"Well behaved women, seldom make history" - L.U.

Christina Payne

Christina Payne has been performing, directing, coaching and teaching arts education for over 15 years. Having her Honours B.A from Bishop's University, Christina has trained with The Second City, the Actor's Network, Ian Ferguson, L. A’s TVI  Studios as well as various independent production companies in the GTA. She has taught & coached improvisational workshops for both the public & private sectors in the Halton Region and guided artists & professionals of all levels successfully towards achieving their goals.

Christina’s passion for teaching has led her to Belvoir Terrace, a performing arts school outside of New York City as well as the renowned Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts where she was leading the drama program. She recently concluded her teaching for Imagination Works  as well as completed instructing monthly acting workshops for The Learning Annex. 

Currently, Christina is thrilled to be teaching Adult Acting classes for the Continuing Education Department at Mohawk College & is proud to announce that she can finally offer interested students a Performing Arts Certificate program!  Christina's strong belief in the arts led her to create her own company called “Improv your Life”. Using improvisation as a key communication tool to balance the office culture, conquer social hurdles & strengthen personal development on and off stage. She hosts improvisational based PLAY shops to various companies in the GTA. While teaching adult acting classes and coaching artists in the G.T.A., her enthusiasm and passion for people is obvious, as many students will tell you as they succeed both personally and professionally.

If you wish to contact Christina please do so, as she would be more than happy to help direct you or your team on the right path to making your goal a reality.

christina@improvyourlife.ca

Michael Smith

Michael began his training with the Kaleidoscope Theatre School in Victoria, B.C.  After a few stage productions, Michael moved to Vancouver where he continued on stage, but soon caught the film bug.  Michael studied with Mikal Dughi and Ian Raffel at the Vancouver Film School for many years.  After some time and under Mikal Dughi's guiding tutelage, Michael began teaching in the part-time beginner and intermediate program with VFS.  In 1998, Michael moved back to his native Toronto and began teaching with New School of Drama, (Toronto), and West End Studio Theatre, (Oakville).

Michael believes in providing a safe ensemble environment for the acting student to develop their craft, explore their potential and build a process that they are able to successfully translate in their on-set work and auditions.  Michael has enjoyed being  a part of Mohawk Continuing Education Program.  He has met many talented people and looks forward creative adventures in the adult learning environment.