Studio 58 has named multifaceted Métis theatre artist Raes Calvert as its new associate director, following David Hudgins. A 2010 graduate of Studio 58, Calvert is a co-founder of Hardline Productions and has a background in acting, directing, and producing, with several awards to his name. He aims to bring a fresh perspective to the program, incorporating a decolonizing approach and a focus on student care. Calvert is also excited about the increasing diversity among students, seeing it as a chance to enhance representation in the theatre industry. His vision is to train artists who can deeply engage audiences.
Studio 58 - Langara's professional theatre training program - recently named Raes Calvert as its new associate director. He succeeds David Hudgins, who shifted his focus to other projects. We talked to the multifaceted artist about his wealth of experience in acting, directing, producing, and decolonizing practices to the program.
Calvert, who graduated from the Studio 58 program in 2010, is a Métis theatre artist who co-founded Hardline Productions, and recently produced work with Neworld Theatre. He brings years of performance experience to the school, having toured internationally with various theatre companies. In addition to acting, directing, writing, and teaching his craft, Calvert has also produced 16 theatrical works, receiving over 15 Jessie Richardson Award nominations, including three wins. He completed his bachelor of performing arts from Capilano University in 2017.
"I am extremely excited to become the new associate director at Studio 58," Calvert says. "I look forward to the challenge of taking on this position and the opportunity to train and receive mentorship from David Hudgins during the fall term."
Calvert believes that the recency of him being a student is helpful. He reflects, "Less than 15 years ago, I was a Studio' student, which gives me a unique perspective to have as an instructor in the program. While I'm instructing and teaching class, I know very intrinsically how it feels to be on the other side of it. I'm coming in with the knowledge of what it takes to be a successful graduate of the program."
Calvert is passionate about incorporating decolonizing principles and a focus on student well-being into his teaching. "Part of that is making sure we're all on the same level and that there's an idea of care before we enter into the work. I'll be able to bring in some of the current shifts that are happening with policy around care for students and care for artists."
Calvert is also eager to encourage diversity and representation within the program.
I'm really thrilled about the diversity of the student body that we have here. It is quite a marked difference from when I was a student. There's an opportunity to see real representation on our stages and from there our grads will go out into the professional world and bring more representation across the board.
In the end, his vision for Studio 58 is to train artists capable of captivating audiences with compelling performances. "We're training our artists to become professional artists that can make you laugh, cry, and can really fulfil those audience needs and wants with compelling stories on a stage.
