Walterdale Theatre acknowledges that our theatre is located on Treaty 6, a traditional territory of the Cree and has been an important trading place of the Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Dene, and Métis peoples of western Canada for thousands of years. We also recognize and honour that we are Treaty people and therefore seek to uphold the spirit and intent of this Treaty.
We are an Edmonton-based community theatre committed to the production of engaging and vibrant works and providing our member volunteers opportunities to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Want to get involved with Walterdale?
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at stage management, acting, directing, or even media relations in theatre?
Walterdale Theatre has been successfully run by its volunteers for more than 60 years now, and we invite you to join our team. Whether you can donate a few hours or a few seasons, we are always looking for new volunteers to help grow our theatre.
The best way to get involved at Walterdale is to become a member today! You will receive news about shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer or audition, and discounts on tickets.
For more information about joining Walterdale, go to our website at www.walterdaletheatre.com, e-mail us at walterph@telus.net, or call us at 780-439-3058. We will get back to you!
Walterdale’s COVID Protocols during Performance
- Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
- Follow all instructions from our Front-Of-House volunteers.
- Enjoy the show!
For more information regarding Walterdale’s COVID-19 response, please click here.
Tuesday, May 20 & Saturday, May 24
Director: Donna Call
Hearts Left Open, by Lee-Anna Semenyna, dramaturged by Beth Graham
| Role | Actor |
| Beth | Karen Huntley |
| Gail | Corrie Gardner |
| Michael / Doctor | Bernard Jentner |
| Nurse 1 | Sam Woolsey |
| Nurse 2 | Cathy Morse |
| Stage Directions | Keerat Sarwara |
Misfortune by Jennifer Kennedy, dramaturged by Beth Graham
| Role | Actor |
| Queen / Misfortune’s Fate / Steward | Danielle Goodleaf |
| Misfortune | Mariam Gill |
| Weaver 1 / Innkeeper 1 | Shauna Rebus |
| Weaver 2 / Innkeeper 2 | Laura Eschak |
| Crone / Signora Francesca | Kerry Campbell |
| Prince / Signora Francesca’s Fate | Ali Muhammad Khowaja |
| Narrator | Selena Janvier |
Emergency Contact by Stephanie Swensrude, dramaturged by Heather Inglis
| Role | Actor |
| Alex | Marisa Scarbeau |
| Robin | Ryan Mattila |
| Nurse / Stage Directions | Taissa Polo |
Wednesday, May 21 & Friday, May 23
Director: Afrah Collier-Potts
OMISIMAWIW by Shyanne Duquette, dramaturged by Beth Graham
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Jackie | Jay Ferguson |
| Marina & Chrissy | Emily Lizotte |
| Trin | Melanie Ferris |
| Narrator | Afrah Collier-Potts |
The Entirely Plausible Adventures of Chuck and Harry by Jenna Greig, dramaturged by Heather Inglis
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Charles Dickens (Chuck) | Kirk Starkie |
| Hans Christian Andersen (Harry) | Dalton Bryce Terhorst |
| The Fairy | Mélissa Masse |
Couch Surfing by Jake Tkaczyk, dramaturged by Darrin Hagen
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Bobbi | Justin Pitt |
| Kelly | Anne-Marie Smyth |
| Operator | Anglia Redding |
| Biddy Bom Bom | Bryce Littlechild |
Thursday, May 22 & Sunday, May 25 (Matinee)
Director: Bob Klakowich
Searching for Reality by Andrew Doerksen, dramaturged by Heather Inglis
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Yana Orchyshko |
| Jeff | Dave Breakenridge |
| Genevieve | Kisa Mortenson |
| Emma | Jasper Walia |
| Michael / Brian | Tim Lo |
| Lily | Fiona Rutledge |
| Carrie | Megan Reti |
Parkade by Franco Correa, dramaturged by Darrin Hagen
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Bob Klakowich |
| Roman | Kingsley Leung |
| Julia | Casey Powlik |
| Marcus | Josh Young |
| Ethan | Ethan Campos |
| Dev | Yana Orchyshko |
A Car By Any Other Name by Christi Falk, dramaturged by Darrin Hagen
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Fiona Rutledge |
| Sarah | Jasper Walia |
| Josh | Josh Young |
Festival Team
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Festival Coordinator | Shawn Marshall |
| Festival Dramaturgs | Beth Graham, Darrin Hagen, and Heather Inglis |
| Stage Managers | Justine Woodfall and Adorra Sergios |
| Lighting Coordinator | Rebecca Cave |
| Sound Coordinator | Matthew Baker |
| Lighting Operator | Adrian Mackenzie |
| Sound Operator | Pat Sirant |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Matthew Baker |
| Production Manager | Amy Hayduk |
| Poster Design | Skylar Boisonnault and Hailey Verbonac |
| Directors of Production | John Anderson and Afrah Collier-Potts |
| Publicity Team | Stephanie Swensrude, Merrin Fraser, Kristen M. Finlay, Afrah Collier-Potts |
Message from the Festival Coordinator
My goals for the 2025 From Cradle to Stage festival were to build off what Louise Mallory so successfully accomplished in last year’s iteration of the festival. I wanted to follow in the workshop style format, to really help with emerging playwrights, to offer opportunities to directors and to welcome a plethora of new performers who hopefully enjoy their experience and become a part of the wonderful Walterdale membership.
This began with the wonderful acceptance by 3 incredibly talented and knowledgeable Dramaturgs. Darrin Hagen, Beth Graham, and Heather Inglis brought years of experience and invaluable insight to 9 emerging playwrights. The 9 playwrights were chosen from a panel of judges who read over 20 submissions, and then selected to be workshopped with the 3 dramaturgs.
I want to thank John Anderson, Louise Mallory, and Barbara Mah for taking a chance on me with the festival. I want to thank Afrah Potts for the continued support and help throughout the process, and I want to thank Heather, Beth, and Darrin for the amazing support in my vision for the festival, and their instincts to help these scripts reach new heights.
Please enjoy these wonderful new works!
Shawn Marshall – Festival Coordinator
Playwright Biographies
Franco Correa – Parkade
Franco Correa is a performer and playwright from amiskwacîwâskahikan with an interest in physical and absurdist theatre. Parkade is his first play.
Andrew Doerksen – Searching for Reality
Andrew Doerksen is a writer with a passion for emotionally resonant narratives that examine the human condition in times of transformation. With a background in theatre and a deep curiosity about technology, memory, and identity, he creates stories that probe the question of what it means to be real in an increasingly digital age.
Shyanne Duquette – OMISIMAWIW
Shyanne Duquette is a mixed-Cree emerging multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Amiskwacî. A writer, director, actor, and arts facilitator, passionate about community-engaged processes and breaking down barriers to entry in the arts. Their work often explores themes of community, identity, and the things that set people’s teeth on edge.
Christi Falk – A Car By Any Other Name
As an Edmonton Writer with Manitoba filling, Christi Falk is an accomplished screenwriter, placing in both the Screencraft Public Domain Contest (Quarterfinalist) and London International Screenwriting Contest (Semi-Finalist), as well as entering the NYC Midnight Contest the past three years. She’s now turning her sights on the stage and From Cradle to Stage is her first production!
Jenna Greig – The Entirely Plausible Adventures of Chuck and Harry
Jenna Greig is a graduate of MacEwan’s Arts & Cultural Management program, Jenna is an AuDHD, disabled theatre practitioner of mixed Scottish/European settler and Métis heritage. Writing selections include: The Entirely Plausible Adventures of Chuck & Harry (Walterdale, 2025), Atomic Family Values (Nextfest, 2025).
Jennifer Kennedy – Misfortune
Jennifer Kennedy has a varied background in amateur theatre and storytelling, and also writes under the byline J.Y.T. Kennedy. In all disciplines she has long been drawn to stories of wonder and magic, from sharing ancient myths, to writing original fantasy, including her novel Dominion.
Lee-Anna Semenyna – Hearts Left Open
Lee-Anna Semenyna is an emerging Canadian playwright based in Leduc. She writes from the body, guided by emotion, memory, and connection. Lee-Anna works in marketing, parents her two children (and one very expressive dog), acts when she can, plays volleyball, and occasionally remembers to feed herself.
Stephanie Swensrude – Emergency Contact
Stephanie Swensrude is a journalist, writer, and theatre artist proud to call amiskwaciwâskahikan home. Emergency Contact, which is her first play, was read at Workshop West’s Springboards Festival. You may have hated her character in Stag and Doe at Walterdale earlier this year.
Jake Tkaczyk – Couch Surfing
Jake Tkaczyk is an Edmonton-based theatre artist and PhD candidate passionate about collaborative creation. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Red Deer College, and the Transart Institute, he’s worked across Alberta as an actor, director, producer, and currently serves as General Manager of Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre and Walterdale’s part-time Administrator. You can see more Jake at the upcoming Fringe Festival in two shows at Varscona Theatre!
Director Biographies
Donna Call
Donna is back for her third From Cradle to Stage – two as writer, and, this year, her first as director. She is thrilled to present the incredible talent – writers, actors and crew – that make tonight so memorable. Other highlights with Walterdale include Masha in Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike; Madam Aigreville in A Fitting Confusion; and Margrethe in Copenhagen.
Afrah Collier-Potts
Afrah Bio
Bob Klakowich
Bob has been a Walterdale member since 1994! As a grizzled veteran, he has done everything here from playing roles on stage to mopping the floors. His last project was as Director of Amigo’s Blue Guitar in Season 65. You may look for him on the Timms stage this June/July in Amélie.
Dramaturg Biographies
Darrin Hagen
Darrin Hagen is an award-winning playwright, author, filmmaker, composer, and Queer historian. He has created over 40 plays, dozens of published articles illuminating Queer history, and is Artistic Director of the legendary Drag theatre company Guys In Disguise. Darrin is currently the Lee Playwright in Residence at University of Alberta.
Beth Graham
Beth Graham is a playwright, actor, and dramaturg. She was a finalist for the 2015 Governor General’s Award and is a two-time recipient of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Literary Award. Her plays and collaborations include Mermaid Legs, The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, Weasel, and The Drowning Girls (co-creator).
Heather Inglis
Heather Inglis is an award-winning director, dramaturg, and producer. She has directed over 40 plays, and developed more than she can count. Heather is Artistic Producer of Workshop West Playwrights Theatre which for 46 years has championed, developed, and produced new Canadian plays. Workshop West’s latest production HORSEPLAY runs May 14-June 2nd.
Walterdale Creates – Lobby Visual Artists
Anne Marie Szucs
Anne Marie Szucs, based in St. Albert, AB, is an emerging abstract artist working in acrylic. Her inspirations are nature, colour, and the flow of energy around us all. She starts her work with the feel of “alla prima” but then adds layers of textures and colours in later stages to celebrate the image she sees – either based on plein air, photos, preliminary sketches, or purely from her imagination. Her colour palette is vibrant and expressionistic, and her works express her joy in the freedom of creativity. You can see more of her work on her website https://amszucsart.ca or on her Instagram page @amszucsart
Kari McQueen
Kari is a media and visual artist Based in Edmonton, who recently returned to drawing after a 15 year hiatus pursuing a primarily media arts practice. Screenings include, FAVA TV, The Box (Season 18) – Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales, UK, The Calgary International Film Festival, Prairie Tales, Gallery of Alberta Media Art, Alberta Scene Albertaine (Ottawa), and Le Festival International du Film sur l’Art (Montréal). She also has over 25 years experience in the cultural sector in arts administration, programming and curatorial roles.
Louise Mallory
Louise Mallory’s visual art practice includes quilting, acrylic painting, and sketching. She’s also a lifelong knitter and avid reader. She has been a Walterdale member since 2013 and was a board member for 6.5 years. This season she directed Stag and Doe.
Marliss Weber
Marliss Weber is an Edmonton-based visual artist. She’s been involved in Walterdale’s community for years, as an actor and dialect coach, and now as a visual artist. By day, she’s the founding partner of the communications firm, Parodos Social Marketing. As a visual artist, she works in various media, from large abstract acrylics to explorations in resin, transparencies, and alcohol ink. Her most recent pieces are ink and coloured pencil doodles, under the name @Doodly.Doo.Doodles on Instagram.
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Donors and Sponsors (August 2022 – May 2025)
Walterdale Theatre extends thanks to the generous support of local business, government grants, partners, and our patrons and members for their donations of time and funding. Without your support we could not continue.
Public Funders and Partners
Community Facility Enhancement Program—Government of Alberta
Artistic Sponsor
Gorilla Property Services Edmonton
Community Partners
Valtone Cleaners
Champions ($500+)
AbleIT Inc.
Alexander Family in Memory of Shelley Superstein Alexander
Anne Marie Szucs
Dale and Syrell Wilson
Harmony Fund at ECF
Supporters ($100-$499)
Joan & Alex Hawkins, Kristen M. Finlay, Michael Buhr, Mike Harding & Don Zeman, Moira Walker,
Philip & M.J. Kreisel, Richard Hatfield, Sol Sigurdson, Margaret Booker, Julie Sinclair, David Wolkowski, Genevieve Carolan, Anonymous
Friends ($50-$99)
Brent Christopherson, Jean Guertin, Gerry and Barbara Sinn, Sally Hunt, Ruby Swekla
Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema, Isabel Cave, Andrew Marriott, Roberta Rolf, Trish Mallet, Louise Mallory
Player’s Endowment Fund ($200 plus)
All My Sons – The Cast and Production Team
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – The Cast and Production Team
A Party to Murder – The Cast and Production Team
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – The Cast and Production Team
King of the Yees – The Cast and Production Team
Stag and Doe – The Cast and Production Team
If you would like to be a part of the Walterdale Theatre family of sponsors, contact our Administrator by e-mail or phone the theatre at 780-439-3058.
| WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES Is a Canadian Registered Charity, and will provide you with an income tax receipt for any donation over $20.00 you wish to make.Thank you to everyone who supports our theatre! |
A Brief History of Walterdale Theatre and Building
Walterdale is one of the longest running community theatres in Canada.
Walterdale Theatre Associates traces its beginnings to Theatre Associates, who produced their first plays (Lady Audley’s Secret and Out of the Frying Pan) in August 1958, playing in the Jubilee Auditorium social room. Before finding its home in the current Fire Hall, there have been two other Walterdale Theatres. The first was an old school on the Walterdale flats (Kinsmen Fieldhouse area), hence our name. The second was a former service men’s club house, which was later demolished for Kingsway Garden Mall.
Our current building was built in 1910 and was Strathcona Fire Hall #1. In 1912 it was re-numbered Edmonton #6 when the City of Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton. The bell tower houses the Strathcona “Town Bell”. It is topped by an octagonal belfry, covered by an octagonal roof. The tower was used to dry hoses (by hanging them up) after use. The stable (now set-building workshop) was designed to house nine horses.
The building ceased to be a working Fire Hall in 1954 and was used to store furniture. In 1974 Walterdale Theatre Associates took over the building and lovingly restored it, and converted the inside to a 145-seat theatre. The first play produced in this theatre was What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, which opened November 12, 1974.
Major renovations were again carried out in 1993 (raising the roof and tying the building together with new beams) and in 2011 (new main floor washrooms, renewing the bricks and other major outside work).
Walterdale continues to keep our building updated and efficient, and have replaced the lighting instruments with LED lights, and the aging second floor furnaces with new high-efficiency units.
Walterdale Theatre Board of Directors 2023 – 2024
Executive
Artistic Director – Barbara Mah
President – Sally Hunt
Vice-President – Anne Marie Szucs
Treasurer – Martin Stout
Secretary – Jennifer Robinson
Past-President – Kristen M. Finlay
Directors
Building Co-Directors – dale Wilson & Doug Verdin
Front-of-House Co-Directors – Matthew Baker & Vacant
Membership Co-Directors – Laura Eschak & Christine Gold
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Afrah Collier-Potts
Public Relations Co-Directors – Merrin Fraser & Stephanie Swensrude
Technical Co-Directors – Rebecca Cave & Richard Hatfield
Director at Large – Colin Stewart & Tracy Wyman
Front of House Volunteers
Front of House Committee Members
Volunteer Coordinator
Adorra Sergios
Box Office Manager
Anne Marie Szucs
Bar & Concession Manager
Cassie Duval
A special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for Front of House positions during the run of Stag and Doe.
ADORRA SERGIOS, ALAA ALAJMY, ALODIE LAROCHELLE, BARBARA MAH, CASEY POWLIK, CHERYL LIEBEL, CINNAMON STACEY, COLIN STEWART, DALTON BRYCE TERHORST,
DORAN WERNER, DOUG VERDIN, ESTER MALZAHN, GLORIA CARR, HARMEN DE VRIES,
HEIDI RYLL, IAN HICKS, JIHANE ZEIDAN, JOANNE SWENSRUDE, KARLY BROADSTOCK,
LAURA ESCHAK, LEIGH BORNN, LISA SWAREN, LOUISE MALLORY, MATTHEW BAKER,
NICOLLE LEMAY, PHIL ZYP, ROWE ANNE RIVET, SARAH CHAMP, SHABAB KHAN
