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1998 Association of BC Drama Educators “Theatre Educator of the Year” -1999 CKOV “Arts Person of the Year”
Neal co-founded Viva Musica Society in 1991 and has directed all of the company’s productions since 1990 when Roslyn Frantz offered him a chance to direct a new summer opera workshop. The founding of this theatre company has enabled Kelowna to enjoy professional quality opera and music theatre for over 17 years.
Neal arrived in our Valley 26 years ago and has been a teacher in the Central Okanagan School District #23 since 1976. Over the years he has been developing and teaching a drama program which includes a full complement of junior and senior courses in acting, directing and technical theatre. He is presently at Kelowna Senior Secondary School teaching senior acting, directing, script writing and stagecraft. He has directed many plays with KSS Night Owl Theatre and contributed countless benefits to his students in the development of their love for the Arts.
Neal is also a Teacher Representative for the Cultural Performance Committee which attends the annual Pacific Contact Conference to select cultural groups to perform in the school district. Neal worked with the BC Ministry of Education in 2001 as a member of the writing team responsible for the development of new theatre curriculum for all BC Senior Secondary Schools.
Neal is not one to sit idle; he definitely has a passion for the Arts that needs constant fuel. His hours away from teaching are filled with directing and coordinating numerous productions as well as involvement with other organizations. For example, the City of Kelowna’s Centennial Play, Discover the District with Dickens: A Christmas Carol, the Okanagan Symphony Society, the World Congress of Theatre Conference in Australia, the International Thespian Conference and the Assn of BC Drama Educators Conference. |
Robb began studying the various dance disciplines at the age of eight. His passion led him to study the Syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance in Edmonton, Alberta. His career continued under the tutelage of Matt Maddox, an international dance instructor based in London and in Paris. Eventually, Robb traveled to Los Angeles where he worked with Roland Dupre.
Upon completion of his studies, Robb took his years of experience in dance to the stage, performing professionally and teaching throughout Canada and the United States. He also served as an adjudicator for the disciplines of Jazz/Tap/Ballet at dance festivals across the country.
In 1982 he opened his own studio in Kelowna. Since then, the Robb Card Dance Studio has thrived under his talented artistic direction and commitment to his students. Now in his sixth year of involvement in the choreography of Viva Musica productions, Robb has the following large-scale musicals to his credit: "Disney’s Beauty & the Beast", "Cabaret", "Westside Story", "CATS" and "Miss Saigon". Robb's talents will come to the fore once again when "A Chorus Line" hits the stage in August of 2008.
Robb loves developing the passion of dance with his students. “It is so fulfilling to witness the transformation of a dancer into a performer,” says Robb. “I will always enjoy participating in the process.” |
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Recipient of two of the Okanagan’s most prestigious awards ; the 2004 KADAK “Honor in the Arts Award” and the 2005 Westbank Chamber of Commerce “Angel Award.”
Roslyn Frantz, BA, MM, is a native of Portland, Oregon where she received her music education at Mills College, the Music Academy of the West and the University of Arizona. After an extensive career on the concert stage and with various orchestras, opera and musical theatre groups around the continent, Roslyn settled in the Okanagan in 1981 where she has been a piano soloist, orchestra pianist, chamber music performer, free-lance accompanist and voice coach. At Roslyn Frantz Music Studios she teaches piano and voice as well as master classes in classical harp.
As a co-founder of Viva Musica, Roslyn continues to provide an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in the operations of a large theatre production as well as summer employment in the arts. Roslyn’s tireless efforts on behalf of that organization have resulted in outstanding, professional quality productions of opera and musical theatre that might not otherwise be seen.
:: Visit Roslyn's Homepage |
:: Board of Directors
:: Past Shows |
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