Beyond the Classroom: The Intersection of Performance and Legal Education

Education is an evolving journey that can lead to unexpected places. Jenna-Leigh Di Nardo’s path has taken her from the stage to the classroom, from an internship at the Lincoln Center in New York City to the courthouses of Vancouver. 

A Love for Teaching and Performing

Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Jenna-Leigh discovered her love for performing arts by joining Theatre Aquarius’ professional Performing Arts Programme. “I loved everything about theatre–performing, directing, or being backstage, I felt completely at home,” she recalls. 

Her passion for teaching appeared when she began volunteering in schools after earning her technical theatre degree from the University of Windsor. “Education became a way to channel my passion for creativity while inspiring others,” she says. This experience led her to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at Queen’s University. 

A Foundation in Arts Education

During her time at Queen’s, Jenna-Leigh completed an alternate practicum at the Lincoln Center Institute for Arts and Imagination in New York City. There, she worked on imaginative practices in STEM-focused workplaces—a project that nudged her toward research and deepened her appreciation for interdisciplinary learning.

In addition, she was introduced to the philosophy and pedagogy of Maxine Greene, whose work resonated deeply with her. "Maxine Greene’s teachings became a guidepost in my teaching career," she recalls. "When my former Lincoln Center colleagues I had interviewed for my thesis encouraged me to continue Maxine’s legacy through a PhD, I knew I had to find a way."

After a conversation with Professor Lynn Fels, she decided to move across Canada to begin her research at SFU in Arts Education.

Bridging Arts and Law

Jenna-Leigh's path took a turn after watching a lawyer’s theatre production in Victoria, where she had a realization: 

"I sat in the audience thinking, ‘Lawyers and theatre practitioners—these are the same skill sets,’" she recalls. "They have to persuade, they have to listen, and they have to adapt to what’s happening in front of them. It was like watching two worlds collide, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the possibilities."

Curious about the connections between performance and legal education, through the encouragement of Professor Fels, she connected with UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, where Professor Nikos Harris K.C. became an ally in her research.  

Performance Workshops for Law Students

Jenna-Leigh ran a seven-week workshop series with UBC law students taking part in the Burns Moot competition as part of her research. She helped students develop skills such as presence and adaptability in a courtroom setting using improvisation games and theatrical exercises.

For Jenna-Leigh, the workshops’ impact was undeniable. She reflects, "It was beautiful to see how the experiential nature of the workshops complemented the intellectual rigour of their legal training. When you physically get up and try something, whether in theatre or law, you learn in ways beyond what you can absorb in a lecture." This hands-on approach engaged the students and highlighted the value of blending creativity with professional development.

Jenna-Leigh’s research has also reignited her love for the performing arts. A trained dancer and actor, she now balances her academic work with training at Harbour Dance Centre. As part of her research, she is creating a one-act play to share her findings in an accessible and creative way.

Expanding the Role of Arts Education 

Jenna-Leigh’s work demonstrates the power of education to transcend traditional boundaries. She is passionate about preserving arts education in schools and sees her research opening new opportunities in education and law.

"Law is about dealing with people and their lives," she says. "By integrating performance-based approaches, we can equip law students with skills that aren’t just useful in the courtroom—but essential for navigating human lives."

Encouraging Students to Take the Leap 

Jenna-Leigh offers simple but profound advice for those hesitant to step outside their comfort zones: "Follow the tug. You never know where it will take you but trust it if something sparks your curiosity. That's where the magic happens." 

Her journey across arts, education, and law proves that education has no single roadmap. By embracing opportunities and staying open to the unexpected, Jenna-Leigh has carved out a unique academic niche and proves how education can lead to places far beyond the traditional classroom.