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COMPETITIVE FUN

providing musical theatre opportunity for over 30 years

Experience the pinnacle of musical theatre education! With world-class instructors, performance facilities, and a proven track record of success, we offer unparalleled opportunities for aspiring performers. Join us to hone your craft, unleash your potential, and shine on stage. Enroll today and be the best!
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30 years of Theatre Fun

DENISE KRAWCZUK​

Denise has been a vocal coach for over 30 years. She has produced, directed and vocal coached many musical productions. She has also had the honour of helping many successful vocalists further their careers and takes great joy in watching them flourish. She continues to instill the love of performing and is very proud of creating confident performers. While still teaching Denise is also very busy singing at many events in Thunder Bay and finding opportunities for her students to give back to the community.

Denise teaches private vocal lessons & works with all groups, showcases and productions under the Applauze banner.

RUSSELL KRAWCZUK​

Russell has been a lighting & sound engineer for 55 years he has had vast experience working with top Canadian artists and has gone on tour with them as well he was a founding member and technical director of the live from the rock concert series and folk festival. He has been Applauze’s tech director for over 30 years. He has received many accolades for his lighting & sound design and takes great joy in being creative and precise in his work.

Russell will be working on showcases, productions, recitals & festivals.

THOMAS MCDONALD​

Thomas has been working with Applauze in a variety of roles since 2011, first as a set and costume designer, then as a director and as a facilitator for the Supernovaz. Thomas has directed Chicago, Spring Awakening & the Broadway In The Bay series at Applauze and works with a variety of companies creating a wide range of theatrical experiences in our community. Working & performing with Applauze brings joy to his life and he loves helping others find that joy in performing. 

Thomas will be working on showcases, productions and with the Supernovaz.

DeeDee Cook

Deedee is beyond thrilled to be joining the faculty at Applauze! They grew up in Dryden, Ontario where they started participating in both dance and theatre. Dee has been in dance classes since the age of 4, doing a mix of jazz, ballet, hip-hop and tap. At 14 Dee began teaching classes at their home studio & would continue teaching ballet jazz and hip-hop for 6 years before moving to Thunder Bay!

Dee is so excited to be teaching and sharing her love of dance again, and even more excited to join the Applauze family!

Deedee will be working on Annie Jr., as well as with the Bright Starz & Shining Starz

ISABEL Binette​

Isabel Binette has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of three, and theatre, joining Applauze at seven.
She has significantly contributed to junior shows as well as programs such as shooting starz and shining starz. Now, as the head choreographer for Hammarskjold’s musical productions, Isabel combines experience, creativity, and passion to inspire and lead in the performing arts community.

Isabel will be working on Annie jr.. As well as with the Bright Starz & shooting Starz

JOELLE KRUPA​

Joelle has been an active member of the Thunder Bay theatre community since age 6, and has been a part of numerous productions at Applauze. She is an accomplished singer and musician and has worked as an instructor for children’s theatre since 2022. She is excited to be a part of Applauze’s 30th season and looks forward to all of the fun!

Joelle will be working on Annie jr. As well as with the little starz & rising starz.

2024/2025

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2024/2025

PROGRAMS

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2024/2025

UPCOMING SHOWS

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Fae Alexander
Fae Alexander
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As an awkward pre teen obsessed with music theatre, there is nothing more important than an encouraging and safe environment to sing and perform in. Beyond teaching vocal and performance technique, Denise provided that safe space for me, and for every one of her students. For every audition, festival and concert, i knew Denise was in my corner; either in the wings with a hug ready, or at her studio, ready to hash it all out with me (“okay Faebae, talk to me”). Denise’s joy of performing is infectious; you can’t help but believe in yourself after spending time with her. You can’t help but own every stage you walk onto, like she does. Her commitment to her students is evident, as so many of us have pursued careers in the arts! I can honestly say I would not have had the courage to audition for a performance university program without Denise, or to pursued a career in acting and performance without first having had the safety and kindness of working in a room with Denise for all those years. So much love, D!
Isaac Matthews
Isaac Matthews
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Denise and Applauze Productions were absolutely essential to my growth as a performer in Thunder Bay. Applauze provided everything I needed to feel confident not only in my ability as a singer but being on stage as a performer. The opportunities to perform that Applauze provides were the catalyst to my incredible career as a full time professional singer. Not only were my skills expertly honed but it was all done within an environment of support, fun and encouragement. Some schools can be cut throat, but Denise always made sure the joy of performing was first and foremost - a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since. I’ll always be extremely grateful for my time at Applauze Productions!Her commitment to her students is evident, as so many of us have pursued careers in the arts! I can honestly say I would not have had the courage to audition for a performance university program without Denise, or to pursued a career in acting and performance without first having had the safety and kindness of working in a room with Denise for all those years. So much love, D!
Violet Abeni-Legarde
Violet Abeni-Legarde
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I am beyond thankful to have started my Musical Theatre journey at Applauze Productions with Denise Kurceba-Krawczuk. Her warm nature created a welcoming and safe atmosphere to explore, try new things, and be vulnerable with your raw talent. Her teaching environment made me comfortable to grow as she nurtured my abilities and gave me the hope and courage to pursue my dream. Denise’s radiating energy built me up through learning more about myself, discovering my voice, and honing my talents. As I developed, I learned to be confident in my natural abilities because she helped me recognize them. With this confidence and compassion I’ve found in myself through her, I auditioned for theatre schools and successfully made it to continue working towards my future. Through Mean Girls, she gave me the opportunity to work with her by choreographing numbers, opening my view to a new perspective to show biz. Every day, I am grateful that Denise has had hope in me from the beginning because I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. Thank you Denise
Nicole Parisien
Nicole Parisien
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I have been a student of Denise’s at Applauze Productions for 16 years. It is clear that Applauze sets itself apart in a multitude of ways. First, the high level of teaching and mentorship excellence. Denise has 30+ years of teaching experience, performing expertise, direction/production accreditations, and more. She is always supporting her students with a caring, kind, and honourable attitude- striving always to foster an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment that has a deep sense of community and friendship. Denise and her team are knowledgable, talented, and determined to create high-level, intricate, and show-stopping productions; from the sound production, lighting, set and costume design, choreography, and vocal coaching, her passion is clear. Lessons with Denise alongside her group classes spark personal growth, increase self-confidence, create new friendships, and offer a positive outlet. I would highly recommend Applauze to anyone looking to build their confidence, skills, connect with others, and grow as an individual at their own pace. Thank you Denise for the consistent compassionate mentorship, strong support, honesty, and wisdom Thank you Denise
Ryan MacDonald
Ryan MacDonald
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I was a 17 year old kid when I first walked into Denise’s office, i’d been singing in punk bands throughout my teenage years. I was struggling with maintaining my voice and had developed some terrible vocal habits. Over the next few years Denise worked with me to correct and develop my voice into what it is today. I’ve gone on to make my own records, tour internationally, and perform in some of the best venues in the country. I can’t thank her enough.Thank you Denise
Gabby Carlin
Gabby Carlin
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Denise, the light behind Applauze Productions, has been a great guide in my journey through music for many years. While Denise has taught me many songs, and helped me create multiple characters, she has also taught me the importance of self- identity. Denise instills important values in all her students that go far beyond singing the right notes. She creates a positive environment where everyone is celebrated. Denise’s door is always open, and she will be the first to lend a helping hand. Growing up in her studio, I have had the priviledge of seeing her vibrant passion of the performing arts come to life. She puts her heart into everything that she does and it always shines through. Applauze productions has provided me with many necessary tools in the perfoming arts and also given me many friendships that will last a life time. With graditude and admiration I could not thank Denise enough for all that she has done.
Mackinley Harding
Mackinley Harding
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I was a very shy 7 year old when I met Denise. I walked in to her office just knowing I loved music and loved to sing, never thinking I would ever actually perform outside of my living room. She asked me what kind of music I liked and we went from there. Within just a few months she had me up on a stage singing in front of a full audience at the mall during Christmas season! I was terrified but she told me I could do it, and the way she said it with such conviction I knew I could too, and I did!! My trust in Denise only grew over the years, and she never led me astray, whether it was numerous performance opportunities, competitions, branching in to musical theater shows or choosing songs for my university music auditions. The confidence and vocal coaching that I received at Applauze gained me the opportunities to continue to study music in University. I received multiple scholarship offers from a variety of schools, opening up doors I never would have thought possible! Currently I am working towards my music/education degree and feeling very fortunate to be able to continue one of my childhood passions in to my adult life. To that I give thanks to Denise for helping me get here! I rarely pass up the opportunity to get up on a stage now and I know that no matter where I am or what I am doing she is always in the audience cheering me on because that's what it means to be a part of the Applauze Family forever ❤️
Tiana Asperjan
Tiana Asperjan
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At 15, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life…and Denise was right by my side. Together, we went to Provincials which was a honour. I was incredibly intimidated and unsure if I belonged. But as she did many times before this, Denise went above and beyond the expectations of a vocal coach. The day of my performance I was a ball of nerves, pacing around my hotel room in near tears. She walked in, put her hand on my shoulder, and simply said:“conquer it”. I walked onto the stage a few hours later, and placed 1st. Our win that day inspired new confidence in me that will last a lifetime. Suddenly, I was capable of anything I put my mind to. And to this day, in my most challenging moments I channel Denise and whisper under my breath, “conquer it.” Over 30 years of teaching, I can only imagine this is just one of hundreds of life changing moments Denise’s students have experienced thanks to her dedication, generosity, and unending belief in us. On behalf of all your students past and present, thank you Denise.
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