Our Story

Theatre Making Movement was founded by Sarah O’Brecht and Stephanie Graham of the Dance Me a Song Collective.

The collective came together while Stephanie was directing and choreographing Beauty and the Beast at the Globe Theatre in Regina which Sarah was assistant directing. Over lunch, they started discussing the development of new Canadian works and observed that dance is rarely brought into the process in early development and isn’t often used as a storytelling device. They decided to do something about it. 

With the support of the Toronto Arts Council, they were able to secure their first Guest Speaker, 5-time Tony-Award winner Susan Stroman. To build their symposium and expand their reach, they partnered with Prime Mover Theatre Company, led by Artistic Director Ray Hogg.  Theatre Making Movement’s inaugural symposium was held in September 2021.

They had big dreams for their second season, wanting to shift virtual offerings to in-person events. With the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Theatre Making Movement 2.0 featured marquee speakers Irene Sankoff and Kelly Devine, best known for their collaboration on Broadway hit Come From Away and a showcase of new movement explorations with some of Canada’s most exciting musical theatre composers.

Stephanie and Sarah have since been invited to speak about their work and findings by such companies and institutions as The Musical Stage Company, Queens University, and Sheridan College, as well as independent consultations. Looking forward, they have big plans for Theatre Making Movement to continue building community while becoming a valued and essential part of creation for every new Canadian musical.