Learn About Our Instructor
Michael Sheppard
Instructor
Michael Sheppard is a seasoned theatre producer, director, and arts educator with nearly two decades of experience shaping performers and performing arts communities across Ontario. A graduate of Queen’s University’s theatre program, Mike has built a career defined by mentorship, creative leadership, and a deep commitment to helping artists grow.
Mike is best known as the founder and longtime Artistic Director of Blue Canoe Theatrical Productions, Kingston’s flagship youth arts organization, where he directed more than a dozen musical and theatre productions and guided hundreds of emerging performers through their first auditions, rehearsals, and professional opportunities. He also co-founded the Kick & Push Festival a professional theatre festival, and the Juvenis Youth Arts Festival, two major cultural events that showcase innovative work and create space for young artists to take bold creative risks.
Beyond his founding roles, Mike has held key producing, marketing, and development positions with respected companies including Driftwood Theatre, Theatre Kingston, Single Thread Theatre, and Sol One Arts, while also serving as the current Artistic Director of Ottawa StoryTellers. His work spans directing, dramaturgy, acting coaching, festival creation, grant writing, special event management, and leading teams of artists through complex productions, giving him a uniquely holistic perspective on what makes a strong performer.
As an instructor, Mike brings a practical, supportive, and confidence-building approach. He has extensive training in stage combat, dramaturgy, and stage intimacy, and has led countless performers through everything from their very first audition to landing principal roles in musicals and plays. Mike has worked on over 150 theatre productions at the community and professional level in the roles of director, producer and actor.
His classes focus on real-world tools: breaking down audition materials, building character from the ground up, strengthening vocal and acting technique, understanding the expectations of directors and casting teams, and creating performances that are honest, grounded, and compelling.
Whether you’re preparing for an audition, stepping onto the stage for the first time, or looking to sharpen your skills, Mike’s experience across directing, producing, and mentorship makes The Actor’s Toolbox Canada a uniquely valuable place to learn. His passion is helping performers feel confident, capable, and ready, no matter where they are in their artistic journey.