Jim Dugan, Artistic Director
James Dugan came to the University of Calgary Drama Department as Head in 1983. He received his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto, taught at the University of Ottawa, and spent several years as a free-lance actor.
Jim has many acting credits in stage, film and television, and is currently the Treasurer of the Calgary Branch of the Association of Canadian Film, Television and Radio Actors.
Mat Maitlandt, Theatre Instructor
Actor, director, clown, improviser and Artistic Director of Calgary Young People’s Theatre, Mat recently completed a BFA at University of Calgary. He is a founding member of Kids Play Klassics and contributor to the Calgary Improv Festival and International Children’s Festival. He can be found in Alberta and across BC perform- ing as himself or as his clown character “Toro.” He loves teaching children and has been work- ing professionally in children’s theatre for 5 years. He is thrilled to return to the beautiful Slocan Valley for a fourth summer and work with all the talented and creative kids at ViSTA.
Christina Nolan, Theatre Instructor
Christina has been heavily involved in theatre and voice study from a young age. In addition to active participation in local community
theatre, Christina pursued training in Speech Arts and Drama and Voice through the Royal Conservatory of Music and after graduating high school
attended York University in Toronto for Theatre. After a year there, Christina transferred and, in 1992, received her Bachelors of Music in Vocal
Performance from the University of Toronto. Christina moved to Calgary in 1993 and began a busy professional performing career with Calgary Opera,
Debut Opera, Calgary Bach Festival Society and Red Box Productions. After the birth of Christina's first child, she opened a private teaching
studio – The Nolan Studio of Vocal Arts and found her passion for teaching. In 2006 Christina became affiliated as a branch and faculty
instructor for Mount Royal College Conservatory teaching Speech Arts and Drama. Christina has adjudicated for the Alberta Music Festival
Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Mount Royal College. Christina now resides locally with her three children and
is well known in Nakusp as a teacher, singer, actor, play director, ukulele player and vocal coach. Christina directed the Bravo! Summer Musical
Theatre Camp in 2009, and is a highly visible member of the theatrical community. Christina is thrilled to be a part of the VISTA 2010 program!
