Tag: Member

Meet the Team of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Karin Lauderdale is Costume Designer!

What is your name? Karin Lauderdale

What is your role on the show? Costume Designer

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? The show is a fun look at behind the scenes of a Broadway show but it also touches on serious issues of the 80s such as the emerging AIDS crisis and women’s rights.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The freedom to design costumes for an un-named show with no restrictions. Barb gave me carte blanche which is such a privilege as a designer.

Meet the Team of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Leland Stelck is Set Designer!

What is your name? Leland Stelck

What is your role on the show? Set Designer – before I put pencil to paper, Exacto-knife to cardstock; I have probably read the play at least two times – looking for inspiration – looking for images – in this show, you will see on the floor, two ribbons representing the two serious themes that weave their way through this production.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? This show embodies the crazy theatre ethic that ‘the show must go on’ while real tragedy is happening within – it’s thought provoking.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on According to the Chorus? Working with the team of builders and painters and seeing the design emerge full-scale from the 1/2″ scale maquette.

Many characters in According to the Chorus are grappling with their own personal struggles, some more openly than others. How did seeing and reading those stories affect you? Reading the script made me think about those people I know who have suffered domestic abuse; but most of all you begin to wonder about other people whom you only suspect have suffered – and what can be done?

What was your favourite costume that you’ve ever worn? In 1999 I was a\the villain’s henchman in the melodrama ‘Dark Deeds a Swann’s Place or Never Trust a Tattooed Sailor‘; I had bullet belts and guns and knives a a fabulous pair of chaps. The audience gave me spurs every time I walked across the stage.

Meet the Team of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Rachel Whipple is ASM!

What is your name? Rachel Whipple

What is your role on the show? Assistant Stage Manager – Specifically I am a dresser which is really fun since this show is about the dynamics between dressers and performers.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? Beside the brilliant and beautiful cast, this show tells a raw and vulnerable story about losing loved ones to the AIDS crisis. It’s important to remember this time and learn more about how it affected everyone (not just gay men).

What would you say would be a highlight of working on According to the Chorus? I love all the costume changes and getting to know all the performers so well thought out close encounters.

Many characters in According to the Chorus are grappling with their own personal struggles, some more openly than others. What was a challenge that you overcame? This show impacts me as I too am a survivor of domestic abuse. It was a little startling seeing the actress with her bruised eye makeup for the first time because it reminded me of when I had bruises on my face. Now, I am an advocate for people leaving abusive situations and starting fresh for themselves. I serve on the board for Riseup Society Alberta which is an organization that provides counselling and resources to those who have experienced intimate partner violence.

What was your favourite costume that you’ve ever worn? Walterdale Theatre hosted an event and I got to wear a beautiful pink princess dress! It was so fun.

Meet the Team of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Brooke Emberly is Master Painter!

What is your name? Brooke Emberly

What is your role on the team? Master Painter! It is my job to lead the paint crew and make the designers vision come to life.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? Come see some fun comedy, a deep story and forever guess just what exactly they are doing upstairs in the theatre!!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on According to the Chorus? Getting to turn the floor into a fun concrete scumble! It is not very that often we get to use that technique on such a large canvas.

Many characters in According to the Chorus are grappling with their own personal struggles, some more openly than others. What was a challenge that you overcame? I was just starting up University again after 10 years of being out while on this production; juggling becoming a student, school work and leading a team all at once was quite the challenge!

What was your favourite costume that you’ve ever worn? Probably my Xigbar costume, which was the very first cosplay I had ever done at the tender age of 14! I put in so much work, and knew nothing when I started on it. It was a great growing experience!

Meet the Cast of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Miranda Broumas is Linda!

What is your name? Miranda Broumas

What is your role in the show? I play Linda, the unapologetically cheeky and charming chorus girl best known for her ability to turn tension into laughter. She never misses a chance to stir up fun…or trouble. She would like it to be known that she does, in fact, take care of her costumes, despite what Audrey will tell you.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? This show is a backstage whirlwind of hijinks set against a pivotal and tragic chapter in our history. It offers a glimpse into the lives of dressers, chorus people and technicians navigating New York City’s performance scene in the 1980s while facing the harsh realities of the AIDS crisis, job security, arts funding cuts, eating disorders, career longevity, domestic abuse and more. If you’re interested in a show that is equal parts chaotic, charming and poignant, and a celebration of the power of human connection and levity in times of profound loss and upheaval, this is one to check out.

Meet the Cast of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Josh Young is Vander!

What is your name? Josh Young

What is your role in the show? I’m playing the role of Vander, the stalwart stage manager.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? Come for the 80’s nostalgia, stay for the seeping meaning of the play.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on According to the Chorus? All the girls, dressers and chorus alike, giving it their all to tell this story.

Many characters in According to the Chorus are grappling with their own personal struggles, some more openly than others. What was a challenge that you overcame, that most people might not have known about at the time? Trying to give Vander a proper voice and for the character to lead the production without bringing to light his own issues. He puts the show first before himself.

What was your favourite costume that you’ve ever worn? Going as Dr. Hunter S. Thompson for Halloween.

Meet the Team of ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS! Cathy Dragon is our Assistant Costumer!

What is your name? Cathy Dragon

What is your role on this production? I am assisting the magnificent Karin Lauderdale with costumes.

Why should audiences come to see According to the Chorus? To highlight an issue that has fallen off the public radar.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on According to the Chorus? I just recently joined, but I’m sure the 80s costumes will open a floodgate of memories!

Many characters in According to the Chorus are grappling with their own personal struggles, some more openly than others. What was a challenge that you overcame, that most people might not have known about at the time? I was living in another country and had just moved to a new town for a new job and was going through a divorce. I worked on a production of Phantom of the Opera. It saved my sanity.

What was your favourite costume that you’ve ever worn? A peacock costume I made for the masquerade ball in POTO. It had a train made of tulle and peacock feathers.

Meet the Cast of STAG AND DOE! Katelyn Arthurs is Bonnie!

Who are you? Katelyn Arthurs

What is your role in the show? I am playing Bonnie in the show!

Have you been involved with Walterdale Theatre before? I’ve been fortunate to be involved with the Walterdale for many years. Mostly as an actor, but there was one time I was convinced to assistant direct.

What do you think is the best season for a wedding? I think all seasons are great for weddings. I love love! Summer has the opportunity for outdoor celebrations, winter has those dramatic photo ops, spring just feels like new beginnings, and fall is just a superior season altogether for many reasons.

Why should audiences come to see Stag and Doe? It’s EXACTLY what we all need right now. A little levity, a few warm fuzzies and a LOT of laughs!

Meet the Team of STAG AND DOE! Rebecca Cave is Stage Manager!

Who are you? Rebecca Cave

What is your role in the show? What does that involve? Stage Manager, which means I’ve got an incredibly colourful version of the script, and it’s my job to make sure that everything that is supposed to be and happen on stage does so at the correct time and in the safest manner possible.

Have you been involved with Walterdale Theatre before? Yes, I’ve been involved in a variety of roles, but most commonly as a Lighting Designer.

What do you think is the best season for a wedding? I’ve always thought that for weather reasons fall is probably best. If you aim for September or early October, you dodge the snow, but it’s not too hot and you get some gorgeous sunlight.

Tell us a funny short story about something going wrong at a wedding. When I was a kid, my aunt had a winter wedding in what had to be the coldest church in town. It was a semi-historical building in the UK, so the only heating it had was these ancient radiators at the back that got turned on after we showed up. The bridesmaid dresses were sleeveless and very pretty, but not at all warm and my poor sister and I ended up taking shelter in my mom’s shawl. The bride of course had the foresight to give herself a faux-fur wrap. The whole affair was lovely and sweet and we were all blue by the end of it. Thankfully the reception hall had central heating.

Why should audiences come to see Stag and Doe? Stag and Doe is a hilarious show about weddings; how they go right, how they go wrong, and what’re the parts that really matter. With the wedding season bearing down upon us, it’s the perfect time for pandemonium and parties, and we’ve got both ready to share.

Meet the Team of STAG AND DOE! John Anderson is Production Manager!

Who are you? John Anderson

What is your role in the show? I am happy to be the Production Manager of this show, supporting my friend, Louise, in her directorial project. My duties in the PM role involve a lot of administrative tasks, such as booking rehearsal space at the theatre and elsewhere; preparing the program by collecting bios and headshots from the team; organizing and running production meetings; etc. It’s a rewarding role, because it means the creative team members can just focus on those creative parts, knowing that people like me have taken care of the other details. It takes a village to create a show, and I’ve had fun being part of this one.

Have you been involved with Walterdale Theatre before? I’ve been involved with Walterdale for about ten or so years, but always behind the scenes, as I’m not an actor. I’ve been serving on the Board for about five years. I’ve directed a couple shows (The Realistic Joneses and All My Sons), and am hoping to direct another one as soon as they’ll let me.

What do you think is the best season for a wedding? Compared to others, I haven’t attended too many weddings, but the ones I’ve enjoyed most were in the summertime and one at New Years. I haven’t put too much thought into it, but I think early summer is a great time for it, because everyone is feeling new and excited after the winter and it’s easier to space out for people that need to step away from the commotion, either because they need a smoke break, or because they’re introverts that just need some momentary distance.

Tell us a funny short story about something going wrong at a wedding. My uncle was at a wedding where they served drinks before the ceremony, and he was telling me how much he liked that, because it allowed people to loosen up for the actual ceremony, as opposed to waiting until the reception to have a drink. Consequently, he got way too drunk by the end of the night, and my grandma told him the next day that he embarrassed the family on the dance floor. The female bartender was wearing the nice vest he wore to the wedding at the end of the night, he must have enjoyed ordering drinks from her a lot. So maybe don’t serve alcohol until the reception, if you get married…

Why should audiences come to see Stag and Doe? It’s a great, modern Canadian play. I think it has a lot of hilarious moments, but the characters can be very endearing as well.