Kristen Finlay – Page 20 – Walterdale Theatre

Meet the Team of RED – Sarah Van Tassel is the Mentor Director

What is your role on this production? I’m the Mentor Director. Walterdale is encouraging newer directors to direct their first show on our stage, and as such pairs them up with a “mentor” – someone who has directed on our stage previously and who can be a resource for the director.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? I’ve been working in independent and community theatre since graduating university in 2006. I have held various roles on the Walterdale Board, including Artistic Director and President, and have been onstage and backstage for a slew of productions, including: W;t, Jeffrey, Burning Vision, Love of the Nightingale, Reasons to be Pretty, and You Are Here.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you? Bethany and I were working together on W;t when she mentioned that she was thinking of submitting Red for this season. She asked if I’d be willing to be her “mentor” as she hadn’t directed at Walterdale previously and I said yes, without hesitation. I adore working with Bethany and this is such a great script.

For me, the conversations about symbiotic relationship between the art and the viewer are fascinating. I’ve always felt that all art is subjective and what the viewer brings to the table when viewing said art matters – but what about the intention of the artists when they created the piece – is it just as important? It’s so interesting to explore these concepts.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most enjoyable thing? This has been a really unique experience for me – as mentor it’s about trying to help Bethany realize her vision of the show and support that as the production develops. It’s been really great to watch the show develop and see Bethany’s vision of it come to life.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? I’ve always loved pop art. Warhol and Lichtenstein, in particular. I love the way that pop art appropriates other mediums and creates new and unique pieces out of it. Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl is one of my favourites.

Meet the Team of Red – Catherine Wenschlag is Production Manager

What is your role on this production? I’m the Production Manager, so I oversee the logistical needs of the show. I work to ensure all areas are communicating with each other, that deadlines are met, and that we’re within budget. I love this role because it is mostly about organization and communication – two of my favorite activities.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? Walterdale is my home away from home! Since joining in 2009 I’ve filled a variety of roles. Last season I worked on four productions: Ravenscroft (actor), W;t (production manager), The Sunset Syndrome (director), Chess (assistant director), and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary. Outside of Walterdale, I’ve been acting and stage managing for over 30 years.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you? I wanted to support the director, Bethany Hughes, in any way I could – and I happened to have a skill set that was useful to the team. I’m very excited for this season at Walterdale and am eager to help bring each show to audiences.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most fun thing? I’ve found that the most challenging thing as a production manager is making sure everyone gets the information they need to do the best job possible. Some people are looking time members, some are new – and some are taking on new roles. It’s easy to say, “if you have any questions, just ask” – but if you’re new, sometimes you don’t know what questions to ask! So I try to anticipate needs and meet those in addition to the other requests that come up. The most fun is definitely the people – this is a stellar creative team and I’m loving watching them create magic.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? Monet. I find him soothing, comforting, but not simple. The first time I saw an original in person I was incredibly moved. The ones of parliament are among my favourite.

Meet the Cast of RED – Ben Osgood is Ken

Who do you play in this production? I play Ken in RED. He is a young artist who takes the taxing role of assistant for famous painter Mark Rothko. Ken begins his journey a little naïve and with a sense of excitement, fear and wonder but is an incredibly hard worker and very intelligent.

What is your background in theatre? I performed in theatre throughout high school and into my 1^st and 2nd year of university. My most recent show was a New Works Play titled Princess Bear where I played a foolish Spanish Prince who falls in love and makes love to a bear.

What brought you out for this show? I read the script in preparation for the audition and fell in love with it. I strongly connected with Ken I loved the discussions about what means and how to can and should effect people, and how our art defines us.

It’s no secret that this play deals with visual art. What kind of art do you like? I am a very big fan of a Swedish arts named Simon Stålenhag who paints wonderful pictures which blend the real world with sci-fi. They are beautiful paintings that elicit feelings of insignificance in a huge world, or almost child-like innocence’s at wonderful and awful things.

Meet Bethany Hughes, Director of RED

What is your role on this production?
– Director
– Responsible to oversee the artistic and dramatic aspects of the production and choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of show.

What is your background in theatre?
A few Walterdale Productions: Stage Manager – Misanthrope, Proof; Choreographer: CHESS: The Musical
Straight Edge Theatre: Co-Founder

What about this show intrigues you?
– The passion, the energy, the characters relationship and, the text.
– I love art, in all forms and mediums. This show brings with it some beautiful creative challenges. Those challenges inspired me as an Artist/Director to create this world.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show?
– Speaking of challenges… one of the technical challenges has been blocking the painting scene. There are lots of factors to that moment. The diligence, the technique, the timing, and the synchronization of the movement. There is a lot happening, and quickly. Lots of layers to consider.
– Another great challenge is the text/ dialogue itself. These words are heavy and intellectual and difficult. How do you take 40 pages of talking and make it interesting and engaging? It was a daunting task at first, but I was in love with the language and the relationship of the characters. Confession: The first time I read it (years ago) I used dictionary.com several times.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? Favorite painting/sculpture? Do you have a picture?
– I have a few local Artists whose work I deeply admire: Mitchell Chalifoux and Kristina Shave. Admittedly Ken and I are of one mind. I adore Jackson Pollock’s work. I have a soft spot in my heart for Monet and Van Gogh as well.

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN by Oscar Wilde

Auditions were completed this week for Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde, directed by Martin Stout.

We’re excited to welcome back many Walterdale members as well as welcome in several brand new ones!

Join us onstage in December for this witty piece from Oscar Wilde!

CAST:
Mrs. Erlynne – Marsha Amanova
Lady Windermere – Miranda Broumas
Duchess of Berwick – Leslie Caffaro
Mrs. Cowper-Cowper – Grace Chapman
Rosalie (Maid) – Emanuelle Dubbeldam
Lord Darlington – Dan Fessenden
Lady Agatha Carlisle – Hannah Haugen
Lady Plymdale – Brittany Hinse
Lord Windermere – Patrick Maloney
Parker (Butler) – Ed Medeiros
Mr Dumby – Andy Mikula
Mr Cecil Graham – Brayden O’Boyle
Lord Augustus Lorton – David Owen
Lady Stutfield – Roseanna Sargent
Mr Hopper – Craig Sephton
Lady Jedburgh – Samantha VandenBrink

Production Team:
Director – Martin Stout
Assistant Director – Madeleine Stout
Production Manager – Karin Lauderdale
Set Designer – Leland Stelck
Lighting Designer – Richard Hatfield
Costume Designer – Geri Dittrich
Props – Emily Randall
Master Builder – Pierre Valois
Master Painter – Joan Heys Hawkins

Paper Doll Productions presents SEVEN LOST MINUTES at the 2016 Edmonton Fringe

Paper Doll Productions is thrilled to be bringing you the Canadian Premiere of Seven Lost Minutes written by Sydney Parcey to the 35th Annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival!!

Based on a true story, Seven Lost Minutes follows the story of Diana, a driven wife whose medical symptoms point towards an “unknown disease”. Diana fights for her health, as her family fights for her well-being. This story shows how the love of one family can help someone survive whatever life throws at them.

Written by: Sydney Parcey
Directed by: Melanie Bahniuk (Ravenscroft)

Featuring:
Shanni Pinkerton
Josh Harnack
Miranda Broumas
Sam Goertz
Rebecca Bissonnette (Ravenscroft)
Roseanna Sargent
Emi Gusdal

WALK ON WATER THEATRE presents JESUS MASTER BUILDER – A DIVINE COMEDY at the Edmonton Fringe

Written by Mark Allan Greene
Directed by Trish van Doornum

Starring Bradley Bishop, Macalan Tate Boniec-Jedras, Cailin Mills, Curtis Johnson, Monica Maddaford, Mike McDevitt, Mike LaPlaunte, and Josh Languedoc.

Special thanks to Trevor Rueger, Mieko Ouchi, Walterdale Theatre, and the Alberta Playwrights’ Network for script development.

The whole world has heard the story of the Followers of Christ; now hear the tragic tale of the Customers of Christ. Jesus is a great Son of God, but not much of a carpenter. He also has two fathers. While Joseph wants Jesus to get into the family home building business, God has very different plans. He tries to please both, but the houses that Jesus builds are unholy disasters. Follow the quest of Jebediah, as he leads the first ever Condo Association through biblical events to find Jesus Christ and bring Him back into their lives… to fix the deficiencies in the homes that Jesus built.

Walterdale members involved are:
Trish van Doornum, Mark Allan Greene, Anglia Redding, Liz Cook, Bradley Bishop, Macalan Tate Boniec-Jedras, Monica Maddaford, Mike LaPlaunte, Curtis Johnson, Josh Languedoc, Doug Verdin, and Geri Dittrich

Half the Battle at the 2016 Edmonton International Fringe

Walterdale Almunae Owen Bishop and Joel Taras present Half the Battle

“The combination of strong acting and muscular writing made this one a winner!” – David Hudgins, Co-Founder of Electric Company Theatre

“Half the Battle is twice the show – Funny and Moving. Don’t miss it!” – Kathryn Shaw, Artistic Director of Studio 58

When a Canadian pilot and copilot were shot down during the Second World War their tombstones were attached together to symbolize their partnership lasting into the afterlife. Join Adams and Davis as the journey to the other side where they learn a little about death and a lot about each other.

What began in Vancouver at Studio 58 as a final exercise before Owen’s graduation, this two-ish man show has moved back home with him to Edmonton. The show has been re…vamped, expanded, revised and polished by Owen and Joel for months. Half the Battle is packed with Canadian Military history and existential humour, it’s like Band of Brothers meets Waiting for Godot!

Venue #9 The Telus Phone Museum

Thursday, August 11th 11:59 PM
Sunday, August 14th 12:00 PM
Monday August 15th 2:00 PM
Tuesday, August 16th 4:00 PM
Wednesday, August 17th 8:15 PM
Friday, August 19th 6:45 PM

Created and performed by: Owen Bishop (The Threepenny Opera)
Directed and made to look sexy by: Joel Taras (Beautiful Thing)

iiii theatricals presents EPIC TRAGEDY an EPIC comedy at the 2016 Edmonton International Fringe

Written and Directed by Gerald Osborn

Date night in Ancient Athens. Meet Medea and Oedipus. According to the Fates, they’re a perfect match thanks to all the patricide, infanticide and accidental incest in their day-to-day lives. Will these two crazy kids make a go of it or are they destined for an EPIC TRAGEDY? Opa!

Epic Tragedy – Winner, Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Work, Outstanding Director – Stage Struck! 2013

Cast:
Francie Goodwin-Davies
James Hamilton
Landon Shayne Penner
Eric Smith
Ruby Swekla
Cat Walsh
Catherine Wenschlag
dale Wilson
Syrell Wilson

Stage Manager: Melanie Hough
Technical Consultant: Doug Verdin

The Novus Actors present LEGALLY LEMOINE: TWO COMEDIES IN SEARCH OF JUSTICE at the 2016 Fringe

A misfit group of Edmonton-based lawyers leave the courtroom for the stage at the 2016 Edmonton Fringe Festival. After a successful run at the 2015 Festival, the Novus Actors return with a new double-bill. It’s Legally Lemoine: Two Comedies in Search of Justice. On the docket this year are two Stewart Lemoine one-acts: A Widow’s Crimes weaves intrigue, deception, and romance at a Balkan spa in the 1920s, and in the more contemporary A Second Round of Seconds, rogue participants cause havoc at a speed dating event.

The Novus Actors is an ensemble group of Edmonton-based barristers and solicitors, made up of Mark Facundo, Jillian Gamez, Stacey Grubb (Anything Goes), Don MacCannell, Morgan McClelland, Ed Picard, Sarah Rossman and Marissa Tordoff. Jointly directing the production are Stewart Lemoine and Mathew Hulshof.

“Edmonton has an incredibly vibrant theatre community,” said Stacey Grubb, actor and legal counsel with Alberta Justice. “I fell in love with Stewart Lemoine’s work the first time I saw it. It is such a privilege to work with members of Teatro La Quindicina’s ensemble.”

All proceeds from the show will be donated to Teatro La Quindicina, a not-for-profit professional theatre company based in Edmonton. LOCATION: Venue #12 – Varscona Theatre, 10329 83 Avenue, Edmonton