Two accomplished graduates of Dawson College’s Professional Theatre program are inviting you to see the downtown Montreal CEGEP in a self-guided tour. Catherine Bérubé and Lucy Segal are the narrators. In interviews with the Communications Office, they shared how Dawson shaped their own journeys.

Lucy Segal (Class of 2005, Professional Theatre) spent over a dozen years working for Just for Laughs, leading major festivals in Montreal and Toronto. She is now Director of Event Production for the Just For Entertainment Group.

Catherine Bérubé (Class of 2004, Professional Theatre) is a successful actor in both English and French productions for television and film. In Quebec, she is best known for her role in the hit series 19-2, which earned her a Gémeaux nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Their time at Dawson left a mark that is still felt today. Both women credit the Professional Theatre program with giving them not just technical skills, but lifelong memories, friendships, and confidence.

Catherine Bérubé’s Dawson Story

For Catherine, Dawson was where her adult life began. “Dawson shaped my life,” she says. She fondly remembers movement teacher Cynthia Hendrickson. “It’s really hard to pick a favourite teacher,” Catherine said. “They all had quite a big impact on my journey. But I have to say, Cynthia Hendrickson, our movement teacher, sticks out. With her colourful language, expressions, laugh, and her magical ability to make everybody, even the most “resistant” ones, give in and feel comfortable in tights! She was funny, intense, demanding and inspiring all at once.”

Theatre at Dawson was a full experience: students were involved in every aspect of production, from acting to behind-the-scenes work. Catherine gained deep respect for the ensemble approach, appearing in multiple productions including The Good Woman of Szechuan, Pride and Prejudice, and The Country Wife. She still relies on tools from her Dawson training, text analysis, warm-ups, and the discipline of rehearsal.

Catherine Bérubé, pictured

Lucy Segal’s Dawson Memories

Lucy’s decision to choose Dawson was all about location and atmosphere: “At 17, I wanted to be in the city. It just felt right walking through the Sherbrooke doors.”

What began as an intimidatingly large building quickly became a hub of opportunity. Dawson was full of clubs, activities, and communities where she found like-minded friends. Her favorite teacher was master Technical Director Steve Schon, whose expertise shaped her career. Lucy loved Technical Theatre most, building and painting sets, tearing them down on closing night, and learning the craft behind the scenes.

Her advice to new Dawson students? “Take chances and join a club or sport,” she said. “Ask questions. There is an entire community here to help you make the most of your time. …For theatre students: take intensives, stay organized, and get some sleep.”

Lucy Segal, pictured