We Are Walterdale

Spotlight on Michele and Nathaniel Vance Hehir - Mother and Son team of Albertine at 40 and LX Op. for Albertine in Five Times

2012-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

There are a couple family connections involved in Albertine in Five Times. The pair of Michele and Nathaniel Vance Hehir brings a long time Walterdale member and a newcomer together to our stage - one on the deck and one in the booth!

What are your roles for this production? What does that entail?

Michele – I play Albertine at 40. Hmmm…the usual actor stuff and getting to work on an estrogen heavy show.

Nathaniel – I’m the lighting operator. Getting the right cues!

What brought you to this production?

Michele – I really wanted the chance to act in a Michel Tremblay play.

Nathaniel – My Mom got me the job.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale?

Michele – So many years, my head is crammed with lines right now…ummmm, my first Walterdale show was 21 (gasp) years ago! I’ve acted and directed for Walterdale, as well I was President for a year…favourite shows I’ve acted in here include Dark of the Moon, Footprints on the Moon, Blood Relations and Perfect Pie. Favourite show I directed was Our Town…

Nathaniel – I go to Victoria School for the Performing Arts and I enjoy improv, my film class and band. I was my Mom’s Assistant Stage Manager for her Fringe show last year and I played Laurie this past December in A Little Women Christmas. This is my first Walterdale show.

What is the most enjoyable part of preparing for this production?

Michele – Working with the incredible actresses on the show and the chance to work with MJ again!

Nathaniel – Learning something new.

What is the biggest challenge for you in your role on this production?

Michele – Understanding Albertine.

Nathaniel – Learning how to use the equipment.

What do you think this show will offer to our audiences?

Michele – A chance to see Michel Tremblay’s work.

Nathaniel – My Mom’s in it!

Any other comments you would like to make?

Nathaniel – I hope the audience will enjoy the play.

Michele – Ditto!

*Photo of Michele from Perfect Pie by Douglas Dollars-Stewart

Spotlight on Phil Kreisel - Sound Designer for Albertine in Five TImes

2012-01-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

What is your role for this production? I am the sound designer for this show. There are a number of different sounds that make up the soundscape for this show. This show is different than other shows that I’ve done in that the effects are not inserted based on stage directions in the script. Instead, these are inserted in different spots to enhance a sequence or to establish a time/place and create atmosphere. The sounds are designed to enhance the audience’s experience, and not to distract them.

Why did you come to work on this production? I’ve designed over 50 different theatre productions since 2005, so I’m well versed in the art of sound design. The previous director (Wendi Pope) and I had worked together on 3 different productions before this one, so she initially asked me to be involved. With her unfortunate passing, I stayed on when the new director (MJ Kreisel) took over. It’s just a coincidence that the director is my wife.

What is your background in theatre? I started off in theatre as an actor 12 years ago. These days, I’m more known as a sound designer, though I have also established a track record as a playwright (4 productions now) and as a director as well. With Walterdale? I’ve done numerous productions with Walterdale on a regular basis since 2004, mostly as a sound designer. I also produce the newsletter and sit on the theatre’s technical committee.

What is the most enjoyable part of preparing for this production? The biggest challenge? Determining what sounds will work and how they will best contribute to the audience’s overall experience.

What do you think this show will offer to our audiences? An insight into what goes on in our everyday thoughts, and how past events affect what we do in the present and what we might decide to do in the future.

Spotlight on Janine Hodder - Madeleine in Albertine in Five Times

2012-01-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

What is your role for this production? Madeleine, Albertine's sister.

Why did you audition for this production? I've wanted to work with MJ for a while now. Also, Tremblay throws his actors about emotionally and you really have to be on your toes as a performer. He makes us work for every moment. I was excited for the challenge.

What is your background in theatre? I am a graduate of Grant MacEwan's theatre program a while back. I have dabbled here and there over the years in the Edmonton theatre community but am just now committed to working more consistently. I was on the Walterdale Board of Directors a few years ago. I have worked on the crew for Antony and Cleopatra (light technican) and Crimes of the Heart (ASM). My only time treading the boards here was as the Mammoth in Skin Of Our Teeth.

What is the most enjoyable part of preparing for this production? Working with a diversely trained group of women with phenomenal talent. I feel safe and have been able to enjoy the experience because of the environment created in rehearsals. The biggest challenge? Honestly? Remembering all those darn lines!

What do you think this show will offer to our audiences? I love how different this play is from others I've seen at Walterdale. Watching five women all play the same person is so enchanting. The attention to detail is wonderful.

Spotlight on Rhiannon Perley-Waugh - ASM for Albertine in Five Times

2012-01-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

What is your role for this production? My role for this production will be Assistant Stage Manager. I will be aiding the Stage Manager with her tasks as well as helping set and/or making props (food) for the show. I will also be back stage during the show to help actors with entrances, etc. and as such will be a communication medium between the booth and actors.

Why did you come to work on this production? I came on board for this production because of director MJ Kreisel with whom I had previously worked on at Walterdale in Perfect Pie. She invited me to join as ASM and my mother, who is in the cast, was thrilled at the prospect of me joining the production team as well. They both encouraged me to be a part of the show. I thought it would be a great experience seeing as I am looking to go into theatre as a career – I am currently taking a BA in Drama and the U of A.

What is your background in theatre? I have been involved in theatre since I was very young. I took theatre classes at the Citadel and with a film company called Theatre Zocalo. My involvement in productions has involved theatre festivals, independent productions and school projects or plays. Currently I am studying a BA in Drama at the U of A. I got involved with Walterdale about 4 years ago when I auditioned and was cast in the production Black Hearts in the Green Room. Since then most of my involvement at Walterdale has been behind the scenes as lighting operator for two other shows. I’ve also done some Front of House volunteering.

What is the most enjoyable part of this production? The most enjoyable part of preparing for this production is getting to know and making new friendships with the cast and crew. The biggest challenge? I’m going to have to make sandwiches! Eek!

Any final comments? I like how in every show I’ve done at Walterdale you really make a family with the people you work with. In this case, too, I will actually be working with a family member and that is really special. Walterdale provides a really great environment where you can feel the love of theatre bring everyone together.

In Sadness

2012-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the loss of another long term Walterdale member, Marlene Kottke, who passed away Sunday, January 15 at the University of Alberta Hospital. Marlene played a critical role in the organization of a major fundraising drive in the early 1990's that raised the roof of the theatre and kept it as a viable venue. She also graced many productions as production manager, organized the casino for many years and worked tirelessly as a stitcher and in other behind-the-scenes capacities, always contributing with charm and intelligence. Marlene always had Walterdale's best interests at heart. She took the time to get to know new members and was welcoming to everyone who came through our doors. She will be greatly missed.

Marlene's Memorial & Celebration will be on Saturday, January 21 at 10:00am at Connelly-McKinley, 10011-114 Street downtown (780-422-2222).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Research Department of the Alberta Lung Association in Marlene Kottke's name.

If you are unable to attend, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com to contribute to her online tribute page by posting a public or private message to her family. Her account may not be set up just yet, so try back frequently; we want to hear from you.

Marlene Kottke
September 13, 1941 - January 15, 2012

Spotlight on Amelia Maciejewski - Albertine at 30 in Albertine In Five Times

2012-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

What is your role in this production? I play Albertine at 30. She is where it all begins - for the play, at least. It's got a little bit to do with rage.

What brought you to this production? I needed to get out of the house! More than that, I really take pride in Walterdale and what it stands for - the people are great to work with and there is a whole lotta love going on - it truly is a community and I embrace any opportunity I can to participate in it. Doing a show with a bunch of awesome women is cool, too.

What is your background with Walterdale? This is my third February in a row doing a Walterdale production where I play a mother with anger issues (Beautiful Thing, and Rabbit Hole). I have a BA in Drama and have puttered about some. I also serve on Walterdale's Board as co-Director of Publicity with May Kharaghani.

What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? Finding the time to do everything I need to do - but I don't ride roller-coasters, so this is as close as I will get to the adrenaline rush. What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? Being able to work with the "gals". This is the first time I've done an all-female show, so we could potentially talk about periods and hemorrhoids without making any men uncomfortable. Although we haven't talked about periods and hemorrhoids. yet.

What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? There is a new trend going on in regards to the reality of parenting, made popular with books like "Go The F*ck To Sleep"... where it is becoming okay to talk about the frustration and inadequacies you feel as a parent, so I would expect the audience to relate a little bit to Albertine's struggle. It also will make you think, if you could go back in time and meet your former self, what would you say? Would you like yourself? Would you beat yourself up? Would you try to warn yourself?

Any other comments you would like to share? If you need to cast a 'mother with issues' for your play, feel free to give me a call.

Walterdale Brings Back the Donor-Voted Show!

2012-01-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to have your say in what shows get on the Walterdale Stage? Now's your chance! Two seasons ago we had our first Donor Voted Show (a fabulous idea which came to the Board from then Vice President Justen Bennett) which allowed those theatre sponsor who donated a minimum of $20.00 to Walterdale Theatre to vote on one of three shows to be presented on our stage in the following season. That vote led to the wonderfully saucy production of Much Ado about Nothing. Due to the fabulous response to the event we are reprising it this year!

The rules are the same. Anyone who donates a minimum of $20.00 to the theatre between January 1, 2011 and January 20, 2012 will have the opportunity to vote on one of three shows selected by our Artistic Director, Sarah Van Tassel. The show chosen will go up in our October slot of the season. There is only one vote per donor allowed, however, nothing is stopping you from getting a group of friends together to support the show you really want to see on our stage! Donations will also be accepted the evening of the event (January 20th) but cash or cheque only, please.

The three shows up for your consideration are:

Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frederick Knott
Believing that he has planned the perfect crime, a cold-hearted husband hires a thug to murder his wife. The audience members hold their breath as they watch to see what happens next. Will the husband get away with the heinous deed? Will the wife survive?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dial_M_for_Murder

Dracula by Steven Dietz*
Everyone is familiar with the dark tale of Dr. Seward, his fiancée, Lucy, and their mysterious neighbour, Count Dracula, but here the events take on intensified effect through the heightened action and simplified staging of a this fast-moving new version.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula#Adaptations

*If selected translation will either be by Crane Johnson or Steven Dietz

The Weir by Conor McPherson
A bar in a remote part of Ireland. The local lads are swapping spooky stories to impress a young woman who recently moved to the area from Dublin. As the drink flows and the stories become increasingly frightening, it’s clear that Valerie has something on her mind. She has a tale to tell that’ll stop them all dead in their tracks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weir

Readings from the 3 works will be held at this special event on Friday, January 20th at Walterdale Playhouse. There is no charge for this event, but if you want to vote you have to donate!

Program of the evening:
7:00pm Doors open
8:00pm Readings from play selections will begin
8:45pm Final votes (voting will close at 9pm)
9:30pm Announcement of play selected

Each donor will receive one ballot. If you give as a family or couple, you are considered a single donor and will only receive one ballot.

Spotlight on Mary Ellen Perley - Albertine at 50 in Albertine in Five Times

2012-01-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

What is your role for this production? I am playing Albertine at 50 and besides the inevitable learning of lines (which when working with Michele Tremblay is fantastic) and hours of rehearsal, I get to 'play' with 5 other terrific women on stage! I also get to play with a great team on the other side of the footlights. I am blessed to have such a team and to be able to work in the theatre with my daughter just makes the whole adventure sweeter... Living the dream!

Why did you audition for this production? When I saw that this play was up for the season at Walterdale I knew that I would be out for auditions with all my fingers and toes crossed. Tremblay is one of Canada's premier playwrights with an understanding of women and women's position in society which is so clear and truthful. This play for me is also a metaphor for Quebec through the years of the Albertines. So the research work we have all done has not only clarified my understanding of Albertine at 50, but for all the Albertines and for Quebec.

What is your background in theatre? I have taught drama/theatre studies for more than 25 years, written, directed, choreographed and designed shows for my students each year of my teaching career. In the early '80's I was an active member of Walterdale as a stage manager for 4 productions and a member of the play reading committee. Then the demands of teaching and doing major theatre events at school necessitated my pulling back. But now I am no longer teaching and have the time to devote to Walterdale: on the board as co director of FOH, on committees, as a stage manager and actor.

What is the most enjoyable part of preparing for this production? Coming together with the other women to explore the play, its meaning and nuances. Working with a great team of people who have a passion like mine!

What is the biggest challenge for you in your role on this production? The biggest challenge is getting my head around the split times and figuring out just to whom I am listening and why and to whom I am not listening and why.

What do you think this show will offer to our audiences? An in depth look at a woman's life.. a woman who may not be all that dissimilar from many women sitting in the audience. What events in one's life work to shape us, what personality characteristics push us in a certain direction and the importance of reflecting on our lives to see the patterns and pitfalls. Maybe it is never too late to change?

Any other comments? I really appreciate the opportunity Walterdale gives those of us with a passion for the theatre to find an outlet for that passion. Coming to the theatre each night of rehearsal and each night of performance is liking being given another life, and I thank the family, which includes my own daughter, I am so fortunate to being working with on this production for being there to support and encourage.

Introducing the Cast and Production Team of The Love of the Nightingale

2012-01-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Love of the Nightingale

Cast

Female Chorus: Helen - Marsha Amanova

Phaedra & Acrobat - Leah Beaudry

Niobe - Nathania Bernabe

Itys - Sadie Rain Bowling

Female Chorus: June - Lisa Dawn Daniels

Female Chorus: Echo - Noori Gill

Female Chorus: Hero - Rowan Hickie

Male Chorus - Quinn Hinch

Aphrodite & Acrobat - Julianna Hunt

Soldier 1; and Theseus - David Johnston

Philomele - Rachel Kent

Nurse & Female Servant - Brooke Leifso

Procne - Tanya Mirzayans

The Captain Kevin Ouellet

Female Chorus: Iris Corrine Pelletier

Male Chorus - John Trethart

The Queen - Sarah Van Tassel

King Pandion - Doug Verdin

Tereus - Justin Deveau

Soldier 2; and Hippolytus - Nate Rehman

Production Team:

Director - Alex Hawkins

Assistant Director - Eric Rice

Movement Coach - Kelsey Acton

Stage Manager - Pat Eyford

Production Manager - Janet McLean

Set Designer & Master Painter - Joan Hawkins

Lighting Designer - Leland Stelck

Costume Designer - Geri Dittrich

Sound Designer - Erin Foster-O’Riordan

Props - Alli Ross, Joan Hawkins, Geri Dittrich

Master Builder - Pierre Valois

Hair & Makeup - Geri Dittrich

Wardrobe Mistress - Elaina Bolton

There are always a few positions to fill and many hands required to help build and run the show. If you are interested in working on this show, contact Walterdale Theatre and they will pass along your information to Janet McLean.

Spotlight on Stephanie Bahniuk - Costume Designer for Albertine in Five Times

2012-01-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

What is your role for this production?My role for this production is Costume Designer. This role involves involves many different responsibilities as there are many stages to the design process. First, I had to do a lot of research because each character exists in a different decade spanning from 1942-1982 and this required looking at old photographs and researching vintage clothing trends and styles. I have to attend meetings with the director and the rest of the production crew to make sure my costume designs fit into the overall vision of the production. I was also responsible for presenting final drawings of each costume that clearly illustrate my designs and provide a visual for the actors and crew. I am also responsible for buying fabric and organizing a team of volunteer stitchers who are going to build some of the costumes as well as sourcing and buying costume pieces that are not being built.

How did come to work on this production? I have been interested in working for Walterdale for awhile now and by chance, my Mom met someone at her work who has been involved with many Walterdale productions and was able to recommend to me to the Production Manager for Albertine in Five Times.

What is your background in theatre? This is my first production with Walterdale but I have been working in theatre, particularly with costumes, for about 5 years now. I started off designing and building costumes for Archbishop Jordan Theatre productions in high school and I was lucky enough to be accepted into the BFA Theatre Design program at the University of Alberta a year and a half ago. In the program we learn design for sets, costumes and lighting and I am hoping to continue to design for theatre as my career.

What has it been like preparing for this production? I was extremely excited after reading this script and finding out that the costumes would all be vintage inspired. I really enjoyed looking at old pictures and researching styles from the past. The biggest challenge for me as the Costume Designer was finding a way to make five very different women, look like the same woman in five different stages of her life.

What do you think this show will offer to our audiences? I think this show will offer an escape into the mind of someone else for a couple of hours and allow the audience to feel an array of emotions in that time. This play has mystery, drama and passion that will keep the audience engaged. The playwright, Michel Tremblay, is simply a fantastic story-teller.

Stephanie's Website:
sbahniuk.carbonmade.com

Spotlight on Jackie Lotery - FOH Manager Extraordinaire!

2011-12-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

There are many people who come and work at Walterdale to ensure that the show is successful. Often, we focus on the onstage people - they are the ones we see - but there are many other people who have committed to Walterdale in other very necessary ways. One of these jobs is FOH. Today we spotlight Jackie Lotery. Jackie is a long-time Walterdale member who has been onstage (Sinbad, Black Hearts in the Green Room, A Child's Christmas in Wales), worked as PM (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Beautiful Thing) and many other roles in the theatre. She was also singled out by the FOH Directors as being a FOH Manager that goes above and beyond!

Jackie, What does the FOH Manager do? As FOH Manager, I get a big very important set of keys from the lock box and proceed to unlock the front doors to let the audience in and take the tickets out of the mail box for the current night. I provide the Box Office and Coffee Bar volunteers with their cash boxes. I then check the washrooms and pick up any debris from the audience section of the theatre. I deal with any questions or issues audience members may have, find out from the stage manager what she needs from me, tear the tickets and let the audience in. When the audience is in, at 8:00 p.m. I let the S.M. know that she can start the show. If the actors are using the lobby in a show, I need to dim the lights in the lobby during the show. I am responsible for putting the Box Office and coffee bar cash in the safe. At the end of the night, I am responsible for locking up after the audience has left.

Why do you like this job? As a very long time member, one of the things I like about doing FOH is running into people I know, both audience members and actors. I also like any opportunity to help out at Walterdale and the idea of being in charge of something.

What is the most challenging thing about the job? My most challenging night doing FOH was on the last night of You`re a Good Man Charlie Brown when there was that huge storm ( I was also Production Manager of that particular show.) The theatre had to be evacuated just before curtain call and I was very glad that our administrator, Kent, was in the audience that night. The most disappointing part was that we couldn`t have the cast party at the theatre or strike until the next day. After the storm there was a huge power outage in the City and some people did not get their power back for two days.

Jackie, you have been with Walterdale for a long time, in many different roles, any fun stories to share? Over the years, I have acted, written the newsletter, stage managed, assistant stage managed, done lights, props, painted and partied. There are a lot of stories but one of my favourites was when I was the front end of the horse in the Christmas pantomime. My back end,whose name shall not be mentioned, happened to be in the washroom after intermission when we were supposed to come on so I had to enter as half a horse. She came running in and took her place much to the huge amusement of the audience – as you know, anything goes in a panto!

Special Audition Notice

2011-12-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

For the leading role of ‘Tereus, King of Thrace’, in our production of The Love of the Nightingale

by Timberlake Wertenbaker

Performance Dates: April 4^th – 14^th, 2012

Audition Date: Sunday, December 18^th, 2011; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Walterdale Playhouse (10322 83 Avenue)

Director: Alex Hawkins

A week ago, we auditioned 64 actors for the 21 roles available in our production of The Love of the Nightingale. We were successful in filling all but one of the available roles.

However, we were not able to find an actor for the major role of Tereus.

We are calling a Special Audition to ask any available actors to try out for this role.

Tereus is the major male character in the play. He is the King of Thrace, a warrior nation. Tereus has a natural quality that shows the authority of a king, without coming across as overly formal. In reference to age, Tereus must be, or appear to be, somewhere between his mid-twenties and his early thirties. Physically, he must be fit, like a warrior.

The actor who plays this role must have a range of skills and abilities, including a strong physical presence and natural authority, as well as likeability and a certain charisma.

For the audition, you are NOT expected to come with a prepared audition piece or monologue. Instead, auditioners will cold-read one or more sections of Tereus’s scenes from the play The Love of the Nighingale.

PLEASE NOTE: All auditioners must bring their January-April 2012 schedule of availability to the audition, indicating potential conflicts with rehearsal times. Rehearsals are scheduled from January 8 through the opening of the show on April 4, 2012, and will involve evenings from Mondays through Thursdays, and Sunday afternoons. Since Tereus is a leading character, the actor playing Tereus should expect to be called often for rehearsals.

If you need further information about the play, please contact Alex Hawkins, Director, at: hawkins27@shaw.ca

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

The date, time and location of the Special Audition are at the top of this page. We wish to fill this roll as soon as possible.

To book an audition, please contact our Production Manager, Janet McLean, to sign up for an audition. 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)

Wyrd Sisters - Selling Out and Making People Laugh!

2011-12-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

The first 2 performances of Wyrd Sisters SOLD OUT and the next two were very full houses. Reviews from the Sun and GigCity came out and were very favourable. If you plan on seeing this show I would advise you to get your tickets beforehand so you are not disappointed. I am going on Thursday night and bringing my paint crew (a.k.a. My kids!). We are excited to see the pyro and the magic and the witches and the silliness that I have heard so much about!

Opening Night - Wyrd Sisters!

2011-11-30T07:22:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Spotlight on Prudence Olenik - Granny Weatherwax and Make-up Designer for Wyrd Sisters

2011-10-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

What is your role for this production? I wear two hats in this production, one of Granny Weatherwax and one of Make-up Designer.

Why did you come out for this show? What brought me to this show was the chance of playing an incredible character and working with some very talented people.....mischief and fun

Tell us a bit about your background in theatre... I completed a Theatre training Program in Vancouver called STUDIO 58...worked on a show called Free at Last, and a greenthumb production called A Chain of Words, and then went on to train in a program in London England in the field of Television and Film Make-up artistry at a school called GREASEPAINT. I worked my first show at Walterdale in the seventies called Butterflies are Free ...other shows that I actually performed in were: JITTERS, NURSE JANE GOES TO HAWAII, a melodrama a of which the title escapes me ... and HAMLET.

How has the process been? The most challenging is trying to capture a character that many Discworld fans have a very clear vision of in their minds. Understanding the fantasy world and all the background. The best thing besides the great team that Nelson has put together in terms of both cast and crew is the anticipation of giving birth to the vision of this undertaking. We have an incredible production team of very dedicated people .

What do you think the audience will take away from this production? Laughing till it hurts.

Spotlight on Rowan Hickie - Cast Member of Wyrd Sisters

2011-10-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

1.What is your role in. this production? I play several roles in the show, including: Peasant 2, Robber 2 and Witch 2. An interesting combination of characters, but a funny and (surprisingly) challenging task to take on. What does this entail? A whole lot of costume changes.

2. What brought you to this production? In Calgary I was very involved with community theatre. After moving to Edmonton I decided that I wanted to branch out into the community theatre scene here and decided the Walterdale would be the place to start!

3. What is your background in Theatre? I started out with High School drama in Calgary and then started doing some community theatre there. Last year I came to the University of Alberta to study Drama and Education . Most recently I took Jan Henderson's Clown and Mask workshop this past summer, where I enjoyed the company of not only my wonderful class mates and professor, but also a bunch of clowns.

4. What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? Balancing being a full-time student and this production has most certainly been a challenge. However, it has not only helped me buckle down and actually do my homework, but has also improved my (somewhat lacking) time-management skills.

5. What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? Definitely working with such a big cast full of diverse and talented people. I've already learned so much from watching them work and working with them.

6. What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? Magic. They're coming to see a play about witches aren't they... What else would they expect?

7. Any other comments you would like to share? I never thought I would garner so much joy from playing a robber.

Spotlight on Heather Morrow - Lady Felmet in The Wyrd Sisters

2011-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

1. What is your role in. this production? Lady Felmet. She's the wife of the regicide Lord Felmet, who has killed King Verence of Lancre. However, Lady Felmet was an accessory to the murder. She's a very un-contrite version of Lady McB.
What does that entail? Arch-villainy

2. What brought you to this production? I've been a Walterdale member (this time) for two years and have been wanting to act again for a while. I auditioned for a number of shows, but I was particularly excited about this one because I'm a big fan of the Discworld series.

3. What is your background in Theatre? I've been writing plays since high school, and have had a number of plays produced at theatre festivals. I was part Walterdale's new play series in 1996-7 -- it was called Evening of One-Acts then -- and my one-act play Crushed was performed at Walterdale in June 1997.

4. What is the most challenging thing about being involved in this production? Because the cast is so big and the scenes varied, we've really been rehearsing in pieces. Today (Oct 23) was our walk-through, and it was the first time I'd seen many of cast-mates since our first read-through! Now that we're rehearsing in the theatre, I'm getting a better sense of the plays flow.

5. What is the most enjoyable thing about being involved in this production? My character is genuinely, unapologetically evil. I was a bit taken aback that I got this part, but I'm enjoying being evil too much to really worry about it.

6. What do you think audiences will experience if they come to this show? It's going to be a total immersive experience -- we found out today just HOW amazing the production design is going to be, how it will absorb the audience into the story's atmosphere. Combining that with the amazing script and the perfect actors in each part, I can only imagine everyone who comes to see it not wanting it to end.

7. Any other comments you would like to share? I admit, I'm really looking forward to the debauchery once tech week starts, and to the cast party -- with a cast and crew this big and a play this funny, the stories are going to be legendary. We're already enjoying ourselves--the show is just so much fun!

Heather's Blog: http://theatrejunkie.shawwebspace.ca/

Introducing the Cast of Albertine in Five Times

2011-10-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

The Cast of Albertine in Five Times by Michel Tremblay is announced! After 2 days of auditions followed by callbacks the cast was narrowed down to the following:

CAST

Albertine at 30 - Amelia Maciejewski-Duplessis

Albertine at 40 - Michele Vance Hehir

Albertine at 50 - Mary-Ellen Perley

Albertine at 60- Syrell Wilson

Albertine at 70 - Ruby Swekla

Madeleine - Janine Hodder

The show goes right into rehearsal and goes up in February 2012, and it is brought to you by the following skilled Production Team:

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director - M. J. (Mary Jane) Kreisel

Production Manager - Sarah Valois

Stage Manager - Catherine Wenschlag

Set Designer - Bob Forrow

Lighting Designer - Roy Jackson

Sound Designer - Phil Kreisel

Costume Designer - Stephanie Bahniuk

Hair & Make-up Designer - Coralyn Whitford

Master Builder - Pierre Valois

Set Dressing/ Props - Alli Ross

The team is still looking for ASMs, Lighting Ops and Sound Ops. Contact Walterdale Theatre if you are interested.

Introducing Sarah Van Tassel - Walterdale's Artistic Director and Director of Reasons to be Pretty

2011-10-10T17:52:00.001-07:00

Can you tell us a little bit about your background in theatre? I'm very excited to be the Artistic Director of Walterdale for the next two seasons! After graduating from the U of A with a minor in drama I joined Walterdale's Board of Directors as Co-Director of Productions from 2005-2007. While on the board I did everything from production manage, run sound and lights, help with props, FOH and direct a few shows (assistant director for Antony & Cleopatra and director for You are Here). In 2008 I launched my own independent theatre company, Guts&Guile Productions, and have directed and produced a handful of productions including Sarah Kane's Crave and David Mamet's Oleanna. This past season I wrote my first play, Gone. *Winner of the 2011 Edmonton ADFA Zones

Why did you want to take on the job of Artistic Director for Walterdale? I feel like I got my start in the Edmonton Theatre community through Walterdale. It's a great place to learn new things - I know that I have a lot to learn in this new role and I'm excited to be back at Walterdale working with so many dedicated and inspiring people.

What should audiences and members expect from you over the next two seasons? Audience should expect to see theatre that will engage them. Whether it's provocative material that will make them think about the world around them or knee-slapping comedies that will have them still giggling the next day - I hope audience walk out of each performance feeling like they connected with the actors on stage or the story being told.

What are the challenges you are anticipating in the next little while with regards to the position? There's been a fairly high learning curve thus far - everything from picking a season to getting each of the productions to come together. And there have been a few curveballs already, but the show(s) must go on... It's been a lot of fun so far and I've already had so much help and encouragment from the Board.

What is one cool fact about you that most people might not know? I'm a film geek! My major in University was Film Studies and I love watching, talking and learning about all kinds of different movies.

Spotlight on Nathan Coppens - Kent in Reasons to be Pretty

2011-10-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

1. What is your role on this production? I play Kent. He's rather a bully, and a friend of Greg's.

2. Why did you want to work on this production? I wanted a script I could really sink my teeth into. I love Labute's writing. Plus, I'd worked with some of the cast and crew before, and I wanted to do so again.

3. What is your background in theatre? I have a B.F.A. in Acting. I've done several shows in Edmonton and have been on a few tours. This is my fifth show with Walterdale. *Nathan was previously in Antony and Cleopatra, You Are Here and The Trial of Salome at Walterdale.

4. What is the hardest thing about being involved in the show? Scheduling. Holding down day jobs and doing a show is hard. What is the best thing? Having the chance to change lives, including your own.

5. What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm going to say I hope they take away what Labute would want them to take away.

Thanks for supporting us!

Spotlight on Jessica Peverett - Carly in Reasons to be Pretty

2011-09-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

What is your role in Reasons to Be Pretty? I'm an actor in the show and I play Carly. Carly is interesting because she's not involved in a lot of scenes but she plays a major role in the action. She's the catalyst for Steph and Greg's argument and it's the way that Kent treats her that ultimately causes a major riff between Greg and Kent. So it's important to really understand her relationships because it informs the audience (and me) as to who Carly is as a person.

Why did you want to work on this production? It's been a while since I've been onstage (Fringe 2010) and it was time to get back on the horse. I auditioned for Sarah because the script is challenging and the major ideas aren't very pleasant.

What is your background in theatre? This is my first show with the Walterdale but I've been around the theatre block. I have 2 degrees in theatre (BA and MA). I've been involved with a number of fringe shows, Fort Edmonton Park, Nextfest, a handful of indie shows and productions during University. I've worked as an actor, director, stage manager, dramaturge, administrator and playwright. My show (Pushed) went up at Nextfest 2011.

What is the more challenging thing about the script? The hardest thing about this play is how awful the characters can be and really digging to find their 'redemption' or their human-ness. What is the best thing? The group has been really wonderful and the challenge (even though it's hard) is worth it for that moment in rehearsal when you go "I get it!"

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? I think that Neil (that's right. we're on a first name basis) goes for the difficult ending. By not wrapping things up with a pretty little bow, I think he's asking the audience to be real, to be complex and to realize that sometimes things get harder instead of easier (and that doesn't mean that things don't turn out positively). I hope the audience will walk away talking about the nature of relationships.

Spotlight on Justin Deveau - Greg in Reasons to be Pretty

2011-09-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

1. What is your role in Reasons to be Pretty? I play the part of Greg. He is a pretty low-key guy who would rather let life happen around him.
2. Why did you want to work on this production? I like working at Walterdale. It is always a positive experience.
3. What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? I have been acting on stage since high school. This is my second show at Walterdale.
* Justin was seen on Walterdale's stage last season in Much Ado About Nothing playing Don John. This is not his first Neil LaBute play either. A few years ago, he was in The Shape of Things at Horizon Stage along with fellow Reasons castmate Lindsey Walker. This past summer Justin was in two Fringe plays, Pieces and Going Viral.
4. What is the hardest thing about being involved in the show? Working at a day job all day. You don't have a lot of time for sleep.
5. What is the best thing? Doing something you love.
6. What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? I hope it will make them think and talk. I hope people like the show. Everyone is working very hard on it.

Auditions - Albertine in Five Times

2011-09-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Albertine in Five Times

by Michel Tremblay

Translated by Linda Gaboriau

PERFORMANCE DATES: February 8th – 18th, 2012

AUDITION DATES: October 16th & 17th, 2011; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

at Walterdale Playhouse (10322 83 Avenue)

CALL-BACKS: Thursday, October 20th, 2011; Times: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Location: TBA

Director: Mary Jane (M. J.) Kreisel

Production Manager: Sarah Valois

Stage Manager: TBA

What would you say to yourself thirty years ago? Would you ridicule your earlier decisions? Laugh at your earlier self? Michel Tremblay’s haunting Albertine in Five Times, with five actors playing a woman in different decades of her life, explores memory, regret, consequences, and shows how extraordinary an ordinary life can be.

SIX ROLES:

Albertine at 30 – age range: late 20s to late 30s

Albertine at 40 – age range: late 30s to late 40s

Albertine at 50 – age range: late 40s to late 50s

Albertine at 60 – age range: late 40s to late 60s

Albertine at 70 – age range: mid-50s to late 70s

Madeleine – age range: late 20s to mid-40s

Please note: ages are relative and relational and never specifically mentioned in the script. We are concerned more about how old you will read in relationship to the rest of the cast and onstage in costume and make-up.

The auditions will comprise of readings from the script – no memorization is required. Readings can be emailed out to people in advance of their auditions. Please indicate the role(s) in which you are interested. You are also recommended to familiarize yourself with the script.

Copies of the script are available for reading from Walterdale. Contact Kent Sutherland, Theatre Administrator at walterph@telus.net or 780.439.3058 to sign one out. Copies are also available at Theatre Alberta – please call ahead.

Rehearsals will begin late October and will break for two weeks over the Christmas holiday season, resuming again the first week in January.

Please bring the following to the audition: your résumé and headshot as well as availability times and any conflict dates you may have.

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

To book an audition or for further information, email M. J. Kreisel at mjkreisel@gmail.com

(Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows)

2011-09-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Announcing the cast for Wyrd Sisters, which goes up in December of 2011. We had over 90 people audition and the panel was truly blown away! This cast features many faces that Walterdale audiences will recognize as well as new ones. Enjoy!

Esmerelda "Granny" Weatherwax: Prudence Olenik
Gytha "Nanny" Ogg: Francie Goodwin-Davies
Magrat Garlik: Mandy Stewart
Verence the Late: Curtis Knecht
Leonal Felmet: Andrew Mecready
Lady Felmet: Heather Morrow
Olwyn Vitoller: Gerald Mason
Mrs. Vitoller: Barbara Schmid
Fool: Morgan Gerlinsky
Tomjon: Schuyler Snowdon
Hwel/Demon: Darrell Portz
Sergeant: Ken Sims
Chamberlain: Lance Beswick
Guard 1/Guard 3: Delanie Tiedemann
Guard 2/Guard 4: Steve Rempel
Robber 1/Witch 1: Catherine Wenschlag
Robber 2/Witch 2/Actor: Rowan Hickie
Peasant/Witch 3: Tamara Raynor-Cote
Slain Soldier/Wimsloe: David Rumer
Soldier/Gumridge: Sarah Hennessey
Bowman/Bedlin: Stan Woo

With all that comedic talent I know the team is going to find it hard to make it through the rehearsals because of all the laughing!

A Tribute to the Life and Work of Director Richard Winnick

2011-09-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Richard Winnick was a former Artistic Director and President of Walterdale Theatre Associates who passed away suddenly this summer. He directed many shows at Walterdale including Death Trap, The Rocky Horror Show, and many, many more. He will be greatly missed in the Edmonton Community Theatre world.
An event has been planned to celebrate Richard's life and work.

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME

Sunday, September 18 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Festival Place Sherwood Park

A Tribute to Richard Winnick
Our friend and director Richard Winnick passed away the week of August 8, 2011 at the age of 60. Please join us for a tribute to him as we all read and sing from some of his favourite plays and musicals. There will be an open-mic in the lobby after the tribute so please bring your instruments and your songs and thoughts to share. That will start at 4:00 p.m. or so and go until we can go no more...

In the downtime at Walterdale... a Shameless Plug...

2011-09-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Several Walterdale members (myself included) are currently involved in A Little Night Music which opens next week at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. In the cast you have myself (Kristen Finlay), Gary Carter (the Governor from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Elizabeth Marsh (from several Walterdale productions, including A Little Night Music), Kent Sutherland (Administrator extraordinaire and from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Kathleen McDonald (Costume Designer for Crimes of the Heart and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!), Stephanie Wigston (Perfect Pie and A Kiss Within a Kiss), Judy Stelck (Sea of Green, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Les Belles Soeurs), Jessica Lauderdale (Whorehouse) and Adam Mazzarolle-Kuss (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!). The Production Team is led by Barb Mah and rounded out with Mary-Ellen Perley, Rhiannon Perley-Waugh, Richard Hatfield, Leland Stelck, and Phil Kreisel.

The Show runs from September 8th to 11th and tickets are available through Festival Place.

For those of you awaiting the cast announcement for Wyrd Sisters... I will pop it up here as soon as I know what it is!

Fringe is Finished... Bring on the 53rd Season!

2011-08-28T20:27:00.001-07:00

Walterdale wrapped up it's Fringe involvement this past Sunday. The Tech guys were in this week installing new lighting 'stuff' and getting the building ready for the 53rd Season. Reasons to be Pretty (the October show) was cast earlier in the summer and will start their rehearsals and build shortly. Wyrd Sisters (the December offering) had their first night of auditions tonight and will follow up with more tomorrow. At last check there were over 80 people signed up for auditions. I am sure that there was much laughter at the theatre tonight. I am lucky enough to be a part of this production team (as master painter) and the enthusiasm has been tremendous!

Let's get this season started!

#YEGprov - The Improv Show You Tweet

2011-08-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

#YEGprov Comedy Troupe

Improv enters the social media world. Bring your smartphone, and keep it turned ON! Tweet your suggestions to the improvisers. Tweet your favourite lines from the show. Tweet your heart out while we keep you laughing. (Smartphone not required, but it will add to your fun.) Get tweetin with #YEGprov.

#YEGprov (BYOV 12: Knox-Metropolitan United Church) features Devin R. Bruce, Stanley Woo, Scott C. Bourgeois (The Lion in Winter, among others), and former Walterdale AD, Randy Brososky. Stage Managed by Anita Kuny, another Walterdale veteran.

Shows nightly at 9:15 p.m. - check the program to be sure!

Apocalypse Kow: Singerers at FRINGEOPOLIS

2011-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Live at the Fringe once again, except this time with 100% more beer! Apocalypse Kow includes Twitter and a slideshow to help tell the stories of their wacky experiences, their mythical origins, and their favourite Kow memories. Brand new songs, brand new live CD, and a slightly different show every night means you should come see them more than thrice! Live tweet your Kow questions to @apocalypsekow with the hashtag #askakow and your questions may be answered live on stage!

18+ only. Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm, the bar will be open.
Tickets are $12, available online, at the central box office, or at the door.

Friday, August 12
Sunday, August 14
Monday, August 15
Tuesday, August 16
Wednesday, August 17
Thursday, August 18
Friday, August 19
Sunday, August 21

Apocalypse Kow consists of:

DEVIN R. BRUCE, the Rockstar
JOEL FORTH, the Younger
KYLE JAGO, the Wolfman
JOEL RIVERO, the Piano Man
STANLEY WOO, the Spotlight

Pieces - at the 2011 Edmonton International Fringe

2011-08-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Pieces written and directed by Kristen M. Finlay
Stage Managed by Kim Stadelmann
Sound Design by Erin Foster-O'Riordan
Poster Design by Brent Felzien

Pieces, flotsam and jetsam, fragments - these are what Diane finds when she visits her mother Joan who suffers from dementia. But what's really going on in Joan's mind? Joan's mind travels through key moments of her life while Diane searches through all the pieces for the mother she once knew.

Featuring:
Anne Marie Szucs as Diane
Francie Goodwin-Davies as Joan
Lindsey Walker as Young Joan
Justin Deveau as Ben/Doctor
Janine Hodder as Sharon/Grace/Young Diane

Venue #: 6
Venue: Catalyst Theatre,
Venue Address: 8529 103 Street

Our show times are as follows:

August 12 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
August 13 10:30 pm – 11:15 pm
August 16 9:15 pm – 10:00 pm
August 18 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
August 20 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
August 21 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

Tickets are available August 2nd at the Fringe Box Office
http://fringetheatreadventures.ca/tickets.php

Guernica at the Edmonton Fringe

2011-08-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."
- Pablo Picasso

On April 26, 1937, a small Spanish town was attacked by aerial bombers. Nearly everything was destroyed, but from the rubble came creation: a painting, one that would preserve the town’s people beyond any human lifespan. This is the story of that creation – the story of Picasso’s Guernica.

Show History: Guernica was first seen at a staged reading in Nextfest 2010 as part of the Enbridge High School Reading Series. In June 2011, Guernica was presented as a mainstage production at Nextfest. In August, the show will be playing at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival.

All shows at Phabrik Art and Design Centre (formerly Planet Ze), 10055 - 80 Avenue.

August 11th @ 11pm
August 12th @ 9pm
August 13th @ 11pm
August 14th @ 12noon
August 15th @ 9pm
August 16th @ 5pm
August 17th @ 5pm
August 18th @ 11pm
August 19th @ 9pm
August 20th @ 12noon

Playwright/Producer: Erika Luckert
Director: Jon Lachlan Stewart
Actors: Alyson Dicey, Lauren Kneteman, Joelle Prefontaine, Mat Simpson, Nikolai Witschl, Zvonimir Rac
Designer: Kevin Boyer

THE MISANTHROPE by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (Molière)

2011-08-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

in a new version by Martin Crimp

William Mitchell as ALCESTE
Peter Fernandes as JOHN
Stuart Fink as COVINGTON
Zoe Glassman as JENNIFER
Desiree Leverenz as ELLEN
Kerry Johnson as MARCIA
Alex Patalas as ALEX
Bradley Bergeron as JULIAN
Molly Pearson as MESSENGER & SIMON

Directed by Ben Janko

At the MATRIX HOTEL
August 11 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 12 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 13 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
August 13 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 14 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
August 14 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 18 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 19 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 20 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
August 20 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
August 21 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Molière’s 1666 satire of French aristocracy is re-imagined by one of Britain’s leading theatrical voices. Martin Crimp places the Misanthrope in a contemporary cult of celebrity, in order to portray men as they are: foolish, righteous, and horny for the young bombshell movie star who soaks up all the attention.

Complicateded... At the Fringe BYOV

2011-08-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

A Boot's A Boot's first official show, running in Edmonton's 2011 Fringe Festival!

It's about a guy and another guy, and a girl but there's another girl but the guy doesn't know about the girl who knows about the first guy... it's complicateded. Follow best friends Sam and Nick as they attempt to weave their way though their hilariously twisted love lives!

Starring- Joshua Schilds, Corey Rogers, Kayla Manuel and Stephanie Wigston
Directed by- Corey Rogers and Joshua Schilds
Stage Manager- Amy Whitham
Written by- Corey Rogers

Phabrik Art and Design Centre - 10055 80 Ave

Showtimes you ask? Why yes!

Thursday August 11th - 9:00PM
Friday August 12th - 11:00 PM
Saturday August 13th - 9:00 PM
Sunday August 14th - 5:00 PM
Monday August 15th - 5:00 PM
Tuesday August 16th - 7:00 PM
Wednesday August 17th - 9:00 PM
Thursday August 18th - 7:00 PM
Friday August 19th - 7:00 PM
Saturday August 20th - 9:00 PM

The Kazoodles Present: Taking the Brain Train to Imagination Station

2011-08-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

What happens when three young teachers with the love of performing come together? The Kazoodles! Join them for a trip on the Brain Train! With lovable songs, silly jokes and imagination! Come and see what audiences are saying is a wonderful, upbeat and energetic show full of good humour and respectful of the audience both tall and small." Also, don't forget a toonie for your Kazoodle Kazoo!

Playwright: Kaylee Gloeckler, Josh Languedoc, Morgan Nadeau
Director: Barry Bilinsky
Cast: Kaylee Gloeckler, Josh Languedoc, Morgan Nadeau, Sonja Nilson
Stage Manager: Barry Bilinsky

Website: www.thekazoodles.ca

Schedule:
Sat -August 13 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
Sun- August 14 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Tue- August 16 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wed - August 17 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thur- August 18 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Fri- August 19 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Sat- August 20 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm

Miles Away... Actually it's at the Catalyst... Not so far...

2011-08-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Jon's got it rough. He's newly unemployed, owns a dingy apartment, and his brother is vastly more successful than him. Now his brother's ex shows up with her particular brand of neurosis. Can a man with no passion and a woman with too much help each other find what's missing?

Playwright: Colin Matty
Director: Andrew Ritchie
Cast: Neil Kuefler, Rachel Steele
Stage Manager: Lindsay Phillips
Design: Andrew Ritchie, Colin Matty

Schedule:
August 11 8:00 pm – 8:50 pm August 12 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm

August 15 9:45 pm – 10:35 pm August 17 4:30 pm – 5:20 pm

August 18 2:15 pm – 3:05 pm August 20 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Party Worth Crashing!

2011-08-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Young composers Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk breathe new life into the musical theatre genre with an edgy, funny and truthful new show about what it means to be twenty-something. So grab your friends and your red cup … we'll meet you at the party!

FEATURING
Melanie Godbout
Kate Jestadt
Corben Kushneryk
Zina Lee
Erik Mortimer
Jenna Moynes
Leah Paterson
Chris Scott
Molly Wilson

Venue #35 La Cite Francophone - 8627 91 Street, NW

PERFORMANCE TIMES
Thur August 11th, at 10 PM Fri August 12th, at 5:30 PM
Sat August 13th, at 8 PM Sun August 14th, at 5:30 PM
Mon August 15th, at 10:00 PM Tues August 16th, at 2 PM
Wed August 17th, at 4 PM Fri August 19th, at 3:30 PM
Sat August 20th, at 5 PM Sun August 21st, at 1:30 PM

TUDOR QUEENS: A BURLESQUE - more Walterdale Connections at Fringe 2011

2011-07-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

THIS FRINGE.... HEADS WILL ROLL

Edmonton's newest burlesque theatre company, SEND IN THE GIRLS BURLESQUE brings the corset-ripping story of Henry VIII to the stage
Part basement burlesque show, part sexy and scintillating historical thriller, Tudor Queens: A Burlesque marries the art form of burlesque with the medium of theatre to tell the gruesome downfall of six of England’s most legendary queen consorts.
About Tudor Queens: A Burlesque
Trapped together in purgatory, the six queens of the house of Tudor are forced to retell their story over and over. As they strip away their royal robes, they strip fact from fiction and slowly piece together their collective existence as wives to the one of the most famous and bloody kings in England’s history. Partial nudity, some mature themes and strong language.

Created by Delia Barnett, Ellen Chorley, Andrea Jorawsky, Karyn Mott, Elena Porter, and Morgan Smith

Script by Ellen Chorley
Dramaturged by Morgan Smith
Directed by Lana Michelle Hughes
Choreographed by Andrea Gilborn
Stage Managed by Habiba Alli
Lighting Designed by Beth Dart
Costume and Set Design: Tessa Stamp

Cast:
Katherine of Aragon: Andrea Jorawsky
Anne Boleyn: Elena Porter
Jane Seymour: Ellen Chorley
Anne of Cleaves: Karyn Mott
Katherine Howard: Delia Barnett
Katherine Parr: Morgan Smith

Edmonton International Fringe Festival BYOV #24 New City Legion (8130 Gateway Blvd NW)

Thursday, August 11 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Friday, August 12 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Saturday, August 13 - 5:00 pm (doors 4:30 pm)
Sunday, August 14 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Monday, August 15 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Tuesday, August 16 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Wednesday, August 17 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Thursday, August 18 at 5:00 pm (doors 4:30 pm)
Friday, August 19 - 10:30 pm (doors 10:00 pm)
Saturday, August 20 - 5:00 pm (doors 4:30 pm)

No Choking Matter! - More Walterdale Members at the Fringe!

2011-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is a play about choking on things. Things people choke on in this play include: candies, pills, pencils, guilt, strawberries, confessions, love, marzipan, their own egos, nickels, and tiny porcelain kittens. Appropriately, this is a show that will teach you how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. (Probably by accident.)

Lynn would like to direct an award-winning movie on how to perform the Heimlich. Maura would like to get into show business. Bradley would like to get into Maura. Tedd doesn't like you. Annette is just happy to be here. The quintet collides in one madcap evening of film, farce, fantasy, and full-frontal hilarity as they realize that life, no matter who you are... is NO CHOKING MATTER.

CAST
Kayla Gorman as Lynn
Patrick Maloney as Bradley
Lindsey Walker as Maura
David Johnston as Tedd
Stephanie Wigston as Annette

Written by David Johnston
Directed by Katie Hudson
Stage managed by Annamarie Million

An Allspice Theatre Production
Part of the 2011 Edmonton Fringe
Venue # 6 (Catalyst Theatre)
8529 103 Street
Friday, August 12: 7:45 pm – 8:55 pm
Saturday, August 13: 4:00 pm – 5:10 pm
Monday, August 15: 11:30 pm – 12:40 am
Wednesday, August 17: 2:15 pm – 3:25 pm
Thursday, August 18: 12:00 pm – 1:10 pm
Sunday, August 21: 7:45 pm – 8:55 pm

Cast Announced! - Reasons to be Pretty

2011-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Cast of our first show of the 2011-2012 Season, Neil LaBute's Reasons to be Pretty directed by Artistic Director Sarah Van Tassel...

Nathan Coppens as Kent

Jessica Peverett as Carly

Justin Deveau as Greg

Lindsay Walker as Steph

The production is still on the look-out for people to fill the following roles: ASM, Props and Sound Designer and people to run the LX and SD boards during the run, so if you would like to be a part of this production, contact Sarah at walterdalead53@gmail.com and join the team!

AUDITIONS! Terry Pratchett’s® Wyrd Sisters Adapted by Stephen Briggs

2011-07-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

PERFORMANCE DATES: November 30th – December 10th, 2011

AUDITION DATES: August 28th & 29th, 2011; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Walterdale Playhouse (10322 83 Avenue)

Director: J. Nelson Niwa

Assistant. Director: Elizabeth Day

Stage Manager: May Kharaghani

The restless spirit of a murdered king wants his son to avenge his death and ascend the throne, purloined by a regicidal relative. Confronting the usurper with his foul deeds is a wandering theatre troupe, playing at the castle. “Hey,” you think, “that sounds a lot like Haml—.” A scheming prince with a power-hungry spouse seeks the crown through ruthless means, with the influence of three witches haunting his every step. “Now that sounds like Macb—.” But WAIT – it’s all happening on the Discworld®, a place where magic is real (and rather dull), dwarves hold down (snicker!) steady jobs, and the village witch is not someone to be trifled with!

CHARACTERS:

Magrat Garlik – the maiden, 16-25

Nanny Ogg – the mother, 50+

Granny Weatherwax – the crone other one, 55+

Lord Leonal Felmet – 30-40’s

Lady Felmet – 30-40’s

Hwel – a dwarf, 30+

Tomjon – 16-30 Male

Fool – 18-30 Male

Verence – 40-60 Male

Mr. Vitoller – 30-50’s

Mrs. Vitoller – 30-50’s

Company – bloody anybody!

Please note: ages are relative and approximate

The auditions will comprise of the following:
- READINGS FROM THE SCRIPT – These can be emailed out to people in advance of auditions any time after August 21. Come dressed to move. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time.
- CALL-BACKS (if required): Tuesday, August 30th and Wednesday, August 31st between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location TBA.

Rehearsals will begin Sunday, September 11th, and will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Not all actors will be called to all rehearsals. Scheduling will be based upon cast availability, so please bring any conflict dates you have to the audition!!!

Headshots and résumés are recommended, but not required.

Copies of the script are available from the stage manager via e-mail upon request. Reading the novel, while by no means required, is nonetheless suggested.

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

To book an audition, please contact May Kharaghani by e-mail at may_kharaghani@yahoo.ca

(Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows)

Going Viral at the Fringe - More Walterdale Connections!

2011-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Going Viral
Written and directed by Giorgia Severini
Cast:
Proctor: Justin Deveau
Cassandra: Mandy Stewart
Julian: John Trethart
Going Viral is a comedy about the nature of celebrity, the science of viruses, and sticking it to grad school. After yet another setback in finishing his Ph.D., fledgling scientist Proctor decides it’s time for a new kind of experiment. With the help of his fellow lab slaves, Cassandra and Julian, they all set off to discover what it takes to be the celebrity face of virology. Could one of them be the next David Suzuki? Or is this the worst career move they could have made?

Stage Manager: Nicole Bodnaresk

Fight Choreographer: Tessa Hatheway

Lighting Designer: Haley Reap

Puppet Designer: Yvonne Trethart

Videographer: Chase Axton Nettleton-Gardiner

Reporter (video appearance): Leasa Lynn

Venue #6 (Catalyst Theatre, 8529 103 Street)

Sat, Aug 13 8:15 pm

Sun, Aug 14 5:15 pm

Mon, Aug 15 7:30 pm

Wed, Aug 17 11:15 pm

Fri, Aug 19 12:00 noon

Sat, Aug 20 1:45 pm

For cast and crew bios, original videos, and other fun stuff, visit our website: http://www.goingviral2011.info

Papa's Got A Brand New Urn - Featuring Walterdale Members Quinn Hinch and Erin Valentine

2011-07-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Written and Produced by Sara Bruno, Jesse Harlton and Quinn Hinch.
Three siblings travel across Canada to spread their recently deceased father's ashes. Along the way they keep losing him and start to lose their minds. It about them reconnecting with their father and in the end with each other, although this does not come easy. A Funny situation with serious undertones to it at the same time. 18+

Stage Manager: Erin Valentine
Assistant Stage Manager: Chloe Hansen

CAST

Clark: Jesse Harlton
Gina: Sara Bruno
Ben: Quinn Hinch

DATES
7:00 PM on August 12- August 21
@ Bohemia Variety Venue (10575 114 Street)

Cowboy: A Cowboy Story - More Fringing From Walterdalians!

2011-07-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Cowboy: A Cowboy Story

In a time when men were men, one man stood alone. They called him Cowboy and this is his story. The makers of "For the Love of a Zombie", and "Happy Whackin' Jim McCrackin," bring you a multimedia-action-comedy that'll blow so many holes in your pants, they'll be chaps.

Playwright: Brent Felzien
Directors: Neil LeGrandeur, Brent Felzien
Cast: William Banfield, Cliff Kelly, Frazer Andrews, Jeremy Mason, and Neil James
Stage Manager: Kimberlee Stadelmann
Design: Damien Heck, Kimberlee Stadelmann, Brent Felzien

Venue # 6 - Catalyst Theatre
Friday, August 12 - 3:45 pm – 4:55 pm
Sunday, August 14 - 11:45 pm – 12:55 am
Monday, August 15 - 3:15 pm – 4:25 pm
Wednesday, August 17 - 12:00 pm – 1:10 pm
Friday, August 19 - 8:15 pm – 9:25 pm
Sunday, August 21 - 5:30 pm – 6:40 pm

For trailers, production diaries and more, please visit our website: www.accidentalhumour.com

Walterdale Gets Ready for the Fringe!

2011-07-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

These next two weeks, Walterdale will be cleaning, painting and renting things as the Fringe gets closer. They move in the first week of August and we have to be ready!

Many of our Members (past and present) will be participating in the Fringe this summer. We hope that you will continue to support Walterdale by going out and seeing their shows. Even our new Artistic Director, Sarah Van Tassel, will be at the Fringe this year. She was lucky enough to score Walterdale Theatre as her venue (how appropriate!). Here is the information about her show, which she has written and will be acting in:

Gone by Sarah Van Tassel

A Guts & Guile Production
Venue #3, Walterdale Playhouse

On a seemingly typical Saturday morning in small-town Alberta, Jessica Sheldon goes out to pick up groceries. As uneasy hours pass without her return, her husband and daughter are left wondering - once something is gone, can it ever come back again?

Cast: Cody Porter, Sarah Van Tassel, James Hees

Director: Laura Raboud

Stage Manager: Joyce Dominguez-Bogdanic

Sound Design: Pete Stone

Schedule:

August 12 10:00 pm – 10:55 pm
August 14 6:15 pm – 7:10 pm
August 15 12:30 pm – 1:25 pm
August 17 2:30 pm – 3:25 pm
August 18 4:30 pm – 5:25 pm
August 20 8:15 pm – 9:10 pm

Endings and Beginnings...

2011-07-17T22:21:00.001-07:00

Last night Village of Idiots closed at Walterdale. The cast was still partying when I left at 2 a.m. It was a fun filled show with a wonderful message and for me, a great experience. Being Set Designer was probably the most stressful job I have ever done on a show, but very rewarding. The show went very well. We Sold Out at least 4 of our 10 night run and all of the evenings were well-attended. A great way to end my tenure as Artistic Director at Walterdale. On Opening Night of Village I talked about how it was an appropriate show for Walterdale because we are a village of sorts. Everyone has their role in the community and we love each other and sometimes we get along and sometimes we don't but we all care about the village and what we do there. I know I do. We also, like the Chelmniks, find creative ways to approach things. It is what makes theatre so fun!

The next season has started already. Auditions for the first show, Neil LaBute's Reasons to be Pretty, have been held and as soon as casting is complete and everyone is contacted I will be posting that information here for you all to sneak peek who is involved. I will also be posting a Blog Post to introduce you to our new Artistic Director, Sarah Van Tassel, to let you know what she is all about and what she will be bringing to Walterdale. Stay tuned for those posts. Wyrd Sisters is also bustling with pre-production work. I am Master Painter for that show so I am in the know on all those dealings. I will be posting an audition notice for you all, as soon as possible.

So one season ends and another begins... And in between is Fringe!

Spotlight on Daniel Grimsen - Zisyah in Village of Idiots

2011-07-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? I play Zisyah, a slightly... bipolar Chelmnik who seems to shoulder a lot of the burdens he sees in the world. He is passionate about what he stands for, and that definitely shows in his hatred towards the Russians. He is a curious individual who finds himself at first closed off to the new found outsider in the village but learns to embrace and love the outsider and everything he brings.

Why did you come out for this show? I had seen many shows at Walterdale and when this opportunity came up to be a part of such a charming and clever show I could not pass up the opportunity, so I decided that this was the time to try for it!

What is your personal history in theatre? This is my first show at Walterdale and I have never been thrilled to be part of something so great and so well known. I found my theatre roots in High school, Bev Facey Fine Arts provided me with some amazing opportunities theatre wise, including playing the Heartbroken Sydney Carton in his quest for redemption in A Tale of Two Cities to the Youthful, rebellious Arab in West Side Story. But since then I have been in the shows The Laramie Project and the Canadian Premiere of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. So overall I’m fairly new to theatre, but loving every moment of it!

What is the biggest challenge for you with this show? I think the greatest challenge from this show was tackling human connection and understanding the sense of community that this show brings forth. It isn’t a show where your on stage connecting to two or three individuals, you have to develop a story with thenumerous individuals often flooding the stage. How do I know them? How does their story intertwine with mine? It was a challenge that has taught me so much!

What do you hope the audiences will take away from the show? I hope that the audience will take away the overall meaning of being an “outsider”. Its truly a way of thinking, and often although this outside point of view may not always seem valid and correct in our eyes, we should always embrace difference as there is so much to learn from these people.

There is truly so much to learn from Chelm.

Spotlight on Erin Foster-O'Riordan - Sound Designer for Village of Idiots

2011-07-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? Sound Designer

What does that involve? For me, sound design is all about mood. The script calls for specific effects, but a design also includes music and other sounds that will help to establish or highlight mood. The trick is to incorporate sounds and music in a way that complements, supports and blends with the other elements of the show rather than competing with them.

What is your personal history in theatre? I started performing as a dancer when I was very young, and have always loved the magic of the performing arts. I got into theatre and singing as a teenager, but then kind of left performing on the back burner for a while when I was in university. A number of years later, I took the adult music theatre class at the Citadel, and rediscovered my love of singing, acting and dancing. Since then, I've performed with several companies in Edmonton including Festival Players, ELOPE Musical Theatre, Edmonton Musical Theatre, and, of course, Walterdale. A dear friend and I also joined forces to start our own company, Round Barn Productions, in 2008. My predilection for making mixed cds as gifts led to me being asked to give sound design a try, and I have since designed for Walterdale, Two ONE-WAY Tickets to Broadway, Horizon Players, and Finally Sauces. My first experience with Walterdale was on stage as Truvy in Steel Magnolias in 2006 (this was when I first got to work with both Kristen Finlay, Linette Smith and Pat Eyford!). As a sound designer, I've worked on Crimes of the Heart, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rabbit Hole and now Village of Idiots. Finally, as a playwright, my one-act play, Uncle Robert's Funeral, was a part of the 2010 From Cradle to Stage.

What is the biggest challenge for you with this show? How are you dealing with it? My biggest challenge with this show is to capture the whimsy of the village in a way that also allows for the expression of the seriousness of the threat they are under. Although this show is very funny, the setting for the story is pretty serious! I think I've found some great music that really helps to highlight both the lighter and darker sides of the story.

What do you hope the audiences will take away from the show? I hope audiences leave having soaked up the optimism of Chelm, and maybe with a few Klezmer tunes stuck in their heads!

Spotlight on Catherine Wenschlag - Rebbetsin in Village of Idiots

2011-07-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? I am playing Rebbetsin; wife of the village's Rabbi. Early on, I viewed the Rebbetsin as the Village Mother. She remains that in my heart, but I have discovered that she is also the social and spiritual leader of the village, along with her husband. Also, she is all about happiness - especially romantic happiness: she wants everybody to have somebody to love!

What drew you to this production? Ever since Walterdale announced they would be doing this play, I was certain I wanted to be involved in the production in some way. I was lucky enough to be cast in the show - and even luckier to be playing the role I most wanted!

What is your history in theatre? I started performing with St. Albert Children's Theatre when I was a kid, and since then I graduated from Victoria School for the Performing and Visual Arts - where I acted, stage managed, ran lights and sound, and tackled all sorts of other theatrical tasks. Next to acting, stage management is my favorite theatre job! I have been on Walterdale's Board of Directors for the past two years, and Village of Idiots is my second chance to be on stage here, following last year's Much Ado About Nothing. Earlier this year, I was Lighting Op. for Rabbit Hole and loved every minute of that!

What is the biggest challenge for you with this show? The balance between work, rehearsal and life in general is the biggest challenge for me. I am rehearsing with kids half my age (and four times my energy level). To deal with that, I have chosen to work part time for the next few weeks to ensure I give my best to all areas of life, and to help me keep up with those young 'uns!

What is the best part? I love absolutely everything to do with theatre - from auditioning, to rehearsing, to character work, to cue-to-cues, to performances, I love it all! Of course, having a character I love to play and amazing actors to perform with makes this show even better than great. But for this production, the thing I am enjoying the most is working with our director, Linette Smith. She has an incredible way of connecting with her cast and it is a joy to watch her work and to take direction from her.

What do you hope the audiences will take away from the show? First and foremost, laughter - I hope they take a lot of laughter with them when they leave the theatre. After that, perhaps a thought or two about how sometimes, that which seems crazy is actually the best way.

Spotlight on Tamara Raynor-Cote - Zlateh in Village of Idiots

2011-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? I play the tenacious and lovably hapless business woman of Chelm, Zlateh. As a comedic character she is pretty awesome and the best part of my day is putting on her attitude and bossing my husband Zalman around the village. My husband Zalman (Max) and I have a loving albeit loud relationship, bickering in Yiddish and selling schnapps to no one but ourselves. Although we think of ourselves as business minded people all the other townspeople see us as idealistic fools, but then again everyone in Chelm is an idealistic fool!

Why did you come out for this show? Folk stories have the most lovable and honest characters, and Chelmnicks are no exception to this. I recently graduated from the Universtiy of Alberta with a Major in Drama in Secondary Education and realized how much I missed performing. As a member of the Walterdale the auditipon notice sparked my interest and I was fortunate enough to get cast in the show. What better way to spend the summer than performing and laughing with some of Edmonton's finest young actors!

What is your background in theatre? This is my first Walterdale production but second time performing in the Walterdale. I recently performed in Stage Struck (The ADFA annual One Act Festival), held in February at the Walterdale. I've been performing all my life from the dinner table to the stage and have done some technical as well as directorial and management work, its a little like skydiving, you are scared out of your mind but the rush is like no other and I love it.

What are you enjoying the most? I enjoy the opportunity to play for 4 hours nightly, to unwind my mind by rolling on the floor and talking in an accent, plus the people are ok too! :)

What do you hope the audiences will take away from the show? I hope the audience will walk away with smiles on their faces and a little hope in their hearts for the goodness that lives in people.

Media Call for Village of Idiots - Fabulous Images!

2011-06-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://gallery.radgrandpa.com/Event-Photography/Theatre/Village-of-Idiots/17811216_6h3Mmq#1361314286_DwxjPSQ

Fabulous Photos from our Media Call for Village of Idiots taken by the wonderful Douglas Stewart. A picture is worth a thousand words... these certainly say a lot!

Spotlight on Gabby Bernard - Miriam in Village of Idiots

2011-06-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

What is your role in the production? I play Miriam, the spirited young outsider who has found a home in Chelm. She absolutely adores the people of the village and their quaint way of life, and is happy to remain on the sidelines and watch everyone else find happiness – until Yosef shows up, that is. As the show goes on, she struggles to help him see the beauty of the Chelmnik ways, and in doing so finds the courage to seek her own happiness in this world.

Why did you audition for this show? I saw Village of Idiots put on by my high school quite a few years ago, and I absolutely loved it! It really is such a heart-warming, feel good show, full of love and laughs and a few good ol’ life lessons. When I saw that the Walterdale, a company I have come to love very much, was holding auditions for it, I couldn’t say no!

What is your background in theatre? I’ve been involved with theatre since I was quite young, and really solidified my passion for performing in high school. After playing the bloodthirsty Madame Defarge in Bev Facey’s production of A Tale of Two Cities, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up the stage and spent the summer after graduation scouring for auditions throughout the city. Since then, I’ve been in two Waterdale Productions – Much Ado About Nothing and Poetry Unbound (part of From Cradle to Stage) – and have recently been accepted into Grant MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program. It’s been a crazy ride and I have no plans of giving it up anytime soon!

What is the biggest challenge for you with this show? This is my first time really doing any solid work with accents, which has been tricky, so I’m incredibly thankful we’ve have to opportunity to work with the lovely Miss Marliss! Besides that, I’m very accustomed to being cast as grumpy, villainous or “morally unsound” characters, so playing the kind hearted, down-to-earth Miriam has been a challenge in itself. It’s been a very surprising journey so far, and every rehearsal I discover a few more of her quirks and secrets. She may not be the craziest of the Chelmniks, but she is by no means dull!

What are you enjoying the most? Linette Smith has put together a phenomenal cast. The energy from every single member has been absolutely inspirational. This is a group of actors that, to me, already feels very much like a family – kind of zany and off-the-wall, but a family nonetheless! It has been a true pleasure working with these talented artists, and I already know the final product is going to be something very special.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? Besides the laughter and warm fuzzies, I really hope people leave re-considering of the value of having open heart and mind. In today’s society, everyone’s always so stressed and burnt out because of the demands placed on us; being involved in this show has taught me to find joy and fulfillment in the simple things, and I really hope our audiences, even if only for this two-hour show, rediscover some of that joy, too.

Spotlight on Eric Smith - Schmendrick in Village of Idiots

2011-06-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

What is your role in the production? I play Schmendrick. He is a silly character who is a very adventurous type and loves to tell people of his story of his wanders from village to village (Sadly, he has only mistakenly come back to the same village each and every time). One of his weaknesses is food and he is deathly afraid of his wife, whom we never actually get to see. And even one time, he becomes a part of the Russian army.

Why did you come out for the show? I came out for the show because of my passion for the arts, I have only done plays in high school but I have realized that it is a great passion of mine and that I know that I want to further it in the future. When I saw the advertisement for auditions for the show, I jumped at the chance.

What is your background in theatre? This is my first Walterdale performance. I have been a part of many shows in high school. Some credits include, Alice in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter, Annie as Oliver Warbucks, Grease as Danny Zuko, and just recently, The Princess Bride as Prince Humperdinck.

What is the biggest challenge for you, with this show? I would have to say that the biggest challenge for me is the excitement and the energy that Schmendrick needs to fully be characterized, I'm running around the stage at all times. My character does not stop moving... Ever! But i just know that I get that energy from within and I'm channelling it in from the ensemble that we have in this amazing production, their energy is amazing and I definitely can't see doing this play with any other people than this amazing cast.

What are you enjoying the most? The part that I'm enjoying the most is the chemistry that this cast has together that just shines upon that stage. It really is something that is indescribable, something that has to be seen to fully understand. I love each and everyone of my cast mates.

What do you want the audience to take away from the show? I really do feel that there is a lesson to be learned throughout this whole play, that sometimes, no matter how smart you think you are, you've always got something to learn.

Spotlight on Joshuana MH Cha - One of the Chelmniks in Village of Idiots

2011-06-17T15:28:00.001-07:00

What is your role in this production? I play one of the Chelmniks in the show. My character is disorderly, clumsy and she rushes around most times because she is always late!

Why did you audition for this show? When I was in school I always watched kids in drama from behind the fence with a lot of envy. I never had the courage or the confidence to try but I always secretly loved theatre. After all those years, I finally faced my fears and decided to take on the challenge. This definitely is something VERY SPECIAL to me.

So, would you say you are new to Walterdale? This was my first audition and is my first show ever!! I don't think there is anyone as excited as I am. I owe a huge thank you to Walterdale and the creative team for this opportunity!

What is the biggest challenge for you with the show? Being one of the Chelmniks and finding and building a character and improvising was the most challenging. Linette's warm-ups, the Improv Workshop (with RFT's Amy Shostak) along with my cast mates have all really helped a lot.

What are you enjoying the most? Honestly? EVERYTHING! Every activity is a '1st Time" for me so from the warm-ups to improv, playing and the whole theatre experience is great. And my cast mates, of course.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? I hope they take away the same enjoyment that we experience and put into it. Both the creative team and the cast have some amazing talents, and as a group we have painted the canvas of this show with brilliant vibrancy and passion. I hope the audiences can take some of that away as well.

The Line Up for the New Season - 2011 - 2012

2011-06-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Walterdale hosted a season launch for the 2011-2012 season. It was nice to see members out mingling with the media and watching the readings from the works we have in store. Check out the fabulous shows selected by incoming A.D. Sarah Van Tassel that you can either watch or be a part of in the upcoming year!

http://walterdaleplayhouse.com/?page_id=727

The season is full of opportunities for a variety of different ages, types and abilities. Hopefully there is something for you in there!

* Photo by AM Szucs featuring Walterdale Board of Directors as well as participants in the 2011-2012 Season Launch

From Cradle to Stage 2011 - Closing Night

2011-05-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Closing Night for From Cradle to Stage 2011. I have truly enjoyed the From Cradle to Stage experience over the last two years of my tenure as Artistic Director. I have been involved in the festival in some capacity over the last 6 seasons, and to me it has a special place in my heart. I think because I am also a Playwright in addition to acting and directing (and coming soon, set designing) that I love this show so much. There are certainly places where you can, as a new playwright, get your work onstage, but many of them involve self-producing (Fringe, Indie theatre) or special age considerations (NextFest or high school festivals or other emerging artist opportunities) or a certain level of experience (Professional theatres). For the playwright who starts out late (as I did) or who lacks the resources to self-produce this is wonderful opportunity. We have amped it up as well, by incorporating in Dramaturgy (with Brian Dooley and Tracy Carroll these past two seasons) to develop the work and assist our playwrights in really seeing where they could take their work. It also provides opportunities for directors and actors who get to be the first to explore and produce the stories onstage. How many chances do you get where you get to be the first?

I hope that you make it out tonight to see the shows if you haven't already. I will be there. Maybe I will see you there?

Celebrating New Works and Wonderful Talent!

2011-05-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of watching the final tech rehearsal for From Cradle to Stage yesterday afternoon. Up to this point I had only seen bits and pieces of the shows so this was the first time I got to see them all in their entirety. I don't like watching shows too early in rehearsal because I don't think it is fair to those that are rehearsing. They want feedback but you can't really give appropriate feedback because the show isn't done and it might look that way (you don't want to crush them with a negative comment) or it really isn't your place to say anything (because they have a director who is doing that and you might contradict them). In any case, I watched yesterday and I must say I am very pleased with the evening of plays we will be premiering this week. All the t's were crossed and the i's were dotted.

The three plays offer up a real variety of themes and styles. The first, a reading of Poetry Unbound by Robert Zimmer, is a clever piece about poetry and art and inspiration. It is funny and intelligent and the cast brings a wonderful attack to it. At centre is the lovely Gabby Bernard who we first saw on Walterdale's stage as Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing. She is joined by several other strong actors both new and returning to Walterdale's stage. John Trehart is a newcomer who brings a smartness and sliminess to his character of Theory that is very fun to watch. Heather Patton, previously seen in Jimmy Dean last season, is sharp and authoritative as Academia. Robert MacDougall, who first appeared at Walterdale in Best Little Whorehouse and then later in Much Ado About Nothing, brings his delightfully over the top style to Pedanticus.

The second piece you'll be seeing is Even the Walls Have Eyes by Sherryl Melnyk. Anchored by Melanie Kerr, this is a monologue about confrontation and forgiveness. Melanie has a lovely naturalistic style that is compelling to watch. She is supported by Mady Faye and Steve Rempel who play a variety of figures from her past. Director Sarah Jackson added the echoing characters along with a haunting sound scape and moody lighting to create an uncomfortable intimacy that supports the piece beautifully.

Finally we will serve up Hope is Dead by Mike Czuba. Alex Fortier and Bob Klakowich populate this lonely world as two very different people who find connection on busy Bridge in the middle of the night. These two share the stage in a balanced way that makes you believe in their new found friendship.

I really enjoyed seeing all three plays. I am looking forward to Opening Night on Wednesday, May 18th so I can see how they grow and see how they are changed by the presence of a full house of people. That is the magic of theatre - every audience becomes part of the performance! I hope to see you there!

* Photo by Douglas Stewart - pictured are Alex Fortier and Bob Klakowich from Hope is Dead.

A Manicure is Wasted on Me...

2011-05-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

This week I spent 2 days in the theatre painting the set pieces for From Cradle to Stage. There isn't actually much to do because the shows this year are very minimalist in their requirements. Although it wasn't much work, it was good practice for the next show for me at Walterdale. I am Set Designer and Master Painter for Village of Idiots and I will have quite a bit more to do on that set.

For right now, my nails are in rough shape and there are still bits of grey and black paint that I haven't quite managed to get off. I am looking forward to seeing the pieces under stage lighting on Monday night so I can see if I have anything else to do to make them look right.

From Cradle to Stage opens Wednesday, May 18th and features work from 3 Alberta playwrights: Robert Zimmer, Sherryl Melnyk and Mike Czuba. It is a great opportunity to be in the first audiences to experience these works. Check it out!

Village of Idiots - The Village is Populated!

2011-05-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago auditions were held for our final show of the season, Village of Idiots. I must apologize for not getting the cast list up on here sooner, but my commitment in The Threepenny Opera along with other things had interfered with the normal happenings of this Blog. In any case, I have the cast list to share with you now! It features many wonderful actors, both new and familiar to Walterdale audiences. The sense of fun shown at auditions will no doubt seep into this production with this cast!

The Cast of Village of Idiots:

Zalman - Max Lebeuf
Zlateh - Tamara Raynor-Cote
Mesholem - Dallas Holmes
Yosef - Matt Randolph
Schmendrick - Eric Smith
Zisyah - Daniel Grimsen
Rabbi - Jason Stewart
Rebbetsin - Catherine Wenschlag
Miriam - Gabby Bernard
Feyvel - Joel Lefevre
Feigela - Elan Bertles
Ugly Male Chelmnik - Nick Eaton
Pretty Female Chelmnik - Lauren Kneteman
Gittel - Morgan Melnyk
Russian Officer - Erik deLange
Private Brodsky - Kougar Rossetti
Russian Soldier - Austin Long
Russian Soldier - Michael Strean
Chelmnik - Claire Meeker
Chelmnik - Jo Myung-Hi Cha
Chelmnik - Daniel Weinfeld

Congratulations to all! And thank you to everyone who auditioned. We had a great couple of evenings of auditions and enjoyed everything that you brought to the theatre. It was hard to choose from such fabulous folk!

If you want to be involved in Village, please contact me at adwalterdale2009@yahoo.ca and I will get you in touch with the Production Team! It's going to be a fun show!

Under Construction...

2011-04-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

I had a brief meeting today at the theatre with Architect David Murray who had asked me to come in to select the tiles for the new main floor bathrooms. Happily we were in agreement as to the best choices. I love it when that happens! The demolition commenced today and although we will have a slight inconvenience through our next show, we will have new, wheelchair accessible ones for the final show of this season! This is very exciting and will help to make our building a little more comfortable for those who require the accommodations. A number of Board Members, past and present, have worked hard to bring about this renovation and I know I am certainly pleased to see it all come together. Thanks to John Henoch, Eric Rice, Tim Marriott and Richard Hatfield for all their work on the project. I am sure there are others, so if I didn't mention you I am sorry. I am, however, so happy to see this happen!

The Next Adventure at Walterdale

2011-04-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well, The Threepenny Opera closed on Saturday night. The last 2 nights were SOLD OUT houses and the final night was bittersweet for those of us int he show. Many of us felt teary-eyed as we sang our Happy Endings song into bows. Never fear, we will remain in touch. That is one of the things that you get from Walterdale beyond the show - a sense of community and family with those you work with.

Now the theatre is on it's next adventure. This week, the City High School One Act Festival is in the building from Tuesday through Thursday. Then on Friday, the bathroom renovations begin and the From Cradle to Stage shows move into the building officially. They had their walk-through on Sunday afternoon and all is running according to plan! It's a chance for us to show Edmonton 3 new works from up and coming Albertan Playwrights, Robert Zimmer, Sheryl Melnyk and Mike Czuba.

Spotlight on John Evans - Mack the Knife in The Threepenny Opera

2011-04-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? I did some set painting and some props wrangling (armourer) but my main role in this production is as an actor playing MacHeath (Mack the Knife). Mack is the leader of a gang of ne'er do well pick pockets and murderers. He was in the Army previous to his life of crime and when he returned home there wasn't much for him but to steal and kill to survive. The army had taught him to be remorseless so it was an easy conversion for him. He does seek out the ladies, as well, primarily for carnal pleasures, and occasionally for affection, or business connections. There is a seed of humanity in him, but it is difficult to find and most likely not worth the voyage to find it.

What drew you to this show? The chance to be directed by Curtis Knecht, as I was interested to see what his style would be. As well, I had heard about a few of the people auditioning and I was interested in possibly working with them. The music is dark and the show is demanding and I was looking forward to the challenge of a show that has, in the past, not necessarily been appreciated by the critics. I was curious about what we could do that others hadn't. Also, it is always a pleasure working with Sally Hunt as Music Director. I was looking forward to coming home to a theatre family I had been away from for awhile and at the same time getting to know some of the new blood moving up in the theatre community.

What is your background in theatre? I am a Graduate of the Theatre Studies program offered by RDC as well I have performed in about 40 shows both in community and professional theatre. I own a Production Company (The October People) with my wife Kat. We specialize in special effects/gore, as well as costume and prop rental. I have done some ASM work as well and a little directing.

What has been most challenging about this project for you? Crawling into the skin of a sociopathic killer. It's like pulling on a wet t-shirt: it's cold and uncomfortable and difficult to get on at first but once you acclimatize to it, it's quite refreshing. It's out of my comfort zone but sometimes it's nice to try and push past those road blocks and see what you can do. The abusive behaviour to the ladies would truly be the hardest obstacle to overcome but we have built a comfort level with each other and we everything in a very safe manner.

What has been the best thing about this experience? The lovely, lovely people I have gotten to work with. Everyone has given 110% to this show in so many capacities and it has been a thrill to watch these somewhat shy and reserved people turn into London's worst and most depraved. It has been a fascinating thing to watch. The costumers, designers, actors, technicians, painters and builders etc... have all worked so tirelessly on this project so it has come to life in an incredible way. Having all the components come together like this is an amazing gift to get.

Saturday Night - SOLD OUT!

2011-04-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Threepenny Opera has been blessed with large crowds and last night SOLD OUT! It is always fun to play for big houses, but for those of you who wish to see it, this means that you need to get your tickets sooner rather than later!

I hope to see you in London on the Walterdale Stage!

Spotlight on Richard Hatfield - Lighting Designer for The Threepenny Opera

2011-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

What is your role on this production? I am the Lighting Designer and I helped build the set. I take care of lighting up the stage in a manner that allows for depiction of location, time and mood for the various scenes. Most importantly, I try to ensure that the actors can be seen!

What is your background in theatre? I started out in the later 80's hanging lights for a number of shows. Since then, with the help of the many great people who taught me, I have become very active in many aspects of backstage. I have Stage Managed, Sound Teched, Lighting Teched, assisted in building sets, been Master Builder, as well as many more duties. Currently I am Walterdale's Technical Director. Together with my extraordinary Technical Team, we take care of Walterdale's technical requirements.

Why did you join this production? Kat Evans was describing the set and concept to me during the lighting hang for Much Ado About Nothing and I expressed an interest in helping out. When she later offered me the role of Lighting Designer, I jumped at it. This show and set provided me opportunities to try some things I had never attempted before.

Challenges? The show has a number of fun challenges. One was that I had to come up with a concept for the lighting and bringing it to life. Another is that this show has no drapery to hide our nice brick walls and it is purposely exposed to the audience. I had to come up with a way to make the back wall of hte theatre work with the rest of the stage. Rewards? The most amazing reward one could ever ask for is always granted here! Friendship and working with a top notch team to achieve the common goal of presenting the show to the masses. I have met so many people that, without theatre and this show, I would have never had the luxury of meeting.

Some Threepenny Preview Articles for you to enjoy!

2011-04-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

First up - a Preview from Liz Nicholls in the Edmonton Journal: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Edmonton+Walterdale+theatre+steps+with+Threepenny+Opera/4544320/story.html Next - a Preview from Ana Borowiecki in the St. Albert Gazette: http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20110402/SAG0302/304029994/operas-message-shines-through-today

Please enjoy a few Pictures from The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

These are photos taken by Douglas Dollars Stewart at our Threepenny Opera media call.

http://gallery.radgrandpa.com/Event-Photography/Theatre/The-Threepenny-Opera/16413499_5Ven6#1234658445_FGrrQ

Spotlight on Sally Hunt - Music Director of The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

What is your role in this production? I am the Music Director. This involves coaching all the singers as well as rehearsing musicians. For this show I am leading a 4-piece group from the piano.

What is your background in theatre? I've been involved in musical theatre for about 25 years, starting out as a performer, and have been an accompanist, conductor and music director for about 20 years. The shows I have done with Walterdale include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Fantasticks, and A Little Night Music. I am a classically trained musician, and that training is coming in very handy on this show!

What attracted you to this show? I've loved the music from The Threepenny Opera for years. Kurt Weill is a brilliant composer who writes complex and challenging music. I've wanted to do the show for a long time and Walterdale Theatre as a venue is an ideal space for this piece. So, when the chance to do the show with Curtis came along, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

What are the challenges in doing a show like Threepenny? The show is very complex musically. It's a unique hybrid - part opera, part classical art song, and part jazz. It is full of unusual harmonies and melodies that don't quite go where the ear expects. Add to that lyrics that aren't the usual sugar-coated sentimental stuff you hear in musicals and it is a challenge for all involved! For me it is a welcome challenge though, and I am relishing every moment! One of the specific challenges of this show is The Ballad of Mack the Knife. The song has become a standard for jazz singers and crooners, yet it's style in the context of the show is very different. It has been a challenge to keep the song true to Weill's purpose, and not let it sound like Ella Fitzgerald or Michale Buble. I think audiences will be pleasantly surprised to hear it in its original incarnation.

What has made the experience fun for you? One of the great joys for me is working with new people. Many Directors and Music Directors get stuck in the rut of always casting the same people, and this is ultimately very limiting artistically. While there are a couple of cast members whom I've known and worked with for years, more than half the cast are brand new collaborators for me, and this makes for an exciting and stimulating process.

The Threepenny Opera has been an amazing journey so far. We have a cast of fearless performers who are willing to do anything we throw at them (there have been a few surprises!). The creative team is second to none in vision and enthusiasm and the musicians are all Walterdale veterans who are as enthusiastic as I am about the music. All of these talented individuals are together creating a world very different from our own. I can hardly wait to share this world with the audience!

What I have learned...

2011-03-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

Even though there are still 3 more shows before my tenure is up as Artistic Director, the shift into the next season is starting at the theatre and it has me thinking a lot about what I have learned about Walterdale over the last 2 years. The biggest thing I think I learned is that Walterdale, more than any other theatre I have worked in before, is all about collaboration. Everyone brings something to the table and the productions that welcome collaboration are the richer for it. In this sense, and in my role, I realized that whether I am Director of a show or Artistic Director of the entire theatre, the other people at Walterdale do not work FOR me, but rather I work WITH them. And although in some things the buck may stop with me, there is no boss. It has been so valuable to embrace this as I have learned so much from the many people I have been fortunate to work with over the past few years. I know that I will get to work with them again in the future near and distant, and I know that the foundation we have built by sharing and collaborating will work for us in whatever we do at Walterdale or outside of it. I feel blessed for the people that I have been able to work with. Some of them I got to mentor, some mentored me, and some just fit into their roles as though they were the right jig-saw piece for the puzzle.

It has to work that way, because we are community theatre. If the respect is not given to those that come to contribute then they will leave, because the currency they are paid in is respect, not money. We say we do it for Love, not Money, but tied into that Love of Theatre is the feeling of accomplishment and respect from those that we work with. It's a wondrous thing to count the hours of dedication and sweat and hard work and laughter that go into every show.

Spotlight on Geri Dittrich - Wardrobe Mistress on The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

What is your role on this Production? I've joined The Threepenny Opera Production Team as the Wardrobe Mistress and as an occasional set painter. My job is to interpret the costume designs given to me by our Production Designer, Kat Evans, and to co-ordinate the procurement and/or the construction, and the management of the costumes for the rehearsals and the run of the show.

What is your background in theatre? I've been a Costume Designer, Costume Technician and a Wardrobe Mistress as a professional and as a hobbyist for many years. Most of my work has been done in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Some of it in community theatres. I am a graduate of the U of A's Dept. of Human Ecology's Clothing and Textiles. My original course of studies concentrated on Textile Chemistry, but after a short course in Fashion History, my interest turned to Historic Fashion Design and it's application in Theatre.

Why did you join this production? I joined for several important reasons: the production is at Walterdale Playhouse; the production is produced by Walterdale Theatre Associates; the team members are Walterdale Theatre members; the costume designs are fun and interesting; and I have a great team of Costume Dept. Volunteers that are willing to work with me on these costumes. I joined the set painting team to work with Joan Hawkins, to learn more about set painting and to pay back many hours of sewing that Joan has given me on many shows.

What kinds of challenges do you face? The greatest challenge is the time commitment. I spend 12 hours during each of 4 days per week in the theatre co-ordinating the tasks and the volunteers, as well as several hours per week away from the theatre, sourcing costumes and materials and scheduling volunteers. Another challenge is the interpretation of the design concepts and drawings that have been conceived by another designer, who is often unable to be with me while I work in the theatre. Another significant challenge is preparing tasks for and instructing volunteers that have limited experience as costume technicians. Co-ordinating up to 8 people at a time in a limited work space while constructing garments that 'bend the rules' of ordinary fashion and must be functional for an actor in an active stage play can be very stressful at times.

And the rewards? What makes the stress of a project of this nature fade out of my memory and become a 'fun' memory is the group of people that I work with (both veterans and newbies) and the camaraderie we have during our long 'work bees', the 'tea sessions' we have together, the post-show meetings (aka brunches) and the theatre/textile/sewing field trips we attend together. Along with this I try to share my knowledge with my crew and have them gain a sense of pride in their work as it appears on the stage and instill a sense of belonging to the 'Walterdale Family'. I value their support and their friendship. We are Walterdale!

Oh, and the rest of the team and cast! They are a pretty good bunch of people too. They seem to like our work and are having fun in rehearsals, not to mention the play itself! It seems to be a good selection for this season. I think I'll really enjoy watching it if I get a chance. I will certainly enjoy listening to it backstage.

With all of these factors contributing to the fabulous outcome on Opening Night, I think I made a good choice in joining this theatrical experience.

* Photo is Geri Dittrich and Marcia Rigney at The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Opening Night reception.

Spotlight on Dean Krawchuk - Warden Smith in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

What is your role in this production? My character is Smith, the Warden of the London Police. This character is very greasy. He loves having power over people, and he uses and abuses this privilege. It's quite fun to play a character that is very different from myself.

How long have you been involved in theatre? I have been involved in theatre from an early age. I started from the dance side, and moved into acting when I was 12 years old. Now, I have a B.Ed with a Drama major, and have been teaching drama for the past 5 years. The Threepenny Opera is my second show with Walterdale. I was also in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown! I have also recently appeared in The Laramie Project and Famished here in Edmonton.

Why did you come out for this show? I have worked with the Director, Curtis Knecht, and a number of the people on the Production Team in the past and had really enjoyed the process of working with them so I wanted to do it again. I also wanted to get involved with another show and the timing was perfect.

What has been the most enjoyable thing about this show? The most challenging? I like working with people I have not worked with before and seeing what they bring to an ensemble. I am often watching people as they are rehearsing to see their energy and commitment to their character and the process. It is fun for me to see how everyone's character grows in the rehearsal process. It helps me develop my own character, and sometimes I see a new approach that I have not seen in the past and I make note of it for future use. The most challenging thing in this process is the music. Some of the notes are very high, so I am very happy that Sally (Sally Hunt - The Music Director) has let a few of us men sing some parts an octave lower than what is written.

Any final comments? I hope the audience has fun. I know this is a different style of show for some people, but as long as they have fun watching it, that's all I can ask for.

Spotlight on Josh Languedoc - Bob the Saw in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

How long have you been involved in theatre? I started doing theatre when I was 6 by doing drama camps with the St. Albert Children's Theatre. I also performed in several shows with them and found a love for performing. I graduated from Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts where I did several more shows and gained some directing experience. Currently, I am exploring my play writing side and writing several plays. I have co-founded an improvisational comedy group called Beerprov that performs bi-weekly at Avenue Theatre, and have also co-founded the Kazoodles, an emerging theatre for young audiences group that aims at telling stories to children through songs, play and empowerment. With regards to Walterdale, I have been fortunate enough to act in three shows: The Mail Order Bride, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and The Threepenny Opera.

What are you doing in this show? My role for this this production is Bob the Saw and I also play a Beggar. Bob is one of the criminals in Mackie's (Mac the Knife) Gang. Bob is one of four gang members that is "employed' by Mac to carry out his dirty work. Bob is a pickpocket who has very little talent. As such, he is a bit of an underling int he gang. He tries to fit in but can't quite reach the same level of intimidation as the other three gang members. He is also quieter and looks up to Matt, the second in command.

Why did you come out for this show? I auditioned for this show out of curiosity. I had heard a lot about this musical and how dark and gritty it was and wanted to see if the team would want me to be a part of it. Most musicals I have been a part of have been very ritzy and jazzy and I was curious about how different this show would be. Another thing that drew me to this show was the team. I had worked with most of them before and really wanted another chance to work with them again.

What has the work been like for you? I love trying to portray lower-class cockney. It's so gritty and raw in its execution that I love trying to speak like these criminals do, interact with others like these criminals do, and sing songs like they would. At the same time, trying to speak in a consistent cockney accent has been the hardest part of the show! It's so specific with it's regions that I have struggled with not letting it slip into another region or even another country!

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? I hope the audience will get a chance to peek at a sector of society that they do not think of often. The lives these characters lead are not lives of typical Canadians, and as such, the mundane activities and encounters these characters deal with on a day to day basis may surprise audiences. That to me is a very important part of theatre. It's important for us as humans to glimpse at other lives than our own and feel sympathy, be moved and even reflect. Ultimately that is what I hope the audience gets out of this play. That and hopefully a few laughs!

We would not take our own lives so seriously if we focused on this one line from the show:

A kick in the pants is just another kick in the pants!

* Photo: Douglas Dollars Stewart

Spotlight on Charity Principe - Jenny Diver in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

What is your background in theatre?

I have a B.A. (Drama) from the University of Alberta. I also completed the Capilano Theatre Program in North Vancouver, B.C. My background ranges from musical theatre, Shakespeare, straight drama to local new work. I have been in West Side Story, The Vagina Monologues, The Laramie Project, Twelfth Night, The Visit, and Running..., to name a few. My interest back in University was in community engagement theatre. I wrote a collective creation piece under the direction of David Barnett (former chair of the U of A Drama Dept.) called I Am Canadian? - a look at the immigrant experience and culture gap for 1st generation Canadians - inspired by my own family's journey to Canada from the Philippines. Community theatre can be a powerful tool to communicate and engage people and can create a forum for positive discourse.

I've done one show in the Walterdale Playhouse as a venue (but not a formal Walterdale Production) for the 2001 Edmonton International Fringe Festival entitled Running: The Alex Decoteau Story which chronicled the life of Canadian Olympic Athlete (1912) and first aboriginal police officer in Edmonton, Alex Decoteau. It was written by Charlotte Cameron, directed by Laura Roald and starred Trevor Duplessis and Amelia Maciewjewski. Amelia was just featured in Walterdale's production of Rabbit Hole and gave what I believe to be one of her BEST performances!

What is your role in this production?

I feel privileged to play Jenny Diver, the lead whore in The Threepenny Opera. There's a group of us, the "Women of Wapping", who play Mack the Knife's go-to girls... it involves a lot of strutting about and looking sexy, touching various body parts, soliciting the men on stage and being empowered to do so - this is our profession, after all. Much thanks to Jody for encouraging us to bust out our inner sexy!

Jenny, also known as Ginny-Jenny or Low-Dive Jenny, is an amazing character to play. She is sexy, tough-as-nails, conniving, and oozing with sensual awesomeness and Judas-like betrayal. Jenny's songs are arguably the most well-known numbers in The Threepenny Opera (aside from Mack the Knife) and the opportunity to sing Pirate Jenny and Solomon's Song is scary but also fantastic!

Why did you choose to audition for this show? What attracted you to it?

It's been well over 15 years since I've been in a musical and almost ten since I've acted in a major theatre project. I wanted to try my hand at another musical. I studied Brecht at the U of A and loved it. The style of the project - a comedy, parodying traditional sentimental musicals, while still being dark, sexy and powerful - is why I decided to audition.

What has the production been like for you so far?

I've enjoyed the laughter and the camaraderie between cast mates the most - while still having the opportunity to do good work. The Director, cast and crew are so funny and at the same time so talented. That's the magic of doing community theatre - you meet people of various ages, disciplines, theatre backgrounds and walks of life - but the one thing you can always count on is the shared passion for theatre, whether it be directing, acting, singing, dancing, set construction and design, costumes. Walterdale is especially great at attracting some of our city's best unsung talent.

The most challenging thing is yet to come. The show features a number called the Tango Ballad and we'll be asked to do the TANGO! I am looking forward to getting started on that!

What do you hope the audiences get from the show?

They say that with the Brechtian style of acting, the acting is in quotation marks. That means that the actors are always seen as "actors" and not real characters to be identified with... This style of acting married with the jarring theatrical conventions that Brecht employs int he script with signs, asides to the audience, comedic songs - all breaking the 4th wall of theatre is always an interesting for an audience. I hope they enjoy that sense of performance and theatricality. The show is also terribly funny. If anything, I hope the audience enjoys the experience and laughs as much as we have during the process of creating it.

Any other Comments?

BIG BIG BIG thank you to Curtis, Sally and the rest of the audition panel for allowing me the opportunity to play Jenny. It's been a truly awesome experience so far and as my first Walterdale production - it inspires me and encourages me to continue to be part of this great theatre community.

Spotlight on David Johnston - Filch in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

What is your background in theatre?

This is my third show in less than a year with Walterdale; previously, Kiss Within a Kiss and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas saw me attempting my Dubious Southern Accent, to much amusement. Elsewhere, I graduated with BA (Drama) from the University of Alberta, am currently Artistic Director of indie production company Allspice Theatre, and have done odds and ends of theatre in all corners of the city for many of my 23 years. Recent highlights without context include: juggling fruit at Nextfest, being doused in blood-coloured karo syrup in the women's washroom of the Timms Centre, chorus dancing in underwear and lederhosen at the Catalyst, girl-on-woodchuck action at the Fringe, and a slow painful metamorphosis into an African (not Asian!) rhinoceros.

What is you role in this Production?

Though Richard Hatfield is [successfully, I think] trying to rope me into aiding him with the lighting design and hang, I'm primarily an actor, playing the role of Filch. Filch is... he's an extreme August, if you know clown terminology. He's a variation on the lead villain's One Inept Guard, as he's got no skill-set beyond begging, though he's not very good at that. For some reason, he's managed to survive to adulthood, and J.J. Peachum enlists him into his beggar's army. Mayhem, murder and singing ensure.

Why did you audition for this show?

Sally Hunt told me she was doing the music and Kat Evans told me her design concept for the show was Victorian Steampunk. That was pretty much all the convincing I needed.

What has working on the show been like so far?

The most enjoyable aspect is the sheer physicality of the show. It's very big, very spectacular, very much outside the realm of Normal a lot of the time. The space that we've got to play in is all sorts of fun, with nooks and crannies and crevices and levels, and playing a character who drifts in, out, and around all of them is a joy. I've been increasingly fascinated by physical theatre and the studies of movement int he last few years, and I appreciate any opportunities to test the limits of what my body can do and and how it can contort to tell a story. Plus, I get to fall down a lot.

Most challenging are the words themselves. Not the dialect, I mean, so much as the phrasings and the conversation proper. Brecht and Blitzstein have come up with a script that never takes the short and economical route' they always take ten words to say what you can in five, and thirty to say what you can in ten. It's structured phraseology, buttressed in with nouns and verbs and further extends the hyper surreality of the potentially ordinary scenarios. Much of it doesn't just sound like anything a normal person would say... which forces us all again to get out of the habits of portraying Normal People.

What do you hope the audience gets out of the show?

While the story is exceedingly parablesque and often explicitly stating the underlying themes through blunt dialogue, I think, more than anything, the show is fun. The characters are complicated and richly developed, the sounds of the show are just so darn interesting to listen to, the visuals are striking and original, the twists are largely unanticipated, and the whole show is unlike a lot of other traditional musicals. It's a hoot.

As well, I spent four months growing a beard for this show. If you don't come, those four months were wasted.

* Photo: Douglas Dollars Stewart

Spotlight on Kara Little - Dolly in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

What is your background in theatre?
I always enjoyed singing but never thought I was any good at it. I was singing along with a group when a woman near me was belting out harmonies, so I started singing with her. My friends heard me and told me that I could actually sing - I was mortified that they heard me! I got over it and started to see if there was something I could do with this. I took some singing lessons at Grant MacEwan then Musical Theatre at the Citadel, and my classmates pointed me in the direction of auditions with Edmonton Musical Theatre. I would have never tried without their encouragement. Now I perform in about one show a year and have played with Lethbridge Musical Theatre, Horizon Players, Sherard Musical Theatre and ELOPE. This is my first production with the Walterdale and I can't wait!

What is your role on this production?

I play the role of Dolly, one of Mackie's "girls". She enjoys her power over men and is very opportunistic in taking advantage of them or of rich Londoners by parading as the poorest of the poor.

What attracted you to the project?

I love musicals and I've worked with most of the production crew before, so I was excited to have the chance to work with them again for my first production in the historic Walterdale.

What has been the most enjoyable thing about being involved in the show? What has been the most challenging thing?

I'm enjoying working with a cast that is very talented and supportive and challenges us to break out of our "polite Canadian" ways!

What do you hope the audience gets out of the show?

I hope it can be a fun escape from the daily routine. Some may want to peel away the layers of the characters and decipher what their motivation really is, and others may just lean back, turn their brains off and enjoy an entertaining show!

Spotlight on Kelsey Wangler - Choreographer of The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

What is your background in theatre?

My work in theatre began in Jr. High and continued throughout High School and into University. I began as an actor in several shows in Jr. High and High School including Annie, And Then There Were None and High School Musical. In my final year of high school I undertook by first role as director, directing a one act play Totally Red. I also began choreographing with How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Outside of Jr. High and High School my primary work has been in choreographing. I have recently been involved in choreographing Spruce Grove Composite High School's productions of Grease and Beauty and the Beast. I was also involved in choreographing the Fringe production of Famished.

Outside of theatre, I have been involved in the dance community for 18 years. I have trained in many disciplines: including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre. I am currently a dance teacher at Ward School of Dance in Spruce Grove.

This is my first time working with the Walterdale and I am very excited about moving into a new area of theatre. This is a great opportunity and I'm very glad to get to be a part of it.

What is your role on this production?

I am the choreographer for The Threepenny Opera. This involves instilling movement in the musical numbers that works in collaboration with the character's, the director's vision, and the general feel of the show. As the choreographer, it is my goal to maintain the concept of epic theatre that is present within Threepenny, all the while incorporating the individuality of this particular cast and my own ideas into one overall product.

Why did you join the team for this show?

Curtis (the Director) approached me after I had worked with him during Famished. What attracted me most to this project is that I have yet to work in an arena outside of a high school production or a one act. This is not only an intriguing opportunity as it is a very interesting play, but also because it allows me to work in setting that I have not yet experienced. It's a new challenge that I am very excited to take on!

What has been the most enjoyable thing about being involved in the show? What has been the most challenging thing?

I have very much enjoyed working with Curtis and the rest of the cast. Everyone has been very receptive and helpful throughout the entire process thus far. The challenge of working in an unfamiliar territory has been very rewarding! I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to take on this challenge.

What do you hope the audience gets out of the show?

I hope the audience enjoys the experience of an epic theatre production. This show incorporates very different elements from many other productions and I hope that the audience enjoys the unique experience that is The Threepenny Opera.

Spotlight on Curtis Knecht - Director of The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-04T12:17:00.001-08:00

Tell us a bit about your background in theatre:

I came to theatre from the musical side of the stage. I began singing lessons when I was very young and my teacher happened to be the director of the local theatre troupe. She got me involved in community theatre and my love of the stage was born. Theatre and music eventually lead me to obtain my Master of Music degree in voice and pedagogy where I studied, directed and performed opera. My association with the Walterdale began when I returned to Edmonton after earning my degree; I was music director for the production of the Rocky Horror Show, and was onstage as Petruccio in the Taming of the Shrew. I am thrilled to again be involved at the Walterdale for this production of The Threepenny Opera.

What is your role on this production?

I am the director of The Threepenny Opera. That means I'm the one trying to tell everyone what to do. In reality, what I try to do is provide a world for the actors to play in. The Threepenny Opera is a dark and grimy place set in the poorest districts of a Victorian era London and it is my job to unleash the actors into this world of killers, criminals, prostitutes and corrupt policemen. I also have the overall vision of the entire production; from set designs to costumes to music, a director has their hand in all aspects of the production. As overwhelming as that many sound, I'll let you in on the secret of directing... surround yourself with incredibly talented people and allow them to play in the world with you and success is guaranteed.

What brought you to this production?

I had submitted my name to be a director in the 2010/11 season and was contacted my the Artistic Director and asked if I was interested in the Threepenny Opera. I jumped at the chance. Not only is Threepenny a marvelous work, but the chance to again work with Sally Hunt (who is music director) was too good to pass up.

What else can you tell us about this production?

The most enjoyable thing about this production has been the people. Musicals, by necessity, tend to attract the biggest casts and production crews and all of these people coming together to help bring my vision of the production to life has been amazing. Working together at every rehearsal, sharing ideas, planning, staging, and all the other parts of the show are so much easier with people who share the same enjoyment of theatre as you do. The most challenging aspect of the show has not actually been directly related to the production. In my life outside of the show, both of my parents have been diagnosed with and are fighting advanced stages of cancer. This has placed a large burden upon myself and my family and at times threatened my involvement in the production itself. Balancing the need to be available for family and the desire to fully commit to the show has been stressful. The production has been amazingly helpful in providing an outlet for some of my tensions and anxieties and I think, personally, has made the last few months easier.

The Threepenny Opera is loaded with social commentary regarding rampant capitalism, the oppression and exploitation of the poor and the corruption of authority, but at the end of the night I hope the audience leaves the theatre entertained. The message of the show is simple and obvious but our goal is to deliver that message in the most entertaining manner possible. We want our audience to laugh with us at the dark humour, squirm at those moments of vulgarity and be carried along by the engaging music and witty speeches provided to us by Weill and Brecht (the composer and author respectively).

I know those audience members coming to the Threepenny Opera expecting a pop-music version of "Mack the Knife" in the style of Bobby Darin or Ella Fitzgerald are in for a bit of a shock. Kurt Weill's music, while heavily influenced by early 20th century jazz, is also deeply immersed in the classical traditions of the period. Weill's orchestrations are thick and lushly dissonant and his playful use of traditional dances (waltz, tango) mixed with Bertolt Brecht's blunt, colourful and often vulgar text can be jarring to say the least. The world of the Threepenny Opera is not a nice place to live, but I think everyone will enjoy their visit.

Spotlight on Gerald Mason - Mr. Peachum in The Threepenny Opera

2011-03-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

So Gerald, tell us about yourself and your role in this Walterdale Production.

I've been a Walterdale members since the mid 80's. I've mostly acted but in some cases I have done hair and make-up and have even sewed on a button if required. Theatre has been my hobby for years. In this production I play Mr. Peachum. He is in charge of all the beggars in all of the 14 districts of London. He lives off of his people. He is a very nasty man.

Why did you come out for this show?

This production is a musical and I love music. Also I have worked with the Director, Music Director, and I knew some of the people that were going to audition for the show. The people in this show are awesome. It is so great to go to rehearsal because it is theatre family.

What is the most challenging thing about this production?

The most challenging thing is the dialect/accent and the fact that I have to be a nasty man.

Any other comments?

I hope the audiences will sit back and just enjoy the show. Let us take them on a 2 hour trip so they can forget about their day's problems.

Auditions - Village of Idiots

2011-02-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Audition Notice for Village of Idiots, directed by Linette Smith - the final show in our 2010 - 2011 Season.

http://walterdaleplayhouse.com/?page_id=57

From Cradle to Stage - Cast 2011

2011-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Introducing the casts and teams of this season's From Cradle to Stage. Auditions were held Feb 13th and 14th and we had great fun listening to the variety of poems shared. We heard everything from Shel Silverstein to William Shakespeare to Dylan Thomas. Such wonderful words! Thanks to everyone for coming out. We had such wonderful people to choose from. The following casts feature people both familiar to Walterdale and brand new! Always an exciting mix!

Hope is Dead, by Mike Czuba; Dramaturgy by Tracy Carroll
Directed by J. Nelson Niwa

Stage Managed by May Kharaghani

Cast:

Girl - Alexandria Fortier

Old Man - Bob Klakowich

Even the Walls Have Eyes, by Sherryl Melnyk; Dramaturgy by Brian Dooley

Directed by Sarah Jackson

Stage Managed by Megan Lindmark

Cast:

Andrea - Tara Rout

Father - Ryan Beck

Mother - Mandy Faye

Poetry Unbound, by Robert Zimmer - a staged reading

Directed by Vivien Bosley

Stage Managed by Jackie Lotery

Cast:

Poetry - Gabby Bernard

Lyrica - Isabelle Chatelain

Pedanticus - Robert MacDougall

Theory - John Trehart

Academia - Heather Patton

Narrator - Mary Ellen Perley

Taxpayers - Matt McTurk, Nathan Schmidt

Overall Production Team:

Production Manager - Pierre Valois

Lighting Designer - Brad Melrose

Sound Designer - Darryl Portz

Costume Coordinators - Parazanda Valois and Sarah Valois

Anyone interested in working on this production, please contact Pierre Valois.

Runs and Auditions...

2011-02-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

We are currently in the middle of the Run for Rabbit Hole at Walterdale. The show has been well received and audiences have been both generous in their size and appreciation. If you want to catch it you have 3 more chances and I would advise getting your tickets ahead of time as we have Sold Out 3/7 shows so far. Most gratifying have been the comments about how well cast it is and consistently we have heard feedback like 'it is so real, I forgot I was watching a play'. Certainly wonderful words to hear after all the hard work. Anyhow, the show runs until February 19th (Saturday).

We also held auditions for From Cradle to Stage this past week. The Directors were pleased with the turn-out and had some hard choices to make. Casting should be completed any day now and we anxiously await the posting on this Blog!

A Delightful Review of Rabbit Hole in the Edmonton Journal

2011-02-11T17:17:00.001-08:00

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Haunting+characters+Rabbit+Hole/4268567/story.html

Some of our Preview Articles - if you want to know a bit more about the show...

2011-02-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

http://thegatewayonline.ca/articles/arts-entertainment/2011/02/10/hopeful-light-other-side-rabbit-hole

http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20110209/SAG0302/302099985

http://www.vueweekly.com/arts/story/down_the_rabbit_hole1/

Opening Night - Rabbit Hole

2011-02-10T20:14:00.001-08:00

Last night Rabbit Hole opened at Walterdale Playhouse. The house was delightfully full and the audience was both laughing and crying. I know the Cast and Production Team and Crew enjoyed the many kind words shared with them at the Opening Night Reception. One audience member shared that it felt like you were watching through someones window into their house and they became so engaged in it's realism that they almost forgot it was a play. Wonderful words of praise, indeed!

The sizable house continued tonight (2 for 1 Thursday). A reported house of approximately 135 in our 143 seat theatre made for a nicely packed group. At this point in time the cast is dipping their toes into Act Two. Recommendations are to book your tickets ahead of time if you want to get to see this show! It is our 6 Pack show so that means many of the tickets are already spoken for!

Spotlight on Graham Mothersill - Jason in Rabbit Hole

2011-02-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

What is your role in this production? I play Jason, the young man who is responsible for Danny's death. He remains on the fringe of the action as he attempts to make some sort of contact with Becca and Howie. I love playing Jason because he is such a contrast to the other four characters of the show who are very familiar with each other. He is young, inexperienced, and going through his own unique turmoil in the midst of the chaos.

What did you audition for this show? I actually saw Rabbit Hole three years ago at Alberta Theatre Projects in Calgary, where I worked as an usher. It was the first show that I ushered for at ATP, and now its the first show I've been in at Walterdale. I auditioned for Jason because the show has been stuck in my head since I first saw it. The opportunity to play a character close to my own age was also a huge factor! Rabbit Hole's domestic setting, for me, is what makes it so universal. In the grand scheme of the world, the struggles of these five character mean so very little - but to them it's the whole world, and isn't that how it is for everyone?

What is your background in theatre? I've been performing in choirs and small productions since I was three years old, but I wasn't serious about theatre until I played Tom Collins in Summerstock Calgary's production of RENT in the summer after grade 12. That production changed the course of my life (goodbye med school!), and will likely result in me owning a MUCH smaller house than I would've otherwise been able to afford. Most of my acting experience has been in various scene study classes and larger musical theatre productions. I'm currently a second year BA Drama major at the University of Alberta.

What has been your favorite part of the show?

1. Lemon squares

2. Making inappropriate jokes to my cast mates regarding my driving

3. Working with this fantastic group of people that my university courses would never have allowed me to work with.

Any other comments? Seriously, those lemon squares are something else.

Rabbit Hole - Director's Preview IS Student's Night

2011-02-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the Director's Preview for Rabbit Hole. Tickets for the regular run are selling briskly in addition to it being our 6-pack show so this might be a ticket that is hard to get. If you are a student with valid student I.D. however, you can see the show tonight at 8 p.m. during our Director's Preview. This is subject to available seating, but it is a chance to see the show FOR FREE!

We are chomping at the bit to show this beautiful piece to an audience. We hope to see you there!

Spotlight on Erin Valentine - Stage Manager of Rabbit Hole

2011-02-07T07:35:00.001-08:00

What is your role in this production? I am lucky to be Stage Managing this show. Some of the things I did were writing down blocking, giving lines notes, and keeping track of all the food!

Why did you join this team? Several months before the auditions for Rabbit Hole, I asked Kristen about getting involved in Walterdale and she offered to have me Stage Manage the show she was directing. I had no idea at the time what the show even was, but after reading the script I was so grateful to be a part of it. The characters drew me in - even just on paper, they were people I cared about and wanted to learn more about. I couldn't wait to see them come to life and be a part of making that happen!

What is your background in theatre? I sort of fell into doing theatre a few years ago when I was still in high school and loved it from the get-go. I started as a Props Manager and stage crews but Stage Management always appealed to me. In grade 12 I had the experience of stage managing a couple of one acts, and in the year and a half since graduating I've been prowling the Edmonton theatre scene for further opportunities. From stage managing a musical (Annie - Sherard) and a Fringe Show, and working running crew and lighting operator here at Walterdale, to helping to build and paint sets, I've been very fortunate to be able to try my hand at so many aspects of theatre on so many shows. Every show I get to be involved in makes me love theatre more, and I'm looking forward to remaining a part of the theatre world, both in community theatre and at the U of A in the Fall.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? Part of what makes this play so beautiful for me is the small moments - a glance between two family members or a quick smile at a subtle joke. I hope the audiences will see and feel these moments, and leave with an appreciation of the little things that define relationships and pull people through whatever pain they're dealing with. I hope they'll see the hope surfacing throughout the show, and feel as uplifted in the moments of lightness as they do pained in the moments of tragedy.

What has been your favorite part of the show? The people that have been involved in the show are just amazing. I am relatively new to theatre compared to some of the theatre veterans I've been able to work so closely with, and I have learned so much from everyone. I'm grateful to have the designers, cast and production team that we have - I've been able to fully trust everyone involved, which made it a really safe environment in which to grow as a stage manager. And everyone is so talented; it just blows my mind. I'll quit gushing now, but really, this has been such a solid cast and crew to work with and I'm honoured to be bringing a show to the stage with this group.

Spotlight on Francie Goodwin-Davies - Nat in Rabbit Hole...

2011-02-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

What is your role in this production? I play Nat, the mother of Becca and Izzy. She's not very intellectual and is hardened by her life experiences, but she also has lots of advice to try to help. She loves her children even though they don't seem to have that much patience for her.

Why did you audition for this production? Usually I like to do comedies, but I thought the play sounded interesting. I also wanted to work with Kristen and be back at Walterdale.

What is your background in theatre? The first time I was onstage was when I was 5. I have always been onstage. I studied at the U of A and U of C, attended Vic Comp School of Performing Arts and the Banff School of Fine Arts. I have done commercials, TV, Film but primarily live Theatre. I am a 35 year member of Walterdale. I also toured with an Opportunities for Youth Grant within a 50 mile radius of Edmonton and performing in rural areas. I was also with the first group to build and perform in the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary. I have enjoyed working onstage in many theatre across Alberta for the last 50 years.

What do you want audience to take away from this production? That after all, there is hope.

What is you favorite part of the show? My scene with Becca when we talk about feelings being like a brick in your pocket... but the whole show is fantastic. I love the script. It's real and human without being just about sadness. This has been a fabulous experience for me, meeting and working with such a great group of folks from my fellow actors to the director to the crew. WOW!

Spotlight on Amelia Maciejewski - Izzy in Rabbit Hole

2011-02-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

What is your role in this production? I play Izzy. She is a free-spirited person who has a blunt perspective on life, and who is in desperate need of attention. She is also Becca's sister.

Why did you come out for this show? I originally auditioned for the role of Becca because I really connected with her struggles and ways of coping. I haven't had a child die, but for the past 2 years have gone through a child being diagnosed with Autism and find that there are some similarities of grieving, coping, distancing, disconnection and a shift in reality. Some of the comment on support groups (for parents who have lost a child) are almost verbatim of what I experienced, and divorce is rampant amongst families in the Autism community. There is such a feeling of helplessness that I could see Becca's need for whatever control she could take. One thing that sets me apart from Becca, however, is that I use humour to cope with my struggles and so Izzy was the better fit... and it is a lighter journey to take so I get to have lots of fun! I like to let the wild woman out once in awhile.

What is your background in theatre? I have a BA in Drama from the U of A '00. This is my 6th Walterdale Production. I am also the CO-Director of Media for Walterdale and have been a Radio and Stage Actor.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? The interconnectedness of human struggle - that everyone goes through loss in some form and you are not alone on the journey. Don't let the storyline discourage you from coming because you think it will be too depressing or full of emoting - this is a realistic look at how a family is dealing with change, with all of it's quirks and dysfunction.

What has been your favorite part of this journey? Being able to explore delivery of lines to humour not only myself, but hopefully some audience members as well. I also got to work with awesome people and that helped in this.

Spotlight on Joyce LaBriola - Becca in Rabbit Hole

2011-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

Tell us a bit about your role in this production. Becca is a wife and mother, struggling to cope with the death of her son, while also trying to navigate her relationships with her husband and family. Not only has the death of her child changed HER forever, but it also threatens to break her marriage and destroy her family, however it also could make those bonds stronger and deeper. She has to deal with what happens to every facet of your life when faced with such a tragedy.

Why did you audition for this show? I auditioned for this show specifically for the chance to play Becca. I loved the nuance of the script. I loved that Becca is flowed and seems to be fighting for survival every moment of the play. There are no histrionics, there is no melodrama... I love that the script identified humour in the lives of this family. Becca is conflicted about moving on, about the relationship with her husband, about how to deal with her mother and sister - yet, there's laughter in her, that is so ready to spill over... her life was PERFECT before Jason came down that street and you want her to find her way back to that joy.

What is your background in theatre? I've been performing since I was 5 years old. I started voice lessons as a child because I was painfully shy and stuttered... that introduction into performing was a life changing moment, as it has shaped who I am completely. I would say that I am usually more comfortable in front of the footlights than I am in "real life"... and I am grateful for every single moment that I get to be there.

My degrees are in Vocal Performance and Theatre History from Rider University/Westminster Choir College and I spent some time doing the NYC audition circuit. A foray in into sports marketing led me to Edmonton, where I have met some brilliant artists and am fortunate enough that they've let me play with them occasionally, participating in 2 Fringe Productions, singing with the Edmonton Opera, and now my first show at Walterdale. I so some freelance gigs as a vocalist, singing at the Winspear for the Salvation Army and at the Royal Alberta Theatre for Minister Lindsay Blackett's Stars of Alberta Celebration. Most of my background has been in musicals like Sweeney Todd, Falsettos and Kiss Me Kate, but I've done quite a few plays in my time and have appeared in two film for Myriad Arts in NYC.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? I hope that audiences will be touched by the simplicity and love in this story. Ultimately, these people love each other and will be there for each other no matter what. I hope that people see through the tragedy to the laughter and joy that families share. I hope they leave feeling like they just spent an evening with some friends they really enjoyed.

What has been your favourite part of this experience? Working with this amazing cast and production team. Spending this much time working with, learning from and laughing with Daniel, Amelia and Francie has truly been a gift. I've loved working with Graham and treasured the opportunity to learn from Kristen, Marissa and Erin. Every moment of this experience has been a joy and I am forever grateful.

Final Comment? Walterdale should be proud of their season. Picking a show like Rabbit Hole and producing the Edmonton premiere is quite a coup for a local theatre and the subscribers and supporters of Walterdale Playhouse should be proud to be a part of something this special.

Hunting Rabbits...

2011-01-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

We are so close we can taste it... Actually, there is so much food in Rabbit Hole that I can imagine that some of the actors leave each rehearsal quite full. Creme caramel, Birthday cake, Lemon bars and Torte... it doesn't end.

The set is pretty much done. It is beautiful. We can thank Joan Hawkins, our illustrious set designer for the design and leadership in it's completion. She had the skills of Pierre Valois, our master builder and his building crew as well as the ever-growing painting team she has cultivated at Walterdale over the past few years. This has been a show with no shortage of help, that is for sure! Getting the set so early is such a benefit for the cast. Since the set is a home for Howie and Becca, getting to live in it a little longer than usual for a show is a blessing.

This is the last week to fine tune before we add full tech at Q2Q this weekend. It is already in such fine shape, for me, as Director, I am enjoying the luxury of nit-picking (I hope my actors are enjoying it too...). I also had a great time today looking for show gifts and working on my cards. For those of you who have ever done a show with me, you will know that I am all about the show gifts! They are always silly, thematic and a lot of fun! I love the celebration of a new show!

The New Year! Happy New Year!

2011-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

So it is January 2011 and we are 1/3 of the way through the 52nd Season at Walterdale. Currently we have two shows in rehearsal. Rabbit Hole is up on deck next, opening on February 9th. We are securely in the building and enjoying the luxury of getting the deck earlier than usual due to the phenomenal talents of Pierre Valois, Joan Hawkins and their crews. This fortunate occurrence will allow the actors to feel at home in the space even earlier than usual. Since this piece requires some major emotional journeys it is so nice to be able to have our feet grounded in the world of the play so early. The only obstacles we have encountered so far have been weather related as the freakish snow storms hitting our city have made it a challenge for all of us to get to the theatre. Luckily the team works hard when we get there so we make up for any lost minutes!

The other show in rehearsal is The Threepenny Opera. Music rehearsals have begun and some blocking. Due to the rehearsal schedule to Rabbit Hole, Threepenny has been abel to use the theatre on occasional evenings in January. We have had some wonderful time sharing space this season between shows which helps us to maximize the usage of the space!

Auditions for From Cradle to Stage will also be in February. See the previous post for details. The Dramaturges are working hard with the playwrights in order to get those scripts rehearsal ready by mid February!

Current Audtions - From Cradle to Stage 2010-2011

2010-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Auditions for our annual one-act festival featuring new works by local playwrights will be held February 13th and 14th, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.. There are a variety of roles to be auditioned for.

The three plays are:

A reading of Poetry Unbound by Robert Zimmer

Directed by Vivien Bosley

Even the Walls Have Eyes by Sherryl Melnyk

Dramaturgy by Brian Dooley

Directed by Sarah Jackson

Hope is Dead by Mike Czuba

Dramaturgy by Tracy Carroll

Directed by J. Nelson Niwa

Stage Managed by May Kharaghani

Auditions will consist of readings from the plays, and preparation of a short poem is suggested. Copies of the scripts are NOT available as they are new works currently under development.

To book an audition please email me, Kristen Finlay, at adwalterdale2009@yahoo.ca or phone 780-406-1256. I hope to see you out!