[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”50″][vc_column_text]

OUR MENTORS

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_width=”30″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”205″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Leslie McCurdy – Technical Dance Instructor & Mentor

I enjoy working as a mentor with Arts Collective Theatre for several reasons. First, the “team” is outstanding! I think the artistic director is brilliant! Chris Rabideau is one of the most talented young directors I’ve ever worked with. His vision and artistry as a director are refreshing, plus he knows how to surround himself with people who aspire towards excellence in their craft.  I like that a high level of commitment and performance is expected form the young people that are involved so that they are prepared and know what will be required if they choose to compete in “the real world” of performing artistry. Finally, as a Black Canadian, I like that there is the practice of “non-traditional” casting. Too often people of colour are left out when casting decisions are based upon what is “normal” and ACT makes it a point of trying to blur those lines by casting without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Ultimately, I am proud to be a part of a program that produces some really good material while discovering and developing some fantastic local talent!

Learn More [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”50″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”207″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Chris Rabideau – Artistic Director & Mentor

I feel honoured to be part of the ACT family. As a community-engaged artist and advocate, I have had the great fortune to work as a director, producer, performer, playwright, and educator with various communities, not-for profit organizations and educational institutions in Windsor – Essex County, creating theatre-based performances and projects that address social justice issues.

As a co-founder of Arts Collective Theatre (ACT), I feel blessed every day to be part of this great adventure. From the beginning we wanted to create youth friendly programs where all students have the opportunity to grow and learn through the arts, and now we have expanded to bringing these theatre-based practices to all ages.  We demand excellence from all our artists and foster an appreciation for the arts.

I have been fortunate enough to work with established artists, teachers, and performers within our organization since its inception in 2014.  These brilliant and talented artists have helped shape the theatre experience in Windsor. Leslie McCurdy has traveled around north America plating various roles and understands the needs and demands of being an actress. Her talents are recognized and appreciated by our youth

ACT’s programs showcase the importance of promoting and encouraging artistry. It is important that we support, mentor, and enrich the lives of Windsor Essex through the arts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”50″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”973″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Moya McAlister – Marketing, Fundraising, and Promotions Director & Mentor

I am a full-time marketing professional, originally from Toronto, Ontario. After moving to Windsor over 14 years ago, I attended University, and College, before representing the marketing team of one of the Big Three automotive companies in the area.  Now, I am the Communications and National Liaison Manager for the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, a not-for-profit organization located in the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor.

My passion for the arts is what pushed me to become a part of the Arts Collective Theatre family, and I am very honoured to lend my expertise to the growth and development of the organization.

Having the opportunity to mentor Windsor youth with ACT has been truly remarkable.  Watching each one of them grow and excel at what they love, and being able to bring awareness to the great talent that Windsor has to offer, has brought genuine happiness to my life.  I love what ACT represents within the community, it strives for excellence in everything it produces and each student and parent who work with us, always leaves saying we’ve changed their lives in some way, and tell us how much they’d like to work with us again.

I can’t wait to see what ACT will do next, and I’m happy I’m along for the ride![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”50″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”208″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Linda Lord – Expressive Arts Therapy Facilitator and Mentor

As an Expressive Arts Facilitator Linda incorporates drama, narrative, and movement in ways that support mental wellness and personal development. She works with youth, youth in recovery, at risk youth, and young adults. As an Expressive Artist, Linda has written and performed several embodied stories, acted in 26 episodes of Miss Charity’s Diner, and hosted her own Blog Talk Radio show “Stories that Walk.” She is also the author of two self-help books and is currently studying for her PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy.

This is Linda’s first collaboration with ACT – and she is loving it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”50″][/vc_column][/vc_row]