Coaching a young actor in the 2016 Open Studio. Photo by Kinga Michalska.


​​​​ Julia Ainsworth


It's my joy and pleasure to share my passion for performing arts with my students! My teaching draws on my professional experience as a director and playwright. I hold a BFA in theatre from York University and a specialized Bachelor of Education in the Artist in the Community Program from Queens University.  


I have taught in schools and theatres for fifteen years (including the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts, the Children's Theatre of Montreal, the EMSB, Riverside School Board, Centennial Academy, Culture in Schools and Avenue Road Arts School in Toronto) and designed arts curriculum for theatres.   


My teaching pedagogy is founded in my respect for students as young artists with unique voices, perspectives, and abilities. I enjoy engaging students of all levels in the creative process and supporting their expression through performing arts.


Please get in touch  to discuss my ongoing classes, individualized instruction, or workshops.



                               


Workshops

Interested in bringing a theatre arts workshop to your classroom? Your school may qualify for subsidized workshops! Consult my profiles below to learn more:


Culture Éducation


Artists Inspire Grants



Private instruction

Looking to take your acting skills to the next level? I offer private instruction to focus on individual development and prepare for auditions (theatre, film, TV, CEGEP/University programs). 



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Professional training for children and teens to develop creativity, self-expression, and skills in performing arts.


Des cours de théâtre en anglais...un excellent moyen pour vos enfants d’apprendre à s’exprimer dans cette langue avec aisance et fluidité dans un contexte vivant et créatif!


*roleplaying* character creation  *improvisation *movement  & physical expression* vocal expression *playmaking * scene study * acting technique* stagecraft * ensemble work *storytelling* 


2020-2021 WEEKLY PROGRAM


**NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19, ALL IN PERSON CLASSES ARE ​CURRENTLY ON HOLD**


-Runs weekly from September - May 

-Fall classes focus on skill development
-Small group size (12 maximum)

-Fun & supportive studio environment
-Original creation & scripted scenes

-Open studio in the fall for an invited audience

-Play rehearsal begins in January 
-The final performance showcased in a theatre venue


Transferable skills

-Self-confidence and self-expression

-Creativity

-Focus and concentration

-Communication

-Self-reflection

-Collaboration and teamwork

-Empathy


Children's Program (ages 8-12)

Autumn: ​TBA 

Winter: TBA


Teens' Program (ages 13-16)

Autumn: TBA

Winter: TBA


Location 

Maisonette des Parents 6651 Blvd St. Laurent

(12 minutes from Metro Beaubien or De Castelnau)


Tuition fee

$600 per term/$1200 total for the year (two terms- Fall runs Sept-Dec 2019, Winter from Jan-May 2020)


Payment

Payable in two equal installments of $600 (cash, cheque, e-transfer or credit card*). Please note there will be a 2.5 % fee added to credit card transactions. Payment is due by the first day of class for each term (September & January).


​Registration

Please fill out the online registration form and submit payment to secure your place in the class. 


Contact

For details about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me.








READ THE  WESTMOUNT MAGAZINE REVIEW





WHAT STUDENTS & PEERS HAVE TO SAY:


"Julia's dedication and love of the arts was infectious to me. She made me feel like someone with great ideas and the potential to make them a reality. I trusted her as a coach for my audition into the program that I knew would change my life. Julia is a teacher that guides you to make the choices that feel most right and purposeful."

-Anthony Schuller (young professional actor and recent graduate of Dawson's Professional Theatre Program) 


- "I have learned to take chances and listen to others with more sympathy. I have been emboldened by my experiences, and have grown socially and verbally."

- Melle Lowenthal (young actor and student of MTL Acting)


 "I've worked with Julia for three years as an Arts Educator. I can tell you she is a wonderful teacher - an absolute professional in her field."

-  Dr Darlene St. Georges (BA. B.ED, MFA, PhD Arts Educator and Professional Visual Artist)


"Julia Ainsworth is an excellent, very well prepared educator. Her manner is always supportive and respectful."

-Jane Gilchrist (Professional Actor and Playwright)


"Julia Ainsworth is an accomplished theatre artist and teacher. She has worked with a variety of children and adolescents including children with behavioral difficulties, low self-esteem and shyness or difficulty interacting with peers. She is an excellent teacher and adapts her classes to her students' needs. I recommend her class without hesitation."

- Jessica Bleuer (M.A., M.Ed., CCC, PH. D. Candidate, Registered Drama Therapist & Psychotherapist)


"I learned to fool around, show my creative side and not be serious at all times. I enjoyed the collective creation & improv. We laughed a lot." 

-K.B (Student, 15 years old)


"I learned how to imagine living life as a different person". 

-F.S. (Student, 13 years old)


"This was my first time trying drama. I started out as a shy actress and finished as a confident actress. I learned to be confident in myself and give as many ideas as I can."

-P.A (Student, 12 years old)