About Christine

I am a theatre artist, and the founder and artistic director of Small Matters Productions, est. 2007.  I am a descendent of Polish, Irish and Danish immigrants, and make my home in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I know what it's like to have a wacky idea that wants to be born and performed.

I'm your project's midwife.

Need a director for your ensemble show? I've got you.
A dedicated collaborator? That's my jam.

A workshop leader for your class or ensemble? I keep 'em laughing and learning.
Someone who thinks outside the box? That's me!

I can work with you one-on-one, or with your group. In-person, or through the magic of the internet.

Contact me to set up a chat about your project and how I can help you bring your vision to life.

Testimonials

More stuff about me....

I have co-created, performed, produced all of Small Matters’ shows, and I'm the festival director in charge of programming and mentorship for Play the Fool, Edmonton’s festival of clown theatre and physical comedy. I help artists bring their idea from concept to opening night.

My work often blends science and humour. It is born out of play, laughter, and risk. I transform the mundane into the mysterious by making new meaning out of everyday objects. What secret significance is there in a desk bell? A toilet paper roll? A sock? I ask my audiences to look at themselves in a funhouse mirror, and walk with me on the knife-edge between laughter and tears. I ask them to play, to see the impossible as possible, and the familiar with new eyes. Ultimately, I aim to use comedy as catharsis and as a unifying force across demographics and political lines. Because it’s hard to be angry when you’re smiling.

I have a Masters of Fine Arts in Drama from the University of Alberta, and a BSc in Physics. I have trained extensively in a variety of styles of clown, puppetry, site-specific and immersive theatres, experience design, and physical storytelling. I've taught in the Drama Department at the University of Alberta, Edmonton Digital Arts College, in public schools, and privately.

Full Resume

About us

I am grateful to live, work and play in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, known colonially as Edmonton, Alberta. I acknowledge I am a settler on the traditional territory of many Indigenous People, the First Nations of Treaty 6, and the Metis of Region 4. I also acknowledge I have a lot to learn and unlearn about my responsibilities to this land and its First Peoples.

Christine's headshots © Marc Chalifoux Photography


© 2022 Christine Lesiak