Testimonials

It is difficult to pick a starting point for how instrumental Dustin Jodway has been in my journey of performance. He has been my coach long before any title or designation was established within KWC, it is his very nature to coach and find ways to make people feel comfortable on the stage.

My personal transformation from ‘extremely shy’ to ‘very comfortable’ took years to attain but it was guided by Dustin. His ability to assess and understand is natural – he was able to see why I was uncomfortable and gave me encouragement that addressed my fears and helped me overcome them.

When Candace and I placed to go to Worlds in Tokyo for Duets in 2019, Dustin was a key figure in our success. He made time to take us through the process of not just perfecting a song, but adding motion/choreography and stage placement to our performance. He supported our ideas and gave them life with keen instruction and attention to who we are as individuals. Dustin gave me wonderful tips on breathing techniques to assist in sustaining long notes, he gave us both expert stage direction for all of our songs, but most notably for our second song Candyman. Dustin gave us rehearsal space to stage-block, he gave us time to perfect our songs and coached us through movement and timing – all of these things are naturally present within him.

Dustin was instrumental to our win in Tokyo, right down to the finishing touches of hair, makeup and costume. And for as much time and effort that Candace and I invested in ourselves, Dustin’s investment in us was immeasurable and fine-tuned to our success.

Attempting to put into words what Dustin is able to offer is rather difficult really. He is naturally apt – he can sense what is needed, he can instruct with confidence (both his own and given to others), he is affable and joyous and brings an infectious aspect to his coaching and to life in general.

I feel certain that his good influence, coaching, and friendship has seen me grow immeasurably as a performer and I highly recommend his talents; you will not meet another quite like him in this life <3

Kate Dion

Dustin is an amazing performance coach! He has such great energy and he makes the process really fun and enjoyable. His experience in stage performance is so valuable for anyone preparing for an audition, performance or just wanting to gain a bit more self confidence in front of others. He really helped to bring me out of my shell and grow as a performer.

Christine Costa

Coaching sessions with Dustin are always about making you the best you can be. He cares so much about developing both your skills and your confidence. Whether you are looking to improve on a specific skill or just wanting to feel more comfortable when giving a presentation at work, Dustin tailors the coaching to you and your goals. A chance to work with Red Tree Performance Academy is a chance worth taking in every way.

Bree Mclean-Roberts

Bree Mclean-Roberts

I felt like I had a strong understanding of music theory and knew myself as an artist, but was missing connection until I had the pleasure of sitting with Dustin at Red Tree Performance Academy. After only one lesson I was able to begin to understand myself better as a musician and find my vocal pocket where I was strongest. Simply by listening and making small suggestions, he made me feel grounded and centered in my voice. He planted seeds of concepts that I'll be sure to reference as I continue to grow in the arts and develop my passion. I'm truly grateful to be seen and to have someone see my potential and know what to do to help me achieve it.

Destinee Clarke

Thank you Dustin for the skills, talent, empathy and friendship you have brought to me over three years of competing as a national finalist in the Karaoke World Championships. Your ability to provide practical ways to develop, attention to nuances and focus is second to none. You have helped me tremendously with stage presence – and truly how to breathe and enjoy the experience. Like you always say, the journey is more important than the outcome.

Thank you – and I look forward to continuing to work with you!

Rochelle Coleman

From start to finish, my experience with Dustin and Red Tree Performance Academy was wonderful. I am not a natural performer, I could barely chew gum and walk at the same time let alone sing and act. Dustin helped me find the emotion in the song I was singing, helped me find my cues, and all the while he was so caring and understanding and patient, it was amazing. It didn't matter how many times I missed my mark how many times we had to go through a song, his patience and professionalism never wavered. He helped my karaoke partner and I immensely, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we did in our competition without him.

Melissa Timson

Dustin was an incredible director! He worked so well with all of the kids during the musical Matilda. He treated everyone equally, and was encouraging and supportive of performers of all levels. During my private theatre training, Dustin has helped me break down monologues and song lyrics to understand them better, we've worked on breath work, costumes, directing, and appropriate audition etiquette. He makes me feel extremely comfortable, and has helped build my theatre confidence.

Norelle, age 13

Dustin's love for theatre and all things performance is abundantly clear. The passion and skill set that he brings to each session is impeccable. He goes beyond the singing and dancing, and gets behind each piece to thoroughly explain the emotion and a breakdown of the wording/lyrics, which as a high school English teacher, I know that this is such an important skill to have in the future for my daughter. His students are able to explore various theatre genres, songs, and topics, all in a safe and inclusive space. I can't begin to thank Dustin enough for all he has done to help build and inspire my daughter's theatre abilities.

Alison
(mother of performer in large production and private lessons)

I first met Dustin when he and I were cast in a production of the musical “Falsettos” in 2013, when I was 13 years old. From the moment I walked into that theatre, not knowing a single person or even what part of the city I was in, Dustin made me feel welcome, and like family. His ability to cultivate warmth, energy, and a positive work environment is matched only by his natural skills on the stage. From his performances on stage to his natural way of being, Dustin is a gifted storyteller, who is passionate about everything he sets his heart on, and gets true, genuine joy from helping others become the best versions of themselves. He is someone who will provide you a space where you can be vulnerable, and not be afraid of that vulnerability. I have seen him put literal blood, sweat and tears into his productions, and expect nothing back. I truly marvel at Dustin's dedication and passion for performance.

I have experienced first hand, and benefited greatly, from his ability to share his natural ability and help develop potential in others. Dustin has an incredible depth of understanding when it comes to how to tell a story, he can approach it from multiple perspectives, and it's nearly impossible to resist sharing the passion he has for performance when you are in his presence.

Aside from all of his skills and accolades, Dustin is also an incredibly special person, who will pour every inch of his being into those he cares for, or any task he is committed to.

Jake Sim