BA, MA, PhD
Instructor
williamdow@capilanou.ca
Education
PhD, Interdisciplinary, Theatre/Classical Mythology, Simon Fraser University, 2013.
MA, Liberal Studies, Simon Fraser University, 2008.
BA, Liberal Studies, Athabasca University, 2003.
Bio
Bill Dow (PhD, Simon Fraser University, 2013) earned his interdisciplinary PhD in classical mythology and theatre at Simon Fraser University. He is an award-winning actor and director (and occasional writer) in theatre, film and television, with scores of credits over a long and varied career.
Well known as Dr. Lee in the Stargate franchise and Mayor Russ Hathaway on DaVinci's Inquest, Dow has also performed recurring and guest star roles (more than 120 IMDB credits) on programs such as The X-Files, Kyle XY, Psych, The Good Doctor, Supernatural, among others. Film credits include supporting roles in Legends of the Fall, This Boy's Life, The Big Year and many of the current crop of Hallmark movies.
In the theatre, Dow has directed dozens of award-winning productions for theatres across Canada including Alberta Theatre Projects, Theatre Calgary, the Blyth Festival, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Vancouver Playhouse, where he was Artistic Associate for many years.
In addition, he has performed lead roles on stages across the country. For many years he has dedicated himself to encouraging new Canadian drama and served as the Associate Artistic Director at the Blyth Festival and the Belfry Theatre, and was resident dramaturg at the Banff Playwright's Colony.
Currently an instructor at Capilano University in the Theatre department, Dow has taught in theatre and humanities departments at several universities, including Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and University of Alberta.
I teach to connect.
I teach to inspire.
I teach to excite the highly personal, idiosyncratic spark that is in all of us.
Whether teaching introductory or advanced courses, classical mythology, theatre history, acting or directing, there is an overriding and observable principle that underlies my teaching - I strive to connect to each student as an individual.
I make enthusiasm allowable, I make failure a springboard for learning, and success a cause for satisfaction and an opportunity for further growth.
I've spent my life exploring the theatre, and more recently its ancient antecedents. I'm thrilled to share this knowledge and experience with our next generation of actors and directors.
My current research is in the realm of re-invigorating classic texts (both ancient and modern). Several productions I directed were fresh examinations of classics, notably an award-winning production of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, and a version of my translation and adaptation of Euripides' Women of Troy.
I have given papers for the Classical Association of the Pacific Northwest and the Graduate Liberal Studies Association on several topics, my favourite being, Achilles' Choice - Achilles in the Iliad: born with two fates. Achilles can fight and die young at Troy and have everlasting fame, or he can sail home an live a long, quiet, uneventful (but happy) life... I guess we know which one he chose.