Jo Dixon

Building community through the arts

Jo Dixon is a multidisciplinary artist creating within community contexts across Canada

Her work is distinguished by a collaborative aesthetic that values the input of co-creators.  Rooted in the belief that the stories we tell ourselves and each other profoundly shape our connections, her work seeks to grow and strengthen those connections through significant experiences.Jo’s work includes theatre and performance art, puppetry, dance, installation, storytelling, visual art and sculpture.Jo has skills including arts organization leadership, event and volunteer coordination, stage and production management, directing and dramaturgy, technical skills and arts administration. Jo has been a teacher and facilitator in a number of different contexts -- she loves to work with all ages and abilities.Jo Dixon resides in Winnipeg/ Treaty 1 territory. She lives with her husband Paul, their four fabulous offspring, three cats and one dog. Life is always a fun, full, creative, chaotic adventure and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jo Dixon

What I Do

Workshops and Projects

Jo does most of her current projects through Stumble Upon a StoryUpcoming theatre project with The Free Theatre May 2024.All workshops are adaptable to a variety of abilities, ages and interests.
Please contact me with your inquiry and we can discuss what suits your community the best.

Artistry and the Creative Process

Activate your artistry! These workshops focus on the creative process and practices that generate ideas and encourage engagement. Through a multidisciplinary approach participants will seek to find their creative sides and learn important skills such as collaboration and authenticity.

Theatre/Drama

In these workshop settings, participants will engage in acting exercises and theatre games as well as perform character monologues and improvisational scenes. Theatre history and specific genre workshops are available as well. If there is a specific aspect of theatre your community would like to be the focus of a workshop please let me know.

Puppetry

These workshops are a great way to acquaint your group with the art of puppetry and some of the building block skills required to bring an inanimate object to life. Create puppets, tell stories and have fun.

Creative Movement

Movement for the sake of movement. The focus is on self-expression, creativity, rhythm and musicality through movement. Emphasis is placed on body and spatial awareness. No previous dance or movement experience needed.

Visual Art

These fun and informative workshops focus on the elements and principles of art. Participants will engage in hands on activities. Best suited for complete beginners and available in various mediums.

StoryTelling

Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to choose and present a story. Explore various ways to enhance a story experience. Learn and practice vocal warm-ups; try out memory exercises; and discover what aids work best for you.

Community Engagement
with the Arts

These workshops are focused on the creative people in your community. Participants will learn ideas for how to connect and create with their community, such as placemaking and art activism. They allow local people to help design and construct artworks to improve their environment. Create the community you want to be in!

My Experience

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, STUMBLE UPON A STORY
- Managed collaborative artistic experiences. Multidisciplinary in ever changing form based on project needs, music, dance, theatre, visual art and installations. Site specific work. Designer, technician, lighting and sound operator. Marketing and public presentation. Program planning and season creation.
- Storyteller in Devised Production of The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens, 2023
- Director, storyteller, dramaturge for Goblin Market, Sleeping Indoors, Taking Liberties, The Wren and the Bear 2019/2020 season
- Curator and Artist, Stumble upon a story in the Orchard, 2016
- Chalk artist and visual installations, various locations 2011-2024HEAD OF THEATRE AND PRODUCTION MANAGER,
INTERACTION SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS;
SAINT JOHN NEW BRUNSWICK
- Director of various plays and pageants. Taught multiple levels of all aspects of performance. Managed building and rental contracts. Event coordinator. Public relations.
- Director of intergenerational community art project, World War II Radio drama, 2019
- Director of Theatre for Young Audiences, Danny King of the basement by DS Craig, 2018PERFORMANCE AND TEACHING ARTIST, FREELANCE
- Various contract roles within the theatre, music and event industry. Teaching opportunities with groups of various size, age and ability. Movement and wellness teacher for medical research. Puppetry and movement coaching. Somatic experience lead. Scenic painter, props master and designer.
- Scenic painter, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, 2022/2023
- Director for Shakespeare in the Park The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hub City Theatre Company
- Curator and Mentor, GerryFest and the Saint Norbert Arts Centre Rise Up Mentorship program in memory of Gerry Atwell 2023
- Movement and dance teacher, Art 4 Life research project 2020/2021
- Art Department and on set decorator, Marble Media, CBC and Hemming House Productions 2017-2020
- Theatre Technician and scenic painter, Imperial Theatre, Fundy Fringe Festival, Saint John Theatre Company, 2017-2021
- Scenic Artist and Art Department, Minds Eye Productions, 2014-2016
- Theatre Technician, Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, Powerhouse Theatre 2012-2016
- Designer and Production Manager, Saints Alive Theatre Company 2004-2008
- Venue Manager, Garys Barn Productions 2001-2003
- Bass Player for various bands and events 2000-2008OWNER AND REFLEXOLOGIST, PORT CITY BODYWORKS
SAINT JOHN NEW BRUNSWICK
- Sole Proprietor Bodywork Practice. Mobile in form to better serve clientele with accessibility issues. Creating personalized wellness plans based on health needs and goals. Administrative, scheduling, file management.EVENT AND MARKET MANAGER, THE BX PRESS ORCHARD AND CIDERY
VERNON BRITISH COLUMBIA
-Market manager, event coordinator and cider maker for small family owned branch to bottle orchard. Customer experience and tasting room guide.

Get in Touch

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