Kristen Finlay – Page 4 – Walterdale Theatre

Meet the Production Team of The 39 Steps – Matthew Baker

Matthew Baker is our Sound Op!

Hi Matthew! Tell us about your role on The 39 Steps?

I have the pleasure to be working as the Sound Operator for this amazing production! I assist in telling the story through sound.

What is your background in theatre?

I have been acting for a number of years throughout school as well as some community theatre companies. I have also been part of production teams on some shows as well working Sound, Runner, and Assistance to Lights. This is my first Walterdale show and I am very excited to work with these amazingly talented people.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I have seen some great shows come out of Walterdale and I wanted to be a part of one, so when the notice came out – I eagerly jumped at it.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

I absolutely love working with the amazing cast and crew and watching this show come to life. Can’t wait for the world to see it!

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

I have never seen a Walterdale show I didn’t want to see twice. On top of that, seeing this amazing show first-hand and watching it come together, how this fantastic cast and crew have brought this story to life, I can say with complete certainty, it’s something no one will want to miss!

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

Strangers on a Train

Meet the Creative Team of The 39 Steps – Taylor Howell!

Taylor Howell is the Set and Props Designer!

Hi Taylor! Tell us about your role on The 39 Steps?
I am on the production team and designed the set and the props for this fantastic show!

What is your background in theatre?
I have been involved in theatre since high school but started mainly as an actor and only in recent years transitioned to design work. I am currently in school for theatre design and had the opportunity this past year to be part of the props team on the CBC Gem show Frick, I Love Nature as well as the costume team for Jane Eyre at the Citadel.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I volunteered with Walterdale to work on my design skills and this show was the perfect opportunity to play with colour and a very stylized aesthetic.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
It has been such an incredible journey to witness the creation of my designs. I can’t believe the level of talent and skill the team at Walterdale has. I am so grateful I was able to work alongside this incredible team.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s going to be an absolute riot. Kristen has packed this show with so much action and so many hilarious moments, you won’t want to miss it.

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
The Wizard of Oz will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first play I was a part of.

Meet the Creative Team of The 39 Steps – Anne Marie Szucs

Anne Marie Szucs is our Sound Designer!

Hi Anne Marie! Tell us about what you’ve done on The 39 Steps?

I find sound to support the world of the play – sound effects, songs, ambient sounds, and voiceovers.

What is your background in theatre?

I’ve been involved in theatre for many years as an actor and director mostly. Right now, I’m a member of Walterdale’s Board (Vice President and Relaunch Committee Chair) as well as Box Office Manager.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I had been thinking about trying out sound design for a while now AND I love working with Kristen to create theatre, so it was the right time and the right project!

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

This is such a fast-paced, ridiculous romp – what’s not to love? Mostly, I have enjoyed the challenge of learning a new aspect of theatre and working with such a talented team..

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

The sound of course!! Actually, you will want to come for so many reasons…the talented cast, the energy of everyone involved, and the laughs!!

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

The Birds

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps! – Bradley Bishop

Bradley Bishop is one of the Clowns!

Hi Bradley! What is your role in The 39 Steps?

I play a number of different characters, at last count I believe it was ……12!!!! Lol

What is your background in theatre?

I have performed in ten other plays at the wonderful Walterdale and for various theatre groups in and around the Edmonton area.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I read the script and thought it was wonderfully funny, fast paced, and I really wanted to be a part of it!

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Being allowed to take comedic chances and working with a great hard working team.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

Because it’s funny and a who-done-it as well!

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

Hitchcock’s Rope

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps – Samantha Beck

Samantha Beck is one of the Clowns!

Hi Samantha! What is your role in The 39 Steps?

I am lucky enough to be one of 4 Clowns! The clowns play the entirety of the ensemble. Between the 4 of us, we play every supporting character. The Clowns are ridiculous, fluid, fun and quite an interesting challenge as an actor!

What is your background in theatre?

I have been in the Performing Arts since I was a young girl. My first role was Baby John in West Side Story and I have played many characters over my last 25 years in theatre, from Shakespeare to Sondheim! I have an extensive background in plays and musicals as well as a few production roles. The theatre is my greatest love.This is my 4th production with the Walterdale and I am absolutely delighted to be back!

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I love old British comedies! I often would watch them with my Grandfather growing up. The timing, the slapstick, the silliness – It is all great fun. Being in the cast of The 39 Steps is the perfect way to release all the creative energy that has been stored up over the last few years!

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Our amazing CAST and CREW. We are so blessed to be working with an inspired Director and amazingly talented Cast and Crew.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

This show is a MUST to experience. Step out of the heaviness of the world and into a world of laughter, mystery and romance!

Meet the Team of The 39 Steps – Brooke Emberly

Brooke Emberly is the Master Painter!

Hi Brooke! What does your role on the show involve?

I bring the vision that the Director and Set Designer have to life on the stage once it is built.

What is your background in theatre?

I am a Theatre Production graduate from the program provided at Grant MacEwan University in 2015. I have been a paint volunteer at Walterdale Theatre since 2016, and have been a Master Painter on 6 shows including this one.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

As I have taken over the position as Paint Head for the Walterdale Theatre, I was headhunted to be Master Painter for this show. It looks like a fun, quirky show, and I am very excited to be working with bright colours again!

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

The community. Walterdale has such an amazing set of volunteers working with the theatre; it has been what brings me back time and time again.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

If you are looking for a place with a great atmosphere, and a nice and relaxed night out, there’s no reason you SHOULDN’T want to come see a show with dancing and slapstick humour!

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

I haven’t seen any Hitchcock films, but I have seen the Hitchcock influenced Panic Room. I very much enjoyed the slow build in the movie that brought all of your anxieties to a head. Had me glued to the edge of my seat!

Meet the Team of The 39 Steps – Richard Hatfield

Richard Hatfield is the Master Builder!

Hi Richard! What does your role on the show involve?

I work with the set designer to create the stage in their vision. Once built, I interact with the production team and set designer to ensure the set is safe and accommodates the needs of the show.

What is your background in theatre?

I have been playing at Walterdale since 1991 and have been involved with many other theatre companies since that time. I have done may roles, including stage management, Technical Director (Walterdale; since 2010), President (Sherard Musical Theatre Associates), stage hand, builder, master builder, lighting designer, Actor and many more. I absolutely love the theatre community in Edmonton. We are a group of passionate folks who strive to perform our works of art for others!

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

Kristen… Yep… that’s it… I have worked with Kristen on many shows and have told her a number of times, “I don’t care if I am stuck cleaning toilets, if you need a hand on a show, I AM IN!” Kristen always puts together a top quality team and I am guaranteed to have a fantastic time working on the show!

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Working with the team to get the production going. The satisfaction of seeing the people who I work with having a great time is the part that I enjoy the most.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

Having not seen any rehearsals yet, I cannot speak to the show directly, however, I can speak to the team. I have never seen a show directed by Kristen Finlay that I disliked. She is masterful at selecting shows and working with a qualified team to make an amazing performance for the audiences.

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

The Man Who Knew Too Much

Meet the Cast of 1984 – Michael Anderson is Winston Smith!

Hi! Who are you , and what is your role in this production? My name is Michael Anderson, and I’ll be playing Winston Smith.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been in numerous plays in the Edmonton area and on Vancouver Island. This is my first Walterdale show.
What brought you out for the show? Because it’s a good and interesting story, and I wanted to do a show that my brother, John, was involved in.
Why do you think audiences should see this show? Audiences should see this show, because of the challenge that the team takes on, turning a largely expository novel into a dramatically staged show.
1984 (the play), based on the novel of the same name, portarys a vision of a dystopian world, What is your favourite dystopian book or movie, and why? My favourite dystopian movie is The Matrix, because it was the first one I was exposed to, as a kid.

Photo Credit: Scott Henderson, Henderson Images

Meet the Cast of 1984 – Madeline Setzer is the Loudspeaker!

Who are you and what is your role in the production? I’m Madeline Setzer and I play the role of the Loudspeaker. The Loudspeaker is the face of Big Brother propaganda – any message or news to be shared to the masses is done by the Loudspeaker, and in a way that makes the collective emotionally charged in one direction or the other. There is no ambiguity on the bias.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first Walterdale production. I have spent most of my life doing theatre in one capacity or another, with many chances to explore a variety of works and spaces. I absolutely love it.Why did you come out for the show? Why did you want to do it? Walterdale has been a staple in the Edmonton theatre scene for many years. I had read the novel 1984 a couple of years ago, and was both in love with and shocked at the dystopia of it. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to experience the Walterdale theatre scene.
Why do you think audiences should come see the show? If anything, 1984 has grown in relevance. It’s hard to learn from our mistakes unless we see them repeated back to us in a way that shakes up our mindset. That is what this show can do. The calibre of artistic direction and performance will only lend itself to a new heighten this depiction of 1984. It’s not something to be forgotten, but instead we need honest reminders of the state we must avoid as a world.
1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? My favourite dystopian novel is The Hunger Games. There continues to be something so profound about using youth to present the worst potential parts of society – because they also have the ability to change it. The many worlds of separation, and especially of class systems, always intrigues me. I hope that we can learn from these fictional stories and prevent them from one day becoming our reality.

Meet the Cast of 1984 – Rebecca Bissonnette is Parsons!

Who are you and what is your role in the production? My name is Rebecca Bissonnette and I play Parsons in 1984. Parsons is an interesting character in the sense that she remains consistent to who she is, even when it threatens her life. She is loyal to Big Brother at absolutely any cost. While 1984 is a fairly dark play and Parsons definitely has dark moments, she’s also in some of the light-hearted, sillier moments of the play. She helps allow the audience to stop holding their breath for a few moments.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? My very first show was here at Walterdale – Ravenscroft in the 2015/2016 season. And I’ve been going full speed ahead ever since!! At Walterdale, I’ve assistant directed two shows – The Sunset Syndrome and The Light in the Piazza; and performed in The Triangle Factory Fire Project last season. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with so many incredible companies over the past 4 years – it’s been one wild ride to be able to sing, dance and act my way into so many stories. I caught the performance bug so hard that I began my own production company in November – DEPTH Perception Productions.
Why did you come out for the show? I’m generally known for being more joyful, carefree and fun, none of which are characteristics that Parsons possesses. I always find it entertaining to work with a role that is quite different than who I am as a person. While there are similarities between us, there are far more differences, which are so intriguing to play with. When I saw the season notice for Walterdale’s season for this year, I was working on Spamalot – Camelot is a far cry from Oceania. The two shows couldn’t be more different and I wanted the challenge of being able to get really dark, brutally honest and hauntingly real.
Why do you think audiences should come see the show? 1984 is a lot more like 2020 then some of us would like to admit. It’s chilling to think how far we’ve come in so many ways, and yet how backwards we’ve gone in so many others. The thoughtful way that this play has been approached has given this story so many layers, instead of just hitting the audience over the head with fear. Every single character (just like every single human) has a voice that demands to be heard and without even just one of them, the story would be lost. This cast has worked their butts off to ensure that every single detail has meaning and to create the authenticity of Oceania so that the audience is able to be in the moment. We’ve been able to do so because of our fearless leader, director Monica Roberts. Her vision is so well- articulated, her passion so strong and her care for her cast – she’s nothing short of a blessing.
1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? The Handmaid’s Tale is absolutely terrifying. To create such a chilling world where women have zero rights, gets me more outraged with every episode. It’s even scarier to know that some of these “tales” are being brought forth in the present and it’s still so challenging to simply be a woman. We all could channel a little more bad-ass June in our lives.