Shaw & His Contemporaries with Jim Mezon & Evan Buliung

A three-week acting intensive presented by Eclipse Theatre Company’s Mentorship, Training & Opportunity (MTO) Program

About the Class

Explore the sharp wit, fierce arguments, and rapid-fire rhythm of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries in this professional development intensive for emerging and early-career theatre artists.

Led by two of Canada’s most celebrated actors of stage and screen, this class offers a rare chance to train in a small group setting rooted in care, curiosity, and craft.

Where and When

May 17, 24 & 31
Saturdays 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 1110 Dupont Street

Space is limited!

What to Expect

In this intensive, participants will begin by bringing in a Shaw monologue on Day 1 for individualized coaching. This should be memorized or, at least, familiarized (with paper in hand). In Weeks 2 and 3, the focus will shift to paired scene work, with two-hander scenes assigned after the first class. If time allows, students will return to their original piece with fresh insight and tools. Throughout the three weeks, Jim and Evan will guide participants through the unique challenges of Shaw and his contemporaries, with a focus on rhetorical structure, philosophical argument, irony, rapid dialogue, and the rhythm of stage debate. This is a rare opportunity to train in a focused, intimate setting with direct coaching from two master actors and to become part of the ETC community.

*Participants must have prior acting training or equivalent performance experience, and are expected to prepare a monologue from the time period.*

Meet Your Instructors

JIM MEZON has been a professional actor, director, and teacher for over 50 years, working across Canada and in major U.S. cities including Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. He spent an extraordinary 33 seasons at the Shaw Festival, performing in over 50 productions and directing more than a dozen. Jim also served as the head of the Shaw Festival Academy, the Festival’s respected training arm. His teaching credits include the University of Alberta, University of Northern Colorado, University of Toronto, Bishop’s University, and the National Theatre School.

EVAN BULIUNG spent 12 seasons as a leading performer at the Stratford Festival and four at the Shaw Festival, from Pericles to Guys and Dolls (Stratford) and The Importance of Being Earnest to Major Barbara (Shaw). Most recently, he was Pierre in Crows Theatre’s smash hit production Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. For Eclipse Theatre: Sunday in the Park with George (George). He is also a Dora award winner for his portrayal of Bruce in Fun Home (Musical Stage). An accomplished actor on stage and screen, his greatest passion lies in teaching, mentoring, and directing—passing on theatre’s enduring joys and significance.

Pricing

We offer a sliding scale to keep this training accessible while covering costs and paying artists fairly. Please choose the rate that fits best for your circumstances:

Standard Rate: $325 (+HST)

Early Bird Rate: $300 (+HST)
Only until April 30!

Community Rate: $275 (+HST)
We’re pleased to offer a limited amount of need-based rated spots for our community members. Use code EBSHAW275 at checkout to claim your spot.  

Registration:

To join the class, you can choose between two payment options at registration:

Option 1: Pay in Full – Pay the full registration amount up front to secure your spot. No additional steps or payments will be required.

Option 2: Pay in Two Parts: Pay a non-refundable deposit of $150 now to reserve your spot. The remaining balance will be due by:

🐦 May 3rd if you’re registering with Early Bird pricing

📅 May 10th if you’re registering at the Standard rate

You’ll receive a reminder email with a secure link to complete your final payment before the deadline. Your registration is only considered complete once the full amount is paid.

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Have questions? Email Jacqui (MTO Manager) at mto@eclipsetheatre.ca

REGISTRATION OPENS WEEK OF APRIL 14. STAY TUNED!