Hi Laura! Tell us about your role on The 39 Steps?
I assist the Stage Manager and performers in the story telling by helping assure the set, props, costumes and the characters are where they are needed at the right time. I support both performers and the Stage Manager in whatever way is needed (including finding an inner animal when needed). Dealing with missing beards, broken lights, waving like the wind, finding dark coloured spike marks in black scene changes is all part of the fun.
What is your background in theatre?
I have been involved in 40 productions in Edmonton, Red Deer and Sherwood Park. From performing onstage, crewing behind the blacks, painting, sewing, playing in the pit and FOH. Production favourite – The 39 Steps (Honestly!); Performing favourites include West Side Story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof and Spamalot. I have also been blessed that my three daughters have also performed with me in several productions.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
In expanding my involvement with Walterdale I was looking for an opportunity to join the technical/stage crews. The 39 Steps is an enormous opportunity to learn A LOT from talented people and share in a fantastic story of mayhem, mystery and comedy.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
The talented people who are sharing their experiences, knowledge and joy of performing. Each rehearsal has brought new things to learn and share with the audience.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
The 39 Steps is an opportunity to step away from today’s challenges and enjoy a side splitting barrel of laughs that will keep you guessing ‘What are the 39 Steps?” and how will Hannay save the British Island.
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.
Nicole English is our Illustrious Costume Designer!
Hi Nicole! Tell us about your work on The 39 Steps?
I have assembled over 40 costumes for The 39 Steps!
What is your background in theatre?
I am primarily an actor, singer, occasional sketch writer and improviser.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I love sewing and theatre and thought it would be fun to challenge myself with tackling costume designs for a show!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
I love Hitchcock so I’ve really enjoyed the script and also the challenge of putting together different costumes for the many characters in the show. It’s been fun figuring out what specific costume items can work for the multiple characters and be manageable for the actors. Lots of costume pieces in this show!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s great fun, lots of laughs and well acted!
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?
Rear Window. I’ve loved the film from the moment I saw it. A favourite 1940s film is Ball of Fire. If you haven’t seen it, you must watch it!
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?
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?
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!
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!
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?
Hi Andrew! What does your role on the show involve?
Just a part of an excellent team dedicated to seeing this production come to life! (Andrew does a lot more than that – he’s the Production Manager so he wrangles the rest of the team to make sure everyone has what they need to get their jobs done! He’s also an ASM so he’ll be on the deck making sure each show runs smoothly!).
What is your background in theatre?
A long time ago and far far away, Andrew graduated from the Technical/Production section of the National Theatre School of Canada. As careers will do, his theatre career evolved into broadcast and television, information technology, and now cybersecurity.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I’ve missed the enjoyment and rush that comes along with being in live theatre. I’ve been involved in different productions at Walterdale, but really wanted to work one from start to finish!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
The people – the cast, the crew… everyone is here because they love what they’re doing!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s just so much fun… and after the last couple of years, couldn’t we all do with a little more fun?
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’m still a big Bogart fan… Key Largo, Maltese Falcon, and (of course) Casablanca.
Liam McKinnon is one of four boisterous, ignominious, and loveable Clowns.
Hi Liam! What do you do in the show in your role as one of the Clowns?
In The 39 Steps, the title of the character “clown” is a stand-in for the different ensemble roles that are in the show. With two titled clowns in the show’s description and with two dozen or more ensemble characters, it is entirely possible for The 39 Steps to have a cast of 4, or a cast of 24. Each of the ensemble characters are not only uniquely fun to explore on and off stage, but they all allow me to be active for and with my fellow cast-mates.
What is your background in theatre?
I started “acting” back when I was in Elementary School; performing in Christmas shows that my Mom put together for our congregation at Glory Lutheran Church, and presenting skits from cartoons and stand-up comedy shows in front of my classmates. It was a time when my proudest moment was performing the entire first third of The SpongeBob Squarepants movie for my Grade 4 class, then performing it again for our substitute teacher so that she wouldn’t be confused if I continued.
After experiencing the highs and lows of honour choir, Junior High and High School theatre, and a performance in the Edmonton Fringe Festival of 2017, I studied Theatre Arts at MacEwan University and got a diploma for all the craziness that we went through. I then was cast in Theatre Calgary’s SBTB production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and was going to be in a community theatre production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? before the COVID-19 pandemic had spread across Canada.
This is the first time since I was in University that I will be performing on an Edmonton stage and I am very excited to return with this cast and crew.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
The simple answer is: A need for work 🙄
But The 39 Steps actually holds an interesting place in my heart. I had seen the show years back at the Provincial One-Act Festival in Red Deer and I remember I did not stop laughing for a minute. I was in tears from start to finish. Yet, when I walked out of the theatre, I couldn’t remember a single thing about the show itself.
It’s a busy yet focused piece of work, operating as a farce, a romance, and a mystery piece. What made me want to play one of the clowns though was VERY MUCH the desire to play multiple characters in a single show. I’ve done ensemble shows before but NOTHING like this, and never with this much interest in each individual character; even with the ones I don’t play.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
I love working on a show where every rehearsal is a joy to behold. Even on days when I am not on the call sheet, I gladly come and sit in to see what these amazing artists will do next. I love to see them explore, improvise, and discover new possibilities for their characters AND see what the production team comes up with for the set, costumes, and lighting. Writing this now, I light up thinking about what the next rehearsal will bring and I hope that I can time my window in traffic perfectly so that I never miss a moment.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
I think that every artist has made a significant contribution to this production and I feel that contribution is not solely driven by a desire to self-promote or cement one’s own brand or the brand of the company. Of course we all want to put on a good show that is entertaining for our audience, but I feel that every one of the production members is making the choices that they are making from a place of love and respect for each member of the team.
Even if someone is not a fan of this particular brand of comedy, I do still feel that they should come and see it. In no small way, I feel that this is a clear example of what community theatre SHOULD BE about; connecting with the members of your community to create art that shares who they are as creatives and as people.
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?
Oh Boy… A LOT! The 1930s and 40s were such fascinating decades for the motion picture industry, not just in North America, but around the world. Some of the most influential films, characters and iconic celebrities came out of this era and many, myself included, hold up the films of this time as some of the greatest films ever produced.
For my own sake, and for my director’s piece of mind, I want to share a few titles for films that are less well-known today and encourage you to check even just one of them out for yourself. I love them and I hope you do too. The Red Shoes, Double Indemnity, The Great Dictator, Gentleman’s Agreement, La Belle et la Bête, Brief Encounter, Bicycle Thieves, The Classic Universal Monster movies, and the all-time classic REEFER MADNESS!
