TED Community » R.L. Stephenson-Read

About Me

R.L. Stephenson-Read, HBM, celebrates 25+ dynamic years as a performance artist gaining extensive experience in theatre, film, writing & music; locally and internationally.

Subsequent to attaining an Honours BMUS at McMaster University, R.L. studied Engineering & Production at Harris Institute for the Arts, and recently graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music with a Lead Artist Arts Educator Certification. In NYC, she attended National Improvisation Theatre School, and studied privately with Thomas Parisi, AAMDA, and Broadway director, Michael Shurtleff, CDC.

R.L. has coached vocal music, taught drama, the business of the entertainment business, and writing for youth. She has adjudicated many cross-genre talent and writing contests nationally, provincially and locally.

In recent times, she has been a personal mentor, a career counsellor for youth through the Ontario Registry of Educators/Entrepreneurs and has conducted “life talks” as far away as Delhi, India at SOIL Institute for Leaders, and as near as Carr Mills Public School, Thornhill. Over the past three years, she has participated as a coach, mentor and cast-mate for Shakespeare Street Theatre, Cobourg. Recently, she was a “human book” for the Cobourg Public Library during Ontario Culture Days.

R.L. has participated with many bands towards various recording deals. Currently, she is front-man for the Toronto-based rock-blues band, Uncivilized Diplomats and lead vox for Northumberland-based bands, Distant Star and Rock Lake. Fun is: playing tenor timpani with the Cobourg Legion Pipe & Drum Corps.

Other roles include Stunt Performer, Precision Driver, Large Venue Stage Personality/National Anthemist. Backstage hats include: Casting Director, Choreographer, Stand-in, Fundraiser, Entertainment Chair, Stage Manager for large venue events, and ASM for theatre.

Offices/Professional Affiliations:
Past National Awards Chair, Canadian Authors Association
Past President, CAA, Peterborough
ACTRA Safety Co-chair, Former ACTRA Counsellor (2 consecutive 2 year terms)
EAC, ACTRA & CAEA; credits with Union Des Artistes.

Her haven, Aye Lighthouse B&B, was created in part to raise R&D funding for hearing/sight deficit children. She has had the privilege of leading a double life; peace and comfort with her Hubby and Rusty-cat on their hobby farm in the country, and a wild, adventurous, global ride in the entertainment business.