PYP INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Dani Corbishley
Dani started dance training as a young child and then added other forms of performance art to her education; going on to study musical theatre performance and production at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Since then, she has been working as a therapeutic recreation and art instructor and has enjoyed working and playing in community productions including her most recent projects as director/choreographer for Working the Musical at Studio Theatre Perth. Among Dani’s choreography credits are Disney’s High School Musical, Grease, Oklahoma, Hairspray, Once Upon a Mattress and Bye, Bye Birdie.
Dave Corbishley
Dave has been working in theatre, onstage and off, since 2005. He started in stage management and then moved into the technical areas of production, primarily designing, and running lighting, with some sound thrown in. In 2014 he joined the Stage Crew at Nepean’s Centrepoint theatre, eventually taking on the role of Lighting Principal, and then Stage Crew Principal. Three years ago, Dave joined Studio Theatre Productions and when Covid restrictions were lifted, he took on the position of Technical Manager and has been the principal tech on most shows since then, either hands-on or through training of new crew members on the sound and lighting boards at the theatre.
Allison Graham
Allison attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Los Angeles, California), where she spent two years studying theatre. Following graduation, she was asked to join the Academy ‘Company’, and in collaboration with nine other actors, enjoyed a challenging and rewarding third year performing theatre pieces. She finished her formal education at Pasadena City College, majoring in creative writing. This combination of schooling provided her with an Associate Degree in Theatre Arts and has enabled her to strike a fine balance of working both in front of and behind a camera. Allison returned to Canada in 2002. She has acted in over forty film and television projects and has just completed co-writing her second television series.
Emily Poole
Emily studied at the Versailles Academy of Makeup Arts. She has worked on many different styles (wedding makeup, glam makeup, prom makeup) and techniques using makeup – from neutral / no makeup looks to extremely intense makeup looks, with every colour and variety of glitters, and special effects make-up, like adding scars and wounds to faces and hands etc. She enjoys the challenge of seeing how realistic she can get those special effects to look. She says, “I got into the beauty and make-up industry to make people feel more confident in themselves and to show them that little things can do so much to emphasize their own true beauty.”
Janet Rice
Janet discovered acting ‘late’ in life after earning money at her real-life job as a technical writer and consultant. Once she set foot on the stage, “that was it – no more earning real money!” Theatre is a great passion for her now and she has been acting for over 25 years with anyone who will give her the opportunity – OLT, Goya, Kanata Theatre, Studio Theatre, Ninth Hour, Toto Too and the Phoenix Theatre. She has also had TV roles, a few smaller background parts as well as some main roles. And she has appeared in some TV ads. She started writing short plays during Covid and has to date completed about 8 or 9 with another 5 or 6 sitting on her computer “haunting me” until they are finished!
Alexis Scott
Alexis Scott is a theatre professional with intensive training in physical theatre and creation. She graduated from the Ottawa Theatre School Acting Conservatory and has studied intensively with clown instructor John Turner at the Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance. Favourite theatre credits include The Pilot in Grounded, MacDuff in MacBeth (Bear & Co.), and The Anger in Ernestine in The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine (Vacant House Theatre – Ottawa, Perth, Bancroft tour). After living in multiple cities, she returned to her hometown in Lanark County, longing to live in nature and convinced she can make a difference there. She has a deep love for community and storytelling. She is currently working on her first full-length play about one of her ancestors.
Donna Sproule
Donna says, “The Studio Theatre and I found each other 10 years ago and I quickly realized the creative sky is the limit for inspiration here.” Donna thrives on being part of such an innovative community of many who do so very much! Most recently she wowed audiences and cast members alike with her creations for the production of Scrooge the Musical at the Studio Theatre in Perth. Donna says she looks forward to welcoming “all who cross the threshold” and to sharing her creative approach to ‘building’ a costume from whatever fabric, items and colours that inspire you.