Madeline Savoie

“I chose Performance Creation because I wanted to pursue as many avenues of theatre making as possible!”

Fun fact: I’ve been performing as a drag king under the name Kris Ma’cheque for nearly three years!

Favourite thing about Concordia: The arts community (and the proximity to the metro).

Why did you choose your program?

I chose Performance Creation because I wanted to pursue as many avenues of theatre making as possible! This program has allowed me to discover new skills while honing my primary disciplines of playwriting, dramaturgy and performance.

What have been the highlights of your time at Concordia?

The field schools offered through the performing arts programs at Concordia have been some of the most transformative experiences I’ve had as an undergrad. I would highly recommend the Bread and Puppet or Festival TransAmériques field schools to any incoming or current students.

Are there any exciting projects that you’ve been part of?

I’m a permanent member of Out of Body Performing Arts and have had the pleasure of working on several projects with them, including development of the original play THE WAVES, and their reoccurring interdisciplinary cabaret series BOO! I’ve also produced some staged readings, and a Fringe show through my own company, Paper Sailor Theatre. Many of these projects came about thanks to the wonderful friendships I have developed through my time at Concordia.

How have you gained experience outside of the classroom?

Two of the projects I’ve worked on over the past couple years were made possible thanks to a grant from the Experiential Learning department, which supports students applying skills from their programs in practical settings. I also had a wonderful experience facilitating an event for the Art Matters Festival this past March. It’s a great place to learn how to produce arts events and meet some very cool talented people!

Do you have any advice for new students?

Don’t be afraid to make your own work, even if you’ve never done it before. Learn what grant opportunities are available to you through Concordia. If you want to take a class outside of your specialization, it never hurts to send an email to a professor or department head. And finally, it’s always nice to make connections with student artists beyond your program and get to know how folks working in other disciplines engage with creativity!

What are your favourite things about living in Montreal?

I love how rich and varied Montreal’s art scene is. Between galleries, concerts, cabarets, and festivals, there’s always something to do. I’ve also fallen in love with many of Montreal’s public parks and would highly recommend going for a walk on Mont Royal or watching the ducks in Parc La Fontaine when you need a break. 

Want to have an exciting summer while earning credits? Discover opportunities for hands-on experiences through Concordia’s summer field schools!