Seymour Irons - Playwright/ Director FAMILY CONTAINER
Seymour is an interdisciplinary Queer Black artist situated in Kingston Ontario. Since completing his undergraduate degree in Media and Performance Production at Queens University, Seymour has been building an entertainment company called See More Wake Up. His creation work focuses on the intersections between the mystical and the mundane, and what we could learn from these discoveries. Seymour has always loved to perform and create, from sound design, to dance, to theater. His most recent project was called "Sooth Shivers", a Site-specific movement performance, which was produced by his company. He can also be known for previous roles as Cadmus in Grapevine Theatres “Harmonia”, and as Lucy in Queens University's “Not Wanted on the Voyage.” Recently Seymour has completed the PXR IBPOC fellowship where he practiced and performed Virtual Reality Theatre. During this experience, he had the opportunity to produce sound for Tactics Theatre’s “Anasi V. God(s)”.
Seymour is an interdisciplinary Queer Black artist situated in Kingston Ontario. Since completing his undergraduate degree in Media and Performance Production at Queens University, Seymour has been building an entertainment company called See More Wake Up. His creation work focuses on the intersections between the mystical and the mundane, and what we could learn from these discoveries. Seymour has always loved to perform and create, from sound design, to dance, to theater. His most recent project was called "Sooth Shivers", a Site-specific movement performance, which was produced by his company. He can also be known for previous roles as Cadmus in Grapevine Theatres “Harmonia”, and as Lucy in Queens University's “Not Wanted on the Voyage.” Recently Seymour has completed the PXR IBPOC fellowship where he practiced and performed Virtual Reality Theatre. During this experience, he had the opportunity to produce sound for Tactics Theatre’s “Anasi V. God(s)”.
TERRA/ Jarena Lee - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Brooklyn-born and new(ish) to Kingston, Jarena Lee (Terra) is a multi-disciplinary artist with over 23 years of acting experience. Her journey began at the age of 7, performing in off-Broadway musicals with TADA! Youth Theatre in NYC. She later continued on to study performance at Concordia University in Montreal. This past summer, Jarena took to the stage in her second Kingston Fringe Festival show, and earlier this year, celebrated her debut starring role in the short film, Going Home (written and directed by Janeece Niles). Whether on stage, on screen, or exploring new creative ventures, she's always evolving her craft and keeping things fresh. Jarena is so delighted and deeply honored to contribute to bringing The Family Container to life.
Brooklyn-born and new(ish) to Kingston, Jarena Lee (Terra) is a multi-disciplinary artist with over 23 years of acting experience. Her journey began at the age of 7, performing in off-Broadway musicals with TADA! Youth Theatre in NYC. She later continued on to study performance at Concordia University in Montreal. This past summer, Jarena took to the stage in her second Kingston Fringe Festival show, and earlier this year, celebrated her debut starring role in the short film, Going Home (written and directed by Janeece Niles). Whether on stage, on screen, or exploring new creative ventures, she's always evolving her craft and keeping things fresh. Jarena is so delighted and deeply honored to contribute to bringing The Family Container to life.
MYA/ Yashia Allen - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Yashia Allen is a fourth-year Drama major at Queen’s University who absolutely loves theatre and performing. She has recently appeared in The Other Shore (DSDM), Newsies Jr. as Medda Larkin (Laurel Theatre), and The Last Night at the Cabaret (DSDM). Yashia is beyond excited to be part of this production and to work alongside such an amazing team of artists. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoys being part of it!
Yashia Allen is a fourth-year Drama major at Queen’s University who absolutely loves theatre and performing. She has recently appeared in The Other Shore (DSDM), Newsies Jr. as Medda Larkin (Laurel Theatre), and The Last Night at the Cabaret (DSDM). Yashia is beyond excited to be part of this production and to work alongside such an amazing team of artists. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoys being part of it!
MARCUS/ Michelle Nyamekye - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Michelle Nyamekye is an educator who is so excited to be a part of this project! This May, she had the pleasure of performing in the Northwest Territories with her 10-year long peer education show Sex Education by Theatre (SExT). During her university venture at Queen's, her theatrical experiences included Bring It On! The Musical (ensemble), The Gay Agenda (a devised student piece; cast member), Down There (a collective of student stories; performer), Missed Connections (student written short play; director) and We without You (dissertation-based performance; cast member). Michelle is thrilled for the opportunity to do another theatrical piece and hopes you enjoy the show!
Michelle Nyamekye is an educator who is so excited to be a part of this project! This May, she had the pleasure of performing in the Northwest Territories with her 10-year long peer education show Sex Education by Theatre (SExT). During her university venture at Queen's, her theatrical experiences included Bring It On! The Musical (ensemble), The Gay Agenda (a devised student piece; cast member), Down There (a collective of student stories; performer), Missed Connections (student written short play; director) and We without You (dissertation-based performance; cast member). Michelle is thrilled for the opportunity to do another theatrical piece and hopes you enjoy the show!
SOPHIA/ Shanique Peart - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Shanique Peart is a Kingston based multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for creation, dance and photography. Shanique began her dance journey as a self-trained dancer exploring movement through Hip-hop and freestyle dance. Over the years she has had the opportunity to train in a variety of settings that has allowed her to develop her skills in multiple dance styles. Including Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afro fusion, Modern and Urban Contemporary.This diverse background has influenced her journey as a multi-disciplinary artist. Not only exploring and creating through movement but intertwining dance and performance through film and photography. Outside of dance and photography, Shanique is moving into more creation-based and collaboration projects. Both in and outside of Kingston, ON. As well as the theatre, education and administrative space within the dance and arts community.
Shanique Peart is a Kingston based multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for creation, dance and photography. Shanique began her dance journey as a self-trained dancer exploring movement through Hip-hop and freestyle dance. Over the years she has had the opportunity to train in a variety of settings that has allowed her to develop her skills in multiple dance styles. Including Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afro fusion, Modern and Urban Contemporary.This diverse background has influenced her journey as a multi-disciplinary artist. Not only exploring and creating through movement but intertwining dance and performance through film and photography. Outside of dance and photography, Shanique is moving into more creation-based and collaboration projects. Both in and outside of Kingston, ON. As well as the theatre, education and administrative space within the dance and arts community.
DONNOVAN/ Jonathan Campbell - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Jonathan Campbell, preferably known as Jono is, what he calls an undercover creative hobbyist. He pursues whatever medium of expression that strikes his interest. Born and raised in Jamaica, he sticks close to his roots but considers himself a citizen of the world.
Jonathan Campbell, preferably known as Jono is, what he calls an undercover creative hobbyist. He pursues whatever medium of expression that strikes his interest. Born and raised in Jamaica, he sticks close to his roots but considers himself a citizen of the world.
LIZ/ Sierrah Zawacki - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
Sierrah is a multidisciplinary artist who has studied and worked in film, theatre, performance, and sound.Sierrah came to Kingston (Katarokwi) to attend Queen’s University for her Undergraduate Degree in Media and Performance Production. Since then she has completed her MA and is now working towards her PhD.You may recognize her from her most recent performances in Sooth, Other(worldly) with Kick and Push, or in her role as “Celia” in As You Like It with the Domino Theatre. If you want to check out some of her work head over to @sunandmoon.images on instagram.
Sierrah is a multidisciplinary artist who has studied and worked in film, theatre, performance, and sound.Sierrah came to Kingston (Katarokwi) to attend Queen’s University for her Undergraduate Degree in Media and Performance Production. Since then she has completed her MA and is now working towards her PhD.You may recognize her from her most recent performances in Sooth, Other(worldly) with Kick and Push, or in her role as “Celia” in As You Like It with the Domino Theatre. If you want to check out some of her work head over to @sunandmoon.images on instagram.
HENRY/ Matthew Davis - ACTOR FAMILY CONTAINER
A long-time member of the Kingston theatre scene, Matthew is very excited with being part of Family Container and creating an exciting new work with Seymour Irons. Highlights of past productions include: Touchstone the Clown in Shakespeare’s As You Like It for Domino Theatre, Bowl in Harmonia for The Grapevine Theatre Project, and directing The Odd Couple (Female Version) and Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet for The King's Town Players.
A long-time member of the Kingston theatre scene, Matthew is very excited with being part of Family Container and creating an exciting new work with Seymour Irons. Highlights of past productions include: Touchstone the Clown in Shakespeare’s As You Like It for Domino Theatre, Bowl in Harmonia for The Grapevine Theatre Project, and directing The Odd Couple (Female Version) and Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet for The King's Town Players.
JAMES/ Iffy Maduabuchi
I'm a young Nigerian software developer who has always had an interest in the creative and performing arts. I've spent the last year and a half exploring my creative side by getting involved in any project I can, and Family Container is the next one. I'm excited to have my first theatre role as James in this play!
I'm a young Nigerian software developer who has always had an interest in the creative and performing arts. I've spent the last year and a half exploring my creative side by getting involved in any project I can, and Family Container is the next one. I'm excited to have my first theatre role as James in this play!
ANAELLA/ Reese Heisterkamp
Reese Heisterkamp is a dancer, actress, and singer attending L.C.V.I in Kingston, Ontario. At an early age, Reese developed a passion for the arts. She almost lives at her dance studio—dancing 5 days a week. In the summer of 2024, Reese participated in the Ground UP Dance Festival and travelled to New York City to perform on a broadway stage. Although it’s rare, in her free time she loves to draw, bake, and build legos with her partner.
Reese Heisterkamp is a dancer, actress, and singer attending L.C.V.I in Kingston, Ontario. At an early age, Reese developed a passion for the arts. She almost lives at her dance studio—dancing 5 days a week. In the summer of 2024, Reese participated in the Ground UP Dance Festival and travelled to New York City to perform on a broadway stage. Although it’s rare, in her free time she loves to draw, bake, and build legos with her partner.
Rosemary Doyle. ARTISTIC PRODUCER
Director- Alice and the World We Live in, Big Ticket
DESIGNER - PARENT'S NIGHT, FAMILY CONTAINER
Rosemary Doyle was born and raised in Kingston, starting her theatre career here on the Grand Theatre stage and with Theatre 5. In her forty year career she honed her skills at AMDA in NYC, with Mirvish in Toronto, at the Shaw Festival, always returning frequently to work for Theatre Kingston, Salon Theatre and The Thousand Islands playhouse. In 2011 she founded the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, an independent theatre venue that hosts over 42 different companies a year, and in 2018 she returned to Kingston as the Artistic Producer of Theatre Kingston. Rosemary is an Actor, Playwright, Director, Lighting and Set Designer and Carpenter, in no particular order.
Director- Alice and the World We Live in, Big Ticket
DESIGNER - PARENT'S NIGHT, FAMILY CONTAINER
Rosemary Doyle was born and raised in Kingston, starting her theatre career here on the Grand Theatre stage and with Theatre 5. In her forty year career she honed her skills at AMDA in NYC, with Mirvish in Toronto, at the Shaw Festival, always returning frequently to work for Theatre Kingston, Salon Theatre and The Thousand Islands playhouse. In 2011 she founded the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, an independent theatre venue that hosts over 42 different companies a year, and in 2018 she returned to Kingston as the Artistic Producer of Theatre Kingston. Rosemary is an Actor, Playwright, Director, Lighting and Set Designer and Carpenter, in no particular order.
Ian Malcolm - Director PARENT'S NIGHT
Ian is delighted to be directing this production of Parents Night for Theatre Kingston. He taught Dramatic Arts at Kingston Collegiate & Vocational Institute until his retirement. He’s also performed in, and directed, productions for Cubiculo Theatre Lab, Domino Theatre, bEST Theatre, Theatre 5, Kingston Summer Theatre, Lamplight Theatre, Bottle Tree Productions, and the Thousand Islands Playhouse. His credits include:
Acting: At My Heart’s Core (Domino Theatre); Kiss Me Kate (Kingston Meistersingers); The Winter’s Tale (Theatre Kingston).
Directing: The Zoo Story, Amigo’s Blue Guitar, The Duck Variations (bEST Theatre); Ghosts, Hay Fever, All My Sons, Maggie’s Getting Married, A Streetcar Named Desire, Enchanted April, Outside Mullingar (Domino Theatre); Private Lives, The Motor Trade (Bottle Tree Productions), All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten (Live At The Spire).
Ian was named Outstanding Director at the 2007 Theatre Ontario Showcase for his direction of that year’s Outstanding Production, Domino Theatre’s All My Sons. He also directed the Domino Theatre production of Outside Mullingar which was named Outstanding Production at the 2019 Theatre Ontario Showcase
Ian is delighted to be directing this production of Parents Night for Theatre Kingston. He taught Dramatic Arts at Kingston Collegiate & Vocational Institute until his retirement. He’s also performed in, and directed, productions for Cubiculo Theatre Lab, Domino Theatre, bEST Theatre, Theatre 5, Kingston Summer Theatre, Lamplight Theatre, Bottle Tree Productions, and the Thousand Islands Playhouse. His credits include:
Acting: At My Heart’s Core (Domino Theatre); Kiss Me Kate (Kingston Meistersingers); The Winter’s Tale (Theatre Kingston).
Directing: The Zoo Story, Amigo’s Blue Guitar, The Duck Variations (bEST Theatre); Ghosts, Hay Fever, All My Sons, Maggie’s Getting Married, A Streetcar Named Desire, Enchanted April, Outside Mullingar (Domino Theatre); Private Lives, The Motor Trade (Bottle Tree Productions), All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten (Live At The Spire).
Ian was named Outstanding Director at the 2007 Theatre Ontario Showcase for his direction of that year’s Outstanding Production, Domino Theatre’s All My Sons. He also directed the Domino Theatre production of Outside Mullingar which was named Outstanding Production at the 2019 Theatre Ontario Showcase
Shannon Donnelly - Actor PARENT'S NIGHT
Shannon Donnelly is an award winning actor who has performed on stages across Ontario. She fell in love with acting at six and has pursued that passion ever since. As an alumnus of the University of Ottawa in Theatre and graduate with honours of the St. Lawrence College's Musical Theatre program, Shannon has experience with many aspects of the craft including costuming, makeup, film, theatre and voice acting.
Some of her favourite roles include Aunt Eller (Oklahoma!) Baroness Schroeder (Sound of Music) and Jane (Babe Ruth Comes to Pickle River). Recent roles include Sarah (Company), Diane (Blood River), Witch Hazel (The Witch and the Glitch), Tania (The Fall After Midsummer) and Pauline (Jekyll & Hyde).
Shannon is thrilled to be back at Theatre Kingston, working alongside a fabulous cast and crew! Off stage she lives happily as a makeup artist/instructor and mum to her two amazing daughters
Shannon Donnelly is an award winning actor who has performed on stages across Ontario. She fell in love with acting at six and has pursued that passion ever since. As an alumnus of the University of Ottawa in Theatre and graduate with honours of the St. Lawrence College's Musical Theatre program, Shannon has experience with many aspects of the craft including costuming, makeup, film, theatre and voice acting.
Some of her favourite roles include Aunt Eller (Oklahoma!) Baroness Schroeder (Sound of Music) and Jane (Babe Ruth Comes to Pickle River). Recent roles include Sarah (Company), Diane (Blood River), Witch Hazel (The Witch and the Glitch), Tania (The Fall After Midsummer) and Pauline (Jekyll & Hyde).
Shannon is thrilled to be back at Theatre Kingston, working alongside a fabulous cast and crew! Off stage she lives happily as a makeup artist/instructor and mum to her two amazing daughters
Tony Babcock - Actor PARENT'S NIGHT
Tony is a filmmaker, teacher & actor with credits on CBC, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Bell Fibe TV 1, Out TV, TVO, CTV, Broadway On Demand, The Cartoon Network, Global, and the Tribeca Film Festival! Recently he starred in the film Going Up opposite Colin Mochrie and guest starred on the upcoming comedic tv series Overcompensating (Amazon Prime video).
Favourite Theatre credits include Mozart in Amadeus (National Comedy Theatre, NYC), Julian in The Epitome of Regret(Regent Theatre, Vancouver), & Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Kingston Grand Theatre).
Tony has performed comedy & improv with the improvOlympicin Los Angeles, Second City and Bad Dog Theatre in Toronto and for 15 years with the Canadian Improv Showcase all across Canada. He is half of the improv duo "All-Inclusive Comedy", with whom he recently headlined at Comedy Country in Prince Edward County. This is Tony's second journey into the world of George F. Walker after playing Juniorin Escape from Happiness at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto. He is thrilled to be part of Parents Night and to be working with this amazing cast & creative team!
Tony is a filmmaker, teacher & actor with credits on CBC, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Bell Fibe TV 1, Out TV, TVO, CTV, Broadway On Demand, The Cartoon Network, Global, and the Tribeca Film Festival! Recently he starred in the film Going Up opposite Colin Mochrie and guest starred on the upcoming comedic tv series Overcompensating (Amazon Prime video).
Favourite Theatre credits include Mozart in Amadeus (National Comedy Theatre, NYC), Julian in The Epitome of Regret(Regent Theatre, Vancouver), & Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Kingston Grand Theatre).
Tony has performed comedy & improv with the improvOlympicin Los Angeles, Second City and Bad Dog Theatre in Toronto and for 15 years with the Canadian Improv Showcase all across Canada. He is half of the improv duo "All-Inclusive Comedy", with whom he recently headlined at Comedy Country in Prince Edward County. This is Tony's second journey into the world of George F. Walker after playing Juniorin Escape from Happiness at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto. He is thrilled to be part of Parents Night and to be working with this amazing cast & creative team!
Emily Elliot - Actor PARENT'S NIGHT
Emily spent her youth starring in school productions, including her proudest role portraying Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She prioritized her love of theatre into early adulthood and was a member of Oshawa Little Theatre and was featured as a background role in Toronto-based hit teen drama Degrassi: Next Class. She moved to Kingston to pursue her educational goals and for almost a decade, her thespian lifestyle was put on hold. It was fate that during one of her shifts working at a diner downtown she served Rosemary Doyle, and since then, her life has never been the same. As well as a revived actor, Emily is also a devoted Swiftie, a local journalist, and a proud mother of her two feline children, Hamster and Skunk. At 28, she is excited to be returning to her passion and is grateful to be working with the Theatre Kingston team!
Emily spent her youth starring in school productions, including her proudest role portraying Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She prioritized her love of theatre into early adulthood and was a member of Oshawa Little Theatre and was featured as a background role in Toronto-based hit teen drama Degrassi: Next Class. She moved to Kingston to pursue her educational goals and for almost a decade, her thespian lifestyle was put on hold. It was fate that during one of her shifts working at a diner downtown she served Rosemary Doyle, and since then, her life has never been the same. As well as a revived actor, Emily is also a devoted Swiftie, a local journalist, and a proud mother of her two feline children, Hamster and Skunk. At 28, she is excited to be returning to her passion and is grateful to be working with the Theatre Kingston team!
GEORGE F.WALKER -PLAYWRIGHT PARENT'S NIGHT
George F. Walker is one of Canada’s most prolific and popular playwrights. Since beginning his theatre career in the early 1970s, Walker has written more than 30 plays and has created screenplays for several award-winning Canadian television series. Part Kafka, part Lewis Carroll, Walker’s distinctive, gritty, fast-paced tragicomedies illuminate and satirize the selfishness, greed, and aggression of contemporary urban culture.
Among his best known plays are Filthy Rich (1979); Zastrozzi (1977); Theatre of the Film Noir (1980); Criminals in Love (1984); Better Living (1986); Nothing Sacred (1988); Love and Anger (1989); Escape from Happiness (1991); Tough! (1993); Suburban Motel (1997, a series of six plays set in the same motel room); Heaven (2000); And So It Goes (2010); and Dead Metaphor (2013).
Since the early 1980s he has directed most of the premieres of his own plays. Walker’s plays have been presented in more than 700 productions across Canada, the United States, and around the world; they have been translated into French, German, Hebrew, Turkish, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, and Japanese.
During a ten-year absence from theatre, he wrote mainly for television including the series This is Wonderland, The Line, and Living in Your Car. Awards and honours include The Order of Canada, two Governor General’s awards, five Dora Mavor Moore Awards, nine Chalmers Canadian Play Awards, and the Governor General’s lifetime achievement award.
George F. Walker is one of Canada’s most prolific and popular playwrights. Since beginning his theatre career in the early 1970s, Walker has written more than 30 plays and has created screenplays for several award-winning Canadian television series. Part Kafka, part Lewis Carroll, Walker’s distinctive, gritty, fast-paced tragicomedies illuminate and satirize the selfishness, greed, and aggression of contemporary urban culture.
Among his best known plays are Filthy Rich (1979); Zastrozzi (1977); Theatre of the Film Noir (1980); Criminals in Love (1984); Better Living (1986); Nothing Sacred (1988); Love and Anger (1989); Escape from Happiness (1991); Tough! (1993); Suburban Motel (1997, a series of six plays set in the same motel room); Heaven (2000); And So It Goes (2010); and Dead Metaphor (2013).
Since the early 1980s he has directed most of the premieres of his own plays. Walker’s plays have been presented in more than 700 productions across Canada, the United States, and around the world; they have been translated into French, German, Hebrew, Turkish, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, and Japanese.
During a ten-year absence from theatre, he wrote mainly for television including the series This is Wonderland, The Line, and Living in Your Car. Awards and honours include The Order of Canada, two Governor General’s awards, five Dora Mavor Moore Awards, nine Chalmers Canadian Play Awards, and the Governor General’s lifetime achievement award.
Hayley Scanlan – Stage Manager - Parent's Night
Hayley grew up performing on Kingston stages, in Bucksaw Hollow, Kingston Meistersingers, Kinsmen, Theatre 5, and Domino Theatre productions in her youth.
After attending Queen’s Drama and during her career as a dance teacher and studio owner, Hayley continued to work with local theatre groups as a choreographer, on productions of The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Anything Goes, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate (Kingston Meistersingers), Stepping Out (Domino Theatre) and Cinderella (Lennox Community Theatre).
More recently, Hayley has returned to the stage. Select acting roles include Nat (Rabbit Hole – Kings Town Players), Mrs. Cratchit (A Christmas Carol - Domino Theatre), and Connie (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Domino Theatre)
Behind the scenes, Hayley has staged managed The Tempest (Kings Town Players), Mamma Mia (Kingston Meistersingers), Babe Ruth Comes to Pickle River (Lennox Community Theatre), As You Like It, and The Road to Mecca (Domino Theatre).
Hayley is excited to be a part of Theatre Kingston’s Parents’ Night. Enjoy the show!
Hayley grew up performing on Kingston stages, in Bucksaw Hollow, Kingston Meistersingers, Kinsmen, Theatre 5, and Domino Theatre productions in her youth.
After attending Queen’s Drama and during her career as a dance teacher and studio owner, Hayley continued to work with local theatre groups as a choreographer, on productions of The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Anything Goes, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate (Kingston Meistersingers), Stepping Out (Domino Theatre) and Cinderella (Lennox Community Theatre).
More recently, Hayley has returned to the stage. Select acting roles include Nat (Rabbit Hole – Kings Town Players), Mrs. Cratchit (A Christmas Carol - Domino Theatre), and Connie (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Domino Theatre)
Behind the scenes, Hayley has staged managed The Tempest (Kings Town Players), Mamma Mia (Kingston Meistersingers), Babe Ruth Comes to Pickle River (Lennox Community Theatre), As You Like It, and The Road to Mecca (Domino Theatre).
Hayley is excited to be a part of Theatre Kingston’s Parents’ Night. Enjoy the show!
JIM GARRARD - PLAYWRIGHT
BIG TICKET
As a director, Jim has worked at Twenty-Fifth Street Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Bristol Old Vic and the legendary Theatre Second Floor. Also, locally, at Queen’s Drama, Domino Theatre, Kingston Summer Festival, SALON Theatre, Theatre Kingston Fringe (Krapp’s Last Tape). He is a graduate of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
He is best known as a playwright who directs his own plays, including Bondage Plays for My Country: Dead Heat, Getting Even, Cold Comfort, Spencer’s Mom and Big Ticket. Other plays include Peggy’s Song, Fourteen, Sir John, Eh? (with Grant Heckman) and a new play, Deep Water Dreams, a play about the life of Florence Nightingale. Cold Comfort was also an award-winning feature film. His short film, Touch My Lips, produced by Canadian Film Centre, has played at festivals around the world.
Jim is founding artistic director of Theatre Passe Muraille, SALON Theatre, Kingston Summer Festival and The Macdonald Festival. He was Resident Theatre Director at Rochdale College, Simon Fraser University, and University of Toronto (UC Playhouse).
He is a member of ACTRA and Writer’s Guild of Canada. He served as
Executive Director of Toronto Arts Council and Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Commission, and as President of Rochdale College. Jim lives in Kingston.
BIG TICKET
As a director, Jim has worked at Twenty-Fifth Street Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Bristol Old Vic and the legendary Theatre Second Floor. Also, locally, at Queen’s Drama, Domino Theatre, Kingston Summer Festival, SALON Theatre, Theatre Kingston Fringe (Krapp’s Last Tape). He is a graduate of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
He is best known as a playwright who directs his own plays, including Bondage Plays for My Country: Dead Heat, Getting Even, Cold Comfort, Spencer’s Mom and Big Ticket. Other plays include Peggy’s Song, Fourteen, Sir John, Eh? (with Grant Heckman) and a new play, Deep Water Dreams, a play about the life of Florence Nightingale. Cold Comfort was also an award-winning feature film. His short film, Touch My Lips, produced by Canadian Film Centre, has played at festivals around the world.
Jim is founding artistic director of Theatre Passe Muraille, SALON Theatre, Kingston Summer Festival and The Macdonald Festival. He was Resident Theatre Director at Rochdale College, Simon Fraser University, and University of Toronto (UC Playhouse).
He is a member of ACTRA and Writer’s Guild of Canada. He served as
Executive Director of Toronto Arts Council and Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Commission, and as President of Rochdale College. Jim lives in Kingston.
Richard Feren Music & Sound design – Big Ticket
Richard has been creating music and soundscapes for theatre, dance & film since 1992.
Recent credits: Heist, Controlled Damage, Grand Ghosts (The Grand Theatre); Erased (Theatre Passe Muraille); What The Constitution Means To Me, Sizwe Bansi Is Dead (Soulpepper); Sequence, Mary’s Wedding (Thousand Islands Playhouse); The Inheritance, Public Enemy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Canadian Stage); The Cold War, Too Good To Be True, Confederation & Riel (VideoCabaret); Hamlet, An Ideal Husband (Stratford).
Upcoming: Dangerous Liaisons (Stratford)
Other: composed scores for eight feature films & numerous shorts; won seven Dora Awards; 1999 Pauline McGibbon Award; shortlisted for 2012 Siminovitch Prize.
Richard has been creating music and soundscapes for theatre, dance & film since 1992.
Recent credits: Heist, Controlled Damage, Grand Ghosts (The Grand Theatre); Erased (Theatre Passe Muraille); What The Constitution Means To Me, Sizwe Bansi Is Dead (Soulpepper); Sequence, Mary’s Wedding (Thousand Islands Playhouse); The Inheritance, Public Enemy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Canadian Stage); The Cold War, Too Good To Be True, Confederation & Riel (VideoCabaret); Hamlet, An Ideal Husband (Stratford).
Upcoming: Dangerous Liaisons (Stratford)
Other: composed scores for eight feature films & numerous shorts; won seven Dora Awards; 1999 Pauline McGibbon Award; shortlisted for 2012 Siminovitch Prize.
Susan Del Mei- Actor
Big Ticket
An actor, choreographer and dance instructor from Kingston, Ontario. Susan has appeared as Fraulein “Fritzie” Kost in “Cabaret” in Picton (Shatterbox Theatre). Recent favourites include: Amy in “Company” (Inspired Productions), Aphrodite in “Harmonia”, Bread in “Seven” (Grapevine Theatre), Olive Madison in “The Odd Couple: Female Version” (King’s Town Players).
In the rare moments she’s not in the rehearsal hall or at the dance studio, Susan can be found snuggling her 7 kitties, whipping up a crochet project or swinging a tennis racket with her partner.
Big Ticket
An actor, choreographer and dance instructor from Kingston, Ontario. Susan has appeared as Fraulein “Fritzie” Kost in “Cabaret” in Picton (Shatterbox Theatre). Recent favourites include: Amy in “Company” (Inspired Productions), Aphrodite in “Harmonia”, Bread in “Seven” (Grapevine Theatre), Olive Madison in “The Odd Couple: Female Version” (King’s Town Players).
In the rare moments she’s not in the rehearsal hall or at the dance studio, Susan can be found snuggling her 7 kitties, whipping up a crochet project or swinging a tennis racket with her partner.
Reece Presley - Actor Big Ticket
Reece Presley is a Canadian actor and motion capture performer known for In a Violent Nature (2024) (Sundance, Shudder/IFC Films), Psycho Goreman (2020) (Shudder, Amazon Prime), and Can I Get A Witness.
After moving to Toronto, he has worked steadily in film, television and on stage. He has trained with the incredible Larry Moss, and with various coaches based in Toronto and Vancouver. As a motion capture performer, Presley's work can be seen on Resident Evil 4 (2023) and the short Firmware (2024) (Dust)
Reece Presley is a Canadian actor and motion capture performer known for In a Violent Nature (2024) (Sundance, Shudder/IFC Films), Psycho Goreman (2020) (Shudder, Amazon Prime), and Can I Get A Witness.
After moving to Toronto, he has worked steadily in film, television and on stage. He has trained with the incredible Larry Moss, and with various coaches based in Toronto and Vancouver. As a motion capture performer, Presley's work can be seen on Resident Evil 4 (2023) and the short Firmware (2024) (Dust)
Will Smith-Blyth - SM BOY BEATLE, ALICE AND THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.
Will is a theatre tech, and aspiring lighting designer. Born and raised in Kingston
Ontario, he has always had a passion for entertainment, and originally thought studying film in Toronto would be the best way to fulfil it. However, during a summer break back in Kingston, he worked as a tech for Theatre Kingston’s Fringe Festival, and instantly fell in love with the unique thrills of live performance. Since then, he has continued to refine his technical skills in the theatre, working with Rosemary Doyle on subsequent Fringe Festivals. He is now dipping his toes into the larger world of Kingston Theatre, by taking on the role of Lighting Designer for “Blood River” (Theatre Kingston, 2023). Will strongly believes in the idea of variety being the spice of life, and is determined to pursue the great variety offered by Canadian theatre as his calling in life.
Will is a theatre tech, and aspiring lighting designer. Born and raised in Kingston
Ontario, he has always had a passion for entertainment, and originally thought studying film in Toronto would be the best way to fulfil it. However, during a summer break back in Kingston, he worked as a tech for Theatre Kingston’s Fringe Festival, and instantly fell in love with the unique thrills of live performance. Since then, he has continued to refine his technical skills in the theatre, working with Rosemary Doyle on subsequent Fringe Festivals. He is now dipping his toes into the larger world of Kingston Theatre, by taking on the role of Lighting Designer for “Blood River” (Theatre Kingston, 2023). Will strongly believes in the idea of variety being the spice of life, and is determined to pursue the great variety offered by Canadian theatre as his calling in life.
Helen Bretzke – Alice ACTOR - ALICE AND THE WORLD WE LIVE IN
With TK: Jordan in Mercy, Helene in We Speak, Marta in Waiting for the Parade. Elsewhere: Sandy in The Crackwalker (Kingston Summer Festival); Maria in Twelfth Night, Stacey in Some Assembly Required (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Impromptu Productions); Ruth in Blithe Spirit, Rose in Enchanted April (Domino); Agnes in Bug, Catherine in Rapture, Blister, Burn (Kingstown Players); Masha in Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike, and a randy mayfly in Time Flies (Bottle Tree).
Film: Jane in the psychological horror Boneyard (bnice films 2017).
Other: Helen is a software developer and Thursday morning cohost of Mighty Fine Shindig on Amherst Island Radio.
A memory: Hiking in the staggering beauty of the Scottish Highlands – suddenly confused, frightened, and alone. Until…
For Bellz
With TK: Jordan in Mercy, Helene in We Speak, Marta in Waiting for the Parade. Elsewhere: Sandy in The Crackwalker (Kingston Summer Festival); Maria in Twelfth Night, Stacey in Some Assembly Required (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Impromptu Productions); Ruth in Blithe Spirit, Rose in Enchanted April (Domino); Agnes in Bug, Catherine in Rapture, Blister, Burn (Kingstown Players); Masha in Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike, and a randy mayfly in Time Flies (Bottle Tree).
Film: Jane in the psychological horror Boneyard (bnice films 2017).
Other: Helen is a software developer and Thursday morning cohost of Mighty Fine Shindig on Amherst Island Radio.
A memory: Hiking in the staggering beauty of the Scottish Highlands – suddenly confused, frightened, and alone. Until…
For Bellz
SEAN ROBERTS - ACTOR - ALICE AND THE WORLD WE LIVE IN
Actor, director, and writer, Sean Roberts appeared as Buffalo Bill in Theatre Kingston ‘s These Deeds (2022). He is delighted to work again with Helen Bretzke with whom he shared the stage in Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike (Bottletree Productions, 2017). He has had the great good fortune to be a part of Kingston’s vibrant and vital performing arts scene since 1985, both on the stage and in independent films. Thanks go to Rosemary Doyle for the opportunity to be a collaborator on the Kingston premiere of Alexandria Haber’s moving Alice and the World We Live In.
Actor, director, and writer, Sean Roberts appeared as Buffalo Bill in Theatre Kingston ‘s These Deeds (2022). He is delighted to work again with Helen Bretzke with whom he shared the stage in Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike (Bottletree Productions, 2017). He has had the great good fortune to be a part of Kingston’s vibrant and vital performing arts scene since 1985, both on the stage and in independent films. Thanks go to Rosemary Doyle for the opportunity to be a collaborator on the Kingston premiere of Alexandria Haber’s moving Alice and the World We Live In.
Richard Sheridan Willis (writer/performer) Boy Beatle, guest with Easy Street Productions
Richard trained at RADA and has worked extensively at theatres throughout the world. Companies include Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC; Norway’s National Theatre; Peter Hall Company, London; Coal Mine, Mirvish Productions(Toronto)Denver Centre Theatre Co; The Wilma Theatre, Philadelphia. Recent theatre includes Breathing Corpses (Coal Mine), Henry Irving in These Deeds(Theatre Kingston) Malvolio inTwelfth Night, Chorus in Henry V (Folger Library Theatre)Richard was artistic director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival for 6 years 2017 - 2023. He directed As You Like It in 2018, played the title role in Cyrano in 2019, directed Twelfth Night in 2022 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2023. His solo show Strolling Player played in Toronto, Stratford, Waterloo, Sudbury, Port Hope, Prescott, Washington DC and Hastings in the UK. Janet Irwin Janet Irwin has been working in Canadian theatre since the 1970s, and has worn many hats – director, playwright, adaptor, dramaturg, producer, and teacher. She has also worked on many stages – very large (National Arts Centre Southam Hall,) large (National Arts Centre Babs Asper Theatre,) medium (Great Canadian Theatre Company,) small (her basement with a sheet on the clothesline,) outdoor (St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Odyssey Theatre, and the amphitheatre at the National Gallery,) … and many others including churches and a repurposed tooth-brush factory (Upper Canada Playhouse.) She is currently developing/helping develop several plays: Mary Ann Alice and a reimagining of an earlier play, Seaway Story.
Richard trained at RADA and has worked extensively at theatres throughout the world. Companies include Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC; Norway’s National Theatre; Peter Hall Company, London; Coal Mine, Mirvish Productions(Toronto)Denver Centre Theatre Co; The Wilma Theatre, Philadelphia. Recent theatre includes Breathing Corpses (Coal Mine), Henry Irving in These Deeds(Theatre Kingston) Malvolio inTwelfth Night, Chorus in Henry V (Folger Library Theatre)Richard was artistic director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival for 6 years 2017 - 2023. He directed As You Like It in 2018, played the title role in Cyrano in 2019, directed Twelfth Night in 2022 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2023. His solo show Strolling Player played in Toronto, Stratford, Waterloo, Sudbury, Port Hope, Prescott, Washington DC and Hastings in the UK. Janet Irwin Janet Irwin has been working in Canadian theatre since the 1970s, and has worn many hats – director, playwright, adaptor, dramaturg, producer, and teacher. She has also worked on many stages – very large (National Arts Centre Southam Hall,) large (National Arts Centre Babs Asper Theatre,) medium (Great Canadian Theatre Company,) small (her basement with a sheet on the clothesline,) outdoor (St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Odyssey Theatre, and the amphitheatre at the National Gallery,) … and many others including churches and a repurposed tooth-brush factory (Upper Canada Playhouse.) She is currently developing/helping develop several plays: Mary Ann Alice and a reimagining of an earlier play, Seaway Story.
JANET IRWIN Director Boy Beatle Easy Street Productions.
Janet Irwin has been working in Canadian theatre and opera since the 1980s, and in many capacities – director, playwright, adaptor, dramaturg, producer, and teacher. She has directed for National Arts Centre English Theatre and NAC Orchestra, great Canadian Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Upper Canada Playhouse, Easy Street Productions, and many independent projects.
In addition to Boy Beatle she is currently developing two shows with Easy Street Productions – Mary Ann Alice, an adaptation of the Brian Doyle novel, and a reimagining of an earlier play, Seaway Story.
A graduate of Queen’s Drama Department, she is happy to be back in town and
thanks Theatre Kingston for welcoming the premiere of Richard Sheridan Willis’s Boy Beatle.
Janet Irwin has been working in Canadian theatre and opera since the 1980s, and in many capacities – director, playwright, adaptor, dramaturg, producer, and teacher. She has directed for National Arts Centre English Theatre and NAC Orchestra, great Canadian Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Upper Canada Playhouse, Easy Street Productions, and many independent projects.
In addition to Boy Beatle she is currently developing two shows with Easy Street Productions – Mary Ann Alice, an adaptation of the Brian Doyle novel, and a reimagining of an earlier play, Seaway Story.
A graduate of Queen’s Drama Department, she is happy to be back in town and
thanks Theatre Kingston for welcoming the premiere of Richard Sheridan Willis’s Boy Beatle.
ANDREA ROBERTSON WALKER - DESIGNER BOY BEATLE
Recent credits for Theatre Kingston include THESE DEEDS, SOMETIMES I LOVE YOU ALWAYS, HAPPY DAYS and WHAT A YOUNG WIFE OUGHT TO KNOW. Some highlights include DEATH AND THE MAIDEN, MERCHANT OF VENICE and she won the Prix Rideau Awards: Ottawa Gatineau for her design work on TWELFTH NIGHT.
Recent credits for Theatre Kingston include THESE DEEDS, SOMETIMES I LOVE YOU ALWAYS, HAPPY DAYS and WHAT A YOUNG WIFE OUGHT TO KNOW. Some highlights include DEATH AND THE MAIDEN, MERCHANT OF VENICE and she won the Prix Rideau Awards: Ottawa Gatineau for her design work on TWELFTH NIGHT.
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