Joyanne Rudiak
Storyteller
Vocalist
Educator
About
Joyanne Rudiak is a storyteller, vocalist, and educator of Ukrainian heritage based on Treaty 6 Territory, in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). She has dedicated much of her time to theatre, whether on stage or behind the scenes, occupying such roles as actor, singer, director, assistant director, movement director, apprentice musical director, voice coach, wig stylist, co-creator, writer, and producer. She has most recently been named the Incoming Artistic Director of Walterdale Theatre, and is excited and ready to craft the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 theatre seasons. She is also a regular contributor to ACUA Vitae, the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts' magazine.
Joyanne is a seasoned drama, speech arts, voice, public speaking, and musical theatre educator, having taught in Edmonton, Dublin, Ottawa, Beaumont, and Leduc. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA (Hons.) Degree in Drama and a BEd After-Degree in Secondary Education, and holds two ARCT Diplomas in Speech Arts and Drama from the Royal Conservatory of Music. As a result, Joyanne has enjoyed bringing her love of theatre, voice, and storytelling to audiences and students alike.
Photo credit: Ryan Parker Photography
Storyteller
Joyanne grew up listening to stories from her Baba in the Albertan countryside, asking to hear the same ones over and over again. Keeping those memories close to heart as inspiration, she has taken to sharing stories in a number of ways including theatre, music, public speaking, and narrative storytelling through oral presentation and the written word.
from Meeting Places IV: Tell Me a Tale
with i Coristi Chamber Choir
from Meeting Places IV: Tell Me a Tale
with i Coristi Chamber Choir
Composition by Benedict Sheehan
The Life of St. Mary of Egypt
Narrative Recording
Vocalist
Joyanne has been singing for as long as she can remember, with her first performance being at Vegreville's Ukrainian Pysanka Festival when she was 3 years old. With a family as musical as hers, this is unsurprising. Focusing on choral singing during her primary and secondary school years, Joyanne branched out into solo voice study as a young adult, which paved the way for musical theatre and opera opportunities she continues to enjoy. She also lends her voice to the Ukrainian Catholic Church as a cantor, providing beauty and solace during life's most joyful and sorrowful moments.
Excerpt of "Mr. Sandman"
The Marvelous Wonderettes '58
(Edmonton Fringe 2019)
Stuck-in-the-House Series
The Citadel Theatre
"Alto's Lament"
The Besties Go Full Diva Cabaret
Grindstone Theatre
Joyanne loves collaborating with other artists.
Have an idea? Get in touch today!
Educator
Starting her education career as a Speech Arts and Drama teacher, Joyanne has taught various subjects, including acting, singing, dancing, musical theatre, public speaking, voice production, Shakespeare, as well as high school English and Religion. Though she would be the first to say teaching was not in her plans, it turns out she loves sharing her knowledge and working with people of all ages to help them express themselves confidently and in an interesting way.
Need some guidance? Joyanne offers the following:
Private lessons
One-on-one or small group lessons in a discipline Joyanne offers:
Voice
Speech Arts and Drama
Public speaking
Auditions
Interview Prep
Voice Coaching
Need some help with your musical theatre production? Joyanne coaches musical theatre students on using their voices for upcoming school productions. Get in touch today to bring Joyanne to your school!
Workshops
Have Joyanne come in to lead a workshop on public speaking or voice production, great for creatives, educators, business leaders, and anyone who consistently uses their voice. Half-day and full-day options available!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“Among the special musical moments under the baton of Marylen Milenkovic [is] ‘Far From the Home I Love’ (Joyanne Rudiak as Hodel, the second of Tevye’s five daughters).”
Iris Winston, Capital Critics Circle