weekly
or for 12 classes
Theatre History Time Travellers: Immerse, Marvel & Discover Drama's Epic Story
Completed by 19 learners
Ages 11-16
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week, 12 weeks
3-6 learners per class
55 min
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursAssessment
At the beginning of each lesson, the class is given an oral test of the previous week and marked as a group.Class Experience
Beginner - Advanced Level
The best way to learn is by doing. Your learner will create an imaginary Time Machine and embark on an immersive, multimedia journey through theatre history. At every stop, they'll step out to relive and reenact the performance styles of each era and culture. Through this hands-on exploration, they'll gain a firsthand appreciation not only for the history of theatre but also for its vital role as both a mirror and a disruptor of society. As they uncover recurring archetypes that span disconnected cultures and time periods, they’ll uncover universal truths about humanity. These insights will deepen their skills in playwriting, scriptwriting, storytelling, acting, improvising, and more. Has your learner ever wondered why mimes exist or why ancient performances were so captivating? Did you know that during the Middle Ages, when theatre was banned across much of Europe, mime was one of the only theatrical forms that survived? But why? There’s a fascinating story behind it, and The Theatre Travellers will take your learner on a journey to uncover those answers immersively — and then we will recreate and reenact them! Through practice and play, they’ll discover how drama has shaped and reflected societies across the globe. Each week, they’ll immerse themselves in a different period of history, becoming the actors of the story as they try out unique and meaningful performance styles and learn their cultural significance. By the final weeks, learners will return to the present, using everything they’ve discovered to create their own modern storyboard for an original improvised performance based on everything they've learned. WHAT YOUR LEARNER WILL GAIN: -The Origins of Drama: Discover why humans create theatre and how it evolves across cultures and centuries. -Acting Techniques: Experiment with improv, dance drama, oratory, meolodrama, pantomime, and many more styles from historical to modern. -Improvisation Skills: Build confidence, learn to think on their feet, and develop communication skills through archetypes, stock characters, and imaginative scenarios. -Storytelling Tools: Understand story and scene structure, subtext, and the art of adapting ideas into cohesive narratives. -A Global Perspective: Appreciate the artistry and traditions of theatre from around the world, exploring how performance styles reflect societal values and beliefs. -Leadership and Collaboration: Take turns directing peers, building teamwork and problem-solving skills. -Final Project: Create, rehearse, and present an original short production—storyboarded, improvised, and polished into a final format. CLASS HIGHLIGHTS: -Active and engaging: This isn’t just a theatre history class—it’s an immersive experience where learners will move, act, and create every week. -Culturally enriching: We demystify global theatre traditions and answer questions like, “Why are masks or makeup so expressive (and sometimes scary) in ancient traditions like Japanese Noh or Khatakali Dance drama?” or “How do they communicate emotion without words?” -Skills for life: From confidence to creativity, your learner will develop tools that go beyond the stage. Enrol your learner before our new sections fill up and help your learner discover a thrilling adventure of dramatic storytelling with vastly diverse styles! We look forward to seeing your learner in class! Gordon W. Founder, Boundless Reach Studio for Acting
Learning Goals
To inspire curiosity and a lifelong appreciation for theatre and its cultural significance.
To encourage active participation through performance, storytelling, and improvisation.
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Building the Time Machine
Intro to improv for new learners, refresh for advanced and returning learners. We will use improv throughout the course.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Renaissance 1400-1600 CE
Commedia Del Arté, Shakespeare
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Middle Ages 400-1400 CE
the 3 M's of the Middle Ages: Morality, Mystery & Miracles (plus a secret 4th M!)
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Ancient Asia 1 BCE
Sanskrit (and later Khathakali)
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
It must be said that a discussion of historical theatre cannot be had without touching on religion and politics. Religion and the state had a heavy hand in both the creation and suppression of theatre across many cultures. I try to keep this to a minimum while maintaining historical accuracy and I make every effort to provide a balanced perspective in a positive manner that above all else is inclusive of everyone's ideas and beliefs.
Also, as we explore the world, learners may be presented with the task of acting as characters who have different beliefs and ideals other than their own. I strive to ensure all learners are comfortable and they will be more than welcome to decline these moments if they arise. When this happens I keep it light by giving them an active spectator or director role instead, calling for lots of applause, laughter or hearty enthusiasm appropriate to the crowd of that era.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Drama Teacher Academy - PD certificate - Approaching Drama Class with an Indigenous Perspective
Drama Teacher Academy - PD certificate - Teaching Theatre with Divergent Students and Class Sizes in Mind
Drama Teacher Academy - East Meets West Theatre Traditions (Noh, Kabuki, Sanskrit)
Britannica.com - general fact checking
Drama Notebook.com - Native American Integrated Arts; Pantomime; Asian Theatre History; African American History Month Drama Activities;
The Royal National Theatre of London - Commedia Del'Arte
Offered by
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Fine/Studio Arts from Ryerson University
MEET ME: Gordon Woolvett
Hi, I’m Gordon Woolvett, founder of Boundless Reach. With over 250 plus screen credits in television, film and on stage—as a Gemini award-winning actor, writer, and director—I’ve seen how the right training can empower young performers to embrace their creativity, build confidence, and thrive.
You might recognize me from Andromeda (a sci-fi TV series sold in over 150 countries) or Bride of Chucky (which, let’s hope, your learner hasn’t seen!), but my passion extends far beyond the screen. With more than 45 years of professionally performing and training, I’ve developed tools for versatility and adaptability—exactly what your learner needs to overcome challenges, achieve greater success in acting, and unlock their inner artistry and creativity—all while laughing and having fun along the way.
As an improv performer (catch me live, weekly, at two different improv theatres in Vancouver, BC), a dad of three, and a soccer coach of 11 years: I’ve learned that creativity flourishes best in an environment that’s both structured and fun. That’s why our classes blend improvisation, scene study, and private coaching in joyful ways to help each student discover their unique voice and build the confidence to take on any challenge.
GORDON'S CREDIT HIGHLIGHTS
Many film & TV credits too numerous to list
Won a Gemini in 2002 (Canada's equivalent to the Oscars)
Was previously nominated in the '90s for Best Supporting Actor in a film
12 years of theatre and acting training
Written and directed numerous indy films and docs
Screewriter for indy film and prime time television
(View full list of credits on the IMDB)
MEET TAL:
I am excited to to introduce Tal Shulman, an accomplished actor and educator with extensive experience in theatre, film, and voice-over work. Tal infuses each class with thoughtful creativity and a strong foundation in performance, perfectly aligning with Boundless Reach’s mission to empower students in a positive, uplifting environment. Tal also specializes in Shakespeare.
Tal holds a BFA in Performance Acting from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), where he developed a deep understanding of acting techniques, character work, and storytelling. He began his acting journey at Young People's Theatre in Toronto, honing his craft from an early age. Committed to ongoing growth, he continues to train and perform with Bard on the Beach and The Improv Centre in Vancouver, BC.
TAL'S CREDIT HIGHLIGHTS
THEATRE: Performed multiple times at the Stratford Festival (Shakespeare in Love and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe); Young People's Theatre (To Kill a Mockingbird); and Bard on the Beach (The Comedy of Errors)
VOICE-OVER: Leading roles in Big Blue (CBC) as Freddie and Shaq’s Garage (Kartoon Channel) as Dawkins
FILM & TELEVISION: Featured in Holiday Road (2023), So Help Me Todd (2022), and Man Seeking Woman (2015).
Teaching: Extensive experience teaching young performers at Gateway Academy in Vancouver, BC
MEET CAITLIN:
I'm also thrilled to introduce Caitlin Maira, a Vancouver-based improviser, actor, writer, and educator known for her dynamic, heartfelt, and supportive teaching approach. She is passionate about helping students find confidence in their creativity while creating a collaborative and uplifting learning environment.
Caitlin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology, giving her a deep understanding of human behavior, character development, and emotional authenticity, which she brings to her teaching. She has trained and performed extensively across North America in improv and performance at The Improv Centre, Blind Tiger Comedy, Annoyance Theatre (Chicago), and Bay Area TheatreSports (San Francisco).
CAITLIN'S CREDIT HIGHLIGHTS
Performance: Regularly performs with The Improv Centre, Instant Theatre Company, and QueerProv
Festivals: Appeared at Winnipeg, Edmonton , Vancouver, Orlando and Bellingham Improv & Fringe Festivals
Leadership: Co-founder & Treasurer of yamjam Improv Society; Treasurer for the Queer Improv Society of Vancouver
Teaching: Instructor for UBCimprov, Canadian Improv Games, and Arts Club Theatre
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