About Deb Williams
Storyteller, Creator, Director, Teacher, Actor, Director, Playwright, Comedian.
Deb Williams is an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, and comedian who has worked across Canada and the world for over 40 years. Deb is one of the co-creators/stars of the 5 Moms the Word plays, enjoyed by over 2 million people in 19 countries and 15 languages. Deb is a co-founder and the Artistic Producer of The Flame, Canada's West Coast's premier storytelling event since 2009. Deb premiered her one-person show, "Taking Off," at the Belfry Theatre in 2016. She has been an Associate Artist at the Belfry Theatre for 13 years. Deb graduated from Studio 58 and is a community organizer and builder, creating art, festivals and celebrations wherever she lives.
For the past decade and a half, Deb has been a personal narrative teacher, coach, facilitator, and consultant, supporting 1000s of tellers of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultural identities, and mental and physical abilities in finding their voice and sharing entertaining and meaningful stories from their fascinating lives.
Deb has facilitated, taught, created and directed personal narratives with the residents of William Head Correctional Institute. Through these workshops, the incarcerated participants transformed their unique and powerful personal stories into compelling theatrical productions, "Hatched" and "Dance of the Family." These 90-minute shows explored the intricacies of life in the correctional facility, and their ideas of family, showcasing the raw, authentic experiences of the men involved.
The stories shared in "Dance of the Family" were vulnerable, poignant, and infused with humour, highlighting the complexity of their lived experiences. Each night, the production captivated an audience of 150 members of the public who attended any of the 12 performances. Those who witnessed the show were deeply moved and transformed, gaining a profound understanding of the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. The impact of "Dance of the Family" extended beyond the stage, fostering empathy and connection between performers and the public.
Deb also had the incredible opportunity to teach queer youth, equipping them with the skills to share their narratives through Zee Zee Theatre's "Rainbow Youth Storytelling Project," a dynamic, community-driven initiative presented in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Port Moody Art Centre. Its mission is to dismantle stereotypes, combat prejudice, and foster understanding among diverse communities. This project created a welcoming and safe environment for 2-Spirit, Queer, and Trans youth to express themselves and connect with peers and trusted adults. At the heart of the event lay an engaging twist: audience members chose a storyteller based solely on a captivating story title. Once selected, they had the chance to meet the storyteller face-to-face for an intimate one-on-one conversation, allowing them to delve into the genuine tales that shaped their lives.
Deb has also worked with and supported the Anishinaabe Nation of northern Ontario, witnessing 30 men's stories of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated upon more than 500 boys by one man during the 70s and 80s. These survivors, now fathers and grandfathers, shared their experiences and how those have utterly impacted their lives and those of their offspring. The horrors are real, and even hearing the stories is life-altering.
Deb also enjoys serving as a semi-annual guest lecturer for master's and PhD students in the UBC School of Forestry. This lecture offers the students skills, using their own true stories to enliven and engage audiences whom the scientists want to impact, including granting bodies, superiors, colleagues, and the public.
Deb has taught with and for the UBC Mandarin Face Drama Club, Theatre as a Second Language, Art Spring on Salts Spring Island, Nanaimo's Port Theatre and Bethlehem Centre, Belfry Theatre, The Ryga Festival, Surrey Civic Theatres, Vancouver Fringe Festival, Vernon Public Library, Metro Vancouver, Zee Zee Theatre, HIV/AIDS Conference, Chutzpah! Festival, Canadian Immunodeficiencies Patient Organization (CIPO National), TaiwanFest, Vancouver International Children's Festival, Carousel Theatre for Young People, Covenant House, SFU, Studio 58, University of Victoria MBA program and more.
Deb Williams harnesses the transformative power of storytelling through her performances and teaching to connect, inspire, and empower individuals. Through her captivating narratives, she illuminates the human experience, fostering empathy and providing a safe space for personal growth.
