Arts Program Staff Biographies 2012

Aaron Alviano - Fine Art and Photography Instructor

Aaron is a visual artist with a B.A.,Hons. in Studio Arts from the University of Guelph. He currently resides in the city of Toronto where he  produces art, and  teaches  fine  art programs to children of all ages at schools throughout the GTA .  You might have also noticed that Aaron works at the Centauri Camp office through the winter months, so to Aaron camp is an all-year-round job, and he couldn't be happier. Aaron is excited to be back for his 9th summer at Centauri!

Alanna Balicki - Theatre and Comedy Instructor

Valerie Buhagiar - Film and Acting Instructor

Valerie Buhagiar is an award-winning actor and film-maker. She's known for her roles in Canadian films like Highway 61, Roadkill, A Winter Tale and many more. You might have caught her during her four year stint at Showcase Revue, giving you the juice on the evening's movie. Or maybe you caught one of her award-winning films at the Toronto International Film Festival.You may have seen her on Degrassi as Riley's mom. Or perhaps in one of the many Dora award winning theatre prouctions such as Scorched at the Tarragon. Valerie is constantly coaching actors and helping them get the part. She's taught at the NSI film camp and coached young actors in the production of Lockdown, a Toronto Fringe Festival hit. Valerie is thrilled to be back at Centauri for her second year!

Luise Docherty - Film Instructor

As a Toronto-based filmmaker, Luise has experience with every type of medium, from commercials to feature films. She has worked as a First Assistant Director on some of Canada’s biggest music videos, for artists such as Billy Talent and Bedouin Soundclash. Last summer alone, she worked on over 20 commercials, for companies including McDonalds, GMC, and West 49. She has worked for production companies such as Spy Films, Vision  Entertainment, and Imported Artists.  Her film experience encompasses directing, producing, writing and editing. Luise is very excited to be back on staff for her second summer at Centauri!

John-Michael Erlendson - Music Instructor

John-Michael is returning to Centauri for his 17th summer, and his 6th on staff. He is a graduate Mechanical Engineer from the University of Toronto. He is a professional musician as part of the Sphere Clown Band and a Canadian Cultural Ambassador, having performed in China, Singapore, Portugal, Holland, Scotland and throughout Canada. He currently sings as part of two acapella jazz choirs. He is a recording artist with a gold record and a recent CD release as a member of Onoscatopoeia, the Hart House Jazz Choir. He is also an award-winning photographer, experienced debater and recently represented his university at the World's Model United Nations in Beijing, China. He was the first camper ever, and looks forward to returning to teach Rock, Jazz and Blues!
 

Brandi Ferreira - Dance Instructor

Brandi Ferreira began dancing at age three where her passion and love quickly grew for the art form. She completed exams every year, working towards and eventually attaining her Teaching Associates in Ballet, Modern, Acro, and Stage under the British Association Teachers of Dance. Brandi then continued her studies at York University in their Dance program, graduating with a BFA Honors in Dance. Since graduating, she has choreographed and performed in various shows around Toronto as well as attending Dance Theatre David Earle (summer 2010) and a Mat Training course with STOTT Pilates.

Hunter Gates-Whalen - Stage Combat Instructor

Hunter is the Director of the Academy of Physical Theatre in Alberta.  She holds a PHD in Theatre Philosophy, holds certification as Canada's only Lecoqian intensive instructor and is a certified Stunt Coordinator. Hunter has spent time this year year teaching and lecturing in Russia, Slovenia and the Caribbean. She has written and produced a clown show that will be touring northern Canada called "White Noise". This is Hunter's sixth year at Centauri.
See Hunter Gates' website at www.huntergatesacademy.com

Robyn Gram - Fine Art Instructor

After five years of being a program director at Centauri and then taking a two-summer hiatus, Robyn is ecstatic to return to her summer happy place as a Fine Art Program Director.  Robyn has her B.Ed from UofT @ OISE in Visual Art and Drama for Grades 4-12.  She is a qualified Elementary Montessori Teacher and graduated from York University with her B.F.A. Specialized Honours in Visual Arts: Studio. Throughout the year, Robyn teaches Visual Art and Physical Education to students ages 3-12 at a Montessori School in Richmond Hill, as well directs the school productions for the 9-12 year olds. Robyn illustrated and published her first picture book called "TJ's Subway and the Lost Scissors" through TAG Publishing in the United States and is in the midst of illustrating her second picture book called "Petunia Peachim's Predicament" which will hopefully be published in the Spring of 2012. She is anticipating a funtastic and artistically rewarding summer ahead!

Jordi Hepburn - Clown Instructor

Jordi is a graduatuate of the University of Toronto and Sheridan College joint theatre and drama program and earned her Bachelors of Education from Queens Unviersity with a speciality in the arts. Her love of teaching and travel drew Jordi on her most recent adventure, where she is currently living and teaching professionally in Quito, Ecuador. When not exploring the rainforests and climbing volcanos, Jordi spends her time teaching and inspiring young artists of all ages. Though she loves every style of theatre, her primary love is Clowning. This is Jordi's 17th summer at Centauri and she's thrilled to be back clowning around with the best young artists around

Jeremy Large  - Writing Instructor

Jeremy graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from Concordia University, where he studied fiction writing with Trevor Ferguson. He designed the Childrens Literature curriculum at Western Technical Commercial School in Toronto, and has taught creative writing and comic books to youth across the TDSB. Jeremy is currently working on numerous film, fiction, and comics-related projects. Jeremy's passion for storytelling was ignited ten years ago at Centauri summer arts camp, and he is thrilled to be able to give back to the community that gave him so much. 

Robyn Levine Shapiro - Musical Theatre Instructor

This is Robyn's third year at Centauri and she is thrilled to be back! Robyn has been performing professionally in the GTA and across Canada for over twenty years and has had the opportunity to perform in shows such as Mamma Mia! (Original Canadian Cast), Footloose and Cinderella, as well as singing on stage and television with live bands and at various showcases and fundraisers throughout Toronto. Along with her love for the stage, Robyn has a passion and enthusiasm for arts education and has been teaching musical theatre, signing and acting for the past five years. She is currently the Artistic Director of Discover Your Talent, a company that specializes in private and group vocal and acting training. Robyn is a certified teacher and holds a Bachelor Degree in Humanities from York University and a Bachelor of Education from Trent University. She is currently working towards her Master's of Education at York University, focusing on the integral role the arts play in the cognitive and social development of children

Veronica Lincoln - Dance Instructor

Veronica Lincoln began dancing in Brampton, Ont. at 3 years of age and trained in all disciplines at a competitive level. Veronica has completed extensive examinations in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz through Canadian Dance Teachers Association, The Cecchetti Society and the Royal Academy of Dance. Veronica completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Ryerson University under the direction of such talents as Nadia Potts, Kenny Pearl, Darryl Tracy and Robert Glumbek. Veronica continues to teach and perform professionally in the GTA and is the Artistic Director of Linc-In-Entertainment. Veronica is thrilled to be back for her second summer at Centauri!"

Darwin Lyons - Theatre Instructor

Darwin Lyons has performed in and around Ontario, holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor and recently completed training with Canada's National Voice Intensive in Vancouver, B.C.  She is a founding member of Written on Water Theatre which recently produced a sold out run and subsequent remount of Twelfth Night; Or What You Will in which she played Maria and produced.  Last year she appeared in W.O.W.'s original play Edge which toured to the Ottawa Fringe Festival.  Last year Darwin also performed in the Magnetic North Theatre Festival/Factory Theatre's production of 'Tough' as Tina.  Her theatre career has taken form in acting, producing, writing and directing. Darwin was a camper with us years ago, and toured internationally with Centauri.   She returned as a camp counsellor, before taking a break to complete her studies and begin her career. We are delighted to welcome her back onto our professional teaching faculty! 

Loralee McGuirl  - Vocal & Musical Theatre Instructor

Soprano, Loralee McGuirl, was born in Hamilton Ontario and graduated from McMaster University with a combined honours degree in Music and Fine Art as well as a Vocal Performance Diploma.  Loralee has performed a variety of styles including Opera, Classical, Jazz, Gospel, Broadway, Folk and Rock. Most recently, Loralee was a semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Andrea Pelletier - Art & Design Instructor

Andrea is a recent graduate of Ryerson University's photography program. Andrea has always had an interest in fine arts and her photo-based work has been exhibited at IMA Gallery, Propeller gallery and The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. A passionate traveler, she has ventured to places like China, Chile and Uganda. After her globetrotting, Andrea always looks forward to more adventures in the fields of Wellandport at Centauri, her summer home the for past 10 years.

Daniel Poulin - Theatre Instructor

Daniel graduated with a Drama degree from the University of Guelph in 2005. Over the past six years, he has been engaged in numerous theatre projects such as the Wellness Education Training Troupe's social action theatre program, the Guelph Project's community-building collective creation project and CFRU Radio's unique "No Soap" radio play series. He's presented at conferences on the role theatre can play in education and social change and most recently developed a series of filmed scenes used to educate University staff on issues in mental health. Daniel currently teaches workshops on a variety of topics in his home of Guelph and works to coordinate the annual Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival.

Eleonore Prokop - Theatre Instructor

Eleonore has three decades of professional experience as a theatre artist with companies in Toronto and New York. She was co-founder and director of GENERIC THEATRE COMPANY with whom she performed, directed and wrote for fourteen years, and was nominated for a DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARD for OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE for her work in her own play "Before Eve". Her passion for visual poetry and world music, in combination with her extensive background in dance, music, and the martial arts, has led her into the eclectic realm of experimental/environmental/physical theatre. She has led youth workshops with Soulpepper Theatre and is movement instructor with the Globe Theatre Actor Conservatory. She has taught and developed programs for University of Toronto’s Outreach Programs for high school students, and is currently an artist educator with the Canadian Opera Company. For six years, she was program director at Centauri Arts Camp where she first introduced her physical theatre programs for youth. She's happy to be back.

Carolyn Marie Souaid - Writing Instructor

Author of six books of poetry, Carolyn Marie Souaid has been writing and publishing for over 20 years. She completed her undergraduate studies in English Literature and a teaching degree at McGill University before going on to complete a Masters in Creative Writing at Concordia University. Since the 1990s, she has been a key figure on the Montreal literary scene, having co-produced two major local events, Poetry in Motion (the poetry-on-the-buses project) and Circus of Words / Cirque des mots, a multidisciplinary, multilingual cabaret focusing on the "theatre" of poetry. Over the years, she has mentored many emerging poets and has worked as a book reviewer and teacher. Currently serving as editor of the online magazine Poetry Quebec, she has toured her work in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, and has been shortlisted for a number of awards including the A.M. Klein Prize and the Pat Lowther Memorial Award. In 1996, she won the David McKeen Award for Swimming into the Light.

Matthew Stein - Film Instructor

Matthew Stein is a Toronto based filmmaker whose films have played both in Canada and the United States. Having studied film since the age of seven in after school programs, at Centauri, and Concordia University, he spent the last semester at New York University where he graduated top of his class. The director of four short films, Matthew has also worked on professional features and student documentaries. He has taught film since Grade 12 and was invited to speak at the TDSB about film education in high school.  Prior to this summer, Matthew wrapped principle photography on his fifth short and is currently developing both a feature and an internet review show. He is thrilled to be returning for his 9th summer at his second home.

Ian Walsh - Stage Combat Instructor

Ian is the founding Artistic Director of Blackthorn Productions which specializes in Medieval Education and Entertainment.  He holds a B.A. in theatre from the University of Windsor and works as a theatre professional in the areas of Stage Management, Fight Direction and Acting.  Over the last 20 years he has taught and entertained children and adults of all ages across Ontario with Medieval Demonstrations, in Workshops, at Festivals, Feasts, Schools and in Plays.  Ian lives and works in Guelph with his wife Rebecca and his new son Owen Alan.

More Bios coming soon!