Theatre Alberta is proud to announce that the 2019 Michelle Dias Community Service award will go to Kate Ryan, who will be participating in the Musical Theatre Creation workshop at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in March.
Kate is an Edmonton-based actor, director, producer, and educator who has worked in the industry for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program and has studied voice and acting. She has received Sterling Awards for Leading and Supporting Actress, and Director, as well as an AMPIA for Leading Actress in film. Kate is the Artistic Director of Plain Jane Theatre Company where she has directed more than 30 productions garnering seven Sterling Awards for the company’s work. Other directing credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, All Shook Up, Forever Plaid, Canada 151 (Mayfield Dinner Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone (Citadel Theatre Young Company); Sondheim on Sondheim, Nice Work if You Can Get It, The Drowsy Chaperone (MacEwan University), Our Man in Havana (Bright Young Things); and Sirens (Atlas Theatre). Kate is also an instructor at Citadel Theatre’s Young Musical Theatre Company, University of Alberta, Edmonton Opera, MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program, and she is an instructor and puppeteer with Kaybridge Puppets.
“I am truly grateful to be this year’s recipient of the Michelle Dias Community Service Award. Michelle’s dedication and passion for the arts was inspiring to so many. Beautiful worlds were created with her care and creativity.” – Kate Ryan
The Michelle Dias Community Service Award is offered each year in memory of Ms. Dias, a respected colleague and true champion of Canadian theatre, who passed away 2011. It is awarded to a Rocky Mountain Series participant who demonstrates a selfless commitment to the Alberta theatre community and to sharing their knowledge with colleagues and peers. Michelle was deeply involved in Theatre Alberta’s educational programming, having spearheaded Safe Stages, our health and safety resource for theatres, as well as working with us frequently as an instructor. In addition to Michelle’s contributions to Theatre Alberta programs, Michelle was Head of Props for Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity from 1996 -2004. Michelle worked at Banff during the summer months, the rest of the year she was an integral part of the Citadel Theatre production team. At the Citadel, Michelle was the Head of Scenic Paint from Sept 1995 until her passing in September 2011.
Workshops by Request: Rocky Mountain Series Musical Theatre Creation is presented by:
