Sheri Prescott
Arts on Fire Ajax Director and Improv/Acting Instructor
Sheri has enjoyed teaching drama for 24 years with the DDSB. Her favourite activities are coaching competition improv teams, directing class plays, and taking the stage herself in community theatre. Sheri wants to offer as many artistic opportunities as possible for youth, teens and adults here in Durham. Her dream of creating an inspirational art community is coming true at Arts on Fire Ajax. Interested in taking Adult Improv? Email Sheri at for details.
Cory Haslam
Film-Making and Acting for Camera
Cory studied film making Sheridan College and is passionate about shooting great scenes and editing. His background includes improvisation and acting as well. Cory has experience shooting many film projects and will teach youth and teens how to make the best shots, build the best stories, and have fun with the creative editing process.
Connor Atkins
Improv and Acting Instructor
Connor studied Film and Television at Humber College and has been teaching Youth/Teen Improv in Durham for more than six years. He is an award-winning improviser who competed in the Canadian Improv Games and won an award for Best Playwright and Director at the Sears Drama Festival. Connor has great success in building confidence and stage skills in his acting students. Prepare for your next TV/Film audition with his Teen Acting with Scripts and Acting for Camera class.
Holly Young
Art Instructor
Holly studied Visual Arts at Toronto’s OCAD School of Art. Her specialty is in drawing and painting and she knows how to deliver these skills to students of all ages. Teens can build an art portfolio in just one session with Holly: 2 acrylic canvas,1 water-colour, 1 clay and 1 sketch project. Prepare for your media arts interview with Holly's guidance!
She is also available to host private art parties on Friday and Saturday evenings. Email for details.
Susana Mingram
Art Instructor
Susy is a second-year student at OCAD University studying in the program of Drawing and Painting. She is an award-winner artist in the Heartbeat Student Art Exhibition in Ajax and participated in the For Art’s Sake Exhibition at the McLaughlin Gallery. Susy helps kids explore their artistic potential through clay, drawing, and painting projects.
Phil La Rosa
Film-Making Instructor
Phil studied Broadcasting- Radio and Contemporary Media at Durham College and currently works at CBC editing films. He recently served on the board of the Durham Region Film Festival and loves the art of short film making. His class will focus on capturing great angles, choosing filters, using a green screen, adding effective music and strong sound effects. Strengthen your media skills in Short Film Making class.
Sarah Russel
Art Instructor
Sarah studied fine art at York University and received her teaching degree from Ontario Tech University. She has been teaching for 7 years and works with ages 4-18. Her specialty is drawing, but her paintings are extraordinary! Sarah is happy to offer art training in various types of mediums. She looks forward to offering private art nights as well as art classes for kids. youth, and teens.
Graham Porter
Music Instructor
Local musician Graham Porter has more than 20 years of guitar playing experience. He plays the bass in the band “Autumn Smoke” and has toured across Canada playing everything from electronic, to country, to heavy metal. Graham has won many awards in the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is also a popular guitar instructor in Durham. Graham will teach our guitar students the fundamentals of guitar and have them strumming to Billie Eilish, Deep Purple, and the White Stripes.
Sofia Mingram
Photographer
Sofia studied advertising and marketing communications at Durham College and is currently working as a full-time portrait photographer in Durham Region. She enjoys capturing the best candid family portraits and supporting small businesses with digital photography. Her priority is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and AMAZING in front of the camera.
Carolyn Kasperski
Sewing Instructor