Persona

Ursell, Geoffrey

Geoffrey Ursell was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1943. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Masters of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1965 and 1966 respectively. His Ph.D. was earned from the University of London in 1973. He returned to the University of Manitoba as a Lecturer in English from 1971 to 1973. From there he went to the University of Regina as a Special Lecturer (1975-1978) and Special Assistant Professor in English (1980-81 and 1982-83). Ursell is a writer, composer, poet, and editor. He has earned many awards: the Clifford E. Lee Playwriting Award, Edmonton Critic's First Night Award, Performing Arts in Canada One-Act Play Competition, Persephone Theatre National Playwriting Competition Award and Books in Canada First Novel Award plus grants from Canada Council, Saskatchewan Arts Board, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council Explorations Grant and many others. His professional activies are numerous: President, Thunder Creek Publishing Co.; Writer-in-Residence, Saskatoon Public Library and Winnipeg Public Library; Associate Director, 25th Street Theatre; member-at-large, Writer Director and Vice-President, Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA); President, Saskatchewan Writers' Guild; and member, Saskatchewan Sport Trust Cultural Steering Committee. He has had articles published in various publications such as: "Grain". "NeWest Review", "Quarry", "Western People", "Canadian Fiction Magazine", and "This Magazine".