Our Community (On Deck Speaker Series)

Who makes up The Dirt’s community?

Curious, interesting and talented people with a common goal of exploring and playing in this art form.

Click here for student testimonials and watch the video below for a first-hand account from student Bryce Fletch.

 

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What is the On Deck Speaker Series?

It’s our way of highlighting different voices in our community, and celebrating diversity.
During each On Deck interview, Cynthia Chan will have an in-depth discussion with an actor about their artistic journey, and experiences at The Dirt. 

 

 

 

Episodes:

On Deck featuring Darnell Bartholomew, our 2024 ARP Recipient.

Cynthia speaks to Darnell about this experience as the Recipient, and how his faith governs his decision making. Together they watch two scenes from On-Camera Scene Study class, and Darnell breaks down his character choices and scene objectives.
On Deck featuring our Dirt faculty: John Gordon, Shaun McComb and Jonelle Gunderson.

Cynthia speaks to the Dirt faculty about the story behind the Dirt name, their teaching philosophies, and the importance of breath while acting.
On Deck featuring filmmaker Michael Mabbott. His first documentary film, Music Lessons, premiered at Hot Docs. Recently Michael co-wrote/directed and produced the feature length documentary on trailblazing Black trans soul singer, Jackie Shane, Any Other Way: the Jackie Shane Story (executive produced by Elliot Page), premiered at SXSW and received the Special Jury Award at Hot Docs.

Cynthia speaks to Michael about how important a sense of play is during the audition process,
how he creates a chill vibe on-set to get the best performances from his actors and the advice he has for young filmmakers.
On Deck featuring Peter N. Bailey, an Actor, Playwright, Voice + Dialect Coach. Peter has taught Voice at The Dirt and is currently on the ARP Selection Committee.

Cynthia speaks to Peter about how he discovered his passion for studying and teaching voice, as well as his experience as a Black actor in Canada.
On Deck featuring Harrison Browne, a transgender actor, LGBTQ+ advocate, and retired professional athlete.

Cynthia speaks to him about the similarities between being an elite hockey and a professional actor, navigating the acting world as a transgender man, why hair is important and of course Timothée Chalamet.
On Deck featuring Ali Hand, artist and disability advocate.

Cynthia talks to Ali about her experiences as an actor with disability, and how the arts community allows for accommodation.

On Deck featuring Sze-Yang Ade-Lam. Sze-Yang is a queer asian non-binary dancer, martial artist, actor, advocate, and community developer.

Cynthia talks to Sze-Yang about his experience being the first ARP recipient at The Dirt.