Geordie Theatre provokes thought, fires up the imagination, and seeks to encourage and challenge our audience. We celebrate the art of theatre and its social and global impact by working with emerging and established artists from various disciplines and cultural backgrounds to create works that are provocative, relevant and enchanting; inspiring dialogue between communities, children and parents as well as teachers and students of all ages. We look to build relationships with and extend our audience through inclusive practices and by visiting far-reaching communities in Quebec and abroad. Since 1980, Geordie has been producing and presenting plays that are important to young people; stories that are uniquely related to them in a context that reflects the world around them and their personal experiences at home. They are always about fostering the voice of young people and giving them a vessel in which they are represented, listened to, and encouraged while inspiring dialogue with the adults in their lives about what they see and recognize.
We are an award-winning professional theatre company that has presented live English-language productions for young audiences in Quebec and abroad since 1980. Pushing artistic boundaries with provocative and important stories, Geordie delivers more than 200 performances each season and reaches more than 40,000 young people and their communities annually.
Our 7-month 2Play Tour (the longest in Canada) travels over 35,000 km every year across Eastern Canada (Quebec, Ontario and parts of the Maritimes), visiting schools, theatres, libraries and community centres. For many years we have been the only company to visit all of Quebec’s regions including communities that have little-to-no access to professional theatre.
Our Mainstage Series invites general audiences from Montreal and away to our theatre! Featuring fresh theatrical adaptations of celebrated stories, new works, and presented productions from the city and across the country, this series of programming welcomes families of all ages; giving our young audiences new perspectives through the lens of insightful and beautiful theatre while giving the adults in their lives a way to engage in important conversations on the world around them.
Revamped in 2010, our acclaimed Geordie Theatre School (GTS) offers a series of public and after-school classes and workshops where children and teens build a solid foundation in acting taught by passionate and caring professional educators and artists. The school bases its curriculum surrounding fundamental values of Confidence, Creativity, and Craft where we not only encourage the value of theatre for young people but also offer important tools in fostering exceptional leaders of tomorrow.
Jimmy is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation; he is of Plains Cree and French settler heritage. Born and raised in Tiohtià:ke/ Montreal, Jimmy graduated from Concordia’s Theatre Performance Program. He is a seasoned stage and film actor. He has worked professionally for over 10 years, for companies like The Stratford Festival, The Centaur, Geordie Productions, Porte Parole and La Licorne. Jimmy’s most notable tv role was playing Watio for five seasons in APTN’s hit series Mohawk Girls. Jimmy is also a writer, director, mentor, and coach. He was the Indigenous Artist in Residence for the 2016 Students On Ice Expedition to the Arctic. Jimmy successfully completed the Indigenous Artist In Residence at The National Theatre School of Canada in 2019. He is the Incoming Artistic Director of Geordie Theatre.
Kathryn always thought she was destined to be an actor. From an early age she loved dancing (she famously played a male, blue toothbrush in a tap recital) and drama. In high school, Kathryn was cast in every musical theatre show that was produced and almost got the lead role in West Side Story in her final year. When Kathryn was at Queen’s University, she majored in Drama and did nothing of any significance until her third year, when she decided to audition for the school major. Needless to say, she was not cast but was kindly encouraged to seek work as an assistant stage manager. Kathryn quickly realized what others must have known all along – that her calling was not on the stage, but behind it. So she applied to the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) and was granted an interview. And then was given the entrance project to complete – which she decided was not worth it because she would never get accepted. But her father told her she would regret not trying, so she completed it in a week, and in August of 1996, the rest of her life began.
Kathryn spent the next 17 years in Toronto working as a stage manager and was the Managing Director of the Toronto Fringe for 3 years. In May 2013, she was a proud recipient of a Harold award (the Harold’s represent the independent and hard-working spirit of Toronto’s vibrant theatre community). Kathryn moved to Montreal in August 2013 and became Geordie’s Managing Director in January 2014. Kathryn has an honours degree from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the NTS Production Program and now teaches stage management and Fringe to the Production Students of NTS. She was a member of the Montreal English Theatre Awards Committee (METAC) for three years, recently finished two mandates (6 years) on the Quebec Drama Federation’s Board, is Board Treasurer of the International Association for Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY), is the Quebec Region rep for PACT (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres) and sits on PACT’s Advocacy and Labour Relations Committees. She is also the proud mum of an amazing daughter.
Jessica’s earliest memory of theatre is from when she was 10 years old and saw Geordie’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in her elementary school gym. That show inspired her to audition for her school’s production of The Wizard of Oz where she landed the part of the Cowardly Lion. This was followed by 5 years with an incredible high school drama teacher, Ms. Chalmers, who fostered a deep love for the performing arts through drama classes, school plays, and even competing in the Canadian Improv Games. Needless to say, she was hooked. So, when it came time to choose a career path in CEGEP the choice was simple.
Jessica went on to study acting – her first theatre love – at John Abbott College in the Professional Theatre programme and upon graduating started acting and creating her own work. Three years later she decided to broaden her theatre horizons and began the Theatre and Development program at Concordia University. It was here where she truly developed herself as an artist and solidified her belief in the power and importance of theatre. It was also here that she discovered her second and third theatre loves – theatre education and directing. Her new love for directing led to Jessica moving across the country to pursue the MFA in Directing at the University of Alberta – one of only two people selected each year!
Jessica has now spent 20 years in the theatre world which constantly inspires, moves, and challenges her. Some of her favourite performances as an actor include playing Tina from George F. Walker’s Tough! (Tableau d’Hôte Theatre), Sabine in The Most Massive Woman Wins (6th Avenue Players), and Callie in Amigo’s Blue Guitar (Tableau d’Hôte Theatre). Favourite directing credits include What Rough Beast (staged reading, Centaur Theatre), Squawk (Geordie Productions), Sedna: Goddess of the Sea – which she also wrote (Tableau D’Hôte), and Rapture! (Everything is OK Productions). A strong believer in the importance of inspiring the next generation of theatre makers, Jessica has taught for the Geordie Theatre School, Concordia University and currently directs the annual high school play at St. George’s School of Montreal. Jessica is a member of the Montreal English Theatre Awards Committee (METAC) and sits on PACT’s Membership Committee.
Caite Clark (she/her) is an artist and educator living in Tiotià:ke/Montreal. She is the former coordinator for Concordia University’s Acts of Listening Lab, a black box theatre dedicated to oral history performance and social justice. Caite specializes in directing (TOMORROW; Hooks and Crooks) and lighting design (Canadian Roots Exchange, Persephone Productions, Hopegrown Productions) amongst other collaborations in music and circus. She is also the co-founder of the puppetry collective Young Hearts Theatre. Caite graduated from Concordia’s Theatre and Development program in 2019.
Violette stumbled into theatre as a direct result of failing to become a classical musician. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise; she even wrote a play all about it! A former violin teacher, she is very happy to continue to bring together children and art.
Since graduating from John Abbott College’s Professional Acting program, she has worn several hats as a part of the cast and creative team of various productions: actor, director, playwright, puppet designer, musician… She particularly enjoyed playing Tomatina in Fridge Horror – in which a tomato has a star-crossed love affair with a red apple, in a fridge where racism is rampant and expiration dates all too near, writing and performing A Joy that’s Mine Alone – a semi-autobiographical short film about a violinist living with bipolar disorder, and composing the score for Geordie’s From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea.
You might find Violette puppeteering various household objects, busking at your local metro station, or improvising with her trusty loop pedal.
Originally from New Brunswick, Caeleigh is a Montreal-based theatre fan. Since her graduation from McGill University in 2019, she has been an active member of Montreal’s English theatre community, working behind-the-scenes in the office, and onstage with local community theatres. She is excited to join the Geordie team, and looks forward to playing a small part in bringing theatre to young audiences across Québec and the rest of Eastern Canada.
Sam Melnick is a Tiohtia:ke/Montreal born-and-bred emerging theatre creator and graduate of John Abbott College’s Professional Theatre program. Having been involved in the community theatre scene as an actor and assistant stage manager, Sam has recently turned his hand to writing and is a member of the New Stories unit with Playwrights’ Workshop Montreal. Sam spends most of his time watching foreign films, delving into the world of electronic music-making, and hanging out with his lovable dog, Benji. Sam is proud and excited to join the inspiring team at Geordie.
Liam (he/him) is a recent marketing graduate from the University of Carleton in Ananishinaabe/Ottawa, Ontario, the city which he has called home for the last 22 years. In his earlier years of life, he found himself involved in the world of performing arts through theatre and dance. Today, this artistic expression has manifested its way in the form of photography, which allows him to explore his creativity in his free time. When Liam isn’t outside taking photos, he is at home enjoying horror films, trying not to burn down his kitchen while cooking, and spending quality time with friends & family. Liam is excited to be part of such an amazing team at Geordie Theatre!
Ella Kohlmann (she/her) is a writer, theatre-maker, and arts administrator living in Tiotià:ke/Montreal.
She has spent the past several years working in various production and administrative roles at Driftwood Theatre (most recently, as a producer) and completing her undergrad in English and Creative Writing at Concordia University. She was also a member of the 2018/19 cohort of the Young Creator’s Unit at Playwright’s Workshop Montreal, support from which allowed her to have her play, Exits, read at Centaur Theatre’s Queer Reading Series, and produced in full at the 2019 Montreal Fringe. This year she’s finally committing fully to the move from Ontario to Quebec and is excited to be part of the Geordie team! Ella will happily talk your ear off about any number of topics ranging from disability justice, to tabletop role-playing games, to reparative reading, to how to make the best dairy-free mac & cheese ever; and she hopes to take a similarly passionate, hopeful, and wide-ranging approach to her work and her writing.
Anna (she/they) is a theatre creator and performer, originally from B.C. They now live in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal), where they are writing their first play. Anna has performed in productions at The National Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, multiple seasons with The Classic Theatre Festival and in various film and TV productions. Dedicated to building sustainability in the theatre sector, Anna has spent seven years developing strategic plans and community initiatives for non-profits across the country. She is thrilled to join Geordie Theatre and support the team in bolstering community, nurturing young audiences, and paving the way for sector change. When not involved in theatre activities, you can find Anna rollerblading, hanging twinkly lights or drawing puns. (burkyco.com)
Christopher Stuart Taylor completed his PhD at Western University (Canada) in History and Migration & Ethnic Relations (MER). He currently teaches at the University of Waterloo in the Department of History and the Arts First program. His administrative roles at the University of Waterloo include serving as the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisor for the Equity Office, and acting as the Faculty of Arts’ Black Equity Strategist & Anti-Racism Advisor. He is a facilitator with the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit.
His book, Flying Fish in the Great White North: The Autonomous Migration of Black Barbadians, is available from Fernwood Publishing.
He also worked in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and began his career as a Policy Coordinator Intern in the Deputy Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Labour. He was the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator in the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Office; a Senior Policy Advisor at Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate; and Manager of Social Justice & Change Cluster at the Ontario Correctional Services College.
Dr. Taylor is a proud founding member of the University of Waterloo’s Black Faculty Collective (BFC).
Twitter: @DrCSTaylor
Elsa Bolam is the founding Artistic Director of Geordie Theatre. Elsa was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, where she began her career working in different capacities at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford and London. After directing freelance with many English theatre companies, she became a television director at the BBC in London. She then came to Canada, where she taught at the National Theatre School, helped found the Centaur Theatre, and continued to direct at theatres such as Theatre Calgary, Theatre Plus in Toronto, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Magnus Theatre, the Globe Theatre in Regina, and others.
In 1980 Elsa founded Geordie Theatre and was artistic director of the company until 2006. In October 2002, Avon Canada recognized Elsa Bolam as a “Woman of Inspiration” in the field of Arts and Culture, and in 2003 she was also awarded a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. The Montreal English Critics’ Circle honoured Elsa in 2005 with a distinction award in ‘recognition of her work nurturing young stage talent and taking theatre to far-flung audiences’.
Elsa was named to the Order of Canada at the end of 2008.
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It is a joy and honour to work on behalf of this organization which weaves storytelling magic here in Quebec and beyond. My Geordie volunteer work not only energizes and inspires me but reminds me of the beauty the arts bring to the world.
Vice President
Theatre, at its best, gives us a safe space to revel in our imaginations, unpack assumptions, have fun, walk in someone else’s shoes, and discover new worlds, inside and out. That’s why I believe so deeply in Geordie’s mission. Every day, their artistic and administrative teams work to ensure theatre is accessible to all young people, regardless of their individual circumstances or challenges. It has never been more important for children and teens to have this opportunity, and I am proud to help Geordie pursue its goals.
Past President
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In my work running a tutoring program in the south side of Chicago, playing with data to improve decision-making at Chicago Public Schools and working to support the initiatives funded by the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, there has been one central goal, to help vulnerable children lead better lives. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to support Geordie in all its work to bring theatre to the young, and the less young.
Alarey Alsip is a Canadian actor, director, and teacher. She is an alumni of the acclaimed Second City in Chicago, as well as Concordia University, in Montreal, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Distinction.
Fresh out of school, she was cast in a two-play tour by Geordie Productions, featuring productions of Joan MacLeod’s The Shape of A Girl and an adaption of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The tour ran for 9 months and had performances across Quebec, New Brunswick and Toronto. She continues to act in theatre, film, and television. She splits her time between the Eastern Townships and Montreal, where she is represented by Glenn Talent.
Gérald Cadet is Director of Bicentennial at McGill University. In this role, he’s leading the planning of McGill’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Prior to joining McGill, Gérald led Magerio, an Ottawa-based consulting firm specializing in political risks. Gérald first came in contact with Geordie in 2018 when he played Lord Duncan in the company’s holiday rendition of Robin Hood, despite no previous acting experience. He’s become a strong supporter of Geordie’s mission ever since. Before joining Geordie’s board, Gérald was a member of the board of the Centre d’entraide du Marigot, an organization providing meals on wheels and other services to seniors and disabled people in Laval.
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Julie Tamiko Manning is an award-winning actor and theatre creator from Tiohtià:ke / Montreal. Selected acting credits include From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in The Sea (Geordie Productions), Jonathan: a seagull parable (Surreal SoReal), Paradise Lost (Centaur Theatre), Jean Dit (Centre du Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui), Butcher (Centaur Theatre) and Othello (Scapegoat Carnivale/Segal Centre).
She is currently finishing her play Mizushōbai- The Water Trade about Kiyoko Tanaka Goto, a Japanese picture-bride turned ‘underground’ business woman in 1930’s BC, slated for production in the 2023/24 season with Tableau D’Hôte Theatre. Julie is co-artistic producer of Tashme Productions with Ottawa artist, Matt Miwa. Their documentary play, The Tashme Project: The Living Archives, a verbatim account of the Japanese Canadian internment experience told through childhood memories of their elders, was recently published in the anthology Scripting (Im)migration and is now being adapted into a graphic novel with Nikkei artist PJ Patten.
Julie is a proud Sansei (third generation) Japanese Canadian.
Ndaku has been working in the financial sector for about 9 years now after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s university in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2013.
Before this he was born and raised in Zimbabwe and was a musical theatre kid to the core. Ndaku was in several productions over the years at Reps Theatre in Harare Zimbabwe ranging from Godspell, The Kind and I and Mama Mia to name a few. He pursued theatre full time in the year before moving to Canada to undertake a business degree but in university he was still heavily involved with multiple productions with the university’s drama society.
Ndaku is excited to get a foot back into the world of theatre and help with its accessibility to the next generation as it played an integral part of him being able to find his voice and even in finance, he finds himself relying on those public speaking skills quite frequently.
Are you interested in…
Volunteer with Geordie!
Whether taking tickets, selling merchandise, or showing patrons the way around the theatre, we can always use a helping hand. Email info@geordie.ca to join our Volunteer Mailing List to have volunteer opportunities sent straight to your inbox!
Geordie Theatre values the diversity of its patrons, visitors and workforce, and is committed to making theatre that is inclusive and accessible to all members of society. We are working to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, may have equal access to our shows in a safe, respectful environment supportive of human dignity. We wish to communicate openly with our patrons with disabilities in order to remain informed of any issues they may face while participating in Geordie’s activities, so that we may continue to improve our audience’s experience and remove barriers to access where possible.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us at 514-845-9810 or info@geordie.ca
Have a question about our show or need to know more about one of our classes? Please fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. For career opportunities, please check out our current openings here.
Geordie Theatre is located on the unceded Indigenous lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Tiotià:ke (known as Montréal) has existed as a meeting place of many First Nation peoples, including but not limited to the Abenaki, Anishinaabeg (Algonquin), and the Huron-Wendat. We extend our deepest respect to the elders of these communities and to all Indigenous peoples who carry the history of this island’s land and waters – caring for it and calling it home. We are honoured and privileged to share stories on this land.
We wish to also acknowledge that we are grateful to those seeking sustainable solutions to our global climate crisis, so that we may continue to inspire and challenge our audiences near and far.
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