audition process, actors will learn to approach auditions with confidence by breaking them down into three key phases: before entering the room, in the room, and after leaving the room. Topics include selecting and performing your material, presenting yourself with assurance, and bringing your most authentic self to every audition. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive personalized feedback in real time, and gain practical tools to demystify the musical theatre audition experience. Open to performers of all levels, this workshop offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what truly makes an audition stand out in the professional world.

Sherry will work closely with 12 participants selected by submission, offering personalized feedback and practical tools to elevate your audition skills. Audit spots are also available for those who wish to observe and learn in a supportive, educational environment.
About Sherry Dayton: Sherry Dayton is a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and Casting Directors of Canada (CDC). As co-founder of Dayton/Walters Casting, her credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Matilda the Musical, Hairspray, The Book of Mormon (Canada), and Beaches (Theatre Calgary) among many others.

Back by popular demand! If you missed it last time, here’s your chance. And if you joined us before, come back and keep pushing yourself, growing your confidence, and leveling up your dance call skills.

April 27, 2026, 10:00am–4:30pm 
Registration Fee $35

Theatre Calgary invites Calgary’s actors and singers to move, sweat, and shine in this one-day intensive with Tony Award–nominated choreographer Jesse Robb (Ginger Twinsies,W ater for Elephants, Les Misérables). This isn’t a dancer’s workshop, it’s a movement and dance training experience designed specifically for performers who want to feel powerful and prepared in a dance call. Stretch, move, work technique, network, and join an artist chat with Jesse in this inspiring and practical day for performers of all levels. 
 
Workshop Details: 
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Introduction to Movement in theatre 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM LUNCH 
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Movement practicals and Audition preparation.  
*New participants please join us for the whole day.  
**Return participants are welcome to come for the whole day or just the afternoon.  
 
About Jesse Robb: 
Jesse Robb is a Tony Award–nominated and Chita Rivera Award–winning choreographer based in New York City. An honors graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, his extensive career includes work with Broadway, Cirque du Soleil, Disney, Cameron Mackintosh, Mirvish Productions, Momix, Prime Video, RWS Entertainment Group, Opera Philadelphia, and Turner Classic Movies. On Broadway, Jesse is co-choreographer (with Shana Carroll) for Water for Elephants, nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. The duo received Tony, Drama Desk, and OCC nominations and won the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography—praised as “gorgeously imaginative.” He is the movement director for the new off Broadway running “Ginger Twinsies” at the Orpheum Theater in NYC. Jesse is also the Movement Director for the North American touring, Seoul, Tokyo and Madrid productions of Les Misérables.

SOLO PERFORMANCE with Michelle Thrush

April 27, 2026
6:30pm–9:00pm

Registration Fee $15
To register, please email Jennie Esdale, Education & Outreach Associate

Join Gemini Award–winning artist Michelle Thrush for an engaging Artist Talk and Workshop on Solo Performance. Drawing from her celebrated one-woman show Inner Elder and over three decades in theatre, film, and television, Michelle shares her process of transforming personal stories into powerful solo work.

Rooted in storytelling and lived experience, this session explores vulnerability, presence, and authenticity on stage. Participants will engage in reflective and creative exercises to uncover their own artistic voices and bring story to life.

Michelle Thrush is a Cree actor, writer, and director from Calgary (Mohkinstsis) with over 30 years of experience in film, television, and theatre. She won a Gemini Award for her role as Gail Stoney in Blackstone and has appeared in Bones of Crows, The Revenant, Arctic Air, and Mixed Blessings. Her

VECTORWORKS FOR DESIGNERS with Scott Reid

April 27, 2026
6:30pm–9:00pm

Registration Fee $15
To register, please email Jennie Esdale, Education & Outreach Associate

Join award-winning set designer Scott Reid for a hands-on Vectorworks Workshop designed for theatre artists, production designers, and technicians who want to bring their creative visions to life through digital drafting and 3D modeling. Participants will explore professional tools and techniques for scenic design, model building, and rendering—learning how to take a concept from sketch to stage. Ideal for emerging and experienced designers alike, this session offers practical skills and insights to strengthen your design process.


Participants will be required to bring their own laptop with the Vectorworks program installed (a free trial is available).

Scott Reid is an award-winning Canadian set and lighting designer whose work has been featured across major stages nationwide. Based in Calgary, he has designed for Theatre Calgary, Vertigo Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, and the Citadel Theatre. A longtime Vectorworks user and educator, Scott combines artistry and precision in creating visually striking and emotionally resonant environments. He is a multiple Betty Mitchell Award nominee and recipient for Outstanding Set Design.

ARTIST TALK & WORKSHOP: Building a Career in Musical Theatre with Julius Sermonia

March 2, 2026

Join acclaimed performer Julius Sermonia for an inspiring Workshop and Artist Talk on building a sustainable and fulfilling career in musical theatre. Drawing from his extensive experience performing across North America and at the Stratford Festival, Julius shares practical tools, personal insights, and strategies for navigating the industry—from auditions and touring to maintaining artistry and longevity. The session includes an interactive workshop focused on performance technique, professionalism, and career development.

Julius has performed in 5 Broadway shows including Miss Saigon, The King and I, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats. Broadway National tour credits include Miss Saigon, The King and I, Contact and Cats. Julius spent 9 seasons at the Stratford Festival, and was the recipient of the Dora Mavor Moore award (Guthrie).

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKWEEK with Kelvin Moon Loh, Jordan Cable, and Emily Hamper


February 23–26, 2026

Train with industry leaders in this four-day intensive for musical theatre performers.

Broadway’s Kelvin Moon Loh (Beetlejuice, SpongeBob SquarePants) kicks off the week with a full day of high-level training, introducing specific performance techniques including Viewpoints, Maximalism vs. Essentialism, and Demystifying the Audition / Live the Fantasy.
Then, elevate your craft with Jordan Cable, renowned performer and choreographer, who leads high-energy dance and movement sessions; Emily Hamper, celebrated vocal coach and pianist, who brings precision and artistry to vocal technique and interpretation; and Kelvin Moon Loh’s ongoing Acting Through Song sessions, which sharpen authenticity, imagination, and connection.

Three extraordinary instructors. Four transformative days. One unforgettable training experience designed to bring your musical theatre performance to a sharp professional edge.

Participants receive a Certificate of completion.

About the Instructors:
Kelvin Moon Loh – Broadway actor and educator with credits including The King and I (Lincoln Center), SpongeBob SquarePants (Broadway Original), Side Show (Broadway Revival), and Beetlejuice (Otho).

Jordan Cable – Actor, choreographer, and musical theatre performer with credits including Wonderful Town (Broadway Revival), The Boyfriend (Goodspeed Revival), Mamma Mia! (North American Premiere Cast), Billy Elliot: The Musical (1st National Tour), and former in-house director and choreographer for Disney Cruise Line.

Emily Hamper – Vocal coach and accompanist, Head Coach at Calgary Opera, and former faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices. Alumna of the Merola Opera Program and winner of the Best Collaborative Pianist prize at the Eckhardt-Grammatté Competition.

*please contact us if cost is prohibitive, Theatre Calgary has a limited amount of partial bursaries available through an application process.

POP-UP DANCE WORKSHOP with Kristine Bendul

February 18, 2026

*No partner or experience needed—just come ready to move together.

Broadway veteran and partner dance champion, Kristine Bendul, leads a dynamic partnering workshop, focusing on the technique of lead and follow through Hustle-inspired movement.

With career markers that includes master classes at Juilliard, University of Michigan, and Broadway Dance Center, and making history in America as part of the Dancesport Ballroom's first professional couple to compete as gender neutral equally swapping lead follow roles in five Pro American Rhythm dances with her dance partner, Kristine brings a wealth of experience in helping dancers cultivate connection, clarity, and confidence in partnering work.

For Theatre Calgary: Associate Choreographer - The Tale of the Gifted Prince. Elsewhere:  Peter Pan, Shrek, Annie (Camp Broadway Indonesia - D/C), Tiananmen (World Premiere, Phoenix Theatre Company – Assoc. D/C, Miss Saigon (Casa Mañana – Assoc. D/C), The Color Iz (Immersive @ Stonewall Inn – Book/D/C) and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway – Asst.Choreo. & Partnering Consultant). Film/TV: Smash (NBC) - 64th & 67th Tony Awards - 81st Academy Awards. Making history twice - as the first professional female Asian-American ballerina with the New Jersey Ballet Company and as part of America's first professional gender-neutral ballroom couple equally swapping lead/follow roles in American Rhythm  Favorite Broadway credits include Swing!, Movin’ Out (Helen Hayes nomination), and Come Fly Away. kristinebendulny.com

An immersive Playwriting–Adaptation Workshop with acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, one of today’s most successful contemporary dramatists, and author of the Dial M for Murder adaptation, as seen at Theatre Calgary!

Monday, November 10, 2025

In this intensive, full-day workshop, participants will explore the art and craft of adaptation—learning strategies for transforming novels, short stories, memoirs, or history into compelling theatre, while also deepening their artistic voice. Open to creatives, writers, and playwrights at all stages, this rare opportunity to work directly with Hatcher promises inspiration, practical tools, and hands-on guidance to advance your craft.

Location: Motel Theatre at Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons)


Dance Classes

 
With Alexa Elser
March 3, March 31, May 12, June 2, 2025
6:30pm-9:00pm
$10

Location: Max Bell Theatre Rehearsal Hall
For artists of all experience levels.

Actors, singers and performers keep your skills tuned up in this series of dance classes! From basic fundamentals and dance vocabulary to combos and drills, this class is for performers at movement all levels. Warmup, work on technique, learn choreo, gain confidence, improve fitness, and be ready to enter your next dance call with confidence. Attend any or all classes.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE LIMITED SPACE…Book now!
Email Jennie Esdale to register.

STAGE CRAFT: TATTOO COVER UP!

With Shantel Capri
March 10, 2025

Join Shantel, make up and special effects artist, in this hands-on Tattoo cover up workshop. If you are a performing artist in film or theatre and you have a tattoo, this workshop is for you! New CAEA guidelines require artists to cover up their own tattoos as needed for roles. Artists need to have their own materials and their own knowledge. This workshop provides just that! Learn technique, work with materials and gain the add new tools to your craft!
*Product ordering available at the workshop at discount pricing

THE BIZ OF THE BIZ FOR EMERGING ACTORS

With Anna Cummer
March 17, 2025

Join Anna Cummer, multi award winning performer, writer, and Associate Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary, in a workshop navigating the business side of show business including: audition etiquette, agents, equity, and being self-employed. Learn how to best prepare for the work, how to market yourself in a competitive field, and how to navigate a career in the arts.

PLAY CREATION

With Alanis King
March 24, 2025

Playwrights, writers, directors and theatre creators join Alanis King in a day-long intensive play creation workshop. Learn about the roots of Indigenous theatre and art practice. Bring your own work and writing sample and delve into this engaging, interactive workshop. Develop your artistic voice, your craft and expand your creation toolkit with one of Turtle Island’s renowned theatre makers.

AUDITION TECHNIQUE

With Ari Weinberg
April 7, 2025

Join Ari Weinberg, casting director of the Stratford Festival, in a day-long audition technique workshop. Practice and develop your audition skills. Gain insight about the ‘other side of the table,’ and the national theatrical landscape. Receive one-to-one feedback and practical skills that can improve your auditions.

ACTING: BRING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

With Janelle Cooper
April 28, 2025

For artists of al experience levels.

Join Janelle Cooper, in an acting workshop exploring your authentic self. Through technique, exploration and active exercises, explore how your unique self meets character and text. Push beyond limits and expectations and embrace your voice, your body, and your craft.

SOUND DESIGN

With Joshua D. Reid
May 5, 2025

Sound designers and composers! Join Tony Award-nominated designer Joshua D. Reid in a day-long intensive workshop in sound design. With a focus on both the technical and the creative, expand and explore your skills in this master class. Bring your creativity and experience and work hands on. Receive one to one feedback to deepen your craft.

VOICE & VOCAL TECHNIQUE

With Jodie Langel
May 12 2025

Actors and singers join renowned vocal coach, Jodie Langel, in a day-long intensive workshop in voice and vocal technique. How to Belt Like A Broadway Star class is a collaborative class where students learn the tools and fundamentals of how to belt safely and correctly from Broadway actress and Tik Tok star Jodie Langel. Learn how to sing contemporary musical theatre and shape vowels correctly and learn to sing like never before and see instant changes! Jodie will work with as many students as possible in the class time provided

DESIGN PACKAGE WORKSHOP

With Emma Brager & Graham Kingsley
May 26, 2025
6:30pm-8:30pm
$10

Location: Max Bell Theatre Rehearsal Hall
For artists of all experience levels.

Calling all designers. Join us for a Design Package workshop with Theatre Calgary Production Manager Emma Brager and Theatre Calgary Technical Director Graham Kingsley. Get inside information on how to best present your work to theatres. Learn critical tips, techniques and know how to strengthen your craft.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE LIMITED SPACE…Book now!
Email Jennie Esdale to register.