Heather Taws

You may know Heather as the Program Director of GSOTA, but she is also a professional arts instructor and that love of the arts is what led her to the Gibson Centre! Heather grew up in Midland, Ontario where she was surrounded by music, dance and theatre from a very young age. Heather's mother was a vocal instructor and Heather enjoyed participating in local music festivals as well as competing in dance competitions with her dance studio in her formative years.

She went to Queen's University where she graduated with a double-major BAH in Drama & English Literature and a minor in Classical Vocal. Heather danced and taught with the Queen's Dance Club while she was in Kingston, and used that time to hone her skills. She then went on to explore her first love, musical theatre, by performing in a number of shows. Heather's favourite roles have been 'Miss Dorothy' in Thoroughly Modern Millie, 'Rusty' in Footloose, 'Lil' Becky Two-Shoes' in Urinetown and 'Olive' in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Heather moved to Ørsta, Norway for two years to teach dance and musical theatre - a true highlight in terms of creative expression and personal growth. After returning to Canada, she then began to teach dance, musical theatre production and private vocal lessons for five years in Newmarket and the surrounding area.

After starting work at the Gibson Cultural Centre in Alliston, Heather moved to the area and settled down with her wonderful husband and three children. She is thrilled to be able to share her expertise and love of musical theatre and music with her students this coming season!