PAPA
About PAPA
In 2007, Linda Kash and Paul O'Sullivan founded PAPA to offer high-quality drama education for both children and adults. Originally known as the Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts, PAPA—now the Proactive Academy of Performing Arts—continues to provide a learning environment that supports artistic, intellectual, and personal growth. Committed to reflecting the diversity of its community, PAPA fosters an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere for all.
At PAPA, we’re passionate about nurturing creativity and empowering individuals. We offer a dynamic platform for both adults and children to explore their potential and build valuable life skills. Stay connected with our latest events, workshops, and performances, and meet our team of dedicated experts committed to helping you or your child thrive in a fun, supportive environment. Have questions? We’re here to help. Join the PAPA community today!
Our Team of Instructors
PAPA is a world-class team of improv and comedy instructors dedicated to teaching life skills through the art of performance and thinking. Our experienced educators create a supportive and creative environment where students can learn, grow, and express themselves. We believe the performing arts are a powerful tool for building confidence, enhancing teamwork, and sharpening quick thinking. Join us and experience the joy of improvisation!
Linda Kash
Founder / Artistic Director
Linda began her career at Second City in Toronto where she performed, directed, and conducted workshops. She has appeared in or directed a number of plays, films, and television shows throughtout Canada, the US, Europe, Russia, and New Zealand.
Jacqueline Craft
Instructor - Kids Improv
Jacqueline is a Peterborough native, local business owner (Neighbourhood Vintage), and newcomer to performing arts. Always excited to work with kids to help them discover joy in the pool and on stage performing.
Bruce Hunter
Instructor - Character Study
Bruce Hunter is a Canadian actor and comedian from Calgary, Alberta. He has appeared in television shows such as Puppets Who Kill and The Red Green Show
Lauren Lafayette Brooks
Instructor - Dance
Lauren is a college-trained performer. She is trained in dance, singing, and acting both on stage and on film. Most recently, she has performed at Westben and is currently working on a production of Cabaret for Shatterbox.
Kim Dafoe
Instructor - Singing
Kim is no stranger to theatres and concert venues in the area, having performed with The Quinte Symphony, For the Love of a Song, Westben, and Tweed and Co. Kim recently retired from teaching vocal music, drama and musical theatre at Centennial Secondary School.
Janet Van De Graaff
Instructor - Improv
Janet received her MFA from York University before traveling across Canada with Second City Touring Company, then wrote/performed in five Second City MainStage shows in Toronto. She has won the Canadian Comedy award for best Female Improvisor twice!
Maggie Cassella
Instructor - Story Telling
Maggie is a comedian, performer, writer, producer, actor, host, and founder of We're Funny That Way(TM)
Kerry Griffith
Instructor - Improv
Kerry has been acting and improvising for over 25 years and has won numerous Canadian Comedy Awards, including Canada's best male improvisor (twice)! An alumni of Second City, Kerry can be seen numerous television shows, and hundreds of tv and radio commercials.
Jennine Profeta
Instructor - Kids/Teen Improv
Jennine is a performer, writer, and instructor. She has performed with Second City National Touring Company, and in the Mediterranean and Carribbean as part of the Second City @ Sea. Jennine currently performs with her all-funny-female troupe "Girls Nite Out".
Yvonne LaRose
Instructor - Beginners Improv
Megan Walsh
Instructor - Tiny Troupe
Working for 6 years in Early Childhood Education, Meg enjoys creating beautiful learning environments using music, movement, and visual arts. Meg has performed with St. James Player's Cordwainer, and The Peterborough Theatre Guild.
Dave Pearce
Instructor - Improv
A 3-time winner of the Canadian Comedy Award as part of Slap Happy Improv, Dave has padded out his traveling improv resume aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines as part of The Second City @ Sea. He has written for CBC TV and Radio, and TVO.
