New Musical Theatre Actor Training

For the past three decades, Tracy has been working as an actor, teacher, and director in the field of music theatre, with a focus and passion towards new musicals and the nurturing of emerging artists. She is on the directing faculty for the Wesley Balk Institute in Minneapolis, MN, and for MTCA in New York City, both artist development programs. She was the founder and Artistic Director of Musical Works in Concert, a program that ran for six seasons in Toronto, developing and presenting twenty original Canadian musicals. She is a multiple Dora nominee and award-winner (for originating a role in Britta Johnson's Life After). This year, she was part of the Canadian cast of Kimberly Akimbo, and the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine's production of Fiddler on the Roof in Toronto. Tracy has worked at regional theatres across Canada, off and on Broadway in NYC, and internationally in places such as Osaka, Tel Aviv, and Buenos Aires. She has been running her own coaching studio for the past fifteen years. 

Photo by Ann Baggley

Widely considered one of Canada’s most unique, compelling, and imaginative directors, Jonathan has a boldly theatrical and immediately identifiable style that is shaped and defined by his triple role as writer, composer and director. His productions are at once familiar and surprising, wildly original yet deeply touching works that are characterized by elegant staging, breathtaking design, haunting music, poetic text, and a boldly physical performance style. He has often been recognized for re-imagining the
possibilities of musical theatre, creating “slick post-modern musicals that are stupendously fresh and jaw-droppingly, achingly beautiful” (See Magazine). His work has been presented at leading theatres and festivals across Canada, the UK, Australia and the United States, including in London's West End and New York's Broadway district. You can experience more of Jonathan’s work through original cast recordings of his musical plays NEVERMORE, VIGILANTE, and THE INVISIBLE and through filmed versions of NEVERMORE and THE INVISIBLE – all available online at catalysttheatre.ca, Apple Music and Spotify. He is also the Artistic Director of Catalyst Theatre. 

Britta Johnson is a Toronto-based composer, lyricist and writer. Her writing credits include: Life After (Canadian Stage/Musical Stage Company). With her sister Anika Johnson: Brantwood (Theatre Sheridan; Dora Award for Audience Choice), Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang (YPT; Dora Nominee Best new musical), Trap Door (Theatre Sheridan, book by Morris Panych). With Sara Farb: Reframed (Acting Up Stage Company/AGO; Dora nominee Best New Musical). With Katherine Cullen: Stupidhead! (Theatre Passe Muraille; Dora Nominee Best New Play). This past spring, she was librettist for choreographer Robert Binet’s adaptation of The Kreutzer Sonata with Ballet Moscow.

Dr. Silver: A Celebration
Composer and alleged cult leader Dr. Gordon P. Silver has just passed away. In this site-specific, immersive electro-musical, his family and followers have gathered for a memorial service and ’release ritual’. The ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of his eldest son Gordon Jr, who has excommunicated from the group 15 years ago. 

Julia Sunay is a New York City–based Maestra and Music Director with more than two decades of experience as a pianist, vocal coach and educator. Born and raised in Calgary, Julia is especially delighted to return to Alberta to join the faculty at the Banff Centre and contribute to its renowned artistic community. Julia’s Broadway and select touring credits include Associate Music Director and Conductor for Beetlejuice, Music Director for Jersey Boys, and Associate Music Director for the first U.S. National Tour of An Officer and a Gentleman. Most recently, she has worked on several New York productions, including Schmigadoon!, Little Shop of Horrors, All Out: Comedy About Ambition, and Gotta Dance. Known for her versatility and collaborative approach, Julia works extensively with performers and musicians and regularly music supervises auditions throughout New York City.