Photograph by Mariah Burchell
Angelica Schwartz | They/Them
Originally from Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, MB), I am a director and collective creator who is grateful to now live and create on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Often described as a muppet, I take pride in not taking myself too seriously. I strive to wake the average person out of what I call “the sleepwalk of everyday life” through random acts of kindness and tomfoolery. Such as leaving random notes and little trinkets in special places for people to find.
Having spent close to 10 years in various technical production experiences (including stage management), I have often felt silenced and put down. The more I found my voice, the more I realized everyone has a voice of their own that is aching to be heard. I believe the only way forward is together and listen to one another and lead with kindness, humour, and humility. This is why I am passionate about collaborative theatre. Nothing lights me up more than being in a room full of artists and having everyone excited about their contribution to a piece.
I believe that optimism is a revolutionary act, and it is our job as storytellers to dream a new future into existence. I am interested in unpacking societal pressures, gender, and the attention economy. I love mischief, I love magic, and I especially love art that bends genre and breaks expectations.
I believe that the show lives on beyond the curtain call. I’m curious about the communal conversations art inspires and the group it directly impacts which is why I try to incorporate a community component into every piece I do. A significant aspect of my Community Engagement work at Neworld Theatre revolves around this thought.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with companies all over Turtle Island. Select companies include The National Arts Centre, Buddies in Bad Times, Electric Theatre Company, The Chop Theatre, SpiderWebShow, ITSAZOO, Rumble Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, and more.
I studied Technical Production at Studio 58, Directing at The National Theatre School of Canada, and studied Pochinko Clown at The Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance. I am the recipient of the 2022 Jessie Richardson Outstanding Achievement Award for Assistant Direction and Gender Consultation.
Curious to chat more? Please reach out, I love meeting new people, and I would love to hear from you!
Upcoming: The Last Garden by Tanner Manson (October 2023, Winnipeg), Debussy's Ariette Oubliées (Digital Premiere TBD).
On set for Ariettes Oubliees
On set for Ariettes Oubliees
On set for Ariettes Oubliees
On set for Ariettes Oubliees
Rehearsals at NTS
NTS Thesis Project
Rehearsals at NTS
I am grateful to create my work across Turtle Island and live on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.