Welcome to my website
Hi! I’m Barbra French, and I’ve spent 25 years making and teaching theatre. This site is dedicated to helping actors, directors, teachers and coaches from all backgrounds and experience use professional techniques to help them create natural, engaging performances that their audiences will love. If you want to hone your skills and achieve your artistic dreams on any stage (indie, professional, academic, community, etc.), I hope you will find this a useful resource.
ABOUT YOU
What’s the Dream?
Whether you’re stepping onto the stage, standing in front of a classroom, or sitting in the director’s chair, you want more than just applause —you want to move people. You dream of performances that spark laughter and stir tears, or classes that inspire your students to grow and flourish. But even seasoned artists and educators get nervous: fear of forgetting lines, freezing in front of the class, or not being “good enough”.
That’s where I come in. With expert coaching, practical books and resources, and dynamic in-person courses, I’ll help you sharpen your skills and turn your passion into unforgettable theatre. No matter your role or experience, you deserve the spotlight—and I’m here to help you shine. Let’s work together to bring your dreams to life!
1:1 coaching
ACTORS, DIRECTORS & GROUPS
Audition nerves? Feeling stuck in rehearsals? Upcoming production need tweaking? One-on-one coaching, either in person or via zoom, can get you back on track. Let me know what you need and I will be there for you.
Resources
TEACHERS: ORDER MY BOOK!
Moments is a scene book full of 75 flexible scenes for adult students of any age, gender or skill level. Written to help educators help students find the moments in any scene, this book will be your go-to teaching tool for your classes.
Classes
COMMUNITY THEATRE ARTISTS
There’s just no substitute for continuing instruction and mentorship. In-person classes teach you the professional techniques you need in a structured, supportive, ensemble environment. Plus, they are loads of fun!
About me
Pleased to meet You!
I’m Barbra French, a Canadian theatre artist, creator and educator. My theatrical journey began when I stepped on stage at the tender age of eight and ignited a life-long passion for the performing arts. I’m an alumnus of Vancouver Island University, the University of British Columbia (BA, Theatre) and the University of Alberta (MFA, Directing). I was founder and Artistic Director of several companies, including The Etcetera Theatre Collective (Edmonton) and In Other Words Theatre (Nanaimo).
As an instructor, I’ve taught courses in acting, scene study, performance creation and creativity at post secondary institutions and private theatres such as the University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, and Vita Theatre for over 20 years. I’ve directed dozens of productions, am a published playwright (MUSE), and have co-created seven full-length devised works for the stage. I’m also the proud owner of Stages Publishing, which has recently published my book Moments: 75 Flexible Scenes for Two or Three Actors. Its companion book, Mastering the Moment, will be out in 2026.
A dozen years ago, I started working with community theatre actors and organizations, as well—teaching, coaching and adjudicating festivals. I now am on a mission to help these artists and groups hone their skills and gain more confidence by offering them the professional techniques that they may not have access to. Teaching actors of all skill levels and creating theatre are my great loves, and I’m a passionate believer in the power of live, human connection to help heal the world. My goal is to bring people back to the theatre and theatre back to the people.
Need more info?
Schedule a free 20 minute session with me!
Questions about my classes? Curious about One on One coaching? Interested in using Moments for your group? Let’s chat! I can steer you towards the right class or resource. Drop me an email and we’ll set up a call. I’ll do my best to help!