CA Integrated Studies teacher and Theatre Director Leeanne McLim has been appointed as the Alberta Chapter Director for the International Association for School Theatre.
The International Association for School Theatre “brings together young people, artists and teachers from different countries in different settings to experience, create and learn about theatre.” The organization is committed to racial equity and addressing persistent underrepresentation across the arts.
“Theatre has the power to change hearts and minds in the work toward social justice. Diverse organizations are more productive and impactful, and I am excited to be a part of this,” said Leeanne.
Leeanne’s role is focused on building the Educational Theatre Association of Canada, bringing lifelong learning opportunities to students at CA and advancing theatre arts education.
“Learning from this group of talented professionals will be an invaluable resource for me as an educator that will absolutely help me to build better relationships within my classroom, outside of the school, and with fellow fine arts teachers, but also to help create inclusive networks with like-minded people, who also share the passion for using the arts as a gateway for people to reflect on and improve upon core values in life,”said Leeanne.
This year is Leeanne’s fourth year at CA, teaching drama for Kindergarten to Grade 12 and directing the Junior High Productions and Senior High Musicals. Last school year, she directed the virtual Senior High spring drama production, “Check Please.” 
Leeanne has had years of training and education; she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts and her Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Lethbridge. She also obtained a Diploma in Musical Theatre Arts from MacEwan University.
Prior to Leeanne teaching, she worked as a professional performer in both the theatre and film industry throughout Canada and the U.S. Her passion for teaching dance, drama, and voice began 25 years ago when she taught at private studios and as an artist in residence throughout Canada. Outside of her work at CA, Leeanne choreographs at a competitive dance studio and various theatres in Calgary and has received several awards for her choreography.
Having a CA teacher appointed to a globally recognized role will help students at CA make connections with other drama students across Alberta and increase the number of leadership opportunities for them to further their abilities. This is well-deserved recognition for an incredibly talented teacher, we congratulate her on this accomplishment and thank her for representing CA so well.
“It is time our students recognize their significance and the significant impact they can have using theatre as that vehicle to speak out about important issues and social change. Our students have important ideas. This is their chance to be a part of and learn from those discussions.”
Learn more about the International Association for School Theatre.