Julia graduated from the University of Toronto, earned an A.R.C.T in Speech Arts & Drama from The Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University (Drama; Visual Arts). Before pursuing her interest in music, she worked as an independent theatre artist and workshop leader for many years. Her diverse background includes elocution, scene study, storytelling, singing, improvisational comedy, clown, mime technique, and creative movement.
Inspired by her training at Second City, she co-wrote and performed in several original shows and musical revues in Toronto and at Fringe festivals and was a key player in a weekly live improv soap opera spoof called The Wedge of Night.
Julia’s interest in singing and jazz came to the forefront. She returned to school and graduated from the Humber College Jazz program and during her studies sang with the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Julia’s experience at the Toronto District School Board began at the Toronto Urban Studies Centre designing a wide spectrum of programs, many of which combined an art form with an aspect of the curriculum. As a Partners in Drama facilitator, Julia helped teachers and students incorporate drama activities into the curriculum. As a classroom teacher, Julia taught drama and visual arts at the secondary level and directed a number of school productions. For Learning Through the Arts, she has continued to combine drama activities with social studies, science, and language arts.
In addition to her creative and performing projects, Julia continues to teach drama, adjudicate for speech arts festivals across Canada and is a member of the RCM College of Examiners for Speech Arts & Drama.
Education and Training: Bachelor Landscape Architecture, University of Toronto; B.Ed., Queen’s University, Artist in the Community Program (Drama/Visual Arts); graduate of Humber College jazz program (vocal); A.R.C.T in Speech Arts & Drama and member of College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory; completed Artist-Educator level 2 through Learning Through the Arts.