Eliza Gardiner

Eliza Gardiner completed her B.F.A in Film at York University in 1998. After
traveling to Spain, taking courses in Film and Theatre at UCLA and Classics at Laurentian University, Eliza embarked on her post-graduate studies in drama at the University of Toronto. After completing her M.A in 1995, Eliza moved to British Columbia and began directing plays for young performers. She ran her own touring theatre company, Earth Muffin Productions, from 1997 until 2005. This summer, Eliza directed her version of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" in Nelson, Castlegar and at MacKenzie Camp. A lover of ancient Greek tragedy and comedy, Eliza currently teaches first year theatre history at Malaspina University-College; last March she wrote and directed "Oresteia" for the department's spring production. Eliza has also performed in and directed The Vagina Monologues, and her team won Blue Peanut Productions' 24-Hour Playwriting Competition in November 2005. This fall, Eliza looks forward to directing "Aesop's Fables: A Moral Comedy" for Red Room Studio, and "Shakespeare's Will" for Western Edge Theatre. She will also be performing in Creative Magic, a showcase for emerging writers held in Nanaimo on October 13.

Manda Chelmak

Manda is from South Western Ontario and has lived on Vancouver Island for 5 years now. After finding her passion for the Performing Arts she began studies at Malaspina University-College Theatre Program, where she graduated with honours. During that time she worked actively with various elements of Theatre production, but has taken a keen interest in Stage and Production Management. Along with the ability to successfully assemble large casts and crew, Manda has added Assistant Director to her list of credits. Amongst many, her recent credits include; Assistant Director- "Oresteia", Stage Manager-"A Midsummer Night's Dream", Stage Manager for Blue Peanut's, "24 hour Playwriting Competition" and Assistant Director/Stage Manager for Red Room Studio's Production of "Alice" and "AESOP'S FABLES".  After working with the passionate cast and crew , Manda is inspired to work with young children and teens teaching important life skills such as self esteem, confidence and creativity.

Silvia Knapp

Silvia Knapp received part of her formal training at the National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg School. She was also awarded a full-year dance scholarship at Florida Ballet Arts in Sarasota, FLA. She then returned to Toronto and received an Honours Graduate Diploma for successfully completing the dance training program at George Brown College.

Experiencing a diverse and extensive professional career in ballet, jazz and tap, Silvia has literally performed around the world, including Japan, Bermuda, Haiti, the Middle East, the Caribbean, the Arctic and throughout North America. Her C.B.C. television credits include, Rita and Friends (The Rita MacNeil Show), Today's Special (dancer for Jeff Hyslop), and Chasing Rainbows. She has appeared in T.V. commercials for Lee Jeans, Borics Hair Salon, and the P.C. Party. Silvia's vast experience as a professional dancer has allowed her to be an exceptionally creative and innovative choreographer. Her accolades include the Canadian Armed Forces Middle East Tour, cruise ships in the Caribbean, the Magic of Rossini American Tour, various industrial shows, musical theatre productions, and fashion shows.

Recently, Silvia has choreographed for the competitors of the Nanaimo Embassador Program, and the full length musical productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Silvia has enjoyed being an adjudicator at numerous competitions such as the Surrey Festival of Dance, the C.N.E. Rising Star, Rhythm, D-Force, Champions, Dance Dance Canada, and the Prince George Festival to name a few. Originally from Toronto, Silvia is quite happy to be teaching now in beautiful Nanaimo and is a full member of the C.D.T.A. (Canadian Dance Teachers Association). Her love of children combined with her passion for dance are the driving forces that empower her students to find their own motivation and strive for their personal best!

Candice Jones