Meet The Staff - Alyssa English
Today we want to introduce you to our incredible Education Coordinator, Alyssa English! Alyssa (she/her) moved to Ottawa in 2018, and joined the team at GCTC in 2021. What first put GCTC on the map for her was the Virtual Choir, which she saw during the early stages of the pandemic. After hearing from the choir director about her experience and what the community is like, Alyssa decided to apply, and we are so glad she did!
As Education Coordinator, her day to day is a balancing act. A couple times a week, she works in the box office. This is front facing work with the patrons and getting people booked in for the shows. The other side of her role is promoting the education programming, which looked a little different this season. This involves developing promotional plans and materials, connecting with teachers, and making documents for the box office staff to make bookings easier. She’s currently brainstorming education ideas for next season, and thinking about the vision for the future of education programming at GCTC.
“Daisy” by Sean Devine was the first show Alyssa saw at GCTC, and specifically enjoyed the way the set was done. After one of the matinee performances, Alyssa hosted a talkback with the “Daisy” cast, and found it was a great learning experience getting to speak to the actors and come up with questions to ask them. The music element really spoke to her as well because, in addition to her superstar work at the theatre, Alyssa is a musician! She is a clarinetist and pianist who not only loves playing and listening to music, but also teaches at the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education in her off hours from GCTC.
“Playing music brings me serenity,” Alyssa says.
What else does Alyssa get up to outside of GCTC? Her and her partner love being out in nature; camping, bird watching, and hiking are activities that they enjoy doing.
This season, Alyssa is particularly excited for “Speaking Vibrations” by Jo-Anne Bryan, Carmelle Cahero, King Kimbit, and Jordan Samonas. With a prominent focus on American Sign Language (ASL), Alyssa is focusing on welcoming members from the ASL community and schools here in the Ottawa region to experience the show in action.
"What I love most about GCTC is the sense of community and camaraderie between our staff and everyone who walks through our doors. It truly is a special place," she says.
Throughout January and February, educators are invited to join GCTC and Youtheatre for on-demand performances of “Pandora”. Tickets cost $10 per classroom and provide access to the show at any time for a two week period after purchase. Additionally, you will receive a detailed study guide to use in your classroom.
If you have education questions, general inquiries about education in the arts, or want resources for your classroom, Alyssa is happy to help! Please reach out to her at alyssa@gctc.ca