Michelle Gram Giesen's schedule for Amplify & Ignite: Creative Practice in and With Communities

Welcome to Amplify & Ignite 2025

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Emerson College:

Academic Affairs
School of the Arts
Social Justice Collaborative
Department of Performing Arts
Graduate Studies
Elma Lewis Center
Theatre Education Graduate Association

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Sustainability Invitation
Emerson Sustainability is currently preparing for the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste competition that runs from February through the end of March. It’s a friendly competition between universities in North America to reduce waste on campuses and raise awareness about waste-related behaviors. In celebration of Campus Race to Zero Waste, we are participating in the Green Event Certification program and we hope you will join us in this challenge. In advance of your travel to Boston, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and/or hot thermos and utensils to reduce the need for single use products.

Michelle Gram Giesen

About me

Michelle Gram Giesen has worked at the Toronto District School Board in Canada for 16 years, as an elementary teacher, drama specialist, integrated arts teacher, librarian, and presently as an Arts Teacher Mentor with the board. She is an actor, puppeteer, voice actor, and the founder of Story Drama Suite, providing drama education workshops, consulting, presentations, classes, and parties for educators, children, and theatre practitioners. Michelle holds a BFA Honours from York University's Creative Ensemble/ Devised Theatre Program, and a B.Ed. from OISE/UofT. She has studied various drama techniques and teaching styles and facilitated conference sessions centered on using Story Drama to explore themes such as mental health, social justice, environmental stewardship, bullying, Indigenous education, and more in Canada, the USA, Europe, and New Zealand. Michelle is a member of the organizations: AACE (Associaton of Acting Coaches and Educators), CODE (Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators), OMEA (Ontario Music Education Association), OAEA (Ontario Art Education Association), TAEA (Theatrical Arts Education Association - Toronto East Regional Conference and Festival Coordinator), and IDEA (International Drama/Theatre and Education Association).

My Speakers Sessions

10:15am EDT

Our Stories: Utilizing Story Theatre Practice as Mental Health Modality in School and Community Settings LB 229Michelle Gram Giesen • Dylan Russell