Jen Viens of Twisted Tree Theatre; in association with the Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre present a two-day series of workshops and events.

Penticton Secondary School Graduate Jen Viens; Artistic Director of Twisted Tree Theatre; has partnered with the Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre to present two days of Master Class workshops and events this August. The outline for the two days includes Improv Workshops for children and adults alike, as well as a live performance and film screening. Partial proceeds from the classes and presentations will go toward the ‘Shatford Kitchen’ fund.

“It is so exciting to be able to return to the community that fostered my passion for the arts and give something back. This is where it all began for me,” said Jen Viens, Actor and Artistic Director, Twisted Tree Theatre. “It’s fantastic to have been able to grow from that support and build a career in the arts. I hope this ‘homecoming’ will inspire more people to pursue their passions and realize that it is possible to see success as an artist.”

Viens has an extensive background in stage and film. After graduating from Pen Hi, she relocated to the lower mainland to transition in to Film & Television and to grow her newly founded Theatre Company – Twisted Tree Theatre. Following her time in Vancouver, Viens relocated once again to Toronto to expand her career in to the Arts industry in Eastern Canada. Throughout her career, Viens has worked as producer, actor and director on numerous theatrical projects across Canada, has appeared on national television, has worked on acclaimed independent films – including a project entitled ‘Date in Time’ that recently garnered an award at the Madrid International Film Festival – and continued her career as a teacher facilitating improv classes and intensives alongside fellow Toronto teacher and actor Tony Babcock.

“It is exciting that Jen is coming home to Penticton to share her skills and expertise in the theatre and film arts,” said Jane Shaak, Executive Director, Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre. “With her travels and experiences, she has a wealth of information to share. This will be a first in a series of programs, called ‘The Homecoming: Pen High Alumni Master Class Series’. This series will bring Penticton Secondary students back home to their campus at the Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre to share their talent and experience with our community.”

The Shatford Centre is an entrepreneurial creativity centre dedicated to creative well-being. The Centre is a ‘social enterprise’ for the Okanagan School of the Arts whose mission is to assist in the awakening and expression of the creative spirit.

The two days Master Class series takes place on August 27th and 28th, 2013. The first day will see two workshops geared at children ages 7 and up. That same evening there will be a live performance of a one-act solo show performed by Viens herself. Entitled “An Honest Tale”, it is written by writer/director Norman Hussey and this will be its world premiere. Following the performance there will be a Talkback and Q&A so audience members are invited to stay and participate.

August 28th will consist of workshops geared towards adults, as well as a film screening and Q&A. Industry professionals associated with the films will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their projects. Additional artists from the theatre community will also be in attendance.**

For more information and to purchase tickets to any of the workshops and events, contact the Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre at 250-770-7668 or info@shatfordcentre.com

• For more information on Jen Viens and Twisted Tree Theatre, please visit www.jenviens.workbooklive.com  or www.facebook.com/jencviens
• For more information on the Shatford Centre visit www.shatfordcentre.com

**Note that the Wednesday August 28 evening will include a sneak preview of ‘SKIN FLICK’ Many Hats’ upcoming production! See you at the Theatre!
Sincerely,
For more information Contact:

• Jane Shaak, 250-770-7668, info@shatfordcentre.com
• Jen Viens, 416-895-9106, viens.jen@gmail.com