Jo Jo Rideout
Powys Thomas- Canada's Seminal Theatre Educator

This paper explores the teaching of Powys Thomas. Powys was a legendary Canadian actor and teacher. A Welshman who trained at The Old Vic theatre School under Michel St. Denis, he was the first artistic director of the english section of The National Theatre School (established 1960). Conservatory training was non-existant in Canada prior to this time. Powys did not impose his own training but strove to create a unique style which was truly Canadian. It is because of this man that Canadian actors developed their own identity. Drawing on my personal experience as his student at The Vancouver Playhouse Acting School which he created with Christopher Newton in 1975, and a series of interiews with students and colleagues from his years at The National Theatre School I will discuss his methodology. It is my belief that Powys is the seminal teacher of Canadian actors, teachers and directors and that his influence is still strong today, 27 years after his untimely death.