Our people

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Megan Piercey Monafu

Megan Piercey Monafu believes in radical hospitality as a personal, political, and artistic virtue. There is a reason why a theatre is also called a house; it can be a place where community comes together.

A playwright, director, producer and facilitator, Megan holds a BFA in Theatre and Development from Concordia University and an MFA in Creative Writing (playwriting focus) from the University of Guelph. Trained in Forum Theatre and community development, Megan specializes in drama work for sensitive populations and situations, and has facilitated for communities and organizations in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and the Maritimes.

Recent artistic work has included residencies at ArtEngine, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and the Ottawa Fringe, and resulted in the Corel Endowment for the Arts Award in 2019 and presentation at the undercurrents festival in 2021. Recent audio work also includes a workshop series for youth at the GCTC and an audio doc series for CBC Halifax. Her current writing uses audio storytelling and play creation with integrated video to explore our personal relationship with the Internet.

Megan and her partner Dan have two young boys — that is, her “assistant directors” — who you may see hanging around the OST office.

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Sue Webb

Sue moved to Ottawa from England in 2008 where she studied and worked in a finance capacity for 20 years. Having been a parent of an OST student since 2013, Sue also started helping out in a volunteer capacity as our resident “Excel Wizard,” preparing the rehearsal schedules for our All Ages plays in Spring 2016. Sue is very excited to be a part of the OST family and truly believes that theatre offers huge benefits to all, in all aspects of life.

SENIOR TEACHER
Erin MacDonald

Erin is a versatile theatre artist with a rich history of sharing her craft with OST students since 2009. A graduate of the Theatre Arts program at Algonquin College, where she also served as Theatre Manager, Erin’s multi-disciplinary career spans roles as a stage manager, performer, administrator, and director. Her decade-long tenure as Front of House Manager for Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre further honed her leadership and organizational skills.

Erin’s contributions to the Ottawa theatre community earned her Prix Rideau Award nominations in 2013 and 2018, recognizing her artistic excellence. As an educator, she has taught in The Element High School’s drama program for four years and served as a guest instructor for Algonquin College’s Performing Arts program.

Currently, Erin focuses on her role at OST, where she continues to inspire students by creating and directing numerous plays for performers of all ages, nurturing both their artistic abilities and passion for theatre.

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR FOR FRENCH PROGRAMMING
Flora Diabaté

Flora has been working in the OST office since 2020. In her earlier years, she has performed on many occasions with various art groups and programs and has experience in different forms of performing arts including; singing, dancing, and theater. She is now studying business management  in her post secondary studies. Flora is always very happy to be a part of the OST family as an administrative coordinator.

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Brittany Burden

Brittany is a dedicated communications professional with a strong background in political science and communication. She has 15 years of experience in association management in the adult beverage space. When she’s not at OST you can find her adventuring with her young family or volunteering in the community of Blackburn Hamlet and Ottawa’s Out of the Cold program.

Brittany is happy to be a new member of the passionate team at OST. 

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Cassandre Mentor

Cassandre Mentor is an Ottawa based actor, educator and illustrator. Passionate about the arts and education, she has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Concordia University and a B.Ed from the University of Ottawa. Locally, she has worked with the GCTC; Three Sisters Theatre Company; Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Theatre; Theatre La Catapulte; as well as on various film projects. She is very happy to be working with OST this year and grateful that she keeps getting to do what she loves the most.

MARKETING OFFICER
Olivia Kiryk-Clutterbuck

Olivia is a scriptwriter, choreographer, and storyteller from Alberta, Canada. Her lifelong passion for dance began at three and carried her into her twenties. Olivia began choreographing and teaching dance in 2007. In 2018, she hung up her dance shoes to study American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Studies at Lakeland College. After graduating in 2020, like most of the world, Olivia took time to figure out her place in this new chaotic world. This ultimately led her to another longtime passion, writing. She completed her studies in Scriptwriting at Algonquin College, where she was elected Class Representative for the program, graduated with honours, and was selected to be valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design convocation ceremony. She is thrilled to be a part of the OST-ETO family!

2023-24 TEACHING ARTISTS

Angelina Wehbe

Angelina Wehbe is an actor, singer, dancer and theatre creator who is currently based in Ottawa. She began her artistic journey as a singer at the age of 4 years old and has continued to work towards a career in the arts ever since. She is a graduate from the University of Ottawa’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Conservatory. Her most recent works include a 2022 Fringe production that she co-created called Hi, How Are You? where she played Gwen, the role of Chandra in a Bear and Co. Production of Mixed Doubles by Kate Jaimet (2022) and a Tactics Production of Exciting Cause by Laurie Fyffe where she played Nurse Emily as well as a member of the ensemble (2023). Apart from performing, she has worked administrative positions for local non-profit theatre companies such as Odyssey Theatre (2021 & 2022) and a Company of Fools. She is very excited to witness her students’ artistic discoveries and to be working alongside the wonderful staff at OST!

Anna Dale

An Ottawa native, Anna grew up doing community theatre and taking dance classes from the age of four. This passion for the arts continued well into her teen years and Anna went off to do a postsecondary theatre program in Toronto. Past shows in Ottawa  include Sister Act with Orpheus Theatre (2018), The Little Mermaid (2020) and Jekyll and Hyde (2023) with ASNY. While in Toronto Anna played Rose (Unity: 1918) dir. by Matthew Romantini, and was in the dancing ensemble (Guys and Dolls) dir. by David Ball. Excited to be back in her home town; Anna is eager to share the joy and community of theatre with the next generation.

Ben Hudson

Growing up in England, Ben always had his head in the clouds, dreaming of creative pursuits or fiddling with computers. It was, therefore, not a total surprise (to his parents, at least) that he went on to complete a PhD in Drama at the University of Kent, specializing in comedy and technology. After his studies, and a bit of lecturing, Ben travelled to Malawi to work on theatre-based education projects for two years. He moved to Canada in 2017, settled in Ottawa with his family, and took a Masters of Education at uOttawa. Ben currently works as an Associate Researcher and Education Specialist at CHEO Research Institute. Teaching theatre classes is the highlight of his week, because he gets to be silly.

Chelsey Prince

Chelsey started out in theatre classes at the Sudbury Theatre Centre when she was the same age as her youngest students are now. She continued her studies in drama while attending the Arts Canterbury program here in Ottawa, and went on to complete her BA in drama at the University of Guelph where she studied acting, theatre tech, design, and history. 

Chelsey performs as an actor on local stages and is currently working on her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She is happy to be at OST sharing her love of theatre with her students and creating a safe space to play, explore, and share stories.

Christine Hecker

Christine is a classical musician and arts educator with a background in theatre production. As a farm girl from Saskatchewan she grew up taking piano, singing, and speech arts lessons and participating in community musical theatre and high school drama productions. She moved to Ottawa to pursue her post-secondary education and has earned a diploma in Theatre Arts from Algonquin College, a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music, both in vocal performance, from the University of Ottawa.

A camp director at heart, she loves teaching artists of all ages and engaging kids in high-energy, creative activities. She teaches drama, singing, piano, and speech arts as well as leading music and drama workshops and camps. One of her favourite gigs is working with OrKidstra-Sistema Ottawa, doing classroom music in their Kiddlywinks program, and as a choir director for the KidSingers program. She spends her summers as Production Manager for a Company of Fools doing Shakespeare in the Park, and works behind the scenes with many other local theatre companies throughout the year.

Courtney Castelino

Courtney is thrilled to be joining the OST team this year! When she was thirteen, a school excursion to see a touring production of The Phantom of the Opera opened her eyes to the world of musical theatre. As soon as the chandelier lit up and rose to the ceiling, she was completely spellbound. That moment sparked a lifelong appreciation for the arts, further enhanced through fine arts and drama training in high school and CEGEP. More recently, Courtney is a Contributing Editor for BroadwayWorld in Ottawa and is looking forward to sharing her insight into theatre appreciation and criticism with her students.

Dallis Campbell

Dallis is excited to be returning to OST this year. Dallis is a singer, actress, director, dancer, and songwriter. She has worked as a stage manager, stagehand, lighting designer and lighting technician. She has been teaching private music lessons for seven years. She is an alumni of St. Lawrence College’s musical theatre performance program in Brockville. She is the Administrator / Coordinator for Youth Opportunities in the Arts in Brockville. Dallis has a true passion for theatre and the arts.

Deena Alsaweer

Deena Alsaweer is a Fulbright Scholar with an M.A. in Film/TV from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Deena started her artistic journey in videography for local artists, chefs and small businesses whereby she was the editor, writer, director, cinematographer, and producer. Deena quickly became a passionate champion for underrepresented voices. Since leaving her career in International Logistics, Deena has gone on to win a screenplay contest for her short film Agent Hala, and an award for her latest short film, Dead & Alive, at Ottawa’s Digi60 Filmmaker’s Festival. Deena has worked with a range of production companies on several TV and digital projects for broadcasters such as TVOKids, Unis TV, and Bell Fibe TV1.

Elyse Gauthier (she/they)

Elyse became a part of the OST family in 2006 as a student, and after years of classes, all-ages productions, and working in the OST office and as a camp counselor, she began teaching in 2017. They hold an M.A. in Theatre from the University of Ottawa and have been working full-time with the National Arts Centre’s French Theatre as an education and community outreach officer. On a rainy day, you’ll find Elyse playing video games, bouldering with friends or hanging out with her cat, Juno. They are passionate about teaching their students the craft of theatre and are thrilled to be doing so in the place where their own love of the performing arts was born.

Gabriella Gadsby

Gabriella Gadsby is a versatile and award-winning (BBC & Prix Rideau Awards) theatre creator based in Ottawa, Canada. Originally from the U.K, there, Gabriella spent her youth dancing, acting and working on her L.A.M.D.A. Speaking of Verse & Prose medals. She was a member of the Livingston Academy of Dance and Drama, Stage Coach and taught youth performance at the Bethel Lighthouse Community Centre. She later went on to receive an Honours BA degree in Acting & Physical Theatre from East 15 Acting School.

In Canada she has Directed, Performed and/or Designed for; Three Sisters Theatre Company, Plosive Productions, 9th Hour Theatre, Bear & Co, Paper Picture Productions, Leaping Mammal and Dangerous Dames Theatre, at various locations including; The Gladstone Theatre, NAC, Theatre Wakefield, Pirate Life Boat, Ottawa Fringe Festival, Shenkman Arts Centre and Meridian Theatre at Centrepointe.

Gabriella is a thoughtful teacher who creates safe spaces for people to explore new skills in a playful and expansive manner. She hopes her diverse, eclectic and enriching skills are a valuable asset to the Ottawa School of Theatre in creating confident performers.

She is also the co-owner of I Love MusicTime, a social recreational program for adults with an intellectual and developmental disability. In her sessions they explore songs, sounds and percussive instruments in a fun, engaging, person-centred program, under the structure of a weekly theme. 

Josh Rigo

Josh Rigo is a director, actor, and choreographer who has been actively involved in the arts since a young age. He holds a degree in music and theatre, as well as a master’s degree in theatre education. Currently, he is busy launching his latest project – the opening and first season of Elevator Theatre Company (E.T.C.). In addition to his role as Owner and Artistic Director for E.T.C., Josh is actively involved in teaching and directing with other local theatres across the Ottawa region. Visit www.ElevatorTheatreCompany.ca to learn more about E.T.C., and visit www.JoshRigo.ca to learn more about Josh!

Kathi Langston

Kathi is both student and teacher, she believes in collaboration in the creation process. Kathi studied theatre at the University of Ottawa; she is a teacher, an actor, director, producer and has studied and performed dance and drama in Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. She believes that theatre is magic and helps us to be better humans. She is a recipient of the Ontario Provincial Leading Women, Building Communities Award, a nominee for The Y’s Women of Distinction, recipient of The Ottawa Fringe 2012 Performer’s Spirit Award, nominee for the Les prix Rideau 2012 outstanding female performance award, and a recipient of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Kathi was named Best Female Performer at the Atlantic Fringe Festival 2014. She was the Artistic Director at Ottawa School of Theatre for 20+ years. 

Working in theatre with groups such as this and being with her family and grandchildren gives Kathi the greatest JOY! 

Mathieu Corrigan

Mathieu joined the Ottawa School of Theatre family in 2011 and has spent the past four years teaching at OST. He is currently studying at University of Ottawa where he is enrolled in a bachelor of arts, with multiple courses in theatre and music. Mathieu also plays music professionally, dedicating hundreds of hours every month to studio and creative work collaborating with bands and other musicians. He cannot wait to share his passions with his students.

Michael Kosowan

Born and raised in Ottawa, Mike Kosowan is a highly accomplished and versatile performer. Mike has a long history of improv in Ottawa. He has been performing both weekly and monthly since 2007, was a co-founder of the University of Ottawa Improv Club (2007), and a co-founding member of the first Ottawa Improv Festival (2009). He currently works as professional actor, entertainer, magician, clown and performs regularly with both GRIMprov and Crystal Basement improv troupes.

He has performed in multiple Fringe Festivals in Ottawa, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Edmonton as well as the Magnetic North Festival, Montreal and Ottawa Improv Festivals.

Michelle Gendron

Michelle is an award-winning vocalist and performer based in Ottawa, Canada. After performing for the first time in her grade 2 talent show, she knew singing and music were her passions. Since then, she has trained in many vocal styles, including pop, musical theatre, and classical, and performed in multiple productions, including Heathers: The Musical, The Last Five Years, and Spring Awakening.

With over 2 decades of performing experience, Michelle understands that every voice and performer is unique and has something special to offer, and there is nothing she loves more than helping a new or experienced artist along in their musical and theatrical journey. When she is not teaching, she is busy running her other business Breakfast In Bed, an acoustic duo specializing in weddings and private events with her husband Massil, and performing at the award winning dinner musical Oh Canada Eh?!

Steeven Sampassa

Steeven K. Sampassa, who also professionally goes by Steeven K. is
multifaceted artist with a focus on Filmmaking and Screenwriting. Coming to Canada(Ottawa) from the Democratic Republic of Congo at a early age, Steeven has put forward great strides as a Filmmaker and was a recent recipient of the Telus/Storyhive grant, with which he produced his first pilot; Tommy and King which is currently streaming on OptikTv. Besides the countless narrative projects and festival selections, he’s also shown a great ability to translate his skills to various formats, helping to structure and develop shows for production companies and smaller content creators.

When it comes to acting Steeven is also a working actor with credits on
multiple projects and commercials, receiving his training in Vancouver.
Steeven has always had a sensitivity and respect for the craft of actors. Being known as a “Actors Director” believing that the greatest special effect is a great performance. He’s built a reputation for his ability to create a safe environment for talent at any level and bring the best performance out of them. He currently runs Waterfront Studios, a monthly acting workshop in Ottawa. Focusing on building a healthy environment where actors can challenge and prepare themselves with the toolkit to not only survive in the industry but really maximise and grow their unique talent. He focuses on actors finding the authenticity within themselves and trusting their instincts, while also understanding how to work with their collaborators and explore the nuances in a scene.

Tom Schoch

Winner of the 2022 Austin Film Festival Warner Bros.TV Pilot Award, Tom Schoch (Shock) is an aptly named Swiss-Canadian screenwriter/performer whose childhood on a dairy farm naturally led to a 20-year career as a radio/TV host and print journalist. The experience smeared him with a relentless work ethic, a profound fascination with animals of every kind and an improv-inspired, unpredictable, comedic style that separates him from the herd. Life, as it turns out, is one long series of comedy sketches! He’s not afraid to ride a foolish idea like a runaway steer which can be seen in his work on the sketch comedy show, CLARENCE STREET LIVE and OTTAWA SENATORS OVERTIME, THE OTTAWA 67’s SHOW and OTTAWA EATS.

Sketch comedy has provided Tom with the tools necessary to live a life replete with laughter, stories and connection. He continues to explore the art of storytelling through theatre productions (Dundas County Players), video and podcast production, and screenwriting while maintaining his 21-acre farm property with his wife and two boys.

Inspired by the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Monty Python, The Kids in the Hall and others, Tom exudes the idea that, “Comedy’s job is to point out that life doesn’t make sense, and that it doesn’t make much difference anyway.” (-Eric Idle)

He is also 100 per cent organic, compostable and fits in most overhead storage bins!

Valérie Barnes

Valérie started at OST as a camper and later became a volunteer, office assistant, and camp counsellor. She is delighted to be returning to the OST family, this time as a teacher. For more than a decade, Valérie has thrived on stage as an actress, a singer, and a dancer. She could also be found backstage as a director, choreographer, and stage manager. Valérie is currently in her fourth year at the University of Ottawa, where she is completing her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Theatre. Valérie is excited to help her students express themselves on stage and to share the magic of theatre.

Victor De Coninck (he/him)

Victor De Coninck – like all of us – is many things, but on paper, he is a Franco-Ontarian from Ottawa, a classically trained violist with degrees and diplomas from McGill University and l’Université de Montréal, as well as a classically trained corporeal mime with diplomas and certificates from l’École Omnibus and l’École Internationale de Mime Corporel Dramatique à Paris. He has performed over 100 world premieres, collaborated with dozens of jazz artists, pop artists, visual artists, circus artists, dancers, actors, etc., in over 10 different countries across North America and Europe.

The first decade of his professional career began with chamber music which quickly shifted towards a focus on contemporary music, but it was 8 fateful years ago that his research into extended technique notation led him to encounter corporeal mime, thus forever changing his life! Victor now specializes in performance art and does research that aims to develop a method for composers/writers and/or performers to write and/or perform, for and/or with the body.

Virginie Thouroude

Born in France to a family of artists – her mother and grandmother were dance teachers and her aunt a choreographer for musicals – Virginie found herself on the theatre boards at the age of three. At 10, she studied at the Conservatory of Theatre in her hometown, directed by José Lemius. In 1992, she earned her diploma of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Art and Shows. Three years later she moved to Canada and studied television at the Cité Collégiale, and has subsequently worked on various television shows. Virginie is entering her 10th year of teaching at the OST. It is always a great pleasure to meet all those fantastic and talented students and she cannot wait to start the year with them.

Zachary Martin

Zachary Joined the OST team in 2017 as a volunteer and after spending the summer of 2022 as a summer camp assistant he is now joining the family of teachers. Zachary is currently studying at University of Ottawa where he is completing a bachelor in Music with several elective courses in theatre. He also works as a professional musician in a studio recording environment as well as freelance work. With experience in theatre and the construction of soundscapes, he cannot wait to inspire and guide his students into creating their own artistic identities. 

CLASS ASSISTANTS

Jordan Roussel

Jordan has always had a passion for theatre and acting. She started taking classes at OST when she was around 7 years old. She first took a musical class with OST at age 9 and has had a great love and appreciation for musicals ever since. Jordan has also done lots of volunteer work with OST prior to working here. 

OFFICE ASSISTANTS

Chloé Lacroix

Chloé has always loved putting on performances since she was little. After joining OST in 2024, she has finally found a place that allows her to express her silly personality, and her passion for theatre. Chloé hopes to improve upon her skills as a team member and performer and to one day find herself working in the film/theatre industry as an adult.

Élodie Lemieux

Elodie has been dedicated to theatre since she was 7 years old. She continues to take classes and has a passion for visual arts. She is involved in her high school production team and helped make props for the 2024 Beechwood Cemetery project. In her free time, painting and writing are the things she enjoys the most.

Lauren Unger

Lauren has had a love for all things theatre, especially musicals, for as long as she can remember. She often spends her free time reading and listening to music.

Lauren is currently studying psychology at the University of Ottawa.

Max Frederick

Max Frederick became involved in the OST community in 2016. Since then, he’s dedicated himself to being funny – or at least trying to be, through sketch acting and improv. On top of working in the office, Max is a current student at OST and a class assistant. Max aspires to be studying early childhood education this time next year.

Ness D.

Ness (she/they) is a French-Ontarian multi-disciplinary artist based in Ottawa. They have a passion for Theatre and the arts. In recent years, they have been involved in multiple productions across Ottawa. She has worked as a production stage manager, producer, and actor. Previous acting roles include The Artist in What the World Needs Now (2024) with the Youth Infringement Festival. They have been an assistant Stage manager in previous shows such as Clue (2023) with Sock’ n’ Buskin Theatre Company.À Demain (2023) with the Youth Infringement Festival.

In the Summer of 2023, she attended Columbia University’s INCITE research program in Oral History and Social Change, which gave her a new perspective on storytelling and shared history. They are in their third year studying History and Theory of Architecture at Carleton. She enjoys writing stories and caring for her beautiful Aussie dog in her spare time.

Rachel Lamb

Rachel has been with OST since she was eight years old. Starting in summer camps, she then took classes throughout the year and developed a passion for theatre. It is this passion that brought her back as a volunteer and now as an office assistant.She hopes to continue being involved in theatre and the arts. 

Skyler Begin

Skyler was a long-time student at OST before becoming an employee. She is a class assistant as well as an office assistant and loves doing them both. She has been involved in the theatre community since they were a child, and has gained experience in acting, stage management, tech, and directing . In addition to being an employee at OST, Skyler was also involved in her school’s musical productions, by being the hair and makeup department head. Skyler enjoys reading and writing, and has a passion for classics and poetry. Skyler enjoys being apart of the OST family and can’t wait for future productions!

VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Jennifer Rowberry

Vice President: Claire Masson

Treasurer: Colleen Sutton

Secretary: Amanda Putz

Volunteer Coordinator: Aileen Martella

Directors at large: Darren Brown, Bruce Deachman (Past President), Chantal Gregoire, Samantha Leclair, Barry MacDonald (Past-President), Jason Morris-Jung, Maryanne Van Meter

Student Reps: Dani Morris-Jung, Julia Zuppa