Opening Night - Wyrd Sisters!

Tonight is opening night for Wyrd Sisters at Walterdale. As with every opening at Walterdale there is a reception afterwards where the audience can mix and mingle with the cast and crew and also enjoy a tipple and a bite or two. Usually I go to opening night, but because of a scheduling conflict I will not be able to. I love the energy of an opening - everyone is extra excited to have the first paying audience (they have had two previews, but it is not the same) and since many have friends and family in the audience they are even more nervous about doing a good job. This show is full of silliness and magic, pyros and demons, witches and evil royalty, and will be a fun ride! I expect for a cold November night this will be just the ticket! Show starts at 8 p.m. I hope you make it out!

* Photo by Douglas Stewart

Spotlight on Stanley Woo - Bowman and Beldon in Wyrd Sisters

What is your role in. this production? I have two roles in the show. The first is a very disagreeable soldier who gets a marvelous death scene. Don't blink or you might miss it. The second is an actor playing the role of the Duke--yes, that means I'm an actor playing an actor playing a duke--and I get to pull focus in that scene, so watch for me!

What brought you to this production? I like doing fun shows at Walterdale, and I like doing large-cast shows, and Wyrd Sisters is both! I get to meet a lot of people with different performing backgrounds and we get to have fun putting on a play. Isn't that what theatre is supposed to be all about?

What is your background in Theatre? I took my first Drama classes in junior high. I was a very shy and insecure child, and performing was a great way to become someone else for a while and have people applaud you for it. I went to Vic Comp for high school (now the Victoria School of Performing and Visual ARts) and got a whole lot more experience in singing, acting, even dancing and music composition. I was in four different choirs, a performance class, a music class, and a dance class while I was there, and performed in three main stage musicals. I even did improv with Rapid Fire Theatresports for a couple of years.

Since then, I've tried to find other opportunities to perform or help others perform. I was a board member of an independent company, have performed with or for countless others, and have performed at one stage or another at each of the last 18 Edmonton Fringe Festivals. Throughout my performing career, I have done one-acts, Shakespeare, musicals, two-handers, revues and classics, and had roles large and small.

I first got involved with Walterdale in 2003 (I think), with The Taming of the Shrew. It was such a neat experience and I met so many fun and wonderful people that I wondered why I didn't join the community sooner. From there I went on to productions like Cyrano de Bergerac, The Skin of Our Teeth, and Lend Me a Tenor, and I'm not planning on stopping. Walterdale is a great fit for me, and I hope it won't ever get tired of me hanging around.

What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? Trying not to be envious of all the great lines that other actors get to say. Wyrd Sisters is such a funny show, and we have some truly hilarious actors. I want to share scenes with all of them, all the time! Thankfully, Nelson has given me some fun things to do on stage too, like my aforementioned death scene and focus-pulling.

What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? It's a Walterdale show! There is no one part of it that's more enjoyable than any other. I love the show, the cast and crew, the rehearsal process, and the theatre itself. But I suppose, if I HAD to pick one thing, it would be that I get to carry a crossbow with me on stage! Seriously! A crossbow!

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? I think audiences will be a little confused by some of the context, if they haven't read any Terry Pratchett, but then they will start laughing and forget everything else. Some people will laugh so hard they won't be able to breathe, and some will laugh so loudly that we will be able to hear them upstairs. But I think everyone will come out of the show satisfied, perhaps teary-eyed, and having had a great abdominal workout.

* Stanley can be seen on stage regularly with the #YEGprov improv troupe and with a cappella group Apocalypse Kow. He also sits on the board for the Pure Speculation science fiction and literary festival, Edmonton's premier sci-fi and fandom festival.

Spotlight on Barbara Schmid - Mrs. Vitoller in Wyrd Sisters

What is your role in this production? What does that entail? If you are in the cast, describe your character. I play Mrs. Vitoller in Wyrd Sisters. She is the wife of Olwyn Vitoller who is the owner/actor in his own theatre company. I accompany the troupe and help out where I can. We had a little girl once but are now childless and are offered a little boy from the witches. I am ecstatic that I am finally going to be a Mother again!! This is the smallest role that I have ever had, but is just perfect for me now as I am a very busy Grandma to an almost 2 year old!! I am also going to help Prudence out with make-up for this show.

What brought you to this production? Seven years ago I auditioned for Les Belle Soeurs at Walterdale and was fortunate enough to get the lead role. Just after we did the first read through, I found out that my husband had colon cancer. I was not able to continue with that production. My husband went through five operations in ten months and it was at then that we thought life was too short and decided to buy a place in Mesa, Arizona and since 2006 we have been wintering there. This year, we decided to stay home for Christmas because of our Grandson and I was so thrilled that I had the opportunity to audition for Wyrd Sisters and equally thrilled that Nelson chose me to be a cast member. To be back at Walterdale is unbelievable exciting for me and to be involved with such an amazing cast and crew is just a blast from the past!!!

What is your background in Theatre? I took three years of training at the Citadel Theatre School from 1987 – 1990 and many years of workshops with Drama Works. My first play at Walterdale, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe was in 1990 and I have done over a dozen shows there over the years. I have also acted at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove, with Festival Players in Sherwood Park, Sherard Musical Theatre in Sherwood Park and have been in about a dozen Fringe shows. At Walterdale, I have been on the executive twice, did programs for many years and was head of the make-up department for many years. Walterdale was like a second home to me and I have made many fabulous long-lasting friendships there.

Live theatre has always been a big part of my life. I was very involved in make-up at different theatres and was a professional make-up artist for about 10 years also. I also act in film and have done dozens of commercials, industrial films and movies and have had photos on a billboard and sides of buses. I have also been a professional model for about 25 years.

What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? I am back doing a play at Walterdale!!!! It is so enjoyable being back on stage with some of my old acting buddies, but being involved with this cast and crew is absolutely amazing too!!! I am so excited about being back on stage again after being away for so long.

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? Wyrd Sisters is so well written and is such a wonderful comedy. Each cast member is perfect for their part and Nelson did such a great job casting. We are all going to blow the audience away!!! If they weren’t fans before, they may want to start reading the novels.

Spotlight on Sarah Hennessey - Soldier and Gumridge in Wyrd Sisters

What is your role in this production? I play two delightful little roles. Firstly, I am a Soldier that has issues with killing people. Secondly, I am Gumridge, a member of a "play within the play" and I get to "play" the evil Duchess. My two roles are lovely contrasts and a lot of fun.

What brought you to this production? I had just discovered the joy that is Terry Pratchett's Discworld a month or so prior to noticing the audition call for Wyrd Sisters. It's a wonderful adaptation and an absolute riot! I had been waiting for the right show to come along to inspire me to get involved in theatre again... and this was it! I couldn't resist auditioning.

What is your background in Theatre? I've been involved in theatre from a very young age, taking many lead roles in church and school productions. After high school I auditioned for the theatre program at RDC and thoroughly enjoyed the program. It was the realization of a childhood dream and so much fun! After graduating, though, I felt the financial pull of a "real job" and didn't perform much until moving to Lloydminster a year or so later. I was heavily involved in community theatre there... It's a lovely thing to have the director of a show call YOU and make sure you will be at an audition! When I moved back to Edmonton in 2005, I was a little overwhelmed by the theatre scene here and wasn't sure where to begin. Life swept me along and it's been over five years since my last real performance!! Thankfully, my husband never stopped encouraging me to get involved, and here I am! This is my first show with Walterdale, but I always knew that when I got involved again, it would be here.

What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? Not being in more scenes! HAHA! Actually, it's pretty much perfect as I'm also in school full time right now.

What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? Being amongst my fellow thespians again! It's a very unique culture and I didn't realize how deeply I missed being a part of it. I feel like I've found a missing part of my soul.

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? FUN! This show is pure FUN! I can't think of a better way to spend an evening.

Any other comments you would like to share? I just want to thank anyone who had a hand in deciding that I should be a part of this show. I am more grateful than you can possibly imagine.

Spotlight on Darrell Portz - The Demon and Hwel in Wyrd Sisters

What is your role in. this production? What does that entail? If you are in the cast, describe your character. I have two roles. I am the Demon and I am Hwel, the playwright. Both of these roles require significant make-up and costuming. The Demon rears his head in a single scene to provide the witches with information about the state of kingdom . Hwel is a dwarf who did not cut it working in the mines and physically demanding dwarf culture. His imagination and creativitiy drew him to becoming the most gifted playwright in Discworld. It is not uncommon for him to be engaged in a conversation only to drift away as an idea pops into his head about a possible new play.

What brought you to this production? Why did you audition/join the production team? I had read this script a couple of years ago and loved the quick Monty Pyton-like banter and humour. Having not been in a comedic production for a few years now, I thought it would be fun to audition for a role. Also, having worked with a number of the members of the production team on other shows, specifically the director, Nelson Niwa, and stage manager, May Kharaghani, in Mail Order Bride at Walterdale, I knew we would be in good hands.

What is your background in Theatre? With Walterdale? I got my start in theatre at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC) in Yellowknife NWT in about 1983. I was a techie and got to try my hand in special effects, follow spot, lighting operator, sound operator, and assistant stage managing. I was out of theatre for 10 years during my time in the military. When I left the Canadian Forces I returned to Yellowknife and was coaxed into a role as one of the Murderers in MacBeth. I had always been behind the scenes, and I was not sure how I would fair on stage. Once I did it I was hooked. I was on the board of directors for Lunch Pail Theatre for about 8 years in Yellowknife and was involved in a number of great productions as an actor, production manager, sound designer, assistant stage manager and assistant director. When I moved to Edmonton in 2008 one of the first things I did was to audition for a role and was cast in Black Hearts in the Green Room at Walterdale Playhouse. Since then I have had an opportunity to be involved in a number of Walterdale productions as an actor and as a sound designer. I love Walterdale. People are what drive theatre, and the people involved on the board of directors for Walterdale Playhouse as well as the people who volunteer their time will drive this organization well into the future. I am honoured to be a part of community theatre at Walterdale Playhouse.

What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? I did not have any real challenges with this production. This, I think, is a testament to the production team who did a fantastic job of scheduling rehearsals for this rather large cast so that it worked for all the actors. If I had to pick something, I would have to say it was making myself shorter. I am, after all, a dwarf.

What is the most enjoyable thing about being invovled in this production? This is one of those scripts that although it is funny to read, it is funnier to see it performed. Many of the actors have taken their characters to a place where I had not expected them to go. Their character development has been amazing to watch. We recently had a full walk-thru-stumble-thru of the first act. It was the first time I had a chance to see how everyone gels as a cast of characters. I found myself laughing out loud a number of times at parts that I had not found particularly funny while just reading the script. The cast has really brought the words on paper to life.

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? In a word… Fun. This is a light-hearted comedy that references a number of Shakespearian and other works. Even if the audience has not read the novel, Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett, they will be able to follow the story and should have no trouble connecting with the wide range of characters. Audiences should come to the Walterdale Playhouse ready to laugh.

Any other comments you would like to share? An audience sees the actors on stage portray a character in a story. That is what they expect when they come to theatre. As all of us actors know, we would be standing naked on a dark, quiet, barren stage if not for the hard working folks behind the scenes who make us look good. Costumes, set, props, lighting, sound, front of house (to name a few) are integral to a successful performance. The production team for this show is fantastic. I would like to thank all of them for the many long hours they have put into this production.

AUDITIONS! The Love of the Nightingale

The Love of the Nightingale

by Timberlake Wertenbaker

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 4th – 14th, 2012

AUDITION DATES: December 4th & 5th, 2011; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Walterdale Playhouse (10322 83 Avenue)

DIRECTOR: Alex Hawkins

The Love of the Nightingale is an ensemble play with substantial roles for 8-9 women, and 8-9 men, of various ages from (for the males) a young boy to an older man; and from (for the females) a teenage girl to an older woman — and many roles in between.

Everyone is welcome to audition, and we will be casting the play entirely from those who audition.

For the auditions, auditioners will be grouped within three possible time slots each evening:

• 7:00 to 7:45 pm


• 8:00 to 8:45 pm


• 9:00 to 9:45 pm

Auditioners should sign up for ONE of these slots on either Sunday or Monday evening. There is no advantage to signing up earlier rather than later; everyone who auditions during these two evenings will be considered seriously for the available roles.

Please note: Anyone wishing to be involved in production aspects (set building and painting, props, costumes, assistant stage managing, lighting and sound operation, etc.) is encouraged to contact our Production Manager, Janet McLean, as well (contact information below).

• For the audition, you are NOT expected to come with a prepared audition piece or monologue. Instead, all auditioners will cold-read one or more scenes from the play The Love of the Nightingale with other auditioners.


• Rehearsals: We will begin regular rehearsals on Sunday, January 8, 2012. From January 8 through mid-March, rehearsals will be scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, and on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. (No Fridays or Saturdays until mid-March.) Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal, and more details on specific rehearsal calls will be made once casting is completed. From mid-March through the beginning of April, cast members will be expected to be available for all of these times, plus Friday evenings and Saturdays, for technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals.


• PLEASE NOTE: All auditioners must bring their January-April 2012 schedules to the audition, indicating potential conflicts with rehearsal times.


• We will complete the casting by Friday, December 9, 2011. When we have cast the play, we will have one full reading of the play on Sunday, December 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, then break for the holiday season. Every person who auditions should book this date and time, in the event that he or she is cast.


• Walterdale is a volunteer/member organization. We cannot engage Equity performers.

To book an audition, please contact our Production Manager, Janet McLean, and specify your preferred time within one of these slots. Email (preferred): janet.mclean@shaw.ca; Phone (if you have no access to Email): 780-244-5472

(Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows)

Spotlight on Francie Goodwin-Davies - Nanny Ogg in Wyrd Sisters

What is your role in this production? I play Nanny Ogg a fun loving, man loving, woman who likes a bit of the drink. She has been married between 3-5 times and has many children. She is a woman who could crack coconuts with her thighs.

What brought you to this production? Everybody kept telling me that I should audition for this role, and here I am. I’m not sure if there was a bit of type casting, although I don’t know how to crack coconuts with my thighs. I had no clue of Discworld and knew nothing about it.

What is your background in Theatre? I started in theatre at 5 years old and have been doing it ever since. I joined Walterdale in 1974 and have been a member since. I have been to the U of C the U of A, Banff school of Fine Arts and The 2 year theatre program at Vic Comp. I have been in very many plays at Walterdale and I adored when we used to do Melodramas at the Citadel.

What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? The most enjoyable? I think the most challenging things about his show will be the tech part of the show, lots of things going on. We have an amazing technical group working with us so I think it will be fabulous. The most enjoyable things about this production is the large group of fantastic actors of all ages who are on this show! The return of some old Walterdale folk is great to see and, as I said before, the tech folks behind the scenes are all wonderful.

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? I think audiences will have a good time when they see this show. Enjoy the magic and the comedy.

Any other comments you would like to share? I'm so glad to be here at Walterdale and having a blast with new and old members!

Spotlight on Gerald Mason - Olwyn Vitoller in The Wyrd Sisters

Who are you playing in this production? I play Olwyn Vitoller. He is an Actor/Manager of his Theatre Company

What is your background in theatre? I have been a Member of Walterdale Theatre for many years. I have acted in many production at Walterdale as well as Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove, Sherard Musical Theatre in Sherwood Park, Two One Way Tickets to Broadway in Edmonton, and many others. Walterdale has become home the past few years. This play is no exception. It is a wonderful play to be involved with because of the large cast. It is always a joy to run in to familiar faces again as well as meeting new ones.

* Gerald was most recently see as Mr. Peachum in The Threepenny Opera in April 2011. He grew his beard out for that one and is re-growing it for this one as well!

Why did you come out for this show? I chose this play because it is a comedy. I need a laugh. A lot of my friends were auditioning and I knew that if I got cast I would more than likely be on stage with some of them. The audience should love the play. For them to sit back and not think about our world for a couple of hours will be a treat in itself.