Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan is a Canadian Theatre Artist living in Calgary/Mohkinstsis. She is a stage director, award winning actor, singer, and educator. Elizabeth has directed for Calgary Opera, The Shakespeare Company, The Guild Hall, Seadreamer, Urban Stories/Drama on a Dime, Destiny Theatre, the Soulocentric Festival, Storybook Theatre and Stage West. She also directed new work at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has enjoyed teaching a Musical Theatre course at Rosebud School of the Arts, leading workshops in vocal development and Shakespeare internationally and locally, and privately coaching both singers and actors. Elizabeth has appeared on stages across much of Canada as well as in the US, Mexico, and Scotland. She has several works of opera and theatre in development.

Please tell us about a turning point or challenge that you feel shaped you as a leader or mentor.

"In my early 50's I found I was fatigued by the constant pressure of securing the next contract. I was feeling my resilience begin to crumble as I faced leadership changes with different artistic preferences in the province. I also felt profoundly that I had many things to say as an artist and that I had the experience and expertise to say it as well as anyone in a leadership role. So, I started the journey towards creation and control."

Elizabeth's session format is flexible and may take place in-person or virtually.