Acting for Musical Theatre Workshop
Oct 03, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
| Sylvan Adams Theatre
Presented by the Segal Centre as part of our Stage Forward Fund Initiatives
As part of the Stage Forward Fund initiative, the Segal Centre, is proud to present a 6-week intensive acting workshop led by Jonathan Patterson, Head of Music at NTS and a seasoned multidisciplinary artist, award-winning actor, director, music director, choreographer, and arts educator.
Designed for performers looking to deepen their acting craft within the unique demands of musical theatre, this workshop explores the integration of text, music, character, and storytelling. Through practical exercises and individualized coaching in a group setting, participants will strengthen their ability to create truthful, compelling performances that serve both the story and the score.
Cost: $360 for the full 6-week program
Class size: 12
Workshop Overview
- Weeks 1–6 (at Segal Centre): Building character through song by interpreting the composer/lyricist’s ideas, script and lyric analysis, music analysis to aid in making character decisions through vocal colors and choosing which voice to use (chest vs belt vs mix vs head), acting techniques for musical theatre, storytelling through music, scene study, and ensemble work led by Jonathan Patterson.
Workshop Dates:
- Week 1 – Saturday, 3 October, 2026 (4:00 – 7:00pm)
- Week 2 – Saturday, 10 October, 2026 (4:00pm – 7:00 pm)
- Week 3 – Saturday, 17 October, 2026 (4:00pm – 7:00pm)
- Week 4 – Saturday, 24 October, 2026 (4:00pm – 7:00pm)
- Week 5 – Saturday, 31 October, 2026 (4:30pm – 7:30pm)
- Week 6 – Saturday, 7 November, 2026 (4:30pm – 7:30pm)
By the end of the program, participants will leave with a stronger understanding of acting through song, a deeper connection to their material, and practical tools for creating honest, dynamic musical theatre performances both in rehearsal and on stage.
To apply for this workshop, please complete this form by September 11, 2026
If you have any questions, please contact gsaltiel@segalcentre.org with the subject line “Acting for Musical Theatre Workshop Application.”
Important Information
Please note that participation in this workshop is subject to capacity, and we reserve the right to limit the number of participants.
This workshop will be conducted entirely in English.
TESTAMONIALS
“One of the goals of the Stage Forward Fund is to bridge the gap between training and the professional industry. This workshop is an opportunity for performers to continue developing their craft with an educator who actively works across directing, music direction, choreography, and performance. We're thrilled to partner once again with Jonathan again to provide meaningful, practical training that helps local artists grow.”
— Gabriela Saltiel, Artistic & Executive Associate at the Segal Centre
“I have had the privilege of working with Jonathan for over a decade, and I truly would not be the performer or the person I am today without his guidance. He has been my vocal coach, mentor, and one of my biggest supporters throughout the years. He has an incredible ability to listen, meet me where I am, all while helping me build confidence so that I walk into every audition room feeling grounded and self-assured. Beyond his talent, Jonathan is one of the kindest people I know. His warmth, generosity, and sassy sense of humor make every lesson something I genuinely look forward to. Jonathan is sunshine in human form, and I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life.”
— Amber Jonas, Actor & Singer
“I can think of nobody who works harder, knows more, or is more willing to impart their gifts to others. Jonathan doesn’t just deliver a one-size-fits-all sermon: he gets to know you personally in order to deliver specific feedback and guidance— and he is always always right. If you want to learn not merely about artistry, but about work ethic, professionalism, confidence, and self-reliance, no resource is greater than Jonathan Patterson. I would not be the artist I am— nor would I have the respect for theatre making that I do— if not for him.”
— Carter Gulseth, Actor
"I have had the privilege of working with Jonathan in many different capacities over the years. He has been my musical theatre director, my vocal coach, a fellow performer, and a collaborator in producing and performing concerts. In every setting, Jonathan is the consummate professional—talented, dedicated, and inspiring. He is a joy to collaborate with and to share the stage with, and his passion for music and theatre is evident in everything he does. He consistently brings out the best in those around him. I love working with him and can recommend him without hesitation."
— Lisa Forget, Singer & Musical Theatre Performer
About Jonathan :
Based in Montréal, Jonathan is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose work spans from theatre to opera to musicals.
Selected acting credits include Bed & Breakfast (Drew, Watermark Theatre); Hansel & Gretel Go West (Widow Wady, Ottawa Musicals); Bed & Breakfast (Drew, Hudson Village Theatre, META for Outstanding Lead Performer); Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Righteous Brother, Segal Centre/RMTC); 9 to 5 the Musical (Dwayne & Mr. Tinsworthy, Capitol Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet (Sam Phillips, TIP/STC); The Producers (Roger DeBris, Segal/CSLDS). Jonathan is also an accomplished director, music director, and choreographer — most recently directing / choreographing / conducting the Lyric Theatre Singers’ Broadway with Love and in 2025 music directed and choregraphed the world premiere of Max and Aaron Write a Musical.
A performing-arts educator, Jonathan is the Head of Music at the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). He is also on the faculty of Opera McGill at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University (2010-present) and has a very busy private voice studio.