Building relationships on and off stage
Mentorship pair Erin McGrath and Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu took part in our Professional Mentorship Program in theatre for young audiences. Erin was able to provide networking opportunities for Rhea with artistic directors from different theatre companies. Rhea was able to join Erin in the room while she held auditions, rehearsed, went to technical meetings and directed “She Kills Monsters” for Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s Young Company.
Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu
Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu is an emerging Actor, Director, and Theatre Educator. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg’s B.A. Hons. Acting Performance Program in 2021. At the University of Winnipeg, she was mentored by Hope McIntyre as Assistant Director for Timberlake Wertenbaker’s “Love of the Nightingale”. Rhea is an Instructor at Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s Theatre School. She is passionate about youth engagement and skill development. She previously directed youth in community theatre and in creative programming in a wilderness camp setting. Rhea is thrilled to be mentored by Erin McGrath in Creative Manitoba’s Professional Mentorship Program.
Erin McGrath
Erin McGrath is an Actor, Director and Educator. A graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts, she has performed and directed in major regional theatres across the country. Theatre for Young Adults has become her primary focus and Erin has been fortunate to work with MTYP’s Young Company for the past few years. Last season they produced The Laramie Project created by Tectonic Theatre and this season are working on She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen. Her goal is to continue building bridges between theatre artists, educators and producing companies to facilitate opportunities for young adults to experience and participate in challenging, relevant, and exciting theatre.
Erin McGrath (left) and mentee, Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu (right).
“I loved my connection with my mentee and definitely got as much out of it as I hope she did.”
- Erin, on being a mentor
What have been your most positive takeaways from this mentorship session? Any favourite results or moments?
This mentorship gave me the opportunity to build relationships with established artists who I admire; and for me to find the kind of work that really excites me, and have guidance on how to achieve my goals in those areas.
- Rhea
This is an exceptional opportunity for all involved. It forces us to articulate our work in a way that we don’t always have to, to question our processes and do our best work. I loved my connection with my mentee and definitely got as much out of it as I hope she did. It has influenced my own work going forward.
