ARC Academy
2025-2026 Season of Work
ARC Academy, an initiative of the Atlantic Repertory Company, delivers high-quality, accessible theatre workshops and professional development to support and sustain Atlantic Canadian talent
Workshops for youth, a partnership with ASD-S
The Anglophone South School District (ASD-S) and ARC Academy offer engaging, skills-based theatre workshops for students and teachers. Students build confidence with Active Onstage 101 or teamwork in Ensemble Building, while teachers can enhance directing skills in Directing with an Ensemble. ARC Academy also provides mid-production feedback and 1-on-1 teacher consultations.
Directing and Communicating with Actors with Alisa Palmer
February 21, 2026
An exclusive workshop for drama educators and directors with Alisa Palmer, award-winning theatre director and former Executive Artistic Director of the National Theatre School of Canada.
Read, Think, Conceive and Execute for Directors with Richard Rose
April 25 - 26, 2026
An intensive workshop for emerging directors with Richard Rose, celebrated Canadian theatre director with 40+ years of experience, multiple Dora Awards, and over 150 productions across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Participants will learn to break down scripts, develop a directing concept, communicate with teams, and prepare for all rehearsal and production phases. Includes one-on-one mentorship.
ARC Academy: Shakespeare Intensive with Seana McKenna
May 23 - 24, 2026
In preparation for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Place Fort La Tour, the cast will train in an intensive workshop led by Seana McKenna, one of Canada’s most celebrated stage actors. Participants will refine text, explore character work, and develop the physicality and presence needed to bring Shakespeare’s magical world to life.
“… I'm still amazed at what we could all do by the end of that day! I think it's wonderful that ARC is offering acting/stagecraft workshops and I'd love to be able to attend and learn more in the future.”
Winluck Wong (Stage Combat 101 with Jean-Michel Cliche – May 2025)
“ARC Academy provides incredible learning opportunities […] and I hope it can continue for years to come.”
Deborah Castrilli - ARC Academy participant (Script Analysis for theatre directors w Richard Rose - Oct 2020)
“As a recent graduate, getting to participate in this workshop is an amazing learning experience which provides me a glimpse into the professional world …”
Monet Comeau - ARC Academy participant (Listening for the Story w R.H. Thomson - Jan 2021)
"... As actors we need to be constantly be working and creating to grow, and being able to do that, even virtually, is a gift. I am so grateful to have an avenue to learn from others and hone my craft in spite of having limited "in person” opportunities."
Melissa MacGougan - ARC Academy participant (Now that you've got the part w Diane D'Aquila - Apr 2021)
Support for ARC Academy is provided by:
- Regional Development Corporation
- Province of New Brunswick
- Saint John Community Arts Board
- Community Foundation
- Saint John Exhibition Association
- Turnbull Foundation