Queen's Student | DSS Credits: Sound Designer

"Every time I come back to work on DSS I am met with overwhelming support and understanding. I’ve never felt as though I wasn’t contributing despite often being in a learning role. DSS is a space for anyone and everyone to thrive."

Queen's Exchange Student | DSS Credits: Actor, Director and Producer (2019-2020 Season)

"DSS is meaningful to me because of the immense power it has to bring people together. It allows students to have the opportunity to take risks, be bold, and ultimately make connections in a fun environment- and isn’t that what theatre should be about?"

Queen's Exchange Student | DSS Credits: Actor and Assistant Technical Director

"I got to discover a lot about the structure and the organization of a theatre company. I've met some amazing people who made my stay in Canada even more exciting as an exchange student. I think The Dan Studio Series is an amazing human and professional experience with very open minded people."

Queen's Alumna | DSS Credits: Actor, Sound Designer, and Producer (2017-2018 Season)

"Being apart of DSS is a really cool experience, from audition to strike. It’s really all about trying new things and challenging yourself as an artist and a theatre maker. You’re able to work with other artists whom are extremely talented, passionate and ready to collaborate. You’re able to create, express, explore and connect in a safe space – and isn’t that what theatre is all about?

I remember being so nervous about auditioning. I really had nothing to worry about because, with DSS, everyone is on an equal level. You could have zero theatre experience but still land a role within the company because the people involved with DSS look for potential, gumption and raw talent. I love that DSS allows you to try out new avenues and really explore yourself as an artist. It makes me so happy to know that there is a company available for young artists to share their passions.

This is a company which encourages its members to push boundaries, to redefine theatrical ideals and to show their love for their craft. I’m proud and so humbled that I was given the opportunity to be involved with DSS this past year. I worked with some of the loveliest and most inspiring people. I would take any opportunity to work with DSS again."

Queen's Alumnus | DSS Credits: Writer, Director, Actor, Dancer, and Production Manager (2013-2014 Season)

“From a necrophiliac nun to King Henry’s six wives, from snapping backups to a vengeful elephant, my experience with the Drama Studio Series was all about trying things out. I was privileged to be involved with all twelve Series (or “Vogts” as we called them in my day) in some manner. It was DSS that taught me that playwriting is not a solitary thing: rather, it involves quite a lot of people. Through my four years with DSS, I learned that the lonely hours of self-doubt and loathing spent writing by oneself are quickly remedied when you realize it provides people with a canvas on which to experiment. And this isn’t true just for DSS shows, but every piece of theatre. When you’re looking to get involved and aren’t concerned with perfection, then you will find a home with DSS as I did. 

Through the Drama Studio Series, I recognized four pillars from the first words that Sister Priscilla uttered in my first play, have carried them through my Master’s in Playwriting, and will take them far with me into an exciting, experimental, uncertain future in scriptwriting as well: Some things work, most things don’t. A few things you regret, and even fewer are truly golden. But those golden moments are the best, and a community like the Drama Studio Series can help them be realized and celebrated if you just try things out. You may a lifelong passion just by putting yourself and your work out there.”