macewan university alumni news
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MacEwan Alumni Spring 2015TRANSCRIPT
PERPETUAL NOTION TAKES A WALK ON THE CREATIVE SIDE | page 13
alumni news
spring 2015
INSIDE // Distinguished Research Award // Exploring the Arts // Fitness Feature
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MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 3
M storiesgame-changing donation The Brick founder Bill Comrie scores with a donation to the Griffins hockey teams
meet the 2015 dr. charles allard chair in business Stantec’s Simon O’Byrne receives prestigious honour
well composed First-ever Distinguished Research Award presented to music faculty member
departmentsbuilding stories Message from the President
what’s happening Events and news at MacEwan University
a matter of facts
A special preview of the new Centre for Arts and Culture building
grad school spotlight
Alum finds success in first act of his theatre career
in one word The Carolines
ask the expert
Killing frogs and shovelling sludge: Cassie Stocks on writing humour
the career corner Marketing yourself as an arts professional
fitness feature Make your workout playlist
classifieds
photo finish Meet Andrew MacDonald Smith—and his puppet
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caitlin crawshaw
Caitlin Crawshaw is an award-winning wordsmith based in Edmonton. She discovered her life’s work while volunteering for a student newspaper in her last year of university. More than a decade later,
her byline has appeared in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites across North America, including the Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, and Dog Fancy. In 2015, she will earn her MFA (creative writing) from the University of British Columbia.
megan dart (Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing, ’06)
Megan Dart is the co-artistic producer of Catch the Keys Productions, a professional writer, spoken-word poet, playwright and freelance arts publicist.
From curating arts events to creating and producing experiential multidisciplinary new work, Catch the Keys is equal parts party starter, community activator and multidisciplinary creator. Megan is proud to be a MacEwan University Distinguished Alumni.
steven sparling (Theatre Arts, ’91)
Steven Sparling has acted across Canada, the UK and in London’s West End. He writes for international publications and teaches at the London College of Music. Steven is currently pursuing his PhD in creative and cultural
entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
cassie stocks (Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing, ’11)
Cassie Stocks has been named one of “10 Writers to Watch” by CBC Books. In 2013, Cassie became the first woman in 17 years to be awarded the Leacock Medal for humour writing for her first
novel Dance, Gladys, Dance.
stephen vincent (Music, ’03)
Stephen Vincent is a professional musician, freelance writer, published songwriter, and bassist for independent rock band Tupelo Honey. Both an avid reader and devourer of newspapers, Stephen is presently dividing his
time between very late gigs and very early mornings studying political science at the University of Alberta.
Contributing Photographer: Steven Stefaniuk
Contributing Illustrator: Andrea Hirji
contributors
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Choose Your Own AdventureAlumni share stories of navigating the bumps and bends in their creative career paths
A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring the ArtsWords of wisdom from people in the know
Do What You LoveTurning your passion into your life’s work
features
contents
alumni news | spring 2015
4 | SPRING 2015
This issue of M takes a look at some of our arts and communications graduates. You will find evidence of the success I’ve been writing about as you read the stories of graduates who have gone on to exciting careers. You will also find a consistent message that hard work and perseverance are key ingredients to achieving the things that got them to where they are today.
david atkinson, president MacEwan University
MESSAGE
from thePRESIDENT
The move of west-end operations to City Centre Campus in 2017 will more fully integrate FFAC and its students into the life of the institution. While the much-loved orange building on Stony Plain Road has served students well, it has outlived its usefulness. Even though extraordinary things have occurred there over the years, they have often been in isolation from the rest of the MacEwan community. With the move to the City Centre Campus, FFAC students will enjoy the opportunities of a large campus, while other students will come to know and appreciate the exciting creative work occurring in FFAC. A move into downtown will cement our programs with the Edmonton arts district, and bring even more profile to MacEwan University.
While not everyone sets out to become a famous musician or artist, their degree gives them adaptability. It’s the knack to think more broadly and creatively that employers value.
I n 2009 when the Board of Governors of MacEwan University put forward a plan to consolidate university operations
in downtown Edmonton, it was done with the intention of maximizing what we do best—provide one of the best post-secondary student experiences in Canada. The construction of the new Centre for Arts and Culture aims to build on that objective.
MacEwan University’s latest building will be a state-of-the-art teaching facility that will provide classroom and performance space for students in our Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications (FFAC), as well as teaching space to accommodate anticipated future growth.
Over the last 35 years, FFAC students have left an indelible mark upon the City of Edmonton and across Canada. MacEwan University has a history of delivering unique and practical fine arts, arts management and communication programming that sets it apart from more traditional programming.
From visual artists, to musicians, to actors and stage managers, our graduates are creating the kind of cultural environment that enhances our lives and makes Edmonton a cultural hub in Western Canada. Our graduates serve as consultants and writers, as technical experts, as cultural leaders and influencers of opinion.
BUILDING A WAY TO BRING ARTS, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATIONS CLOSER
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 5
PSYCh NURSING STUDENT vOLUNTEERS IN TANzANIA
When Sanam Amiri walked through the doors
of the psychiatric ward of the Muhimbili Hospital
in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital city, she
couldn’t believe her eyes.
“At first it was shocking to see how patients were
treated,” she says. “It would have been easy to
judge because the situation is so different, but
that’s the last thing we should be doing as
psychiatric nursing students.”
Sanam was excited about the impact she was
able to make—even as a first-year student—and
she’s in the process of planning her next trip to
Muhimbili Hospital this summer and is hoping to
convince some of her fellow students to join her.
MUSIC RESEARCh = RISkY BUSINESS?
Could the musical soundtrack of our lives—
whether it’s smooth jazz or a driving bass line—
impact the choices we make? Faculty members
Dr. Rickard Enstroem, Decision Sciences and
Supply Chain Management, and Dr. Rodney
Schmaltz, Psychology, wanted to find out. And
what they discovered might surprise you.
“We found that unpretentious, mellow and
intense music were positively related to social
risk-taking—things like starting a new career
in your mid-30s, speaking your mind on an
unpopular issue in a meeting at work or moving
to a city far away from your family,” says Rodney.
But the same types of music were negatively
related to recreational risk-taking—bungee
jumping or skydiving. And if you look at intense
music, those findings flip.
“People listening to intense music are more
likely to take recreational risks and less likely to
take social risks. The cool part about it is that it
counters the idea that intense music is generally
‘bad,’ particularly for adolescents—in the ’50s,
for example, intense music was blamed for
promiscuous sexual behaviour in teens, in the
’80s it was linked to drug use and in the ’90s it
was violence.”
Go online for moreVisit MacEwan.ca for stories about amazing research, quirky class assignments, awesome alumni and cool students between issues of M, including:
ThE TOADS ARE CALLING
Biology alumna Natasha Annich continues research in her master’s degree
And sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at macewanu/signupe-news to get MacEwan University news delivered to your inbox.
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FRONT COVER
Perpetual Notion (Pictured clockwise from bottom left.)
Dustin Borowski, Visual Communication Design ’11
Geoff Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’01
Julie Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’02
Keenan Kirk, Visual Communication Design ’10
Chontelle Bushore, Visual Communication Design ’11
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Sanam Amiri visits a local orphanage after a two-week volunteer stint in Tanzania.
WHAT’S HAPPENINGat MacEwan University
6 | SPRING 2015
COMMUNICATIONS HUB
State-of-the-art studios for digital, print and video production
Dedicated newsroom for journalism studentsto practice innovative approaches to reporting and digital storytelling
* More performance space means better access for students to practice and perform. More space also creates opportunities for partnerships and residencies that enhance student learning.
Degree programs
Elective courses for students
Collaborative opportunities for students and faculty across disciplines
Majors and minors across disciplines
Access to events including performances, exhibitions and lectures for our 19,000 full- and part-time students
ALL OF THE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUSES IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE = MORE...
Opportunities to partner
with campus and community gourmets to offer dinner and a concert/theatre production packages
with students displaying and selling their work
Ways for the community to connect with our campus
COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL SPACE ON THE GROUND FLOOR = NEW...
NEW CENTRE
for ARTS AND
CULTURE
If you have travelled down Edmonton’s
104 Avenue in the last few months,
you’ve likely noticed a big change on
the west end of our City Centre
Campus. What was once a gravel
parking lot is in the early stages of
transforming into a new home for the
university’s Faculty of Fine Arts and
Communications programs.
The new building will be far more than bricks
and mortar—the new Centre for Arts and
Culture will act as a hub that will connect
students to broader, richer learning
experiences inside the university and create
new and exciting community connections
in the heart of the city.
We want you, as MacEwan University alumni, to
be among the �rst to know what’s happening on
campus. Here are some highlights of what the
new Centre for Arts and Culture, set to open in
fall 2017, will include and what it will mean for
our students, our community and our university.
TEACHING
FACILITY or
ART GALLERY?
The entire building will be an art gallery and will
also include dedicated art gallery space for shows
and touring exhibits.
Partnership with the Alberta Foundation for the
Arts to commission a major piece of public art.
The investment will make a major contribution to
the building aesthetics and become an important
part of the teaching collection.
PROSCENIUM THEATRE
A formal theatre for large-scale productions
Includes a fly tower to move set pieces – a key tool for staging a variety of productions and for training students
BLACK BOX THEATRE
Flexible, simple theatre space
RECITAL HALL
Dedicated music performance space that can transform into a jazz club
PERFORMANCE SPACE
5 stories
39,800 square metres
1,730 square metres of retail space
3 performing spaces
140+ state-of-the-art classrooms and labs
Studios: music, dance, drawing, painting, sound recording, newsroom, and digital, print and video production
BUILDING,
PROGRAMS OF STUDY FOR 1,800 STUDENTS, INCLUDING
Music, Communications, Design,
Fine Art, Arts and Cultural
Management, Theatre Arts,
and Theatre Production
Watch as the newest addition to City Centre Campus comes to life. Check out the live construction video feed at macewa.nu/13fURt2
by the numbers
Premium
An educational and enlightening feature sharing facts and figures about MacEwan University.
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 7
COMMUNICATIONS HUB
State-of-the-art studios for digital, print and video production
Dedicated newsroom for journalism studentsto practice innovative approaches to reporting and digital storytelling
* More performance space means better access for students to practice and perform. More space also creates opportunities for partnerships and residencies that enhance student learning.
Degree programs
Elective courses for students
Collaborative opportunities for students and faculty across disciplines
Majors and minors across disciplines
Access to events including performances, exhibitions and lectures for our 19,000 full- and part-time students
ALL OF THE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUSES IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE = MORE...
Opportunities to partner
with campus and community gourmets to offer dinner and a concert/theatre production packages
with students displaying and selling their work
Ways for the community to connect with our campus
COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL SPACE ON THE GROUND FLOOR = NEW...
NEW CENTRE
for ARTS AND
CULTURE
If you have travelled down Edmonton’s
104 Avenue in the last few months,
you’ve likely noticed a big change on
the west end of our City Centre
Campus. What was once a gravel
parking lot is in the early stages of
transforming into a new home for the
university’s Faculty of Fine Arts and
Communications programs.
The new building will be far more than bricks
and mortar—the new Centre for Arts and
Culture will act as a hub that will connect
students to broader, richer learning
experiences inside the university and create
new and exciting community connections
in the heart of the city.
We want you, as MacEwan University alumni, to
be among the �rst to know what’s happening on
campus. Here are some highlights of what the
new Centre for Arts and Culture, set to open in
fall 2017, will include and what it will mean for
our students, our community and our university.
TEACHING
FACILITY or
ART GALLERY?
The entire building will be an art gallery and will
also include dedicated art gallery space for shows
and touring exhibits.
Partnership with the Alberta Foundation for the
Arts to commission a major piece of public art.
The investment will make a major contribution to
the building aesthetics and become an important
part of the teaching collection.
PROSCENIUM THEATRE
A formal theatre for large-scale productions
Includes a fly tower to move set pieces – a key tool for staging a variety of productions and for training students
BLACK BOX THEATRE
Flexible, simple theatre space
RECITAL HALL
Dedicated music performance space that can transform into a jazz club
PERFORMANCE SPACE
5 stories
39,800 square metres
1,730 square metres of retail space
3 performing spaces
140+ state-of-the-art classrooms and labs
Studios: music, dance, drawing, painting, sound recording, newsroom, and digital, print and video production
BUILDING,
PROGRAMS OF STUDY FOR 1,800 STUDENTS, INCLUDING
Music, Communications, Design,
Fine Art, Arts and Cultural
Management, Theatre Arts,
and Theatre Production
Watch as the newest addition to City Centre Campus comes to life. Check out the live construction video feed at macewa.nu/13fURt2
by the numbers
Premium
An educational and enlightening feature sharing facts and figures about MacEwan University.
Both.
8 | SPRING 2015
and signed an entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets. His fourth son, Ty, plays in the Western Hockey League.
While the Comrie name is well-known in hockey circles, Bill has also cemented the family’s reputation in the business world. Following the death of his father in 1968, he took over the operations of The Brick, the family furniture business, and helped build it into a retail giant with annual sales of $1.5 billion. Bill was named the 2012 Allard Chair for MacEwan University’s School of Business. During his tenure, he taught business students and faculty the importance of leadership, teamwork and personal commitment.
Bill’s significant contributions to hockey and business are mirrored in his generosity to his community. His gifts to countless organizations and foundations have improved the quality of life for many in the greater Edmonton community.
In honour of his gift to the university, a bust of Bill will be placed in the entryway to the Christenson Centre for Sport and Wellness, and a new high-performance training facility in the centre has been named The Bill Comrie High Performance Training Zone.
Bill Comrie makes a $1.5-million contribution to scholarships for Griffins athletes
GAME-ChANGING DONATION TO MACEWAN UNIvERSITY’S hOCkEY PROGRAM
S tudents with academic drive and hockey dreams now have a better shot at achieving their goals
with the help of newly established scholarships created by a generous $1.5-million donation by philanthropist Bill Comrie. The endowed donation will fund the Bill Comrie Hockey Scholarships, 12 annual scholarships of $5,000 each, which will be distributed to six student athletes on both the women’s and men’s hockey teams, who play under the banner of the MacEwan University Griffins.
“Financial support is important to our athletes who give so much to our university, often forgoing part-time work to play on our teams,” explains David Atkinson, president, MacEwan University. Not only do Griffins hockey players study full-time, they dedicate as much as two hours each weekday to practice and physical
training. The new scholarships will enable student athletes to focus on two priorities—academics and the game of hockey.
“These scholarships will certainly help current players,” noted Atkinson, “and they will help attract talented and competitive players in the future.”
A LEGACY Of ExCELLENCE IN SPORT AND IN BUSINESS
Bill’s lifelong connection to hockey, combined with his family’s passion for education, made supporting the university’s hockey program a perfect fit. “This gift is about creating a legacy in support of outstanding students and elite players,” he said during a news conference to announce the donation to help present and future Griffins. “It is my hope that this will lift the program to the next level and pave the way for future generations of players.”
Bill is more than a hockey fan—he played as a Moose Jaw Canuck (the farm team of the Chicago Black Hawks), and for the Edmonton Oil Kings. And he has passed on his love of the game to his sons. Two of them, Paul and Mike, played in the NHL. Third son Eric recently won a gold medal with Canada’s Junior Team
M stories
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 9
S imon o’byrne, vice-president at Stantec, has been named as the 2015 Allard Chair in Business. This
honorary teaching position is awarded annually to an outstanding member of the business community with demonstrated business acumen and corporate social responsibility.
Simon is a professional urban planner with experience in a wide range of high-profile planning projects. He provides strategic input and leads multi-disciplinary teams in the planning and delivery of large, complex projects. Notable projects include urban revitalization in the Bronx, New York; the downtown arena
SIMON O'BYRNE NAMED 2015 ALLARD ChAIR IN BUSINESS
and entertainment district in Edmonton; the redevelopment of the Alberta Legislature Grounds; Saskatoon City Centre Plan; Century Park Transit Urban Village and the Capital Region Land Use Plan.
“Simon is a very active member of the community,” said Elsie Elford, dean, MacEwan University School of Business. “He currently sits on five different local and national boards, and his volunteer experience has enabled him to have a well-rounded, comprehensive and practical understanding of many political, financial, and sustainability issues affecting urban planning.”
Throughout the year, MacEwan University business students will have the opportunity to meet with Simon at various events and classroom visits where they can discuss and learn from the chair’s experiences as a business and community leader.
The School of Business holds a luncheon in March to recognize the Allard Chair’s contributions to the community and celebrate the honorary teaching position.
Inspire Excellence
MacEwan.ca/wcm/Donors
Supporting scholarships and bursaries makes a difference in the lives of our students and in our community.
M stories
10 | SPRING 2015
“It is just such an honour to hear musicians bring my little black dots to life.”
W hile macewan University boasts some truly world-class scientists, scholars and historians, the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Sherrill Brown
Distinguished Research Award is more at home in a concert hall than in a lab. Yet Dr. Allan Gilliland, chair of the music program and head of composition, could not be a more fitting recipient of this great honour.
The selection committee was compelled by Allan’s status as one of the most well-respected composers in Canada, and his passion for education and mentorship. “The world is enriched by Allan’s music, his scholarship, his teaching and his collegial contributions to the university,” says provost John Corlett.
“When I first heard I was nominated, I was completely humbled,” says Allan. And as personally rewarding as such recognition is, Allan feels that the award also makes an important statement to students of the arts. “Granting this award to someone from the performing and visual arts shows these students that what they do is truly valued by the university.”
WELL COMPOSEDAccomplished composer and MacEwan University Music program chair named first recipient of Distinguished Research Award
By Stephen Vincent
M stories
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 11
INSPIRING ANOThER GENERATION
In 2004, Allan became a full-time faculty member in MacEwan University’s music program, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with the next generation of composers. His commitment to honing his craft continued when he began working on his PhD at the University of Edinburgh. After balancing both his studies and teaching commitments, Allan earned his doctorate in composition in 2012.
ALL ABOUT ThE MUSIC
Even with such an impressive list of professional achievements, Allan is continuously inspired to create. “I really love the whole process of writing, playing and listening to music,” he says. “It is just such an honour to hear musicians bring my little black dots to life, and I am humbled by it every time.”
IN hONOUR Of DR. ShERRILL BROWN
The new Distinguished Research Award is named in honour of the late Dr. Sherrill Brown, a former faculty member of the Early Learning and Child Care program and prominent child education advocate. Dr. Brown’s ceaseless passion for learning, teaching and bettering the lives of others left a profound mark on the university and the wider community. Allan’s contribution to the local and international arts community reflects this spirit, making him the perfect choice as the first recipient of this award.
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Supporting you... and MacEwan UniversityYour needs will change as your life and career evolve. As a MacEwan University alumnus, you have access to the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program, which offers preferred insurance rates, other discounts and great protection, that is easily adapted to your changing needs. Plus, every year our program contributes to supporting your alumni association, so it’s a great way to save and show you care at the same time. Get a quote today!
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hIGhLIGhTS REEL
Allan’s compositions have been played by some of the finest musicians in venues all over the world—he just returned from hearing one of his pieces performed in St. Petersburg, Russia—and his many career highlights include having his compositions played by the New York Philharmonic brass section, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and even on stage at Carnegie Hall.
A hISTORY Of COMPOSITION
Allan knew he wanted to be a professional musician the moment he first played the trumpet in junior high school. After years of practicing, finishing his master’s in composition and performing live countless times, Allan was offered the position of composer in residence for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in 1999. “Being with the symphony let me make music full time, which is when I decided to really focus my career on composition.”
We’re rolling out the red carpet. You deserve it.
Alumni Relations and Services congratulates you on your graduation!
We care about what you do after university and want to share your success and stories with other alumni and students. Our grads aspire and, in turn, inspire. In return, we offer benefits and services specifically for you.
Don’t forget your VIP pass. Exclusive savings for our members.
DISCOUNTS ON TRAVELReceive discounts on specially designed travel packages throughout the year.
MOVIE TICKETSPurchase discounted movie tickets for Cineplex Odeon Theatres from the SAM Centre at City Centre Campus.
THEATRE TICKETSReceive exclusive discounts on live theatre tickets through Broadway Across Canada.
HOME AND AUTO INSURANCEYour alumni status entitles you to preferred group rates on your home and auto insurance through TD Insurance Meloche Monnex.
HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCEReceive preferred rates on Health and Dental insurance through Manulife Financial.
PREFERRED GYM MEMBERSHIP RATESMacEwan University Sport and Wellness grants reduced membership rates to all alumni.
FACILITY RENTALSTake advantage of reduced facility rental rates when holding meetings, workshops, seminars, conferences, or social activities at the university. A wide variety of facilities, equipment and services are available through MacEwan University Conference and Event Services.
MEMBERS ADVANTAGE – TICKET AND DISCOUNT PROGRAMYou can save on many attractions, movies, entertainment and sporting events across Alberta.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTAlumni qualify for a 15% discount on all professional development courses (non credit) through the School of Business.
The privilege is ours. Services just for you.
“M” ALUMNI NEWSProduced three times a year, M showcases MacEwan University alumni and provides articles about the university, programs and faculty.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDSEach year, MacEwan University recognizes the outstanding achievements of alumni and their contributions to our community. If you know a deserving alumnus, please contact us.
ALUMNI PROGRAM CHAPTERSAlumni Chapters are an excellent way to stay connected with your fellow graduates, build social and professional relations, and work together to make an impact on your industry and the community.
ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCILThe Alumni Advisory Council provides alumni with the opportunity to offer input and advice
concerning matters related to alumni programming. It plays a vital role in developing the alumni community and contributing to the success of MacEwan University. Interested in becoming a council member? Contact us!
VOLUNTEER OR MENTORCome back to campus to share your experience and expertise with current students, or give back by volunteering at various campus events.
FREE EVENTSTake advantage of alumni events and activities throughout the year, including the annual Night of Theatre and a variety of speakers and presentations.
LOOKING FOR A JOB?Alumni are welcome to view numerous job opportunities posted by employers seeking MacEwan University graduates.
Alumni who graduated within the past two years can make an appointment with a career services coordinator to discuss their job search or to submit resumes and cover letters for a free critique.
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL?Educational AdvisingIf you are thinking about returning to school, our educational advisors can help. For alumni who decide on graduate school or professional education, there are free programs and services available through our graduate school liaison.
Keep in touch.
ALUMNI RELATIONS AND SERVICES780-497-4273Email: [email protected]/Alumni
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You’re going places.TAKE US WITH YOU.
ALUMNI RELATIONSAND SERVICES
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 13
YOUR OWN
PERFORMERS, DESIGNERS, ARTS
ADMINISTRATORS, JOURNALISTS AND
OTHER CREATIVE TYPES TALK ABOUT THEIR
DIFFERENT PATHS
T here is more than one way to manoeuvre through a career in the fine arts and communications—and you don’t always start your career there. Some people, like
Charlotte Hunt, discover a new passion after getting a fine arts degree. Judy Stelck left a career in banking to try her hand at arts administration. For others, finding the perfect career is pure accident—Ryan Parker hadn’t even considered the fine arts until he signed up for drama to get his last high school credit.
The journey may be straight and narrow or endlessly winding—but isn’t that part of the adventure? Meet a few of the alumni who have taken different paths to pursue their passions—and discovered themselves along the way.
By BJ Anderson, Stephanie Sparks and Michelle Woodard
14 | SPRING 2015
designstudies
Julie Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’02 | Geoff Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’01 | Keenan Kirk, Visual Communication Design ’10
Dustin Borowski, Visual Communication Design ’11 | Chontelle Bushore, Visual Communication Design ’11
visual communicationdesign
Julie Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’02 | Geoff Kramer, Visual Communication Design ’01 | Keenan Kirk, Visual Communication Design ’10
Dustin Borowski, Visual Communication Design ’11 | Chontelle Bushore, Visual Communication Design ’11
As long as we’re being creative, we’re happy.
A ll paths led to downtown Edmonton’s landmark Western Supplies Building for the five alumni who make up the Perpetual Notion Design team. But
owners Geoff and Julie Kramer, and designers Dustin Borowski, Chontelle Bushore and Keenan Kirk, each took different routes to the funky office space where their collective creative juices are constantly flowing.
Unlike her fellow designers who spent their formative years drawing hockey team logos or filling up the margins of their notebooks with doodles, Julie says she didn’t even take art in high school.
A WALK ON THE
CREATIVE SIDE“Most everyone here was a creative person first, but I started out more on the writing side in advertising and public relations—I didn’t even know how to mix paint when I arrived at MacEwan, but I knew I liked the creative side so design and illustration made sense.”
Design may be what brought them together, but a passion for creativity (and a healthy dose of coffee) is what keeps them going when things get tough.
“Every time something new comes in the door, it’s received with arms wide open. Right away, we’re asking ‘how can we make this ours and make it cool?’” says Julie. “Our team is really talented, we all work well together and we’re up for any challenge. As long as we’re being creative, we’re happy.”
16 | SPRING 2015
musicstudies
I n 2014, Stephen Tchir joined the Provincial Archive, a self-described “folk-informed indie-pop quartet,” replacing one of the
band’s longtime members—though he was already considered an honorary band mate, having known and played music with frontman Craig Schram since fifth grade.
“My favourite part of being a working musician is the pleasure of playing with a talented group,” says Craig. “It’s a real privilege to be surrounded by these people.”
But Stephen wasn’t waiting by the phone for his chance to play in a band. “I quickly learned that to make a living in the arts sometimes requires multiple streams of income,” he says.
He has taken on a variety of activities—freelance playing (including accompaniment) and teaching—“on top of the artistically stimulating
BAND OF
BROTHERS
work that I do in the Provincial Archive and other groups.” He also has a day job in post-secondary administration. Craig shares that sentiment—while he’s pursing a career in music, he’s also focusing on his business career.
And that group (which also includes alumni R. Bramwell Park, Music, Performance ’04 and Composition ’05, and Nathan Burge, Audio Visual ’00) is receiving accolades for their talents—in December 2014, they picked up an Edmonton Music Prize for their third album, It’s All Shaken Wonder.
“Music always begs more of the musician,” says Stephen. “There is always pressure to push oneself to the next level. Music is more than a career or a vocation. It offers a life of unending possibilities and learning.”
Stephen Tchir, Music, Performance ’04 and Composition ’05
Craig Schram, Business (transfer student)
Music is more than a career or a vocation. It offers a life of unending possibilities and learning.
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 17
W hen Dave Breakenridge graduated from the Journalism program in 2004, he wanted to write and report news. But thoughts of doing more
than covering the local beat seemed farfetched. In spite of that, he climbed the ranks of Sun Media in Calgary, and in 2014 was named editor in chief of the Edmonton Sun.
“My boss in Calgary was joking when I got the job here,” says Dave. “He said, ‘It took me 14 years and you managed to do it in 10.’”
Dave is modest about his success; his passion is in pushing local news content and developing original stories. He starts his days early by consuming as much news as possible—reading local and national papers over breakfast and checking in with Twitter. In the office, he connects with his news team at the morning story meeting and continues to check in with them throughout the day.
communicationstudies
“BREAKEN”
“We have a really great team covering local news,” he says. “I like to keep abreast and give feedback when it’s needed.”
He says that while competition is a fun part of the job, it’s not enough to be first with breaking news. Citing the two occasions in which Gordon Lightfoot “died” on social media, he says news organizations have been burned by trying to be first. “I want to make sure we’re getting out fast, but also that we’re getting out right.”
NEWS
W hen she heard that Art Gallery of Alberta curator Kristy Trinier was planning a road trip to visit
artists’ studios in northern Alberta to prepare for the 2015 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, Brenda Draney found the potential that trip presented irresistible.
On a lark, Brenda suggested she join Kristy to work on her own contribution to the biennial—plein air painting (painting on location). Kristy agreed and the next thing she knew, Brenda was recreating the province’s northern landscapes on canvas, while Kristy went on studio visits.
The result is Missive from The North, a series of eight paintings that is being displayed alongside the work of 41 Alberta artists, including MacEwan University alumni Erin Schwab and Travis McEwan, and Leslie Sharpe, chair of the university’s Fine Art program.
fine art
JOURNEY
AN ARTISTICFor Brenda, an accomplished artist who has exhibited across Canada and been recognized with several awards, the honour of sharing exhibit space with so many talented artists comes with a sense of arrival.
“When you’re young and studying art, it can seem like a flight of fancy or a dream,” says Brenda, who holds a diploma, two undergraduate degrees and a master’s in fine art. “There is so much involved in an artist’s practice–the complex work involved in research and in the studio—and exhibitions are a part of what we do. In that sense, exhibitions are confirming. That doesn’t mean this is a time to pause and reflect as if you’ve reached something. It’s a chance to start thinking about things in a different way and about new projects coming up around the bend.”
One of the reasons we exhibit our work is to learn more about our practice.
20 | SPRING 2015
J udy Stelck had two decades in banking behind her when she decided to change careers. She had money set aside for a
year of education—the mother of four knew she was a good organizer and that she loved music and theatre, so MacEwan’s Arts and Cultural Management just made sense.
“I hadn’t been in school since I was 17 and the first paper I had to write almost had me in hysterics. It was scary, but learning is never a waste and it makes your life is so much fuller.”
She quickly rallied and finished the year with a practicum at the Street Performers’ Festival. After a short stint at the Citadel, Judy found her long-term home as manager at TIX on the Square.
In the 14 years since, she has seen the community box office, and the many local arts organizations it supports, grow and flourish.
“Back then, we only had two or three events and I was at a show almost every night introducing myself to theatre companies. Seeing just how much work goes into a production was inspiring and really made me want to make sure people saw it.”
She’s certainly done that. Today, TIX on the Square promotes and sells tickets for over 1,000 events a year and displays the work of more than 200 local artists in its store.
“There are so many talented people who share of themselves in this city and I’m proud to help spread the word about the incredible arts community we have in Edmonton.”
arts & culturalmanagement
BELLEBOX OFFICE
OF THE
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 21
theatrearts
A STEP IN THE RIGHT
DIRECTION
J anuary in New York will likely be the most memorable of Ryan Parker’s life—and not because of the winter storm of
2015. Ryan is currently starring in his first off-Broadway show, Nevermore—The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe—a production written, composed and directed by Jonathan Christenson, artistic director of Edmonton’s Catalyst Theatre.
Off-Broadway is a long way from drama class in high school, where Ryan essentially stumbled into acting. He took the class for an easy three credits, and discovered he actually enjoyed it. But when his drama teacher encouraged him to audition for the Theatre Arts program at MacEwan University, he was skeptical.
“I wasn’t sure I could make a career doing theatre, but she said, ‘You can, and you have to go.’ So she pretty much strong-armed me into it,” he laughs. “Those two years changed me absolutely—I came out of that program a different person. The people I was with; the teachers I had; the experiences I went through—they changed my view of the world.”
Every step I take seems to be in the right direction, and that’s a good thing.
Since graduating, Ryan has created a name for himself on professional stages that include the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), the Barbican Theatre (London, U.K.), the Arts Club (Vancouver), the Globe Theatre (Regina), Vertigo Theatre (Calgary) and the Citadel Theatre (Edmonton). He is also a co-creator of the ukulele cover band, the Be Arthurs, and the sketch comedy troupe, Blacklisted, and owns his own photography studio.
When asked what he loves most about where he is today, he doesn’t hesitate. “I like that it’s not the same thing, day-in, day-out,” he says. “I constantly switch hats. I’m continuously being tested and pushed, and I feel like I’m still figuring things out. But every step I take seems to be in the right direction, and that’s a good thing.”
A fter graduating from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Charlotte was bored with her retail job and was surprised to find she didn’t like painting alone
in a studio. She missed her years in arts college, where she could bounce ideas off her peers and share her work. To make some extra money, she began moonlighting as a set painter for Halifax’s Neptune Theatre.
“I was enjoying the theatre aspect so much that I wanted to get some training and do this for real,” she says, which is how she found her way to MacEwan’s Theatre Production program.
She graduated in 1992 and after a few years working freelance around the city, she took a job as a props builder at the Citadel Theatre. In January 2015, she celebrated 20 years with the theatre.
Charlotte, now the head of props, says, “Sometimes you’re just trying to get stuff made and put it out there, but there is a lot of problem solving and you’re never really doing the same things twice.”
As one of three people in her department, Charlotte gets to produce and procure the props required to add realism—and sometimes magic—to the theatre’s season of shows. Her role also requires her to become a “mini-expert” on unusual matters to tackle all sorts of technical challenges—from how to paint a prop tortoise to match the appearance a real century-old one, to making easy-to-clean-up fake vomit.
“It’s collaborative, that’s a big thing,” she says. “I wouldn’t have thought that in my early days. I thought I liked to do things by myself—I don’t. I like the collaborative process and I like being able to bounce ideas off others and having the environment where you can do that.”
theatreproduction
ALL THE WORLD’S A
STAGE(BACK)
C
by Megan Dart
C
BRING A FRIEND, READ REVIEWS, FIND A DEAL AND OTHER WORDS OF WISDOM
FROM PEOPLE IN THE KNOW
by Megan Dart
24 | SPRING 2015
Edmonton is home to a broad and diverse arts community driven by creative professionals,” says Sheiny Satanove, executive director of the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton. “We are so fortunate to host such a wealth of talent in our city. It is the passion of those artists that helps make Edmonton a culturally vibrant city in which to live, work and play.”
Edmonton is summer festivals and artistry at -40 degrees, a scene best explored with a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn. “Figure out what you love,” says Cadence Konopaki, managing director of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. “Start easy. Challenge yourself, but
Edmonton’s crEativE vibe hums at a fever pitch, the song of a city whose passion echoes
in its squares, cafés, back-alley dives and boardrooms. Ours is an entrepreneurial spirit with a paintbrush in its hand, a monologue on its tongue, a dance in its bones. Our city is a hotbed of creative talent spanning the artistic disciplines, and defying the “there’s nothing to do” sentiment sneaking out of lips who need only an encouraging smile, a friendly wink and an enthusiastic invitation to remind them: there’s something here for you, too.
On any given night of the week, any month of the year, no matter your interest, there is a YEG-bred artistic movement to satisfy your curiosity: the “think-piece,” its intense social commentary lingering with you long after you leave the theatre. The laugh-out-loud, hand-over-your-mouth, can’t-believe-he’s-going-to-try-it antics of a street performer. The breathtaking vulnerability of a poet spitting truth into an open mic. The locally produced show now playing off-Broadway—the one you are so proud to tell your friends: I saw it first. The twitch of personal connection with a visual art installation that really stirred you.
Edmonton is home to a broad and diverse arts
community driven by creative professionals.
— Sheiny Satanove, executive director of the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton
BEGIN WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
don’t feel like you need to do or see it all. If you’ve always loved visual art, then start there. Challenge yourself to get to more galleries and openings. Later on, you can start challenging yourself by broadening that circle.”
And, lucky for Edmontonians and Albertans alike, the circumference of that creative circle is expansive. Curate your audience experience by doing only a little light homework.
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 25
“Have an experience, grow your appreciation for an art form, and learn what you like,” says Murray Utas, artistic director with the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. “There’s something for everyone in this city. Take a risk on something new.”
And wherever you are—in the heart of Edmonton or halfway across the world—you can take any of these suggestions and find a way into your own arts community. So go on now, get out there.
“Read arts previews and reviews,” suggests Patrick Lundeen, executive director of Common Ground Arts Society, the driving force behind the young multidisciplinary found-space performance fest, Found Festival. “There’s something happening every night in this town. Also, bring a friend or two!”
That friend or two will come in handy if you’re the type who wants to see it all, but doesn’t want to break the bank.
Maggie Baird, festival manager with the emerging multidisciplinary artistic celebration Nextfest, suggests figuring out what you like by taking advantage of the many deals and post-show events out there.
“Take in two-for-one or pay-what-you-can nights,” she says. “Then figure out what you like. And talk backs! Attending talk backs (where the audience can chat with the cast) are a great way to create a relationship with the work.”
Connection is key when it comes to broadening your artistic experience.
“Volunteer!” advises Amy Shostak, artistic director of Rapid Fire Theatre. “That way you make a personal connection with the company, and meet great people.”
—AND CONNECTIONS
Find oUt WHat’s HaPPEninG in Edmonton noW
Visit vueweekly.com for a complete list of arts events.
Visit yeglive.ca, Edmonton’s best source for local live music.
Subscribe to Avenue Edmonton’s “Weekender” for an up-to-date weekly listing of social and cultural events.
Check out the Edmonton Journal’s “10 Things to Do” to stay abreast of city events.
Knowing the artists behind the work invites personal investment, too. And once you’re invested, you’re more likely to be moved.
“Whether I leave a performance in tears, laughing or angry, I’m always glad I went,” explains Ainsley Hillyard, collective artist with Good Women Dance Collective. “In a society where emotional conversations are had through computers, and quality time means a Netflix marathon, I think it’s a gift to feel anything at all. Regardless of whether I loved it or hated it, having a reaction to it makes me feel more alive, more human.”
When it comes down to it, art is all about sharing the human experience, telling stories and building community.
AND BRING A FRIEND
It has been said that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. But for most of us, it’s not as easy as it sounds. For one thing, there are practical considerations. A happy career
allows us to use our talents, skills and education to earn a livelihood (even if it isn’t a six-figure salary).
Then, there’s the tricky matter of narrowing down what we love. While some find their passions easily, others don’t. The aspiring ballerina may one day wear a lab coat instead of a tutu. The med school student may find himself acting his way across North America. Finding a passion—and figuring out how to make a living at it—can take time.
But, as these three MacEwan alumni show us, it can be done.
HOW TO STOP WORKING AND LOVE YOUR jOBBy Caitlin Crawshaw
Do What you
lov�
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 27
After working for the small music management company where she’d done her practicum, she struck out on her own and created Bottom Line Productions in 1993. Now she and her four employees promote organizations like Cavalia, Cirque du Soleil, Broadway Across Canada and Alberta Opera.
Although she wound up in the arts sector, Darka says her work engages both the artsy and science-oriented sides of her personality. The analytical abilities that made her so good at science come in handy when she’s strategizing for clients and running her business.
Now and then, she thinks of what her life might have been like if she’d followed another—possibly more lucrative—career route. But the moment is fleeting. “What I do is too cool.” She often tells her children that they need to make a good living, but be happy too: “We spend so much of our time working. It’s a shame not to like what you do.”
Unlike Darka, Steven Cretney (Audio Visual Communications, ’00) didn’t go to post-secondary right out of high school. Although his parents weren’t thrilled, he decided to expand his horizons
overseas. For two years, he travelled around Europe, financing his adventures with manual labour jobs. “I realized that this wasn’t the kind of life I wanted to have forever,” he says.
By the time he arrived home, Steven decided upon a career in graphic design, since he was creative and liked people. To that end, he registered in MacEwan’s Audio Visual Communications program. After earning his diploma in 2000, he launched his graphic design career by working at MacEwan and freelancing on the side. That’s when Steven made another important discovery: broader communications skills—including writing skills—would help him grow his career.
“The visuals only get you so far. When you have a wider breadth of communication and understanding of how design fits into that, everything’s enhanced,” he says. He decided to build upon his education by earning a communications degree at the University of Calgary.
He continued his graphic design career in Vancouver, where he snagged a job at Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). An avid outdoorsman, Steven says the job reinforced his passion for sustainability: “Being at MEC at the time solidified the fact that the work I’m doing needs to be grounded in improving the world—particularly sustainability.”
There was no question that Darka Tarnawsky (Arts and Cultural Management, ’89) would go to university after high school—the real question was what would she
study? “When I was in high school, everyone either went into arts or sciences,” she says.
Darka had always been good at science—she’d even snagged the highest grade in Math 31—and dreamt of becoming a doctor as a child. But she also had an artsy side. Darka had been a Ukrainian folk dancer since she was five and had talent to spare. As a young adult, she was invited to join the renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Nevertheless, she signed up for a Bachelor of Science degree without considering a career in the arts.
But early into her degree, Darka realized that medicine was not for her. Instead, she majored in psychology, which blended science and arts courses, in the hopes of becoming a therapist. After earning her degree, she landed a job with child protective services, reviewing cases. But she was miserable—it just wasn’t the right fit for her.
Everything changed when a friend mentioned Arts and Cultural Management at MacEwan. Although she’d done quite a bit of fundraising and tour organizing with Shumka, she didn’t realize that arts management was a field unto itself. It was a life-changing discovery. “This was a career where I could make a decent living and, more importantly, that I could be happy doing,” says Darka.
Finding a
“We spend so much of our time
working. It’s a shame not to like
what you do.”
A thir st for knowledge
third way
28 | SPRING 2015
While he’d always been drawn to environmental causes and social justice issues, Steven made a decision to consciously focus his career on these areas. After he and his wife moved again—this time, to Nelson, B.C.—Steven began working part-time for the Pembina Institute (an environmental policy research and education organization). He also launched his own design company to specialize in communications services for companies with similar views on sustainability.
It was work he loved, but Steven wasn’t finished expanding his horizons. He wanted to understand climate science—and have the tools to bring about change. With their brand new baby in tow, he and his wife moved to Sweden, where they spent a year at the Blekinge Institute of Technology earning a master’s degrees in strategic leadership towards sustainability.
Now, Steven has “a communications background and a sustainability foreground,” and is more involved in strategic communications. “The work I’m doing isn’t just about making some poster look pretty—I’m actively involved in building strategies and finding the best ways to reach audiences.”
Those that can,
Start-up fees apply if registering for a membership in the future. Parking permits are not included.
FIND YOUR AWESOME THIS SUMMER!
When Josh Languedoc (Bachelor of Arts, ’10) was six years old, his parents enrolled him in Stage
Polaris, a now-defunct drama school in Edmonton. For three years, he took classes and acted in the school’s performances, becoming completely enamoured with theatre.
Like Darka, he continued to perform throughout his childhood and adolescence. And when he enrolled at MacEwan University after high school, he chose to study arts—but not drama. It was sociology that spoke to him. “It aligned with how I’ve always thought about the world and ignited a passion in me that was dormant,” he says. Josh became particularly fascinated by power structures and social justice issues.
He earned his degree without knowing where it would lead him. After graduating in 2010, he took on a number of different jobs—administering surveys for Statistics Canada and working in a daycare—as he explored his options. Finally, during a community theatre production, everything became clear.
The play was The Wizard of Oz and it was being produced in Sherwood Park. Josh, who played the Cowardly Lion, was acting alongside adults of
teach all ages, youth and children. Although he’d been working at the daycare for a couple of years, he hadn’t had much opportunity to interact with kids in a meaningful way. But during the play’s rehearsals, Josh was really connecting with the young people—and loving it.
“Driving home one night, I thought, ‘I want to do more of this,’” he says. There seemed no better way than to become a teacher—specifically, a drama teacher. This spring, Josh will earn his education after-degree at the University of Alberta. He plans to teach drama to teens while continuing his theatre career on the side. On top of acting and directing local productions, he’s part of an improv group called Go 4 Broke Productions.
“I don’t want to work my way into the ground, but I want to keep my feet in both waters,” he says.
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 29
GRAD SCHOOL spotlight
I n just five years, Tyler Smith (Theatre Arts ’13) has gone from being one of 150 singers atop Edmonton’s Singing Christmas Tree to graduating with a master’s in
musical theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), competing as a finalist in the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition and being signed by an agent in London.
What drives this Leduc-raised boy to shoot for the top? “I honestly can’t envision doing anything else but performing. Theatre reaches people on so many different levels; it’s just an incredible medium to be a part of. What fuels my passion is to be part of that experience.”
Off TO GRAD SChOOL
In 2013, Tyler auditioned for the prestigious 12-month musical theatre training program at Scotland’s Royal Conservatoire, along with classmate Kristel Harder, and was among the nine Canadians who made up nearly half of the Glasgow-based program’s student intake.
A few months later, Tyler found himself living in student halls of residence and exploring Glasgow. His first foray onto the stage was in a big band concert held at Christmas. “I felt simultaneously exhilarated and nervous performing our Christmas show at the conservatoire; performing is something that I’ve been doing for a long time, but this was my first time performing in Scotland, a completely different country and continent, where you are now considered a fresh face to those watching. It raises the stakes a bit.”
SINGING AND SIGNING WRAP UP A GREAT YEAR
The year culminated in a performance at the world’s largest fringe festival—the Edinburgh Fringe (where they did two different
Great scot! Theatre Arts alum experiences extraordinary first act of a promising stage career
By Steven Sparling
MR. SMITh GOES TO GLASGOW
shows every day)—and with a London agent showcase in September 2014, which led to Tyler being signed by an agent.
If that wasn’t enough, Tyler’s year reached a pinnacle when he was selected to sing in the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition, and took to the stage of London’s Garrick Theatre.
“I was so excited to be selected as a top 12 finalist. It was humbling, as well as gratifying to have that pay off for the work I put into the audition process. I learned so much from the other 11 contestants in the brief time that we had together, and win or no win, it didn’t make or break the experience for me. It was a celebration of young artists and their craft, and I felt so honoured to be a part of that.”
Since graduating, Tyler has appeared as a featured vocalist with Broadway performer Natalie Weiss at her Edinburgh concerts and completed a six-week professional tour of theatrical cabaret A Winter Wonderland throughout Ireland.
For now, Glasgow is where he hangs his hat, and while he’d like to spend a few years in the U.K., maybe even making his West End debut, Tyler says, “Canada is my home.”
“Theatre reaches people on so many different levels; it’s just an incredible medium to be a part of.”
30 | SPRING 2015
The Carolines(Pictured from left to right)
Chloe Albert, Music studies, ’04
Katie Perman, Music studies, ’04
Lesley Pelletier, Music studies,’03
Even though the three incredibly busy women who create the awe-inspiring harmonies of the Carolines were in the midst of raising a curious toddler, welcoming a new baby into the world and finishing a music degree, they were kind enough to share their answers to “In One Word.” The least we could do was give Lesley, Chloe and Katie one word each.
first concert you saw
kATIE Procol Harum ChLOE Sharon Lois & Bram LESLEY NKOTB
dream vacation
kATIE A trip around the world in a hot air balloon (like in The Chipmunk Adventure, if the laws of physics didn’t apply) ChLOE Floating down the Mississippi on a raft, like Huckleberry Finn LESLEY Africa
favourite cereal
kATIE Oatmeal ChLOE Cheerios LESLEY Oatmeal
in ONE WORD
currently listening to
kATIE Portishead ChLOE Lake Street Dive LESLEY Chloe Albert (ha ha!)
favourite nursery rhyme
kATIE “I’m a Little Teapot” ChLOE “I Love the Mountains” LESLEY “The Grand Old Duke of York”
guilty pleasure
kATIE Wine and salt-and-vinegar chips (together) ChLOE Kraft Dinner LESLEY Reality TV
Basketball Camp†
Volleyball Camp†
Gym and Swim CampJunior Lifeguard Camp
Hockey Camp†
Triathlon CampSport Exploration Camp†
Basketball/VolleyballCombo Camp†
*
SUMMER CAMPS
Camps are divided into age groups: Ages 10-12 | Ages 13-15Hockey Camps: Novice Ages 7-8 | Atom Ages 9-10 | Pee Wee Ages 11-12
See website for details: MacEwan.ca/SportCamps†10% Alumni discount applies to these camps.
REGISTER TODAY FOR:
sunrise or sunset
kATIE Sunrise ChLOE Sunset LESLEY Sunrise
if you could perform with one other musician, who would it be
kATIE Sting ChLOE Martin Sexton LESLEY Stevie Wonder
my macewan experience in one word
kATIE Wonderful ChLOE Herculean LESLEY Abundant
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 31
ASK the EXPERT
I am slightly dubious about discussing comedy. E. B. White once said, “Analyzing humour is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.” But
here are some rudimentary principles for writing humour which will hopefully destroy neither human nor amphibian.
CARE
I think one of the most useful ways to write humour is to work yourself into a lather about something and then freely froth and spume all over the pages. Essayist Dinty Moore says, “Humour has to be honest.” I think that’s true. In order to be funny, you have to care about what you’re writing.
DON’T CARE
For humour you need to turn off the part of your brain that says, “You idiot sludge, you can’t write that.” Like right now, for instance. I think, What is sludge? Why did I write that? That’s stupid. I look it up. Sludge is a semi-solid slurry produced as sewage from wastewater treatment processes. That’s it in a nutshell, or a bucket, actually. Open the taps. Let the sludge flow onto the page. You can get your editing shovel out later and clean it up as needed.
YES! AND…
In an improvisational comedy class, I learned the “Yes! And…” rule. Agree to what your fellow actor (or in this case, your mind) suggests and then add new information. In the book I’m writing, a group of characters is on a commune. I need a scene where a character reveals something.
WRITING hUMOUR:
It could occur at a table over dinner but that would be boring, so I let my mind wander. What if they have sheep on the commune? Yes! And they are shearing the sheep. Yes! And the character gets the sheep (and himself) stoned before the shearing. Yes! And the sheep escape. Yes! And he reveals his information as a herd of stoned, naked sheep make for the hills. Much better.
hACkING AND MAShING
Play with the language during editing, experiment, switch things around and use words in unexpected ways. Some words or combinations of words are funnier than others. “Hard work” becomes “scabrous drudge” and “very happy” becomes “deeply chirpy.” Hack your work apart and mash it back together. See what happens. (Note: save previous drafts in case you end up with nothing but puréed sludge. It happens.)
TORTURED GENIUS
If you try out a piece of humorous writing on someone and they “don’t get it,” you have three options. The first, from the “Tortured Genius School of Writing,” is to assume that they are just too daft to understand your superior sensibilities and change nothing. The second, from the “Tortured Idiot School of Writing,” is to over-explain, plead and say, “Do you get it now? How about now?” and change nothing. The third, from the “Scabrous Drudge School of Writing,” is to try it out on a few more people. If three people “don’t get it,” it’s time to assume that something has gone wrong and either rewrite or cut.
I’ve had readers tell me they laughed out loud while reading my work in cafés, on airplanes and in the gynecologist’s waiting room. If I can make the OB/GYN waiting room a deeply chirpy place, I’ve done my job.
“Open the taps. Let the sludge flow onto the page.”
“Play with the language during editing, experiment, switch things around and use words in unexpected ways.”
Killing frogs and shovelling sludge
By Cassie Stocks
32 | SPRING 2015
MARkETING YOURSELf AS AN ARTS PROfESSIONAL
W orking in the arts industry means doing more than waiting to be discovered. Actively
marketing your skills and talent is a must if you’re seeking opportunities in this age of personal branding and self-promotion.
“People in the arts have to be able to promote and sell their own work,” says Denise Roy, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications. “I think of artists as self-employed businesspeople—a lot of people raise their eyebrows at that, but it’s true. Artists are the original entrepreneurs in many ways—they invent and reinvent, and are always moving from project to project.”
Job seekers—especially arts professionals—are taking an entrepreneurial approach and that means developing your own integrated marketing plan to keep opportunities flowing through the job pipeline.
“Artists are the original entrepreneurs in many ways.”
—Denise Roy, dean, Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
here are few ways to market yourself effectively:
Participate in projects and collaborations to build your network and gain experience.
Get involved in events that bring like-minded people together (professional associations, CreativeMornings, Make Something Edmonton or industry events).
Join planning or selection committees for new projects—it’s a great way to connect.
Volunteer, offer your expertise as a speaker or even sponsor an event or festival that draws large audiences.
Showcase your skills, portfolio and personality. Choose a few key platforms— a website, a blog or a social media account (Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Use keywords on your website or blog to optimize search results.
Think about your target audiences. Join group discussions, follow inspirational accounts, share industry knowledge and align yourself with similar brands.
Create a visual identity, whether it’s a logo, monogram, icon or abstract photo of yourself. Develop a business card. As a self-employed artist, it can be a creative expression of your brand.
Be consistent—ensure your brand uses the same visual identities across all platforms.
Learn more. Take additional courses to sharpen or develop your skills.
Think “customer service.” Promoting your brand means good word of mouth so follow through on your word, treat clients and peers well and be a positive collaborator. Ultimately, the best way to promote yourself is to be receptive, do a good job of communicating what you do or what inspires you, and to be authentic. Your hard work will pay off!
Karly Gerlach is an employer relations specialist with MacEwan University Career Services.
If you have questions regarding this topic or any
career-related questions you would like answered,
please email [email protected] with “Career Corner”
as the subject line.
the CAREER CORNER
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 33
h aving trouble getting into your workout? Maybe you’re playing the wrong music. The right beat can be a huge motivator when it comes to exercise, so don’t be surprised if your get-up-and-go is lacking when
you forget your headphones.
However, music tastes and moods are so subjective that you may listen to different things to find the right motivational blend. Catchy pop tunes may amp some people up for a workout—while for others, classical music does the trick.
And be ready to change the tempo and genre, depending on your activity. Loud, aggressive music may help during strength training, but ambient slower, music could be a better fit for cardio. Some people prefer the opposite. And still others opt for silence.
MUSIC & MOTIvATION
fINDING ThE RIGhT MUSIC fIT
If you’re not incredibly music-savvy or just don’t have the time to seek out the perfect musical fit, try downloading music apps for your smart phone. It’s a fast and easy way to find music from different genres. Here are my top three favourite (and free!) apps for music streaming:
SPOTIfYThe largest of any music streaming app, Spotify gives you access to millions of songs—from entire albums to radio-style play. You can stream or download songs you enjoy to your smart phone or device.
RDIOSimilar to Spotify, Rdio allows you to store songs on your device so you don’t need to stream them. A good option if your gym doesn’t have free wi-fi.
SONGzASongza has lots of playlists geared towards fitness. You can also save playlists to listen to later, which is fantastic. It doesn’t have offline saving, so make sure you’re connected to your gym’s wi-fi.
Amy Kemp is a fitness and lifestyle consultant with MacEwan University Sport and Wellness.
For more fitness and nutrition articles, swim workouts
and sample exercises, visit the Sport and Wellness blog
at sites.macewan.ca/sportandwellness.
FITNESS feature
34 | SPRING 2015
Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its a� liates under license. Exclusions and limitations apply.© 2015 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). All rights reserved. Manulife, PO Box 4213, Stn A, Toronto, ON M5W 5M3.
We are all bound by familiar milestones in life and the financial responsibilities that come with them. Whether you’re raising a family or a roof over your head, make sure youíve got the right insurance plan in place for your family. Find out how Alumni Insurance Plans can help.
ALUMNI INSURANCE PLANS
Builddreams
Term Life Insurance • Health & Dental Insurance Major Accident Protection • Income Protection Disability Insurance
To learn more visit www.manulife.com/alumnimilestones or call toll-free 1-888-913-6333
HAVE NEWS TO
SHARE? Let your classmates know
what you have been up to
by sharing your stories and
successes in the CLASSifieds.
Submissions can be
sent by email to
High-resolution photos are
welcome and will be used
when space permits. We
reserve the right to edit
submissions for content,
length and clarity.
the CLASSifieds
Louise Benoit, Library Technician, ’87
After graduation, Louise moved to Grande Prairie and spent more than seven years with the Grande Prairie Public Library as technical services supervisor before moving to a school library. While she’s no longer in the field, she’s never too far away from the library. Louise is happy to say that her daughter will be following in her footsteps, having enrolled at MacEwan University for Fall 2015.
Diane Dakers, Journalism, ’91
In 2012, during her master’s in journalism at Carleton University, Diane worked on a grad thesis that has evolved into her most recent book. Published in November 2014, CHEK Republic: A Revolution in Local Television documents the story of how the employees of CHEK TV in Victoria, B.C., bought the station. Today, they are successfully operating the only employee-owned television station in North America. Since graduating from MacEwan, Diane has written more than 11 non-fiction books and one novel for teens, and has two more youth novels in the works.
CALL FOR CLASS OF 1985 MACEWAN NURSING GRADS
Wow! Has it been 30 years already? Your fellow alumna, Lois Hiller, is interested in organizing a class reunion this August at MacEwan University. Come back to campus and relive the memories.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Lois at 780-461-1644 or [email protected].
MACEWAN.CA/ALUMNI | 35
f or andrew MacDonald Smith (Theatre Arts ’03), puppetry has come and gone, and now it’s back again. “As
a shy child, I often told stories to my parents using puppets; they allowed me express myself without the risk of embarrassment.”
Aside from a stint as the plant in The Little Shop of Horrors, Andrew says he was busy with more traditional acting roles, and had completely forgotten about puppetry until Avenue Q—an adult-oriented, puppet-based comedy—hit the stage in 2003.
Since then, he has performed in the show on Broadway in New York, won a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for the 2013 Vancouver production of Avenue Q, and was assistant director and puppet coach when the play was staged in Calgary in 2014. He is currently helping his fellow cast members prepare for Avenue Q’s run at the Citadel beginning this April, and busy in his role as artistic associate with local theatre company, Teatro la Quindicina.
NOT YOUR AvERAGE PUPPET ShOW
PHOTO finish
Out of university.Into the community.
ALUMNI RELATIONSAND SERVICES
Our grads aspire and, in turn, inspire.
MacEwan.ca/Alumni
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