This summer, many of our Theatre and Performance students have found jobs that align with their studies and future career goals. Some of these students are graduating and going into the work force, while others are doing summer internships in-between school terms. These students are working in positions ranging from administration to heads of tech departments.
Hanna Freitas
Hanna Freitas is a recent graduate of the Theatre and Performance program, completing her degree in April. This summer, she is returning for her third season with , where she has contributed to the organization in a variety of roles. Her work has included administration and educational outreach with the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, notably writing Teacher Support Workbooks for the season’s productions.Ìý
With a combined academic background in Theatre and Performance and English Rhetoric, Hanna brings a unique blend of creative and analytical skills to her work in arts administration, box office operations, and day camp programming. She credits courses such as THPERF 220 – Performance Studies and her dramaturgical research for her capstone project as instrumental in shaping her professional capabilities. Following this summer, Hanna will begin the next chapter of her academic journey at York University, pursuing a Bachelor of Education.Ìý
Olivia Rossel
Olivia Rossel is a second-year Honours Theatre and Performance and Psychology student. This summer, she will begin her second term as an Acting Coach and Performer with , held in Woodstock and Stratford, Ontario. The camp offers a weeklong immersive experience for children from SK to Grade 10, fostering growth in singing, dancing, and acting.Ìý
Since starting her degree in Fall 2023, Olivia has engaged in a wide array of performance and technical theatre courses, including THPERF 102 (Introduction to Performance), THPERF 222 (Performing the Body), THPERF 243/244 (Introduction to Technical Theatre), and THPERF 316, which supported her performance as Girl Spa:th in TH’OWXIYA: The Hungry Feast Dish. She values the interdisciplinary training the Theatre and Performance program provides, offering hands-on experience across all aspects of theatre. "It’s really exciting to learn about all parts of a production, not just acting, and to grow in a close-knit community of passionate students and supportive professors.â€Â
Morgaine McEvoy
Morgaine McEvoy is a third-year Theatre and Performance Co-op student. This summer, she will embark on her third co-op term as Props Assistant at in Port Dover. Her role will involve working on multiple productions, including the critically acclaimed The New Canadian Curling Club.Ìý
Throughout her degree, Morgaine has focused on theatre technology, with a particular interest in props design and construction. She cites THPERF 243 – Technical Production and her experience as Head of Properties for TH’OWXIYA: The Hungry Feast Dish as especially influential in preparing her for professional work. This upcoming position marks her first opportunity to work in theatre outside the university setting, and she is deeply grateful for the mentorship and support of her props supervisor, Shaw Forgeron, during her time at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.Ìý
Stephanie Svenson
Stephanie Svenson is a soon-to-be graduate of the Theatre and Performance program. This summer, she will begin her first full-time theatre-related position, and she couldn’t be more excited. From May to September, she will be working as an Assistant Carpenter for the .Ìý
Stephanie is incredibly grateful to the professors and courses that have equipped her with the skills and confidence needed to take this step. In particular, THPERF 243 and 244 – Technical Production – provided her with a strong foundation in technical theatre, while her experience as Head of Carpentry for the production of EVERYBODY helped her refine her set-building skills. She extends a big thank you to Chris Greenhalgh (Technical Director) for his patience, knowledge, and guidance, and to Janelle Rainville (Director of Production & Theatre Operations) for her ongoing support and encouragement in helping her reach her potential. Thanks to the theatre department and all the courses she has taken, Stephanie feels well-prepared and confident heading into the summer.Ìý
Jasmine Rajaballey
Jasmine Rajaballey is an emerging theatre professional and soon-to-be graduate who will be joining the through the Creative Co-Op program’s Community Producer Program. As a producer-in-training, Jasmine will support rental clients by coordinating their venue needs and providing on-site assistance during events—whether troubleshooting, operating technical equipment, or ensuring everything runs smoothly.Ìý
Jasmine credits their Theatre and Performance studies with preparing them for this role, particularly their experience as Assistant Stage Manager for the department’s production of TH’OWXIYA: The Hungry Feast Dish, which allowed them to engage with all facets of production. They also highlight THPERF 243 – Technical Production I as a key influence, where they were introduced to Cameron Slipp, one of their future supervisors at the Registry. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of peer connections in the theatre industry, noting that classmates often become valuable professional contacts.Ìý
