“I believe all people should be exposed to high-quality arts experiences that are rich with meaning and connection. As an artist, it is my responsibility to ensure that these opportunities are available to a diverse audience as possible”
Alice is versatile and creative professional with a background in education and community engagement who believes in creating big opportunities for others. A passionate advocate for the arts, she is experienced in reaching out to engage diverse communities through her teaching practice.
“Thank you so much for again doing an outstanding job with our young people . I have had fantastic feedback from staff and the kids. Once again a huge thank you I know our kids are challenging but they all loved the program and it’s fantastic to have someone with so much energy out with our kids!” – Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo, Child Youth and Family
Alice works as an educator and facilitator for a variety of organisations, programmes and festivals. Her work covers improvisation, theatre-making, and creativity: a dynamic, energizing and inclusive practice that spans across a wide range of abilities and ages.
Alice is able to create bespoke lesson plans to deliver content in an engaging and honest environment.
“Thanks again Alice for running such a fantastic week for us in. The kids who got to attend the workshops – all feel privileged, very lucky and are buzzing for the experience. And what a tremendous show last night! It’s quite impressive how you can orchestrate such an event – I know it lies heavily on your shoulders and you MCed it in fine form making it such a highlight for the children and parents! Certainly was a full house! and possibly an indication of how the community has embraced your work this week.” – Kay Paterson, Geraldine Academy of Performance & Arts
Alice served as the Education Manager at The Court Theatre and was Founding Director of the Court Youth Company from 2013-2015. During this time she directed all of the company’s shows including the critically acclaimed site-specific work DO NOT TOUCH THE EXHIBITION at Canterbury Museum.
“These sorts of youth shows are opening up some stimulating and provocative new ground in the sometimes static Christchurch theatre landscape, and I really hope that these engagements continue, for the benefit of both the young practitioners and the lucky audiences who get to experience their work. I find this work to be fresh and exciting; its young cast demonstrate commitment, passion and vulnerability, and for my money it runs rings around a lot of the ‘grown up’ work that’s been on offer this year.” – Theatreview
Alice continues to practice as an itinerant theatre tutor for a range of arts organisations including Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, The Court Theatre, and Auckland Theatre Company.
Alice is a vibrant performer and available for speaking engagements and as Master of Ceremonies. Recent events include: Project Management Institute of New Zealand Conference (2014); Pecha Kucha Christchurch (listen to her talk here); NZ Rotary Club Conference (2015); ASEAN Young Business Leaders Summit (2015); Festival for The Future (2012-2015).
To see some of Alice’s work in action, watch this short video on the 2015 ASEAN Young Business Leader’s Summit held in Kuala Lumpar, 2015:
Alice provides tailor-made speaker coaching for individuals and groups interested in upskilling in pitching, presenting, and public-speaking.
Her unique blend of improvisation and vocal exercises creates an elevated and positive space to learn and practice. Clients have included: UC Innovators’ Summer Programme; Ministry of Awesome; Lightening Lab Christchurch; TEDx Christchurch.
“More often than not, the most effective way of delivering meaningful arts experiences is by offering people the tools to generate their own work. Then, not only do I meet them as a beloved new arts audience, but as a fellow arts practitioner.”
Interested to know more? Get in touch!
ALICE CANTON 