Bio

Ian grew up in Northern Alberta as one of six siblings. His unique upbringing was the inspiration for the award-winning novel VILLAGE OF THE SMALL HOUSES. Ian studied set design at Mount Royal College in Calgary, going on to earn a BFA degree in Acting from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and later, an MFA in Directing from Toronto's York University.

Ian held the position of Artistic Director at three theatres, and has written and directed dozens of new plays. He garnered a reputation in the Comedy community for creating and directing two successful and long-running improv shows, DIE-NASTY (Edmonton) and SIN CITY (Toronto), both of which have been nominated for Canadian Comedy Awards.

Ian taught improv comedy and acting for The Second City, York University and the Improv Studio, and acted as mentor and advisor to many young theatre artists.