workshops series
I come from a lineage of teachers and eternal students. Transmission dwellers, truly.
Workshop facilitation chose me long before I chose it, and I've come to recognize it as a home for myself: a place where I find purpose and contentment.
The individual who accepts the mentor's mission has immense power: they can destroy or build up a person.
I strive to facilitate through humility and TLC (tender loving care), and pave the way - along many amazing educators out there - innovative ways of holding classroom space - especially when it comes to the performing arts.
Improvisation exercises, Centre Culturel Georges-Vanier, 2023
An important part of my life is teaching and guiding groups and individuals on their personal and creative journeys, and has been for over a decade. As an educator, I use acting and storytelling practices from a socially engaged perspective, to help us develop key skills to the art of the vivre-ensemble.
My hope is to contribute to create a world where caring, fair and free from power imbalances relationships prevail.
I have extensive experience with the theatre of the oppressed, improvisation, acting, somatic and movement techniques, directing and playwriting.
As an educator, I've worked with groups in various contexts of marginalization or opression (immigration, refugees, alternative mental health, support for victims of sexual assault, LGBTQ+, etc).
My workshops are the result of years of practical experience in character creation as well as the art of socially engaged storytelling. Since it arises directly from personal experience, the theory is direct, precise and full of appreciation and sensitivity for the mysteries of theatre and life..
Because relational security is essential to vulnerability, emphasis is placed on practicing and learning reciprocal, conscious and intentional relationships. My approach aims to be anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and based on the foundations of caring communication and consent, and I’m constantly educating myself in these regards.
Participants reflect on their experience,
Centre Culturel Georges-Vanier, 2023
transformative justice theatre-based workshops
The philosophy of my workshops is not focused on competition or final results. The emphasis is rather placed on the pleasure of the process and on the creation of an environment where participants can be fully present and connect on a deeper level to themselves and with each other, while allowing for playful experimentation
Workshop 1:
LEAN ON ME : FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON DYNAMICS OF POWER
nonhierarchical futures, collective or circular leadership, social status, discrimination, the unifying power of intention, personal power as a collective asset, authority and consent.
Workshop 2:
WE ARE FAMILY: SETTING THE STAGE FOR COMMUNITIES OF CARE
reciprocal relationships, kinship, conflict resolution, accountability, relational healing, familial restructuring, mutual dependance and organization, lineages of interrelationship.
We Are Family / Lean On Me is aimed to help facilitate relational healing, cultivate reciprocal relationships and challenge traditional notions of strength and power, while emphasizing the value of vulnerability and radical kindness.
We Are Family / Lean On Me is a unique, transformative justice workshop that invites participants to explore, express and celebrate their individuality while practicing more pleasurable and conscious interactions.
I'M ALWAYS HAPPY TO CUSTOMIZE WORKSHOPS
DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT !
“Being introduced to theatre by Mael was a revelation for me. During his improvisation workshops, I learned to ''dance'' with what the moment and the other participants bring, to make room for my body intelligence, my intuition and so many other benefits that can be transposed into everyday life! Mael's freshness and contagious laughter immediately creates a climate conducive to letting go and wraps his solid expertise and unique approach to acting in a warm environment. Can't wait for the next class!” -Nelly