Velvet was my playwriting mentor a few years ago when I had the opportunity to complete a play for the Youth Infringement Festival. Velvet encouraged me to dive deeper into my own creativity and the underlying message of the show, which led me to further develop my initial submission.
Velvet brought their own unique insights from their extensive experience in theatre and general life experience to aid me in shaping multiple aspects of the show, especially as a young writer. For instance, Velvet’s understanding of how different people think and behave aided me in creating various characterizations in the show, such as subtle differences in dialogue.
I truly gained so much from the discussions, feedback sessions, and written feedback Velvet gave me throughout the entire writing process.
Velvet was not just someone with creative intelligence, but is also incredibly kind and supportive. I felt my own confidence as a writer grow through the guidance I received from Velvet. I was genuinely surprised at how much I had grown by the end of the process, as Velvet had taught me unique aspects of writing that I had never thought about or even realized existed prior to this mentorship experience.
One thing is for sure — when you attend a Velvet Wells show, you’re guaranteed three things:
- Laughter
- Community
- A lesson learned
The Ottawa theatre community is beyond fortunate to have Velvet creating, performing, and producing in this city.
When the world is feeling grim, it’s easy to want to look away, but shows like (Re)tired Magical Black Man and I scream, you scream… justice encourage us to look the truth in the face while fighting for joy. Shows like All Request Radio remind us that there is always room for spontaneous song and laughter with friends.
Through captivating shows and insightful workshops, Velvet fosters a space of creativity and personal growth. I had the privilege of collaborating with them during a show, where their hour-long introduction to puppetry gave me experience and abilities I didn’t even know I could gain.
They are a truly patient and kind leader, guiding others with wisdom and kindness, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory. Their ability to educate and create a safe space is truly inspiring. They create an environment where everyone feels empowered to explore and take risks, making every interaction a valuable experience.
Leichelle
“Concedo Nulli”
Since 2024, I’ve had many opportunities to take improvisation workshops and courses from The Velvet Duke.
On every occasion, I’ve learned many useful, concrete skills for improving my abilities as an improviser.
Beyond their obvious excellent preparation and execution of the sessions, Velvet teaches with humour, thoroughness, and humanness that puts everyone at ease. They deftly answer participants’ questions, address their concerns and give them the confidence to take the essential risks that lead to improvement.
As a fellow arts educator, I recognize the depth and breadth of preparation Velvet puts into their courses and workshops. Nothing is halfway done, and each session is planned in such a way as to allow participants plenty of time to experiment with formats and structures as well as ask questions.
Laura Nerenberg
violinist, writer, performer and music educator
The Velvet Duke is a consummate professional. They lead with kindness and confidence when hosting shows and workshops, and they perform with a dynamic energy matched to their fellow actors. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform alongside Velvet before, and their quick wit and expressive style always leaves me feeling privileged to work with them.
My favourite way to see the Velvet Duke is as the core performer of All Request Radio, where their aptitude for improvising song after song to an unpredictable soundtrack shows their unshakeable comfort with musicality and thinking on the spot, while their smooth radio DJ patter keeps the audience flowing from one song to the next.
Sincerely,
Lily May Vers
It is a constant pleasure to watch, and perform with, someone as talented, generous, and experienced as Velvet Duke.
They are an important part of Ottawa’s artistic spaces and play a significant role in helping build our community. They are an exceptionally talented host, singer, improviser, producer, teacher and coach, and they do this all with kindness, humility and heart.
When they are hosting, teaching, performing, or producing a show, I know it will be a great time, that talent will be high, safety will be top of mind, and kindness and thoughtfulness will permeate the event.
I have a lot of appreciation for Velvet’s talent and experience, and I’m so thankful that it’s always coupled with their professionalism, kindness, and and inclusion. It’s a winning combination.
Velvet is an outstanding performer. They are truly the entire package.
Able to create songs at the drop of a hat, being an incredible host, and just brimming with stage presence.
Velvet is a joy to have in any show.
Your Gamebreaker workshop helped me to metabolize the “lesson” from improv games and the tool of incorporation into my scene play, and gave me a broader focus to help students when teaching.
When you introduced using the skill sets as like a “parachute” for the times I get lost or even stuck. Yep, never heard that before!
I thought of that feeling of being stuck, and using the conducted story cadence to help with reentering a scene. So useful and definitely a part of my tool kit now.
I have always felt like the “mistakes” that are made are usually huge gifts, but your example of taking them at speed with genuine feeling , as we experienced in the Alphabet game ( a game I am always nervous to be a part of, even though it is always fine), helps me let go and play with joy. YAY!
I love the way you think about improv and the way you articulate it.
So glad to have taken the workshop, and will recommend you highly to anyone who ask…or even if they don’t!
Love and Peace -Misty
All Request Radio (workshop) with The Velvet Duke was a terrifying proposition that turned into a fun and amazingly safe and anxiety free experience.
Velvet fosters an environment of respect and acceptance from the minute you enter the space. They build an atmosphere that is free of judgement, allowing one to simply relax and play, free to step up or hold back based on how you feel in the moment. I encourage stepping up as much as possible, whether you nail it or drop the ball, the support from everyone in the room will make you feel like a star.
Rob Dunkelberger, The Stages of MN
I loved my experience with Velvet in vocal coaching for confidence and joy! They gave me just the right exercises to build my skills and help me to feel strong and good about my singing. The exercises got me to think about my singing differently and not to focus so much on hitting “perfect notes,” but to play with my voice (and physicality) as a performer and, simply have fun with it! I highly recommend them for any coaching session—you will feel joy and feel empowered!
The Velvet Duke 