"My objective is to investigate performance as an interdisciplinary, intercultural, and connective practice, focusing on social change, multiculturalism, and identity through physical embodiment and the theatrical space." (M.Rios)
Michelle Rios earned her MFA in Theatre Practice from the University of Alberta, concentrating in Theatre for Social Change
and Community-based theatre practice. Ms. Rios continues to implement applied theatre techniques as a means of activism, education, community engagement, and awareness. She was the first Fine Arts student ever to be awarded the prestigious
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship – Master’s Level at the University of Alberta Drama Department and was also
the recipient of the Alberta Advanced Education Graduate Student Scholarship recognizing both her scholastic and artistic achievements. Specialties include: Theatre within social activism, devised theatre, collective creation, storytelling methodologies, musical theatre and opera instruction, and directing. Experience in grant writing, administration, community outreach, and the development and implementation of arts-based programming for various not-for-profit organizations in both the U.S. and Canada.
Testimonials:
"Michelle is beloved by her students, past and current. She is a generous teacher, but demanding. She is tolerant and compassionate, but understands the necessity of discipline and diligence. Most importantly, she creates excitement in learning." -Michael John LaChiusa (Tony Award nominated Broadway composer & NYU Professor)
"MIchelle works and performs from the heart, with the skill set level of an expert in her field. You can't get any better than that in a Teacher/Mentor for a young person pursuing the arts. She is a disciplined nurturer."
-Roxane Carrasco (Broadway Veteran & Instructor at San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts)
"There is much to say in support of this incredible artist, teacher, human but I will leave with this. When Ms. Rios brings her
artistry and voice into a space, the room moves to her light and leans in both for warmth and guidance but also for the spark
that ignites the flame in their work. She is a virtuoso."
-Linette J. Smith (Department Head of Fine & Performing Arts, Strathcona High School/Edmonton, AB)
"Michelle is professional, pleasant and attentive to details. I also found her very easy to work with and she seemed very able to garner the respect of those around her. I enjoyed working with her and recommend her to anyone looking for a talented compassionate artist." - Miles Grose (Playwright & Teaching artist at ENACT, Inc.)
"Broadway star calls Edmonton home, helps bring Vic musical to life" - Edmonton | Globalnews.ca (2019)
https://globalnews.ca/news/5056806/broadway-star-edmonton-victoria-school-arts/
Global News Edmonton segment (below):
"News Archives: Emily MacLellan Credits GPRC Drama Courses to Personal Growth" (Grande Prairie Regional College)
https://www.gprc.ab.ca/news/display.html?ID=1161
"Meet the Director – Michelle Rios"(Concordia University of Edmonton)
https://concordia.ab.ca/director/
