POST PRODUCTIONS
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  • Home
  • 2025 Season
  • Past Seasons
  • Auditions
  • Play Contest
  • Monologue Competition
  • Education Program
  • THE SHADOWBOX THEATRE
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Theatre Companies
    • Performance Venues
    • Media Resources
POST PRODUCTIONS
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2025 theatre skills education program

All courses and workshops are held at The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard Ave. Windsor ONT). 

TO REGISTER: email [email protected]. Please include the name of the course(s) you'd like to register for in the subject line. All registration is first-come, first-serve. 

Open to participants 16 years or older.


Fees are paid via e-transfer to [email protected]

Upcoming courses (Spring & Summer Semesters):


Courses (5 weeks)

All courses cost $85 each OR take any TWO for $150 OR any THREE for $225!

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:
24 May 2025 - Spring Semester
18 July 2025 - Summer Semester

Spring semester

May 26 - June 24

Playwriting 101: Mastering the Basics

Dates
Five weeks. Mondays, May 26; June 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2025

Time
6:30-8:15 PM (105 minutes per class, 525 minutes total)

​Summary
Ideal for both new and experienced writers who want to hone their playwriting skills. Learn the basics of playwriting: character, story, speech, and theme – along with the skills of providing and receiving constructive practical feedback. Classes consist primarily of active writing exercises and discussions about what participants have written that week. There is homework (but it’s fun) – participants will write and submit several pages each week. ​
 
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$85

Playwriting 202: Creating Memorable Scenes

Dates
Five weeks. Mondays, May 26; June 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2025

Time
8:30-10:15 PM (105 minutes per class, 525 minutes total)

​Summary
A playscript, in the simplest terms, is a series of moments. Those moments usually come in the form of scenes. In this course you’ll learn how to get the best out of every scene you write by making every second count. Each week you’ll tackle at least one of the features of writing memorable and meaningful scenes: using action and speech to advance the story, revealing and complicating characters, illustrating theme, creating and resolving and escalating conflict, and connecting scenes for pacing, flow, and rising action. There is homework (but it’s fun) — participants will write and submit a scene each week. Prior completion of Playwriting 101 and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
 
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$85

Improv for Better Health

Dates
Five weeks. Tuesdays, May 27; June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025

Time
6:00-7:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Afraid of improv? Are you trapped inside yourself? Terrified of being in front of others with nothing to say? Ever fed a pumpkin to a hippo? This course is for you. Explore in a safe and supportive environment where there is no right and wrong.  Conquer improv and your fear in this five-week course!   

 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Exploring Acting

Dates
Five weeks. Tuesdays, May 27; June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025

Time
7:30-8:50 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Unravel the mysteries of acting and make text your weapon. Break free from recitation and practice truly existing through emotional tying. Make words your hounds. Explore in a safe and supportive environment. Each person proceeds at their own pace as they address their personal blocks. Find your actor's heart in this five-week course!
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Creative Writing Never Stops

Dates
Five weeks. Tuesdays, May 27; June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025

Time
9:00-10:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Every person has a story in them, or a novel, or a play. Maybe you have all three? Don't know where to begin or how to start? Learn simple steps to unlock your writing and start down the writing road to adventure! The course involves a weekly homework assignment – because you want to write, right?
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Summer semester

July 21 - August 19

Improv for Better Health

Dates
Five weeks. Mondays, Jul. 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11 & 18, 2025

Time
6:00-7:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Afraid of improv? Are you trapped inside yourself? Terrified of being in front of others with nothing to say? Ever fed a pumpkin to a hippo? This course is for you. Explore in a safe and supportive environment where there is no right and wrong.  Conquer improv and your fear in this five-week course!   

 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Exploring Acting

Dates
Five weeks. Mondays, Jul. 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11 & 18, 2025

Time
7:30-8:50 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Unravel the mysteries of acting and make text your weapon. Break free from recitation and practice truly existing through emotional tying. Make words your hounds. Explore in a safe and supportive environment. Each person proceeds at their own pace as they address their personal blocks. Find your actor's heart in this five-week course!
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Creative Writing Never Stops

Dates
Five weeks. Mondays, Jul. 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11 & 18, 2025

Time
9:00-10:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 400 minutes total)

​Summary
Every person has a story in them, or a novel, or a play. Maybe you have all three? Don't know where to begin or how to start? Learn simple steps to unlock your writing and start down the writing road to adventure! The course involves a weekly homework assignment – because you want to write, right?
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$85

Producing Independent Theatre

Dates
Five weeks. Tuesdays, Jul. 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12 & 19, 2025

Time
6:30-8:15 PM (105 minutes per class, 525 minutes total)

​Summary
Whether you're just thinking about producing your first play or a veteran with three-dozen plays under your belt, this is the course for you! Using facilitated discussions and practical exercises you'll learn the fundamentals of bringing a production to life from conception to closing night – including team-building, organization, budgeting, and promotion. Put your entrepreneurial spirit to work – for you! There is homework (but it’s fun) — participants will be required to complete exercises based on their passions each week.
 
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$85

PLaywriting 203: Constructing Vivid Characters

Dates
Five weeks. Tuesdays, Jul. 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12 & 19, 2025

Time
8:30-10:15 PM (105 minutes per class, 525 minutes total)

​Summary
You can’t write a play without creating characters. The characters drive your story forward. They initiate action, react, plan, achieve, and make mistakes. In this course you’ll work on constructing vivid characters of your own – characters with strong and distinct personalities that will engage audiences and live in their memories years after they’ve seen your play. In each class you will create and refine characters while working with others to decide how they fit into your stories and discover how they will affect potential audiences. There is homework (but it’s fun) — participants will be expected to think and work between classes to get maximum benefit from their time together each week. Prior completion of Playwriting 101, Playwriting 202, and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
 
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$85

About the Teachers

JOEY OUELLETTE is an award-winning writer, actor, director, producer, and educator who's been working in the creative arts for more than 30 years. With over 500 productions under his belt, he has a lot of patience and energy. His teaching focuses on learning by doing in an atmosphere of fun and support. He is the Artistic Director of Purple Theatre Company, one of the resident companies at The Shadowbox Theatre. Joey is also the co-creator and co-writer of the comedy series (up)Staged, in which he also starred -- coming to your TV and computer screens in the near future! ​
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Joey Ouellette
MICHAEL K. POTTER is an award-winning writer, educator, producer, director, and occasional actor. He has been teaching and researching learning-centered teaching practices and storytelling for more than 20 years. Michael is the Managing Director of Post Productions, Co-Owner/Operator of The Shadowbox Theatre, and in 2018 he co-founded the Windsor-Essex Playwriting Contest, which he has served as coordinator and judge ever since. In 2022 he received an award for Performing Arts Leadership in Theatre from Windsor Endowment for the Arts. Playwriting credits include The Worst Thing I Ever Did and Another Fucking Christmas Play: A Fucking Musical (with Lynn and O'Reilly), and the upcoming Grand Guignol trilogy Puppets in the Hands of a Malevolent God (October 2025). Michael is also the co-creator, co-writer, executive producer, and director of the comedy series (up)Staged, in which he also starred -- coming to your TV and computer screens in the near future!
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Michael K. Potter

past workshops/courses:


Courses (6 weeks)

All courses cost $99 each OR take any TWO for $175!

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 20 Oct. 2024

Improv for Everyone

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

Time
6:00-7:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
It doesn't matter whether you're an actor or just want to have fun. Practice your improv and acting skills, experiment in long form, exercise your listening, awareness, and confidence. Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99

Acting for Everyone

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

Time
7:30-8:50 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
This fun drama workshop for beginning and intermediate actors focuses on the development of each individual at their specific level. Scene and character work and improvisation make this course challenging as well as entertaining! Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99

Creative Writing

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

Time
9:00-10:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
For beginners and those who've already begun, this guided workshop-format course will help you develop your creative writing skills and processes through presentation, anonymous constructive criticism, and discussion. There is homework -- so be prepared to write! Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99

Intro WORKSHOPS (4 weeks)

All intro workshops cost $55 each OR take any TWO for $99!

​DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 15 Sept. 2024

Improv for the terrified

Dates
Four weeks. Mondays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 2024

Time
6:00-7:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 5 hours 20 minutes total)

​Summary
Afraid of improv? Terrified of standing up and speaking in front of others? Unsure of what to do? Convinced that you're terrible and will never get better? Full of doubt and afraid of squirrels? Improv for the Terrified is for you! Explore in a safe and supportive environment where there is no right and wrong. Conquer improv and your fear in this four week workshop! Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$55

Acting for Absolute Beginners

Dates
Four weeks. Mondays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 2024

Time
7:30-8:50 PM (80-minutes per class, 5 hours 20 minutes total)

​Summary
Have you always wanted to try acting but didn't know where to start? Or maybe you do amazing monologues in your kitchen and are ready to try something in front of someone else? Explore in a safe and supportive environment and learn to face the right directing. Each person proceeds at their own pace as they address their personal blocks. Find your actor's heart in this four week workshop! Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$55

Creative Writing for Scaredy Cats

Dates
Four weeks. Mondays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 2024

Time
9:00-10:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 5 hours 20 minutes total)

​Summary
Every person has a story in them, or a novel, or a play. Maybe you have all three? Don't know where to begin or how to start? Learn simple steps to unlock your creativity and start down the writing road to adventure! This workshop involves a weekly homework assignment -- because you want to write, right? Open to participants 16 years or older.
 
Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$55

IMPROV FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 & 13, 2024

Time
6:00-7:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
Great for beginners, interested parties, and intermediate improvisors looking to sharpen their skills — this course focuses on basic improv skills that are essential for any great improviser, actor, or salesman (any job really). Each week participants will tackle new subjects and aspects of improv to obtain a full spectrum education in the art. The end goal of the course is to gain the skills necessary to perform improv live, and incorporate improv into acting or work performances.
 
Teacher
Alex Monk

Fee
​$99

Open to participants 16 years or older

PLAYWRITING 101

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 & 13, 2024

Time
7:30-8:50 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
Ideal for both new and experienced writers who want to hone their playwriting skills. Learn the basics of playwriting: character, story, speech, and theme – along with the skills of providing and receiving constructive practical feedback. Classes consist primarily of active writing exercises and discussions about what participants have written that week. There is homework (but it’s fun) – participants will write and submit their writing each week. ​
​
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$99

Open to participants 16 years or older

IMPROV 202: Creating Meaningful Scenes

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 & 13, 2024

Time
9:00-10:20 PM (80-minutes per class, 8 hours total)

​Summary
A playscript, in the simplest terms, is a series of moments. Those moments usually come in the form of scenes. In this course you’ll learn how to make the most out of every scene you write by making every second count. Each week you’ll tackle at least one of the features of writing meaningful scenes: using action and speech to advance the story, revealing and complicating characters, illustrating theme, creating and resolving and escalating conflict, and connecting scenes for pacing, flow, and rising action. There is homework (but it’s fun) — participants will write and submit their writing each week. Prior completion of Playwriting 101 and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
 
Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$99

Open to participants 16 years or older

Juggling Workshop With Bill Nuvo

Date/Time
Sunday, September 24, 2023 - 2:00-3:30 pm

​Summary
Learn the fundamentals of juggling, try your​ hand at juggling a variety of items (staff spinning, poi, mag-staff, clubs, rings, plate spinning and more!), and make your own juggling props to take home and practice.
​

Teacher
Bill Nuvo

Fee
​$20 

Open to participants of all ages (any child under 16 years old must be accompanied by adult guardian who has also paid to participate)

Improv Sampler

Date/Time
Sunday, October 1, 2023 - 2:00-4:00 pm

​Summary
Have you ever wanted to try improv? Improvisation is a lot of fun on it's own and it's a great tool for learning about acting. There's a lively improv scene in Windsor that's desperate for more improvisers. Come get your feet wet in this quick and fun workshop!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$25 

Open to participants 16 years or older

Acting Sampler

Date/Time
Sunday, October 8, 2023 - 2:00-4:00 pm

​Summary
The world is full of theories and ideas about how to act and what makes an actor but sometimes these things make it harder. This workshop gives you a solid introduction and helps you to understand what you need to do and to find out if it's really for you. 
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$25 

Open to participants 16 years or older

Auditions: Survive and Succeed

Date/Time
Sunday, October 15, 2023 - 2:00-4:00 pm

​Summary
A combination of audition practice, psychology and acting tricks to up your audition game!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$25 

Open to participants 16 years or older

Improv FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2023 (Nov. 27 is a holiday)

Time
5:30-6:50 PM (1.5 hours per class, 9 hours total)

​Summary
It doesn't matter whether you're an actor or just want to have fun. Learn and practice the basic improv and acting skills of listening, awareness, and confidence.
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99 

Open to participants 16 years or older

ACTING FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2023 (Nov. 27 is a holiday)
​

Time
7:00-8:20 PM (1.5 hours per class, 9 hours total)

​Summary
This fun drama workshop for beginning and intermediate actors focuses on the development of each individual at their specific level. Scene work and improvisation make the course challenging as well as entertaining!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99 

Open to participants 16 years or older

Creative Writing

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2023 (Nov. 27 is a holiday)
​

Time
8:30-10:00 PM (1.5 hours per class, 9 hours total)

​Summary
For beginners and those who've already begun, this guided workshop-format course will help you develop your creative writing skills and processes through presentation, anonymous constructive criticism, and discussion. There is homework -- so be prepared to write!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99 

Open to participants 16 years or older

ACTING FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 22 & 29, 2023 (May 15 is a holiday)

Time
6:00-7:30 PM (1.5 hours per class, 9 hours total)

​Summary
This fun drama workshop for beginning and intermediate actors focuses on the development of each individual at their specific level. Scene work and improvisation make the course challenging as well as entertaining!.
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99 

Open to participants 16 years or older

CREATIVE WRITING

Dates
Six weeks. Mondays, April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 22 & 29, 2023 (May 15 is a holiday)

Time
7:30-9:00 PM (1.5 hours per class, 9 hours total)

​Summary
For beginners and those who've already begun, this guided workshop-format course will help you develop your creative writing skills and processes through presentation, anonymous constructive criticism, and discussion. There is homework -- so be prepared to write!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$99

Open to participants 16 years or older

PLAYWRITING 101

Dates
Six weeks. Saturdays, April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2023

Time
2:00-4:00 PM (2 hours per class, 12 hours total)

​Summary
Ideal for both new and experienced writers who want to hone their playwriting skills. Learn the basics of playwriting: character, story, dialogue, and theme – along with the skills of providing and receiving constructive practical feedback. Classes consist primarily of active writing exercises and discussions about what participants have written that week. There is homework (but it’s fun) – participants will write and submit their writing each week. ​
​

Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$99

Open to participants 16 years or older

ACTING FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Four weeks. Oct 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022. 5:30-6:50 PM

​Summary
This fun drama workshop for beginning and intermediate actors focuses on the development of each individual at their specific level. Scene work and improvisation make the course challenging as well as entertaining!.
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

CREATIVE WRITING

Dates
Four weeks. Oct 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022. 7:00-8:20 PM

​Summary
For beginners and those who've already begun, this guided workshop-format course will help you develop your creative writing skills and processes through presentation, anonymous constructive criticism, and discussion. There is homework -- so be prepared to write!
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

PLAYWRITING 101

Dates
Four weeks. Oct 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022. 8:30-10:00 PM

​Summary
Ideal for both new and experienced writers who want to hone their playwriting skills. Learn the basics of playwriting -- character, story, dialogue, and theme -- through fun exercises and focused discussion.
​

Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

DIRECTING FOR TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES

Dates
Four weeks. Nov 21, 28; Dec 5 & 12, 2022. 5:30-6:50 PM

​Summary
For the beginner and intermediate, this class explores the ins and outs of directing -- dealing with actors, mining the script for meaning, and finding truth in every moment. Learn how to find your way into the maze and then find your way out again.
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

PRODUCING INDEPENDENT THEATRE

Dates
Four weeks. Nov 21, 28; Dec 5 & 12, 2022. 7:00-8:20 PM

​Summary
Whether you're just thinking about producing your first play or a veteran with three-dozen plays under your belt, this is the course for you! Using facilitated discussions and practical exercises you'll learn the fundamentals of bringing a production to life from conception to closing night -- including team-building, organization, budgeting, and promotion.
​

Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

PLAYWRITING WORKSHOP

Dates
Four weeks. Nov 21, 28; Dec 5 & 12, 2022. 8:30-10:00 PM

​Summary
Over the course of four weeks you'll share drafts of your own script, review the drafts of others, receive and use constructive feedback, and provide constructive feedback to your peers -- all with focused discussion, guidance, and a little nudging when necessary.
​

Teacher
Michael K. Potter

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Open to participants 16 years or older

introduction to theatrical swordplay and stage combat

Dates
Four weeks. Feb 21, 28; Mar 7 & 14, 2022. 5:30-6:30 PM

​Summary
This theatre swordplay uses a system of choreography that is hundreds of years old, designed for maximum safety and an authentic look for the audience! This introductory course teaches basic movements and blocks, and applies them to theatrical situations. This class is for ages 16 years old and up. Please wear comfortable clothing and running shoes. Participants must sign a release of liability.
​

Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Class size
4 - 8 participants

ACTING FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Four weeks. Feb 21, 28; Mar 7 & 14, 2022. 6:30-8:00 PM

​Summary
This fun drama workshop for beginning and intermediate actors focuses on the development of each individual at their specific level. Scene work and improvisation make the course challenging as well as entertaining! Open to participants 16 years or older.


Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Class size
6 - 10 participants

CREATIVE WRITING

Dates
Four weeks. Feb 21, 28; Mar 7 & 14, 2022. 8:30-10:00 PM
and/or Apr 25; May 2, 9 & 16, 2022. 8:30-10:00 PM


​Summary
For beginners and those who've already begun, this guided workshop-format course will help you develop your creative writing skills and processes through presentation, anonymous constructive criticism, and discussion. There is homework - so be prepared to write! Open to participants 16 years or older.


Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Class size
6 - 10 participants

IMPROV FOR EVERYONE

Dates
Four weeks. Apr 25; May 2, 9 & 16, 2022. 5:30-7:00 PM

​Summary
It doesn't matter whether you're an actor or just want to have fun. Learn and practice the basic improv and acting skills of listening, awareness, and confidence. Ages 16 years old and up.


Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Class size
6 - 12 participants

SCENE STUDY

Dates
Four weeks. Apr 25; May 2, 9 & 16, 2022. 7:00-8:30 PM

​Summary
This in-depth class allows participants to focus on their performance in conjunction with time, space and another actor. Memorizing lines is not the end goal; it's the beginning of the journey. Learn to react, interpret, support and think in the scene as you're doing it. Open to participants 16 years or older.


Teacher
Joey Ouellette

Fee
​$75 (18.75 per class)

Class size
6 - 10 participants

Offering a wide variety of workshops and courses, from introductory level to advanced levels, designed to help Windsor-Essex residents learn new theatre skills and sharpen the skills they already have.

Additionally, if you’d like to request a particular workshop/course, or pitch us a workshop or course that you’d like to teach, let us know. We’ll see what we can do.
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