The Misanthrope - Media Call

We had an exciting Media Call tonight for The Misanthrope.  We shared sections from Acts 1, 3, and 4; took some photos; filmed a bit; and did some interviews. Here are some of the photos from the wonderful Douglas Stewart, who shares his talent with us for every show!  You can see the full set of photos at this link.

Brennan MacGregor as Alceste and Afton Rentz as Jennifer.

Bill Roberts as Covington and Brennan MacGregor as Alceste.

An Auditioning Workshop at Walterdale - Saturday, December 1st

There are a lot of auditions coming up in the next few months, not the least of which is Walterdale's auditions for Burning Vision on December 9th and 10th.  Why not put your best foot forward and prepare by taking this workshop?

Jim Guedo, the current Chair of Theatre Arts at MacEwan University is conducting ...

The Do's and Don't of Auditioning

Over the last thirty years, Jim Guedo’s work as director and designer has been showcased across the country at Canadian Stage, The National Arts Centre, The Neptune Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Sudbury Theatre Centre, The Globe Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, and The Citadel Theatre.

This workshop will address, but not be limited to:

•The Audition: What You Have Control Over Versus What You Don't

•How to Prepare

•Staging Your Audition: the Piece, Coming into the Room, the 'Interview

•Audition Etiquette

•The Cold Reading or Call Back

•Tools of the Trade: your Headshot, Resume and Cover Letter

Saturday December 1st, 2012

9:00 AM start for coffee and a wee brekkie,

12 - 1 for lunch (the Farmer's Market is open!)

Afternoon "tea table" for a break!

Ending at 4 PM

This workshop is FREE to Walterdale members!

Would you like to extend this invitation to a non-member? No problem!
The cost of the workshop is $25 on the day of the event AND they'll get a Walterdale membership as well!

Use this link http://walterdaletheatre.eventbrite.com to sign up for the latest member workshop hosted by the Walterdale Theatre!

If you are uncomfortable using Eventbrite to RSVP, please feel free to contact Parazanda Valois, our Director of Membership, at the following email: walterdale.membership@gmail.com

This event is funded by Theatre Alberta Workshops By Request.

Delivering Messages via David Johnston in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I play “A Motorcycle Messenger” and am the only character not gifted with a name. Amanda Neufeld has suggested I go by Jermaine. So I guess I’m Jermaine? As Jermaine the Messenger, I have many Messengery duties to do including delivering packages, riding a motorcycle, cellular respiration, helping packages get delivered, having great hair, providing a visual contrast to the high society white collar bourgeoisie, facilitating package delivery, and wearing leather pants.

What drew you to this production? The pants.

OK, OK. I’m friends with most of the collective that performed this version of The Misanthrope at the Fringe Festival two years ago and heard a fair number of good stories about the experience, though I missed seeing the show myself. I’m a big fan of the way the text plays, not only with language and rhythm but with conventions of theatre and structure. Janine’s direction has a gift for nailing the physicality of a scene and teasing out moments as long as they possibly can be in order to drive the point home, and I respond well to approaching the show physically and with full body – a “what are you doing” mindset as opposed to “what are you thinking.” Not to mention the cast are a lovely group of people, individually and collectively.

But seriously, it’s all about the pants, man.

What is your background in theatre? BA Drama from the University of Alberta, Artistic Director of my own indie production company, Allspice Theatre. This is my sixth production with Walterdale (Kiss Within a Kiss, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Threepenny Opera, The Love of the Nightingale) assuming you count The Weir (which I assistant directed) but not the multitude of shows I was lighting crew for. Outside the firehouse walls, a short list of credits includes Spring Awakening (Scona Alumni Theatre), Chicago, Cabaret, and Little Shop of Horrors (Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway Productions), Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Rabid Marmot Theatre), No Choking Matter (Allspice), Dracula (Escape Route Productions) and I hold the unofficial title of the John Ratzenberger at Blue Sky Theatre Emporium. I’m a company member with Clown Cartel Murder Mysteries, a produced playwright, and a kickass juggler.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I don’t see why I should be the only one who gets to wear an outfit entirely made of leather, if you get my drift.

Spotlight on Clyde Rigsby - Props Master for The Misanthrope

What is your role on the production? On the production I am the Props Master and Set Dressing guy.

What is your background in theatre? I have been on stage or behind it or organizing for it for over 40 years. Jobs have included executive director, board member, production manager, set designer, set builder, set painter, costume designer, costume fabricator, transportation manager, venue negotiator, chorus, lead, tenor in the corner, FOH manager, Usher and general all round scenery. There are very few jobs I have not had a crack at yet being on stage singing is still my favourite.For Walterdale I have been a member for 5 years (I think) and have been on stage three times. Been lucky to work ASM, props, builder, painter (some) FOH and tickets.

* For Walterdale, Clyde was seen onstage in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Apocalypse, Saskatchewan.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I think partying as Scots and singing songs from Brigadoon, or maybe gangsters and sing songs from Guys and Dolls. Regardless, I am wearing my kilt.

* Photo Credits: Above - Clyde and Robert MacDougal in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; photo by Bill Hill
Right - Clyde in Apocalypse, Saskatchewan; photo by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Hey! It's Me Again! Kristen M. Finlay - Marcia in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I have two roles on this production of The Misanthrope.  Onstage I play Marcia, a former acting teacher of the beautiful and famous Jennifer.  I am having a lot of fun playing Marcia because she is very smart and sharp and parries well onstage.  It's fun to play someone who is so smart and who believes she is right. I also get to stir up some trouble between Jennifer and Alceste and it's fun to be a conflict creator onstage, and I get to wear a couple of fabulous outfits! My other role on the production is that of Master Painter.  It has been a lot of work but it has been great bringing Travis Metzger's design to life.

What drew you to this production? I joined the production as painter first, but wanted to audition because I found the script so sharp and relevant.  The dialogue was challenging in the way that Shakespeare can be because of how Martin Crimp wrote it.  I also liked the way it had taken the classic Moliere work and transported it to present day. I thought it was intelligent and fit neatly into today.  One of the questions I always ask when approaching a play is "Why this play now?"  I think The Misanthrope says some things that are very relevant today about how we treat the famous and the talented, and how people are deceptive in their interactions.

What is your background in theatre? I have been onstage and backstage for over 30 years.  I spent many years at Keyano Theatre in Fort McMurray acting and backstage.  I then taught high school drama for several years and that is where I started directing. Since relocating to Edmonton 7 years ago I found Walterdale.  My first show was in Lunatic during the annual One Act Festival in 2006.  That was followed by Steel Magnolias, Board Work (3 years as Secretary, 2 years as Artistic Director and 1 as Treasurer).  I have directed four shows at Walterdale (Crimes of the Heart, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rabbit Hole and most recently Nine). I have also appeared onstage in The Threepenny Opera and Black Hearts in the Greenroom.  As master painter I designed and painted Village of Idiots and I was Master Painter for Wyrd Sisters and The Weir.  Outside of Walterdale I have my own company that I Co-Artistic Direct with Anne Marie Szucs called FinallySauces.  Through it we have produced two of my scripts, From Something and Pieces. I love theatre and love that I live in Edmonton where I have the opportunity to see and do so much!

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I have always thought it would be fun to have a Rubik's Cube party.  That's where everyone wears 6 different coloured pieces of clothing (shirt, pants, 2 socks, hat and something else) and then during the party you trade with people to try and get all your clothes one colour.  I would have colour themed food and drinks to match the six sides of the Cube and we would play Twister (it totally relates!). It's a fun idea, I am not sure I would ever do it! 

* Photo Credit: headshot by Janine Hodder

Introducing Brennan MacGregor - Alceste in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show?  I'm playing Alceste, which means I get to stagger around stage swearing and drinking. It helps that I'm Scottish.

What drew you to this production? I just moved back home, after going to school in Vancouver, and I was looking around for something to act in. I've always enjoyed Moliere, and I don't think there's a better way to learn how to act than doing it on the stage.

What is your background in theatre? I went to VFS for their acting program, which covers both theatre and film. Unfortunately, Vancouver's an unbelievably expensive place to live for anyone, and almost impossible for someone in the arts without any roots so I came back here to pursue acting. I've never been in a play at the Walterdale before, but I've gone to a few, mostly in high school. It helped me realize that I wanted to act in the first place.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? Ha! I'd have a Star Wars party. Not only would it be set in a galaxy far, far away, but the pyrotechnics and lasers would ensure that it'd be an incredible event.

Spotlight on Bill Roberts - Covington in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I play the role of Covington, a theatre and film critic.

What drew you to this production? I thought it would be a fun production to do and I liked Martin Crimp's modern take on Moliere's Misanthrope.

What is your background in theatre? I've been acting for 25 plus years. My first show was at the Citadel Theatre. I've also performed at Festival Place in Sherwood Park,and the Jubilee Auditorium. At the Walterdale I have done six shows. I've loved performing at the Walterdale, the casts are always great, the directors, crew etc. I have also branched it to doing independent film. 

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I'd do a 30's style gangster party, with 30's style music, decorations etc. Everyone would have to be dressed from the time period.

* Headshot of Bill supplied; Photo of Bill from Apocalypse, Saskatchewan by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Introducing Nathan MacDonald - Julian in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I'm playing the part of Julian.

What drew you to this production? I've always had a lot of respect for the work that Walterdale does, and felt that it would be a great way to both contribute to the arts in this city and gain some valuable experience at the same time.

What is your background in theatre? I'm still pretty new to acting. I was in a couple of community theatre productions back in my small hometown during my teens, first a bit part in Little Women followed by the role of Peter Van Daan in Diary of Anne Frank the year after that. A couple of years ago I began working at Rapid Fire Theatre, and joined the University Improv group. Since then I've done several local film and commercial spots. This is my first Walterdale production.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have and why? I'm not much of a party planner, but I'll happily show up in costume with a flat of whatever in hand.

Introducing Zachary Parsons-Lozinski, John in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I am thrilled to be bringing the role of John (or, Philinte, for any hardcore fans of The Misanthrope) to life on the Walterdale stage. He is Alceste's best friend, he is infatuated by the intelligence and good looks of Ellen, and if I had it my way, he would also be the master magician of all of Europe. But I suppose he's interesting enough without magic.

What drew you to this production? Mostly the sexual magnetism of our director, Janine Hodder. I had just finished work on my Fringe production of Miss Julie, and Janine was absolutely fabulous in the role of Christine. I knew that I wanted to continue working with her; so when I saw that walk-in auditions were being accepted, I leapt at the opportunity. Janine just happens to be far nicer then I am, and gave me a role with a few more lines then Christine had; BUT, she isn't letting me do a sexy dance at the top of the show... so I think we're about even.

What is your background in theatre? I graduated from the Theatre Arts program at Grant MacEwan University, where I studied under some fabulous teachers. The majority of my theatre training, however, comes from studying the fiercest and weirdest icons of the stage and screen - everyone from Greta Garbo to Divine. I am a firm believer that you can learn everything you need to know about acting from watching Bette Davis kick the s*** out of Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? I have had the incredible honour to perform with (i.e.: drink with) some of the most talented people in Canada. This is my first show with Walterdale.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of party would you throw? I suppose if I were going to throw a costume/theme party, I would have to base it around the greatest film of all time: Showgirls. Why? Have you ever seen Showgirls? It's over-the-top, it's fabulous, it's sparkly, it's stupid, it's hilarious, and it cost way too much money to make. To make it a fabulous event, I would have strippers, lap-dancing akin to The Exorcist, a big bag of chips to be eaten by Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon doing cocaine (because, hey, that's VEGAS), and a lot of walking into the wind.

That show was so much fun! How do I get Copies of the Archive Photos to Remember it?

Anyone who has done a show at Walterdale in recent history knows that there are two occasions when photos are taken to help record and promote the show.  The first time is for Media Call.  Walterdale is fortunate to have Douglas Dollars Stewart come in and take photos that are used to promote the show.  Those photos can be found in the Theatre Gallery on Douglas' website Rad Grandpa.  He has been taking our media photos since the Fall of 2006. Thanks Douglas!

The second photo taking occasion happens at the archive photo shoot.  Over time the procedure for getting pictures has evolved.  In the past, Directors were given a set of photos and then they distributed them to their casts as requested.  This,however, was challenging if the Director moved or somehow became unreachable and someone wanted photos some time after the show. Now we are using a Drop Box system to help our membership access those precious photos in an easier way.

Our Archivist, Lance Dittrich, describes the evolution and present policy as follows:


"Once upon a time, Directors would receive a set of slides. Time passed and then Directors received a disk. In both situations, the Directors would make copies, as they deemed fit, for members of the show including cast and crew. Again time passed and we decided to implement the Dropbox application which would allow us to provide all qualifying members to download a copy of the Archive photos for the show in question. They would be required to email the archives (me) to declare their request and their qualifications. Qualified means "member of cast/crew/and paid membership". We also have a waiver (to protect Walterdale) stating that the material would not be used in any manner damaging to Walterdale or the photographer."


We are lucky to have Lance looking after our history in this way and providing this valuable service to our membership.  Thanks Lance!

* photo from Black Hearts in the Green Room by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Introducing the Cast and Team of Summer and Smoke

We recently held audition for our February production of Tennesee Williams' Summer and Smoke.  We were overwhlemed with the turn-out of approximately 70 auditioners and after call-backs this past Sunday we are pleased to announce the following cast.

Cast:

Alma Winemiller- ERIKA CONWAY

John Buchanan- JUSTIN DEVEAU

Mrs. Bassett - MARSHA AMANOVA

Dr. John Buchanan - CHRIS ALLAN

Reverend Winemiller - KIRK STARKIE

Mrs. Winemiller - HEATHER PATTON
Roger Doremus - CLINT YANCHULA
Rosemary - VIVIAN BINNEMA
Gonzales - BOB KLAKOWICH
Rosa - TONYA RAE CHRYSTIAN
Nellie - CHERYL VANDERGRAAF

Archie - ANDREW DOOL

Vernon/Dusty- CHANCE HECK

This cast features returning Walterdale members and those brand new to our building.  They are joined in creating another fabulous Walterdale show by the following Production Team.

Production Team:

Director - Mary Ellen Perley

Assistant Director - Rhiannon Perley- Waugh

Production Manager - Sarah Valois

Stage Manager - Pat Eyford

Assistant Stage Manager - Nicole O'Connor

Costume Designer - Ger Dittrich

Set Designer - Joan Hawkins/Alli Ross

Props - Alli Ross

Lighting Designer - Richard Hatfield

Sound Designer - Phil Kreisel

Master Builder - Pierre Valois

Hair and Make-up Design - Geri Dittrich

Hair and Make-up - Brenda Bell

Dialect Coach - Marliss Weber

Fight Choreographer - Janine Hodder

Sound Operator - Alan Weston