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 a community theatre actor, a drama teacher, or you’re just started directing, you want to do your best work. Moving an audience is what theatre is all about, and laughter, tears and standing ovations are some of the things most theatre artists dream of. No matter where you are in your artistic journey, or what ‘role’ you play (actor, director, teacher, coach), I can help you reach your dreams with in-person courses, books, downloads and more.
1:1 coaching
ACTORS, DIRECTORS & GROUPS
Audition coming up? 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: PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK & GET THE EBOOK FREE!
Moments is a scene book full of 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.
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!
ohI’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), In Other Words Theatre (Nanaimo), and am currently reviving ETC into the Etcetera Theatre Company on Vancouver Island.
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, Red Deer College and Vita Theatre for over 20 years. I’ve also directed dozens of productions, am a published playwright (MUSE), and I’ve co-created seven full-length devised works for the stage (including MUSE, incoheRANT and DOSSIER). I’m also the proud owner of Stages Publishing, and have recently finished writing and publishing Moments: 75 flexible scenes for Two or Three Actors. Its companion book, Mastering the Moment, will be out in early 2025.
Since 2012, I ‘ve been working with community theatre actors and organizations—teaching, coaching and adjudicating festivals. My mission is 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. As 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.
After a stint in Mexico, I am very happy to be back living on beautiful Vancouver Island with my beloved husband, Greg, and our rescue dog, Tucker.
Need more info?
Schedule a free 20 minute session with me!
Questions about my classes? Curious about One on One coaching? Interested 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!