Tag: Member Profile

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Katelyn Arthurs

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Anticleia/Maid

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s a retelling of another side of a pretty well-known tale, The Odyssey. It takes a look at a lot of issues that are still affecting women today. You also need to come see this cast – they’re all unbelievable!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Such a fabulous cast of talented, supportive, creative women! It’s created a lovely space for us to make magic in.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You’ll never regret being kind.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Artemis – Greek goddess of the moon

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Katy Yachimec-Farries

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play Odysseus and a maid. In this story, instead of the returning hero, Odysseus is more complicated; absent husband to Penelope and murderer of her beloved maids.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

How many times do you get to see an all female cast onstage? With a female director? This play is full of haunting vignettes, a variety of genres and leaves you questioning whose stories are we missing out on.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Finally stepping on stage with the rest of the cast. In person!

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take a breath. You don’t have to be perfect. Stop worrying about what other people think and focus on who you want to be.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was a kid. I’ve always been drawn to the goddess Athena, but those Olympians are so petty. After reading Circe, by Madeline Miller, I’d have to go with her. I love that she was not a victim and learned to develop her power through hard work.

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Christoff Lundgren

What is your name?

Christoff Lundgren

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Dr. Balthasar Moulineux – The Philandering Husband 

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

I can and often do kick myself in the face.

I have worked as a performer in World Wrestling Entertainment.

I have skydived dressed as Elvis

Which one was a lie? 

Even in a fancy, bedazzled jumpsuit, I am still too afraid to throw myself out of an airplane. 

Why should audiences come see this show?

Because it is timeless humour being performed by my absolutely hilarious colleagues and supported by an amazing local crew. 

Meet the Creative Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Laura Eschak

What is your name?

Laura Eschak

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Laura is the Costume Designer for A Fitting Confusion. A Costume Designer works with the Director, to create costumes for the performers. Costumes create the illusion for the performers to become the characters and draws the audience into the story.

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

  1. Laura has performed with her three daughters in musicals.
  2. Laura has marched in a parade in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  3. Laura has seen the ghost that has visits her home.

Which one was a lie? 

Laura has not seen the ghost, her daughters have seen a young girl and an older woman ghosts in our house.

Why should audiences come see this show?

A Fitting Confusion is a fast paced romp through hidden identities and intentions that will leave you in stitches

Meet the Creative Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Phil Kreisel

What is your name?

Phil Kreisel

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Sound Designer.  My role as sound designer is to create vocal effects that actors will often react to (in real life), as well as create sound and/or music that enhances the mood in the show.

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

1) I’ve visited Vietnam on 4 different occasions to help the government create and implement a census of their people, including asking people about their methods of birth control. 

2) According to lighting designer Richard Hatfield, I’m older than dirt.

Which one was a lie? 

Pretty obvious.

Why should audiences come see this show?

To get a good non-Christmas laugh as we enter the holiday season.

Meet the Creative Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Doug Verdin

What is your name?

Doug Verdin

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

I have 2 off-stage roles, Set Builder and Lighting Operator. The LX Operator makes the lights change at the direction of the Stage Manager

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

  1. I was born in South America.
  2. I finished in 12th place in the 2005 triathlon, World Masters Games in Edmonton.
  3. I first appeared on stage at Walterdale in Hickory Dickory  Dock, in December 1993

Which one was a lie? 

I didn’t finish 12th, I finished 546th, but I did finish!

Why should audiences come see this show?

Because: We Do it for Love not Money!

Meet the Creative Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Jordyn Carr

What is your name?

Jordyn Carr

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

I’m Assistant Stage Manager, or ASM!  I assist the Stage Manager with whatever they need, as well as keep track of when the cast members come on stage during shows.  In addition, I keep backstage prepared and organized for show time!

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

1. When I was younger, my mother found me out on the street in the middle of the night.  That was the start of my sleep walking.

2. I have never had poutine before. I know, how could I!?

3. I got my first job when I was 13

Which one was a lie? 

In truth, I have had poutine before!  But only once and it wasn’t that great.  It made me question if I was really Canadian or not.

Why should audiences come see this show?

A Fitting Confusion is a show filled with scandal and comedy.  Just watching rehearsals has gotten most of the cast and crew laughing!  The show, just as it says in the name, can also be quite confusing if you’re not paying attention, because of all the drama that takes place.  I wonder if anyone will figure out what’s really going on before the end of the show!

Meet the Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Justine Makowecki

What is your name?

Justine Makowecki

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

I’m the sound operator. I am the person making all the sound effects happen during the performance.

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

My nickname growing up was “pickle” because I ate so many gherkins, I’ve been skydiving, and I’ve been zip lining

Which one was a lie? 

My nickname growing up was pickles because I ate so many gherkins. Pickles are my absolute favourite food but my nickname wasn’t pickle

Why should audiences come see this show?

It is great to support local theatre. It is very engaging and fun to watch.

Meet the Creative Team Behind A Fitting Confusion – Lauren Gagnon

What is your name?

Lauren Gagnon

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

I’m the stage manager, which means I try to keep everything involving the stage organized (I keep record of everything we do during rehearsals, call lighting and sound cues during the show, etc.).

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

1) I have never been to the United States.

2) I have never dyed my hair.

3) I have never been to a professional hockey game.

Which one was a lie? 

#2 – I used to regularly dye my hair shades of red, blue or purple.

Why should audiences come see this show?

It’s a lighthearted and silly story, perfect for cold December nights!

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Lauren Tamke

What is your name?

Lauren Tamke

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Suzanne, the other woman

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

To stay on brand with the show:

I have been to Paris, France

I have lived in an apartment number 1B

I once rode an ostrich with black plumes

Which one was a lie? 

I have never lived in apartment “1B”.

You’ll have to ask me in-person about the ostrich if you want more details 😉 But don’t worry, no ostriches were harmed!

Why should audiences come see this show?

This show is fast and silly and full of hilarious physical comedy and laughter!