Meet the Team: Ms. Adrienne Smook

What made you want to be part of the GNS community?

In preparation for my interview at GNS, I researched the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which I wasn’t familiar with before. I was particularly struck by the IB Theatre course—its scope, flexibility, and emphasis on experiential learning through creating and engaging in various roles as theatre artists. The DP Theatre class is the experience I wish I had in high school.

I was also inspired by the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. During my interview, I asked if teachers could participate in TOK—I still want to take that course.

When I began my journey at GNS, Denford Hall was just a few years old, and I was thrilled to have access to such an incredible space for collaboration and creativity. Before I was hired as a theatre teacher, I had the opportunity to work at GNS as a guest artist and director for Shakespeare Day. This experience allowed me to connect with several teachers, staff members, and, of course, the amazing GNS students. It quickly became clear to me that this was a wonderful community to be a part of.

How did you choose teaching as the right path for you?

I’ve always felt a strong calling to teaching. I started out as “big sister” to my little brother Pat and sister Nancy, but I officially started teaching at 14, leading baby ballet classes for 3 and 4-year-olds. During my time in theatre school, I taught summer theatre camps, and in the early years of my professional acting career, I served as an artist in residence in schools while balancing my acting gigs. After the birth of my first son, I made the decision to transition to teaching full-time. I returned to school to pursue my Master of Arts Degree.

What are some of your interests outside of school?

One of my artistic pursuits outside of school is providing voice coaching for actors. I recently completed a Shakespeare module at the Canadian College of Performing Arts and have also coached voice for productions at the Belfry Theatre and other local theatre companies. I particularly enjoy helping actors master accents for different roles and interpret Shakespearean text.

In addition to my work in theatre, I have a few personal interests that I’m passionate about, including gluten-free baking, knitting and cycling. Family is incredibly important to me, and I cherish the time I spend with my husband Geoff, our sons Callum and Henry, and our dog Kipper.

I also love to volunteer at my local community association. While the time I spend there may be limited, I truly value the connections I build with my neighbours—not through work or achievement, but simply through the shared commitment to support one another as members of the same community.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Three things people may not know about me:

• I love fashion, thrifting and putting outfits together.
• I love research. When you direct a play or a musical you have to do a lot of research, but I love all kinds of research.
• I love to play guitar and sing.

What do you like about living and working in Victoria?

Victoria is the perfect size city for me; I love its walkability and bikeability. The proximity to big cities, the ocean, and, of course, the wonderful weather makes it even more appealing. I was born here and lived on the island until Grade 7, so when I moved back to Victoria in 2012 with my husband Geoff and our son Callum (Class of ’24), it felt like coming home. I have many cherished childhood memories from this place, and it’s a joy and privilege to raise my children and build our life here.

Teaching at the same school my children attend is an extraordinary privilege. I get to see them every day in their environment, and I feel incredibly lucky for that. GNS is a remarkable place to work and have the chance to send your kids, and I couldn’t be happier for our family to be part of this community.

What made you become a theatre teacher? 

I’ve been involved in theatre my whole life—from hosting living room performances as a child, pursuing a professional career in acting, and now teaching theatre. As a performer, I always felt like I was doing what I was meant to do—until I started teaching. It was then that I realized teaching theatre felt just as fulfilling as acting, and even more so. 

Lately, I’ve been inspired by students and educators who are using theatre to make a difference in the world. Theatre has the incredible ability to give voice to those who often feel unheard, to tell important stories, to share perspectives, and to help students step outside their comfort zones. One book I keep coming back to is Hope in a Collapsing World by Kathleen Gallagher. She captures it beautifully, discussing how the drama classroom can “shore up young people’s sense of support and security as well as their desire for independence.” This goal is a vital part of what a drama-making space can provide. “Through the collaborative work of making something together, young people experience the joys, and frustrations of contributing their individual views to an emerging world.” 

This connects, perhaps not coincidentally, to my love for supporting and promoting service learning. Throughout my career, I’ve always sought ways to align my work with my values. Even though my roles have changed, the values that guide me have remained the same, and let me know I’m on the right path.

Thank you Ms. Smook for taking time out of your schedule to answer these questions, and for creating a safe place for each student to explore and discover new ways to express themselves through theatre, so they build confidence to enter the world with their best foot forward.