Evie Koop Sawatzky is a multidisciplinary artist, performing arts educator and management consultant. Her management skills and continued education, as a candidate for Harvard University's ALM (Masters in Management; Graduate Certificate in Marketing Management) allow her to see a project from both the business AND creative sides of the coin.

Evie brings perspective and a wealth of experience to any team. She is not afraid to ask why something is done the way it is and create an alternative structure to address current needs. She is fearless in her ability to tackle a project, event, performance and approach things in her own unique way. It is because of her desire to communicate more effectively with both the arts & business communities, that she finds herself straddling these two worlds. 

Growing up in Saskatchewan with parents known for their volunteerism, Evie Koop Sawatzky grew up learning that leaders serve. Evie has served the province that raised her. She is a music and theatre professional with proven experience, expertise, and success as a manager, performer, and educator.  She is knowledgeable and skilled with strategic planning, community engagement, business development, fund development, marketing, media relations, government relations, management, operations, directing, performing, conducting and teaching. 

Through her non-profit, live performance and emergency first responder work, she acquired a variety of skills in crisis management and has demonstrated that she works well under pressure. She has strong negotiation skills and truly enjoy developing strategies that unite an organization at all levels (union members, staff, board, volunteers, sponsors, donors and patrons) in their shared vision, mission and values. She is passionate about diversity, equity and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and believes organizational change begins with a personal commitment to change, especially within the leadership team. She empowers her team and students of every age to be a leader with integrity.

As a professional actress and director, she co-founded a theatre company in Moose Jaw which grew over it's 12 years to become a professional theatre and registered charity operating under the Canadian Theatre Agreement and a full member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) (RuBarb Productions 2006-2018; Colleague 2019-present).

Evie is a full member of Canadian Actors Equity Association, Individual Colleague of PACT, Full member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and is the past chair of the Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals. She was recognized as CBC Future 40 under 40 in its very first year in Saskatchewan. Evie was also recognized as Top 40 under 40 in Moose Jaw by CHAB.

TEACHING

She believes in giving back to the community that raised her up... and lifting up children and newcomers to become a part of "community". She has been deeply impacted by the work of her inspiring dance teacher Doris Sitter... who believed in her. Evie believes that ALL students can grow... ALL students that WANT to learn and fully invest themselves in lessons... well they continue to amaze her every day. Evie’s students have worked for professional theatres across Canada, Disney, and are recording artists in rock, jazz, folk and country. Her voice students are consistently recognized by Conservatory Canada for receiving the highest exam marks in Saskatchewan.

Evie Koop Sawatzky has been teaching and directing music, dance and musical theatre since 1995. She fans sparks into flames and helps students find their voices. Discovery of character and understanding of theory go hand in hand with honouring the intention of the composers/authors.

Through the RuBarb School of Performing Arts and Sawatzky Studios School of Performing Arts, Evie offered group classes in Acting, Musical Theatre & Theatre Dance (Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop & Jazz) as well as private instruction in Voice, Violin, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Theory for children ages 3 and up.

SABBATICAL

Evie began her recent sabbatical in June 2019 to pursue her Harvard education. She loves academics and will be a student for life. "The world is so big and there are so many different ways to tackle a challenge and tell your story... who wouldn't want to keep improving and exploring?"

• Harvard Business School Online: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers and Financial Accounting. Completed CORe in September 2019
• Globe Theatre: Assistant Director for Cinderella working with Artistic Director Emerita, Ruth Smillie.
• Harvard University's Extension School. She is an accepted degree candidate for their ALM: Masters in Management with Graduate Certificates in both Strategic Management and in Marketing Management and Digital Strategies. (Completed courses include: Marketing Management, MicroEconomics, Development Communication, Marketing Analytics, and Brand Strategy).
• Shaw Festival: In March 2020, she began a mentorship with Shaw's CEO, Tim Jennings. Thanks to Covid, her mentorship evolved into a full time position for the summer of 2020. Her mentorship has continued into the 2021. She looks forward to returning to Shaw when it is safe to do so and observe and work alongside the Management and Artistic Team in person again. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals for your support through the Professional Theatre Mentorship Program.  
• With the stages closed and live performance opportunities having come to a standstill, Evie has thrown herself into studies at Harvard Extension School as well as painting and photography. Stay tuned for more details. 
• She continues to take a few select voice students, who she coaches from her studio in Regina (via Skype, Zoom & FaceTime).

Evie is a leader, coloratura soprano, actress, conductor, director, choreographer, photographer and optimist. She is a mother of two and step-mother of three... for a total of five musical children.