MICHELLE THORNE

MICHELLE THORNE

Profession: Theatre Artist (Director, Producer, Performer, Educator)
Age: 32 • Years in Wood Buffalo: 32

Deathly afraid of aliens, has always wished she could play the guitar, lover of lasagna.

32-year-old Michelle Thorne is a director, producer, and actor. Born and raised in Fort McMurray, her recent directing credits include Steel Magnolias, Fanny & Manny Tie the Knot, The Most Massive Woman Wins, and Louis and Dave.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts from the University of Lethbridge. She is co-founder and co-artistic director for Wood Buffalo’s newest theatre company, Theatre; Just Because.

Michelle has also participated in the Wood Buffalo arts community as the Program Manager for Arts Council Wood Buffalo, Regional Representative for the Alberta Dramatic Festival Association, Front of House manager for Keyano Theatre, as well as an Artist Educator for Learning through the Arts and the Keyano Drama-Force program.

She currently sits as a board member for Theatre Alberta, a non-profit society and registered Canadian charity dedicated to the growth and development of the Alberta theatre community.

When she’s not in the theatre or volunteering her time, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, watching live music, reading, exploring flea markets, antique stores, and garage sales, and participating in community events.

Michelle’s passion, drive, and enthusiasm for theatre, combined with how she promotes community engagement through collaboration, mentorship, and process-based artistic leadership, is what has landed her on YMM’s list of Top 50 Under 50.