09/02/2026
In Ian Gillis’ own words. “In 2017, I was at that pivotal age in grade 10 when I’d begun to make sense of my passions and intentions and attempt to manufacture some sense of structure for the future. A online career-placement test suggested I drop “practicality” and become a professional musician. But, the voice in my head insisted I’d neither the confidence nor the capacity to dream too grandly.
It was through LJT that something began to shift. Through the support of teachers and friends, my passion for singing was amplified and I was introduced to the vocal teacher who would ultimately guide me toward an undergraduate degree in Classical Voice Performance at the University of Toronto. Graduating in 2025, I began my master’s studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, UK, where my independent work now explores social accessibility in classical music.
This journey was fundamentally inspired by own of the most important lessons of my life - one which was repeated so frequently at Liberty Junction that the walls were practically dripping from it: to use the word “vulnerability” as an ultimate positive goal to work toward. At these, the earliest stages of my development in theatre, the immense responsibility of live performers was impressed upon me experientially: that, by sharing our own vulnerability in a public way, we may inspire others’ self-reflection, and maybe even their own process of healing.
Every day, I wake up to a reality which would never have been possible if not first instigated by Liberty Junction Theatre. I have Melanie and LJT to thank for the some of my dearest friends, fondest memories, and the direction of my life.”
