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From music to musicals: How Durham College helped alum Cale Crowe find his next stage

When Durham College (DC) graduate Cale Crowe first picked up a guitar, he imagined a career filled with music, but not necessarily musicals. After completing the Music Business Management (MBM) program in 2017, he spent the following years establishing his name as a singer-songwriter – performing, recording, touring, and building a strong foundation in the music industry.

Crowe’s creativity took a new turn when an unexpected invitation from the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre led him back to the world of theatre. What began as a creative experiment soon grew into Rez Gas the Musical, a heartfelt story inspired by his Alderville First Nation roots and shaped by the skills, confidence, and community he found at DC.

We recently caught up with Crowe to learn how his experience at DC helped him take his music career centre-stage.

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What inspired you to move from singer-songwriter to playwright?

To be honest, I never planned to go back to theatre. I was a theatre kid in high school, but I focused on music as an adult. But then Rob Kempson, the Artistic Director at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre, invited me into the 2023 Capital Theatre’s Creator’s Unit. At the time, I thought it would end with a public reading of a half-finished script. I never imagined we’d get to turn it into a full production.

How did your own experiences shape Rez Gas?

Less than a year before the first writers’ meeting for Rez Gas, I moved back home to Alderville First Nation after more than a decade as a musician. I spent a lot of time thinking about what returning home meant — starting a family, reconnecting with my culture, and understanding my responsibilities. My partner and I had many conversations about perpetuating our traditional customs at home and whether I viewed that responsibility as a burden, a duty, or a privilege. Those reflections became the heart of the story.

How did DC’s MBM program prepare you for this project?

The MBM program gave me a solid understanding of how to execute a public event — from understanding legal agreements and composing and recording demos, press releases, to circulating the press release and finally, opening night. I might’ve been new to theatre, but I didn’t come in empty-handed. The tools I developed at DC were essential and several of my DC professors even came to the show.

Which DC skills did you lean on most?

There were elements of live sound and video production at play during the actual run, and many of the more media and public relations assignments helped with promoting the show. Ultimately, the event planning course helped the most. Being new to professional theatre, knowing how live events operate — especially one running for two weeks — kept me grounded and organized.

Were there mentors, faculty members, or experiences at DC that had a lasting impact on your career path?

I would have likely given up on my career numerous times if it weren’t for faculty members Marni Thornton and Tony Sutherland. Both played an instrumental role in equipping me not only with the knowledge and skills to succeed in various aspects of the music industry, but also the confidence in myself to take these kinds of risks. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

How does Rez Gas foster understanding between communities?

Theatre and performing arts have long been utilized to tell our stories to non-Indigenous audiences. Rez Gas was always intended as a means of inviting folks from all walks of life to relate to a day in the life of a modern Indigenous community. Our goal wasn’t to lecture but to show modern Indigenous life in three dimensions — we laugh, cry, rage, and joke like everyone else. It’s about connection and authenticity.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

I’m heading back to my roots — touring, writing, and recording — but I’ve certainly caught the theatre bug. This experience reminded me how far creativity can go when you have the right foundation.

Rez Gas the Musical held 18 performances at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope from August 22 to September 7, 2025, drawing enthusiastic audiences and multiple sold-out shows. To learn more about Cale Crowe and his work, visit calecrowe.com.

Finding confidence, creativity, and community at DC

With a new school year underway, we spoke to Durham College (DC) alumni about their experience, what they wish they’d known on the first day of classes, and the advice they’d offer to new students.

Alumni Spotlight: Fanoos Beissed

A graduate of the Cosmetic Techniques and Management program, Fanoos Beissed brought passion and creativity to her studies at Durham College (DC). With the help of supportive professors, she took her artistic ability to a new level and discovered a talent for special effects makeup.

Now a proud DC alumna, she hopes the students following in her footsteps find success in their programs and beyond.

What are some highlights from your experience at DC?

Some of my favourite experiences include connecting with classmates through group projects and campus events, exploring creative opportunities, and enjoying the welcoming campus environment. These moments made my time at DC memorable and helped me grow both academically and personally.

What advice do you have for new DC students?

Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It can feel overwhelming at first, but being proactive, seeking support when you need it, and connecting with peers will make your experience very valuable.

What would you say to new students in the Cosmetics program?

It’s honestly the most beautiful decision you’ll ever make. This program changed my life in ways I never imagined. The professors are kind and truly supportive. They make learning feel so natural and uplifting. You’ll never feel alone in your journey because they’re always there to guide and believe in you. Their guidance made all the difference in my journey, and I truly believe embracing this experience with heart and dedication will empower each one of you to succeed and shine in the beauty world.

My advice is to have fun, be creative, stay curious, practice with passion, and build genuine connections with classmates and incredible profs.

How can students benefit from DC’s Student Services?

I found several Student Services really helpful, including Student Advisors, Career Development, and the Student Academic Learning Services. I also loved the DC Spa, which is a great way to relax while seeing how students in Esthetics – Spa Management and Massage Therapy programs gain real experience. And I’m sure every student needs a little selfcare. Don’t hesitate to visit DC Spa.

What was the best part of your DC experience?

What I loved most about DC was the teachers we had. They weren’t just instructors, they were mentors, supporters, and genuinely kind hearted people who cared about our growth. Their passion, patience, and encouragement created a space where I felt safe to learn, explore, and become confident in my skills. They made the entire experience unforgettable and I really appreciate them.

What will you take away from DC?

I leave Durham College not only with skills and knowledge, but with priceless memories, lifelong friendships, and the feeling of being part of a family that believed in me.

How can students make the most of their time at DC?

Get involved! Join clubs, attend workshops and events, and take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. Balancing academics with social and personal growth helps you make the most of your time here. The more you get involved and build connections, the easier it becomes to find jobs and career opportunities after graduation. Trust me!

From Diploma to Degree: How Thomas Loveys Found His Fit in Fitness and Kinesiology

For Thomas Loveys, the Fitness and Health Promotion (FIT) program at Durham College (DC) was more than a stepping stone — it was a transformative experience that reshaped his academic journey and career goals.

“I had a great experience in FIT,” said Loveys. “The program helped shape me into the person I am today. I learned just how beneficial exercise can be and how to better incorporate it into my life and the lives of others.”

The two-year diploma program equipped Loveys with hands-on experience, industry insight, and the confidence to thrive in a university setting. It also helped him find his voice.

“FIT really brought me out of my shell,” he recalled. “There were so many in-class activities where you’d practice movements with classmates or even build your communication skills with exercises like motivational interviewing. It was the social part of the program that had the biggest impact on me.”

Supportive faculty, practical volunteer opportunities — including VO2 max testing with Pre-Fire students — and a close-knit community made the experience even more meaningful.

“The professors were always kind and went the extra mile to make sure we understood the material,” he said. “It created a warm and welcoming vibe where I felt like I could grow.”

Graduating in June 2023 with highest distinction, Loveys took full advantage of the bridging pathway from DC’s FIT program to Ontario Tech University’s Kinesiology degree. The transition, he says, was seamless — and incredibly valuable.

“Thanks to my time at DC, I came into Kinesiology with a strong foundation. I already knew my study habits and had basic knowledge of complex topics. That made a huge difference,” Loveys explained. “The most valuable part of the pathway was being able to work as a personal trainer while studying. I was able to land a job early in university doing something I love — and making money at the same time.”

To students considering the same route, Thomas is clear: start with the Fitness and Health promotion program.

“You gain a ton of practical skills that you wouldn’t get from university alone,” he said. “Two years is enough time to mature and really appreciate your education. And FIT will also help you decide if Kinesiology is really for you. Courses such as exercise physiology and fitness assessment are quite similar to what you would experience in Kinesiology, so if you enjoy those courses and want to learn more, this pathway is for you.”

Looking back on his time at DC, it’s the community that stands out most.

“Whether it was in the gym, cafeteria, or walking to class, you could talk to anyone,” he said. “There was always something going on. My years at DC were some of the best of my life, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

If you are passionate about health and fitness and ready to turn that passion into a career, the Fitness and Health Promotion program is your first step toward professional success. Students are prepared for certification with nationally recognized organizations like the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the Ontario Fitness Council, and others. These credentials are highly respected across Canada and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fitness, wellness, and health promotion and gives students a competitive edge and the confidence to succeed in the bridge program and after graduation.