WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT NICOLA AS A TEACHER
Lynda Adams – Former Curriculum Director of Theatre Alberta’s Artstrek
“Nicola Elson has a unique capacity to create amazing journeys for children while exploring science and social curriculum. Her use of mask and shadow theatre allows students to experience the power of story telling with physical theatre. Her immense knowledge of the natural world generates an investigatory learning that is fun and highly educational.”
Jacqueline Russell – Artistic Producer of Evergreen Theatre
“Nicola is an outstanding artist and is an individual who clearly understands the nature, possibilities and power of teaching and learning through the arts. In collaboration with staff she skillfully and successfully integrates the creative arts in supporting and deepening the students’ understanding of the key concepts of the Alberta Program of Studies.”
Dr Lesley Robertson, Principle for Art-Centered Learning at Willow Park School
"Having worked with Nicola closely in the past with great results, I jumped at the chance to bring her into my school when I heard she had returned to Canada. Nicola's years of training and education, couple with her fabulous rapport with students, guarantees dynamic workshops and a 'real world' education for my Drama students. Nicola has worked on Clowning and Commedia dell' Arte with Drama classes and with the cast of a major production... both spectacular experiences. I will hire her again and again!"
Karen Towsley - Learning Leader (Fine & Performing Arts) Lord Beaverbrook High School
"Having worked with Nicola closely in the past with great results, I jumped at the chance to bring her into my school when I heard she had returned to Canada. Nicola's years of training and education, couple with her fabulous rapport with students, guarantees dynamic workshops and a 'real world' education for my Drama students. Nicola has worked on Clowning and Commedia dell' Arte with Drama classes and with the cast of a major production... both spectacular experiences. I will hire her again and again!"
Karen Towsley - Learning Leader (Fine & Performing Arts) Lord Beaverbrook High School
“Working in an Art-Centered learning program we see our fair share of resident artists. Some are excellent artists in their own right, but struggle how to incorporate their art forms into the Alberta curriculum. Nicola understands how to merge curriculum and art in a magical way and has phenomenal classroom management skills. Without hesitation I would highly recommend incorporating Nicola into your classroom program.”
Jack Hennigan, Art-Centered Learning at Willow Park School
"No matter the content or grade, Nicola brought to the students passion, enthusiasm and so much talent that she transformed our student's lives. Even when she was done and gone, I saw evidence of what the students had learned from her. She was always professional and sensitive with staff members and became a part of the school culture, climate, community and family. I look forward to working with her again and any school would be lucky to have her talent and expertise."
Claire Macdonald Mahony, Art-Centred Learning at Willow Park
"Nicola Elson has a warm, positive, creative spirit that puts any young artist at ease. She has the ability to solicit young artists ideas, nurture those ideas into a creative form, and celebrate each student's success. A fiercely dedicated artist herself, Nicola is known for her outstanding collaborative work with the Downstage Creation Ensemble and is an artist that is very well respected in our community. I would highly recommend Nicola Elson for collaborative creation work with young (or old!) artists."
Nikki Loach - Artistic Director of Quest Theatre
