Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cynthia Ashperger
Performance at The Creative School is lucky to have so many industry professionals in our midsts and among our faculty. This summer, we're taking the time to focus on what creative projects and research our faculty work on throughout the summer months (and beyond!).
This week our spotlight shines on director Cynthia Ashperger. Cynthia is an Acting faculty member who teaches classes on acting tecnhique, her specialty is in Chekhovian acting styles. Fun fact, Cynthia runs a summer intensive on Chekhov Acting Technique in Croatia each summer. (external link, opens in new window) 
This summer, Cynthia is directing The Tilco Strike by D'Arcy Jenish at 4th Line Theatre in Milbrook. The cast is comprised of 24 actors, 9 of which are volunteers, the youngest cast member is only 8 years old, current Performance Acting student Ellyse Wolter (class of 2025) is in the cast, as well as Performance Acting alumni Katherine Cappellacci, Lindsay Wilson, Nathan Simpson, and Marla Brennan (who is the assistant director on the production).
For her spotlight, Cynthia shares photos from behind the scenes of her directing process. The Tilco Strike is in performances until July 22nd and tickets can be purchased on the 4th Line Theatre Website. (external link)
Promotional shot for The Tilco Strik by Wayne Eardley
Featuring: Katherine Cappellacci, Ellyse Wolter, Sierra Gibb-Khan, Lauren Isiekwena, Sarah McNeilly
I love working at the 4th Line Theatre and this will be my fourth show at the farm (twice as an actor and twice as a director). The complexity of directing a show of such scope and size, with a cast that ranges in age and experience is a thrilling challenge to a director. When combined with the tangible reality of the Farm and the nature that surrounds provides an absolutely unique, expansive environment and conditions for the artistic creation. The 4th Line has an undeniably strong community, artistic direction, mandate, stories, talent and audience! My gratitude goes to Kim’s leadership, the whole artistic team, the exceptional cast and crew of wonderful and talented acting professionals and to the incredibly dedicated volunteers. This particular experience has been made even sweeter and special by having the opportunity to make art with a number of current students and graduates from my three decades of teaching acting in the performing arts.
The band for The Tilco Strike. Includes School of Performance grad Lindsay Wilson (class of 2001) on guitar (right) and Austin Anonsen (psychology alumnus) on guitar and vocals (left) and my acting student. Both Lindsay and Austin are actors in the production.
Working on The Tilco Strike at 4th Line Theatre. Outdoor theatre near Millbrook, Ontario.
TMU Alumni featured in The Tilco Strike (from left to right):
Katherine Cappellacci (class of 2017)
Lindsay Wilson (class of 2001)
Austin Anonsen (my acting student, studied Psychology at TMU)
Ellyse Wolter (class of 2025)
Marla Brennan (class of 2007) Brennan is A.D. On the production.
Nathan Simpson (class of 2023)
Cynthia's version of the Breakfast of Champions: Half decaf coffee, fair trade banana, and a croissant.
“I really hope they (audience members) will reflect on how they stood for something. How they stood for solidarity. How they stood for unity. How they stood for the rights of workers. That they were brave. That they paved the way for us to be able, in a unionized environment, to ask for our rights. That you don’t have to shut up and take it — you can stand up.”