A little bit about me…
I’ve been an actor for twenty-five years. For the past ten years, I’ve also been teaching, coaching, directing, and mentoring artists. I’ve worked at theatres across the country, in film and tv, and I’ve been a member of the acting ensemble of the Shaw Festival for the past eighteen seasons. I was the recipient of a Dora Award for A Doll’s House (DvxT/Canadian Stage) and the Mary Savidge Award (Stratford Festival). I’m an instructor at the National Theatre School and at the Shaw Festival, among others. I am a graduate of the National Theatre School.
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Testimonials
“It was my great fortune to be mentored by Fiona in my first season at the Shaw Festival. Her deep knowledge and understanding of Shavian text and guidance on how to put that text into physical action - coupled with her compassion, curiosity and humanity as a teacher - made my experience as her mentee one filled with rich learning and growth. I continue to apply the knowledge, wisdom and insights she imparted to this day. Fiona will empower you with the inspiration and confidence to own and embody any piece of text as if you wrote it yourself. ”
“I had the opportunity to be coached by Fiona for the Theatre Ontario auditions while I was at NTS. The experience was so great that I have since sought her coaching for several other auditions. Her guidance has helped me build my confidence and given me the knowledge I need to grow. As an actress herself, she always knows what I need to bring out the best in me.”
“Fiona’s approach to a classical audition has helped to both ground me into the work, and discover myself within it. She created a room that was absent of hierarchy (I was nervous!) but full of excitement, play, and curiosity.
I remember Fiona telling me this was my chance, and opportunity, to share my experience of this character. By assessing my learning style and offering physical ‘ins’ to connect me to the text, she connected me to truth. I found I could be excited about auditions! ‘Dare to be unprotected’ is something I still keep on my metaphorical bathroom mirror.”
“Fiona brings great warmth and energy into her coaching sessions. Her positivity and encouragement gave me the comfort to take risks and discover new rewards in my pieces, and she was clear about the parts that were not working. Fiona has great intuition. She saw where I was unclear and helped me find my way into a character’s inner life. She helped me focus and I found truth and even some fun in a difficult scene. A wonderful coach with experience and intuition!”
