Undergraduate News &
News of our Alumni
English alumnus 'directs' on stage and at Med School
As founder and artistic director of the London-based Passionfool Theatre, Justin Quesnelle, (BA English '03), is starting his sixth season with the company. While he’ll be directing The Crucible this November at the Arts Project, his day job also finds him directing in a whole new way, as the new manger of the Clinical Skills Learning Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Read more about his story here.
"Leo" running at The Arts Project September 7-15, 2012
Western English alumna and founder of SEE Productions Shannon Charnock is directing a new play, Leo, at The ARTS Project from September 7-15! The show features Kevin Milne, who is in his 4th year of undergrad in the English program. Kevin was in the last SEE Productions show, as well as the department's fall 2012 production of "The Revenger's Tragedy," for which he received a nomination for the London Beat DISH Award for Best Actor. He will also be appearing in the upcoming department production "Knight of the Burning Pestle." Shannon will be Assistant Director of "Knight." For more information see Leo's web page: http://www.artsproject.ca/theatre/leo.
The Lillian Kroll Prize in Creative Writing 2011-12
Congratulations to the winner of this year's Lillian Kroll Prize, Erin Lamotte, for Selected Poems!
Second Prize goes to Millie Ho for her short story, "Mr. Hallelujah" and third prize goes to Sandy Martin for his short story, "Cold Coffee."
Honourable Mention of a Very High Order to: Marta Boutchma for her short story “Out of the Past,” Jack Morlog for his short story “Push Me Out to Sea,” and Amy Wang for her poetry/prose collection.
Judges for the 2011-12 competition were Professors Larry Garber and Allan Pero, from the Department of English.
Careers in Communications Workshop
In March, Pete Morra, Manager, Internal Communications, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (Western English BA 1999), and Terry Warne, Promotions Manager CBC News, Current Affairs and Documentaries (Western English BA 2007) returned to Western to give a presentation on "Yes, You Can Get a Job in Communications." They shared their professional experience explained how English students can translate the skills they learn during their degree into career success.
From Western English to Microsoft
In February, Bryson Gordon (Western English BA1998) returned to Western to give a talk about his adventures after graduation, sharing his journey from Western to his current job as the Senior Director charged with leading Microsoft’s direct-to-customer ecommerce business. His responsibilities at Microsoft include managing teams driving Product Management, Category Management, Marketing, Site Production, UX Design and the worldwide sales team for a business spanning over 200 countries.
Former English Student Founds Theatre Company
Shannon Charnock (Hons. B.A. in English Language and Literature and a Certificate in Theatre Arts, 2011) has founded a theatre company, SEE Productions, a venture born out of a desire to see more ethically challenging theatre in London, Ontario. SEE Productions is committed to the creation of thought-provoking entertainment, and invites audiences to go on a theatrical adventure which will open their hearts and minds. Read about Shannon at http://www.thelondoner.ca/PrintArticle.aspx?e=3485554
Western English Alumnus named TIFF Artistic Director
Western English Alumnus Cameron Bailey (BA 1987) has been named Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival. Learn more about Cameron at http://tiff.net/thefestival/filmprogramming/programmers/cameron
New Director of the Guelph Arts Council
Sonya Poweska (WesternEnglish BA 2007), has been appointed the new director of the Guelph Arts Council. Read about Sonya at http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/649504--new-arts-council-director-is-up-for-the-challenge