Improv/Drama

Claire Williams

BFA, B.Ed

Like so many of the staff at LDS, Claire is also a former student, beginning classes at the age of three. Enjoying ballet, modern, highland, jazz and tap, the year end recital and the opportunity to perform on the Academy stage ignited a lifelong love of performing.

From attending theatre arts camp as a young child and participating in summer productions with the Kawartha Lakes Summer Playhouse (under the direction of John Thomas), Claire learned the art and the discipline of performance. Throughout high school, whether Kiwanis productions, Sears festival, as a singer in The Odyssey Project or through her work in the Academy Box Office, Claire also learned everything she could about theatre administration in addition to the elements of performance production. 

These experiences led Claire to study Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Toronto, where Claire interned and worked at Meridian Hall (formerly The Sony Centre for Performing Arts.) During summers, Claire worked at Triple Threat Theatre’s theatre arts camp and also directed or co-directed countless summer productions, often performing in them as well. Eventually deciding that her passion was sharing her love of theatre with youth, Claire attended Queen's University and obtained her Bachelor of Education. Securing a post as a drama teacher right out of school, Claire began her next phase of life, guiding students to discover the joys of the performing arts.

Continuing her own personal journey through education led Claire to seek her inclusive school and classroom specialist, as well as further credentials in special education, dance, guidance and career education.

Currently enjoying her work with the school board as a secondary Curriculum Consultant, Claire is thrilled to be sharing her love of Drama and Improv this year on Thursday nights!