For most people, the theatre is entertainment or a luxury. In a time when the world is in a perpetual state of contraction, it is hard to take our eyes off the bottom line - the return, profit, or net earnings. In this heartfelt talk, Michele Fleiger shares stories about the transformative nature that theatre has played in the lives of her students.

Michele Fleiger (BFA/MFA) trained as an actor and has performed, across Canada, into the United States, Italy and Japan, for over 30 years. In the mid-eighties she began volunteering as an ESL teacher working with refugees and permanent residents helping them learn the English language and acclimate to their new cultural landscape.What began as a compelling part time job evolved over time to become a vocation. She is in increasing demand as a teacher and workshop facilitator in universities, colleges, conferences and workplaces throughout Alberta, and across the country. In grounding her work in the principles of the theatre she allows people to discover their true potential by encouraging an awareness of what has shaped them which helps them better understand, empathize and collaborate with others.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx