Susan Bertoia

Discipline: Theatre
Homebase: Burnaby
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Grant Eligibility: Eligible to apply for AIC

Susan Bertoia is a professional theatre artist, performer, director, devisor, writer and passionate drama teacher. She is Adjunct Professor in UBC’s Theatre Program directing commedia devised productions as well, conducts numerous creative initiatives with schools through ArtStarts. Susan facilitates professional development workshops with ABCDE whom awarded her the ‘Excellence in Drama Education’ which recognized her years of dedication and innovative work with youth. She is recipient of Vancouver Jessie Richardson’s Professional Theatre Award for Outstanding Performance and The Gordon Armstrong Theatre Artist Award . Susan has performed at venues including: PuSh Festival, Arts Club Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Firehall Theatre and Richmond Gateway Theatre. Susan directs multi platformed shows and is movement director for youth and professional ensemble productions. Recent works: Creative Director for Place des Arts 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Creative Director for outreach film, Project Element: Once Upon a Time in Smithers produced by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival; wrote/directed “Juggle Me Not” a commedia show with AXIS theatre; Commedia Masterclass Summer 2022. Training: BFA in Theatre (UBC); commedia at Ill Piccolo Teatro di Milan, Donato Sartori and Dell’Arte School; physical theatre with One Yellow Rabbit; Jeremy James and UK’s Frantic Assembly.

Classroom Residency(ies)

Devised Physical Theatre Practice

School Year: 23-24

Explore physical theatre devising exercises as they become building blocks towards original performance. Movement, text and music are incorporated with students and teachers input. Themes and content discussed prior to residency.

Testimonials & Reviews

Susan is a gifted teacher with a unique and distinct enthusiasm and a direct and immediate approach to the work: physical dramaturgy indeed. I am always left inspired and her work has transferred to my approach to theatre in education in real and specific ways - share it with your friends, follow your nose, look/look/look specificity with physical phrasing punctuated by sterling moments of distinct and transferable specifics. She follows the emergent curriculum by working quickly and efficiently Jason Donaldson, Drama Specialist at Gulf Island School of Performing Arts, 2022

Susan helped to take our new work to the next level - even through ZOOM! She quickly connected to the students and the work. She took what we had, honoured the choices that had been made, and offered fabulous new ones that helped push us into new places. I am so thrilled we took this opportunity to work with Susan through a digital platform Lana O'Brien, Teacher at Vernon Secondary School

Susan Bertoia is a teacher who inspires learning. Not a moment goes wasted in any workshop, class or rehearsal led by Susan! Working with her is constant play. She fosters an environment where taking risks isn't scary, but instead, so so very rewarding. Susan has taught me the role and power my body has in storytelling, and that no matter how profound the work I'm doing is, it is still possible to have fun every step of the way! Erin Purghart, Theatre Artist & UBC BFA in Acting Grad

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