Cherissa Richards, Professional Mentor, Acting Program

Cherissa Richards is a Professional Mentor in the Acting Program of the National Theatre School and the Independent Study resident, in 2020-2021.

Cherissa began directing after many years as a working actor. She started this journey five years ago, directing The Power of Harriet T at MTYP in Winnipeg in 2015. Since then, Cherissa has assisted many incredible directors along her path at several regional theatres across the country and has pursued directing apprentice programs at Bard on the Beach, the Shaw Festival and the Stratford Festival. Cherissa has directed 2 shows for Sarasvàti Theatre; New Beginnings and The Game at Fem Fest 2018. Most recently Cherissa directed a double bill for the Neil Munroe Directing Project at the Shaw Festival; Lynn Nottage’s Poof and The Subjection of Kezia by Edith Ellis. Cherissa is excited to return the NTS after almost 20 years to fill in the blanks of her directing education with the Independent Study. Feels like a real full circle moment!