2026 theatre skills education program
All courses and workshops are held at The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard Ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd - Windsor ONT).
TO REGISTER click on links provided in course descriptions.
Open to participants 16 years or older (unless otherwise specified).
TO REGISTER click on links provided in course descriptions.
Open to participants 16 years or older (unless otherwise specified).
Upcoming courses & WORKSHOPS:
2026
The Improv Character Lab
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 13 August 2026 @ 11:59pm
Dates
Four(4) weeks. Saturdays, August 15, 22, 29 & September 5, 2026
Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (2 hours per class, 8 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
An empty stage. You step out.
Who are you? Why are you here? What's happening?
Have you ever frozen in the moment, struggling to create a character on the spot? What if you could snap into a rich, dynamic character before you even speak your first line? Maybe you've tried building a stock roster of characters beforehand. The truth is there's a better, simpler way. One that lets you create compelling characters in the moment.
Four weeks. Four different approaches to creating characters. Whether you are a beginner or an Improv veteran, these techniques will give your characters more depth and make them more effective. Best of all, they are surprisingly easy to use on the spot.
Join veteran improv artist Todd Charron at The Improv Character Lab. Over four weekly classes, you’ll explore four different approaches to creating a wide variety of characters in the moment.
In this course, you will learn how to:
Special Offer
Live Performance
As an added bonus, registrants who successfully complete The Improv Character Lab will be invited to take part in a LIVE PERFORMANCE on Saturday, 26 September 2026 @ 7:00 pm.
Teachers
Todd Charron
Fee
$90 (incl. HST)
Dates
Four(4) weeks. Saturdays, August 15, 22, 29 & September 5, 2026
Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (2 hours per class, 8 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
An empty stage. You step out.
Who are you? Why are you here? What's happening?
Have you ever frozen in the moment, struggling to create a character on the spot? What if you could snap into a rich, dynamic character before you even speak your first line? Maybe you've tried building a stock roster of characters beforehand. The truth is there's a better, simpler way. One that lets you create compelling characters in the moment.
Four weeks. Four different approaches to creating characters. Whether you are a beginner or an Improv veteran, these techniques will give your characters more depth and make them more effective. Best of all, they are surprisingly easy to use on the spot.
Join veteran improv artist Todd Charron at The Improv Character Lab. Over four weekly classes, you’ll explore four different approaches to creating a wide variety of characters in the moment.
In this course, you will learn how to:
- Instantly create bold, believable characters that feel alive from your first step
- Naturally raise the energy and stakes so every scene pops
- Launch strong scenes with characters your scene partners love playing with
- Develop greater range and versatility so your characters never feel repetitive
Special Offer
- Register for both The Improv Character Lab AND Longform Unleashed: Full-Show Improv and receive a $25 rebate on your registration fee.
Live Performance
As an added bonus, registrants who successfully complete The Improv Character Lab will be invited to take part in a LIVE PERFORMANCE on Saturday, 26 September 2026 @ 7:00 pm.
Teachers
Todd Charron
Fee
$90 (incl. HST)
Longform Unleashed: Full-Show Improv
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 13 August 2026 @ 11:59pm
Dates
Six(6) weeks. Saturdays, August 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12 & 19, 2026
Time
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (2 hours per class, 12 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
Imagine being on stage: no script, nothing rehearsed.
All you have is you, your teammates, and one suggestion from the audience.
From that, you create a whole story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Completely made up on the spot. Think it's impossible? It isn't.
Longform Improv teams do this on a nightly basis. And now YOU can learn their secrets!
We're distilling those secrets down in a way that's accessible even to those with little to no improv experience.
Learning longform improv you'll get better at:
Special Offers
Live Performance
As an added bonus, the six-week course will conclude by putting theory into practice with a live longform improv show performed by the students on Saturday, 26 September 2026 @ 7:00 pm.
Teachers
Todd Charron
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
Dates
Six(6) weeks. Saturdays, August 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12 & 19, 2026
Time
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (2 hours per class, 12 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
Imagine being on stage: no script, nothing rehearsed.
All you have is you, your teammates, and one suggestion from the audience.
From that, you create a whole story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Completely made up on the spot. Think it's impossible? It isn't.
Longform Improv teams do this on a nightly basis. And now YOU can learn their secrets!
We're distilling those secrets down in a way that's accessible even to those with little to no improv experience.
Learning longform improv you'll get better at:
- weaving compelling, humorous stories
- putting on hilarious shows
- conquering fear and uncertainty
- spotting patterns
- making connections
- understanding other people's perspectives
Special Offers
- Register before August 6th and save $10
- Register for both Longform Unleashed AND The Improv Character Lab and receive a $25 rebate on your registration fee.
Live Performance
As an added bonus, the six-week course will conclude by putting theory into practice with a live longform improv show performed by the students on Saturday, 26 September 2026 @ 7:00 pm.
Teachers
Todd Charron
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
Playwriting 2: Creating Memorable Scenes
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 2 October 2026 @ 11:59pm
Dates
Bi-Weekly. Six(6) weeks. Sundays, Oct. 4, 18; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13, 2026
Time
2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours per class, 18 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
Learn how to make every scene matter with teachers Michael K. Potter and Fay Lynn. 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, exploring 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 1 and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
Teachers
Michael K. Potter & Fay Lynn
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
Dates
Bi-Weekly. Six(6) weeks. Sundays, Oct. 4, 18; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13, 2026
Time
2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours per class, 18 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
Summary
Learn how to make every scene matter with teachers Michael K. Potter and Fay Lynn. 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, exploring 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 1 and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
Teachers
Michael K. Potter & Fay Lynn
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
Playwriting 3: Creating Vivid Characters
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 9 October 2026 @ 11:59pm
Dates
Bi-Weekly. Six(6) weeks. Sundays, Oct. 11, 25; Nov. 8, 22; Dec. 6, 20, 2026
Time
2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours per class, 18 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
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, teachers Michael K. Potter and Fay Lynn will help you construct vivid characters of your own – characters with strong and distinct personalities who 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 1, Playwriting 2, and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
Teachers
Michael K. Potter & Fay Lynn
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
Dates
Bi-Weekly. Six(6) weeks. Sundays, Oct. 11, 25; Nov. 8, 22; Dec. 6, 20, 2026
Time
2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours per class, 18 hours total)
Location
The Shadowbox Theatre (1501 Howard ave. - corner of Howard & Shepherd -- Windsor, ON)
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, teachers Michael K. Potter and Fay Lynn will help you construct vivid characters of your own – characters with strong and distinct personalities who 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 1, Playwriting 2, and/or Creative Writing courses are helpful but not required.
Teachers
Michael K. Potter & Fay Lynn
Fee
$135 (incl. HST)
About the Teachers
TODD CHARRON (The Improv Character Lab / Longform Unleashed: Full-Show Improv)
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TODD CHARRON has been sharing the magic of improv on stages and in boardrooms around the globe for over 20 years. He's an international coach and speaker helping people use improv to improve leadership and teamwork in business and in life. He's trained under improv legends including Keith Johnstone (creator of Theatresports), David Shore (Harold Night), the iconic duo T.J. & Dave, Mark Sutton and Joe Bill (Bassprov), and Andy Eninger (Sybil, solo improv). He was a member of the Toronto Harold team Action Slacks and co-creator of the longform improv jam show Improv Night in Canada.
Todd performed eight 60-minute solo improv shows in 10 days as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival (Follow Your Fear) embracing the uncertainty he now helps others conquer. And now he's bringing his transformational workshops and courses to you. |
NOLAN MAYRAND (Improv for Youth)
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NOLAN MAYRAND is a passionate teacher and performer who believes improv builds confidence, creativity, and connection. With years of stage and classroom experience, he creates a supportive, playful space where students can take risks, trust their instincts, and have fun. As an Educational Assistant of six-years he has plenty of experience managing classrooms, adapting to individual behaviours, and coaching various extra-curriculars – soccer, chess club, and, of course, improv.
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ALEX MONK (Intro to Improv / Improv: Next Steps)
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ALEX MONK started improv when he was 12 on a dare and turned it into a career. He’s met some of his best friends in the world doing improv and even met my wife at one of his shows. He truly believes that improv has been the most versatile skill he’s ever honed and that it helps in his everyday life, his career… and it's just a fun way to live. Looking to get started with improv? Or looking to improve? Alex will help you reach your improv goals! His goal is simple: empower others to perform in front of audiences!
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MICHAEL K POTTER (Playwriting 1: Mastering the Basics / Playwriting 2: Creating Memorable Scenes / Playwriting 3: Creating Vivid Characters)
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MICHAEL K POTTER is an award-winning writer, educator, producer, director, and occasional actor. For more than 25 years, as both a teacher and a researcher, he’s been helping people become better teachers and storytellers. Michael’s produced plays include The Worst Thing I Ever Did (written with Fay Lynn and Michael O’Reilly, 2017), Another Fucking Christmas Play: A Fucking Musical (written with Fay Lynn and Michael O’Reilly, 2018), Puppets in the Hands of a Malevolent God (2025), and the upcoming play Innocence (scheduled for February 2027). You might also know him as the Managing Director of Post Productions, Co-Owner/Operator of The Shadowbox Theatre, and the co-founder of the Windsor-Essex Playwriting Contest, for which he has served as coordinator and judge since 2018. In 2022 Michael received an award for Performing Arts Leadership in Theatre from Windsor Endowment for the Arts. In 2021 he co-created and co-wrote the comedy series (up)Staged (with Fay Lynn and Joey Ouellette) – and served as executive producer and co-director when it was filmed in 2024. As a teacher what’s most important to Michael is ensuring that all students enjoy their experience while reaching their potential.
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FAY LYNN (Playwriting 1: Mastering the Basics / Playwriting 2: Creating Memorable Scenes / Playwriting 3: Creating Vivid Characters)
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FAY LYNN is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist with over 20 years experience in the theatre industry. Artistic Director of Post Productions, and Co-Owner/Operator of The Shadowbox Theatre, she has spent the better part of her life on and around a stage as a writer, producer, director, stage manager, set designer, technician, and actor – among many other things. Fay’s produced plays include The Worst Thing I Ever Did (written with Michael K. Potter and Michael O’Reilly, 2017), Another Fucking Christmas Play: A Fucking Musical (written with Michael K. Potter and Michael O’Reilly, 2018), and Traffic (2024). In 2018 she co-founded the Windsor-Essex Playwriting Contest, for which she has served as co-coordinator and judge ever since. In 2021 Fay co-created and co-wrote the comedy series (up)Staged (with Michael K. Potter and Joey Ouellette) – and served as executive producer and co-director when it was filmed in 2024. As a teacher her goals are to help students see their value as artists and storytellers while building their confidence as human beings.
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PAST COURSES & WORKSHOPS:
To peruse a list of past offerings in the Theatre Skills Education Program click HERE
To peruse a list of past offerings in the Theatre Skills Education Program click HERE
Testimonials from former students of Playwriting 1: Mastering the Basics...
“This course was truly inspiring on top of being educational.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to hone your writing skills with two of Windsor’s leading creative professionals.”
“I am truly changed for the better from this class because it puts things in perspective of how much work I need to do in a realistic way.”
“I came out of this with more understanding of the craft, as well as more confidence.”
“The structure that you taught and the hints on how to make a scene better with references to amazing plays that we got a chance to learn from was nothing short of brilliant.”
“Don’t worry about having no experience. The course will guide you through the process and your skills will develop and then you become obsessed with how your play ends.”
“I will recommend this class to everyone that wants to listen to me.”
“It really helped me understand the elements of writing a play.”
“This course was so much!”
“In six weeks I feel better adept at understanding my original play, and the steps it takes to completion.”
“The teachers are so nice!”
“I found myself in the middle of a scene… in a play that I thought of years prior… now with words forming, characters speaking, settings established and dialogue that became more and more real to match the mood, intent and structure… little by little, my play formed in each class of (Playwriting 1: Mastering the Basics).”
“You set the tone of equity and fun.”
“It's just such a great community of creatives, a community of sharing and honesty with respect to our development as playwrights.”
“A great opportunity to meet other creatives and immerse yourself in the community.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to hone your writing skills with two of Windsor’s leading creative professionals.”
“I am truly changed for the better from this class because it puts things in perspective of how much work I need to do in a realistic way.”
“I came out of this with more understanding of the craft, as well as more confidence.”
“The structure that you taught and the hints on how to make a scene better with references to amazing plays that we got a chance to learn from was nothing short of brilliant.”
“Don’t worry about having no experience. The course will guide you through the process and your skills will develop and then you become obsessed with how your play ends.”
“I will recommend this class to everyone that wants to listen to me.”
“It really helped me understand the elements of writing a play.”
“This course was so much!”
“In six weeks I feel better adept at understanding my original play, and the steps it takes to completion.”
“The teachers are so nice!”
“I found myself in the middle of a scene… in a play that I thought of years prior… now with words forming, characters speaking, settings established and dialogue that became more and more real to match the mood, intent and structure… little by little, my play formed in each class of (Playwriting 1: Mastering the Basics).”
“You set the tone of equity and fun.”
“It's just such a great community of creatives, a community of sharing and honesty with respect to our development as playwrights.”
“A great opportunity to meet other creatives and immerse yourself in the community.”