Tag: Member Profile

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – David Owen is Lord Augustus Lorton

david-owenWho: I am David Owen and I play Lord Augustus Lorton.

What is my background in theatre: I have a PhD in theatre and performance studies from York University, an MFA in Directing from the U of C, and an MA in Dramatic Theory and Criticism from the U of A. I am also a member of the Playwright’s Guild of Canada. At the Walterdale, I was the Artistic Director from 1999-2001 and directed Doctor Faustus and The Birthday Party. As an actor at the Walterdale, I was in The Grace of Mary Traverse, Jehanne of the Witches, and the one-act Enter the Giants.

What brought me out: I moved back to Edmonton last year and I wanted to audition for Glengarry Glen Ross but my schedule wouldn’t allow it. This year, finding myself back in Edmonton again and with a more forgiving schedule AND an Oscar Wilde show to try out for, I jumped at the chance! It feels great to be back.

Why should audiences come out: Who doesn’t like to laugh? Audiences should come see the show because it is ridiculously funny but also because it allows us to laugh at ourselves and at relationships and false appearances and societies pressures. These can all be very stressful at times, and taken too seriously, and we can all benefit from a playful critique of this “demmed thing we call society.”

The most fun thing: The outrageous accents!

The most challenging thing: The outrageous accents!

Favourite Wilde quote: “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.” Algernon, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Hannah Haugen is Lady Agatha Carlisle!

img_4068Who are you and what is your role in Lady Windermere’s Fan? My name is Hannah Haugen and in Lady Windermere’s Fan I play Lady Agatha Carlisle-the contained daughter of a Duchess and soft spoken young lady of the upper class. Agatha is a joy to play and a creative challenge with her limited and joyous dialogue.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been acting since nine years old and just graduated from Jasper Place High School as a very involved drama student. Over my time there I took part in lots of productions, the most recent as Emily Webb in Our Town. The past three years I have preformed on the Walterdale stage at the Zone 8 City One Act Festival in anything from Chekhov to MacIvor.

Why do you think audiences should come see the show? Lady Windermere’s Fan is a funny and vibrant piece that audiences will come to enjoy the aristocratic energy, classic humor and insightful moments on life and class. I personally love the ability of so many characters in this piece to house eccentricity and hilarity whilst never losing their realism or worth.

What has been most enjoyable part of the process so far? So far the most fun moments in rehearsal have been working with Leslie Caffaro who plays my Mother (The Duchess of Berrwick) as she pushes around her doting daughter with some serious style. Or the cupcakes at lasts week’s rehearsal, it’s a tie really. Either way Lady Windermere’s Fan will be a pulsing and comical production I hope to see lots and lots of people enjoy!

Meet the Cast of RED – Mark Finlay is Mark Rothko

sHeadshot7BandWWhat is my role in this production? I am playing Mark Rothko – Rothko was an artist, considered one of the forefront Abstract Expressionists of the 1950’s.  Rothko was very secretive about his process and very philosophical about his work and its impact.

What is your background in theatre? I am a very sporadic performer, usually only doing a show once every 5-7 years.  These past few months have been an exception, as this is the second in a row that I am acting in.  I was cast as Molokov in the Walterdale’s production of Chess this past summer, which was my very first show here. Unquestioningly, Rothko is by far the most difficult and challenging part I have ever been asked to take on – there is no singing, and no comedy… it is a dramatic role with TONS of dialogue.

What brought you out for this show? I heard that they might be looking for large guys that yell, and thought I might get to shave my head… I’m kind of typecast that way!  Actually, Bethany Hughes (the director) was choreographer on Chess, and I enjoyed working with her and she seemed like she would be fun to work with in a different capacity!

Why did you audition? I have been asking myself the same question…I don’t undertake the audition process often, and I felt that maybe if I did more of them I would learn something or get better at it.  A number of people from Chess auditioned, and I didn’t fully decide until very late in the process.  I had no real expectation of even being considered for such a significant role in a production, and was quite surprised when I was offered the part!

What about this show intrigues you? I am curious to see which character the audience most identifies with: Ken or Rothko?  The two have vastly disparate views on art, intention, experience and mortality.  Of late, I have been able to identify with Rothko.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most challenging thing is easily THE SCRIPT!!  There are SO MANY WORDS – Words that many people I know wouldn’t commonly use in conversation!  Getting a handle on the monologues was probably my biggest challenge, as well as being able to “see” art in the same way Rothko does.  I am able to identify with aspects of Rothko, so I think the character came easier to me than the dialogue did.

The most enjoyable thing? There are multiple things that I’m enjoying.  I really enjoying getting to know the people I’m working with – that aspect of theatre probably is the part that I enjoy the most.  Rehearsals are HARD WORK… anyone that tells you different is either far more skilled than I am, or delusional.  There are fun and funny moments, but it’s hard work – that can be enjoyable, but it is also fatiguing.  The other thing I am enjoying is trying to be someone that I am most definitely NOT in real life.  Having also never seen this play before, I have no frame of reference to base my work off of – which is challenging but enjoyable as well.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? My favorite artists are my kids…I have a screen saver of a picture my youngest son drew about 4 years ago… it won’t be hanging in a gallery, but it is in my personal collection and continues to make me smile.

As far as other art, I am a fan of Michelangelo and Da Vinci.  I have two original Matt Boisvert pictures at home, and my wife and I have a smattering of other pictures from Albertan artists we know and appreciate.  As John Cleese once said in a Monty Python sketch:  “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.”

the-creation-of-adam

Meet the Team of RED – Sarah Van Tassel is the Mentor Director

sarahvWhat is your role on this production? I’m the Mentor Director. Walterdale is encouraging newer directors to direct their first show on our stage, and as such pairs them up with a “mentor” – someone who has directed on our stage previously and who can be a resource for the director.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? I’ve been working in independent and community theatre since graduating university in 2006. I have held various roles on the Walterdale Board, including Artistic Director and President, and have been onstage and backstage for a slew of productions, including: W;t, Jeffrey, Burning Vision, Love of the Nightingale, Reasons to be Pretty, and You Are Here. 

What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you?  Bethany and I were working together on W;t when she mentioned that she was thinking of submitting Red for this season. She asked if I’d be willing to be her “mentor” as she hadn’t directed at Walterdale previously and I said yes, without hesitation. I adore working with Bethany and this is such a great script.

For me, the conversations about symbiotic relationship between the art and the viewer are fascinating. I’ve always felt that all art is subjective and what the viewer brings to the table when viewing said art matters – but what about the intention of the artists when they created the piece – is it just as important? It’s so interesting to explore these concepts.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most enjoyable thing? This has been a really unique experience for me – as mentor it’s about trying to help Bethany realize her vision of the show and support that as the production develops. It’s been really great to watch the show develop and see Bethany’s vision of it come to life.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? I’ve always loved pop art. Warhol and Lichtenstein, in particular. I love the way that pop art appropriates other mediums and creates new and unique pieces out of it. Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl is one of my favourites.

roy_lichtenstein_drowning_girl1

Meet the Team of Red – Catherine Wenschlag is Production Manager

catherine-wWhat is your role on this production? I’m the Production Manager, so I oversee the logistical needs of the show. I work to ensure all areas are communicating with each other, that deadlines are met, and that we’re within budget. I love this role because it is mostly about organization and communication – two of my favorite activities.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? Walterdale is my home away from home! Since joining in 2009 I’ve filled a variety of roles. Last season I worked on four productions: Ravenscroft (actor), W;t (production manager), The Sunset Syndrome (director), Chess (assistant director), and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary. Outside of Walterdale, I’ve been acting and stage managing for over 30 years.
What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you? I wanted to support the director, Bethany Hughes, in any way I could – and I happened to have a skill set that was useful to the team. I’m very excited for this season at Walterdale and am eager to help bring each show to audiences.
What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most fun thing? I’ve found that the most challenging thing as a production manager is making sure everyone gets the information they need to do the best job possible. Some people are looking time members, some are new – and some are taking on new roles. It’s easy to say, “if you have any questions, just ask” – but if you’re new, sometimes you don’t know what questions to ask! So I try to anticipate needs and meet those in addition to the other requests that come up. The most fun is definitely the people – this is a stellar creative team and I’m loving watching them create magic.
Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? Monet. I find him soothing, comforting, but not simple. The first time I saw an original in person I was incredibly moved. The ones of parliament are among my favourite.
money-parliment

Meet the Cast of RED – Ben Osgood is Ken

ben-osgoodWho do you play in this production? I play Ken in RED. He is a young artist who takes the taxing role of assistant for famous painter Mark Rothko. Ken begins his journey a little naïve and with a sense of excitement, fear and wonder but is an incredibly hard worker and very intelligent.

What is your background in theatre? I performed in theatre throughout high school and into my 1st and 2nd year of university. My most recent show was a New Works Play titled Princess Bear where I played a foolish Spanish Prince who falls in love and makes love to a bear.

What brought you out for this show? I read the script in preparation for the audition and fell in love with it. I strongly connected with Ken I loved the discussions about what means and how to can and should effect people, and how our art defines us.

It’s no secret that this play deals with visual art. What kind of art do you like? I am a very big fan of a Swedish arts named Simon Stålenhag who paints wonderful pictures which blend the real world with sci-fi. They are beautiful paintings that elicit feelings of insignificance in a huge world, or almost child-like innocence’s at wonderful and awful things.simon-stalenhag-painting

Meet Bethany Hughes, Director of RED

bethanyWhat is your role on this production?
– Director
– Responsible to oversee the artistic and dramatic aspects of the production and choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of show.

What is your background in theatre?
A few Walterdale Productions: Stage Manager – Misanthrope, Proof; Choreographer: CHESS: The Musical
Straight Edge Theatre: Co-Founder

What about this show intrigues you?
– The passion, the energy, the characters relationship and, the text.
– I love art, in all forms and mediums. This show brings with it some beautiful creative challenges. Those challenges inspired me as an Artist/Director to create this world.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show?
– Speaking of challenges… one of the technical challenges has been blocking the painting scene. There are lots of factors to that moment. The diligence, the technique, the timing, and the synchronization of the movement. There is a lot happening, and quickly.  Lots of layers to consider.
– Another great challenge is the text/ dialogue itself. These words are heavy and intellectual and difficult. How do you take 40 pages of  talking and make it interesting and engaging? It was a daunting task at first, but I was in love with the language and the relationship of the characters.  Confession: The first time I read it (years ago) I used dictionary.com several times.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? Favorite painting/sculpture? Do you have a picture?
– I have a few local Artists whose work I deeply admire: Mitchell Chalifoux and Kristina Shave. Admittedly Ken and I are of one mind. I adore Jackson Pollock’s work. I have a soft spot in my heart for Monet and Van Gogh as well.

van-goghpollock

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Kate Wylie is Svetlana!

SvetlanaWhat is your role in Chess? I am playing the character of Svetlana, Anatoly’s (the Russian Chess Champion) wife. She faces a lot of struggles including being a woman in communist Russia and dealing with a dying marriage. Her future is very uncertain through much of the production.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I grew up doing theatre – musical theatre in particular. I am a graduate of the MacEwan Theatre Arts Program, although in those days it was Grant MacEwan College. When I moved back to Edmonton from Toronto after a very long hiatus from theatre, I did my first production at the Walterdale – Nine. I then had another opportunity to work with the amazing Kristen Finlay and Sally Hunt again on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with ELOPE theatre. Since then I have been away from the theatre completing my MBA. It feels great to be back at  Walterdale!

What brought you out for this show? What drew you to it? I grew up listening to the LP of the original concept album of Chess. I am definitely showing my age when I say it was an LP! It has always been one of my favourite musicals. The music is fantastic and full of interesting layers. In spite of the fact that it is such an amazing show, it rarely gets produced. Because of that, I had to jump at the chance to do it. Lucky for me, our lovely director was willing to accommodate my rather crazy schedule, which included a study tour in Europe during the rehearsal period. Thanks again for that Kristen!

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? What do you think they will take away from it? The music first and foremost! There are such great tunes in this show. The show also provides an interesting journey back into the years of the Cold War. The 1980’s do not seem like they were that long ago but the world has changed an absolutely incredible amount since then. It’s fascinating looking back.

Chess is a Board Game… What’s your favorite Board Game? Why? Got any funny game-playing stories? My favourite game to play is Cribbage. I grew up in rural Saskatchewan, where everyone plays Crib and my great-grandmother (G.G. we called her) taught us all to play, usually around the tender age of 8. She was ruthless! She would steal your points if you didn’t count them right. Needless to say you learned how to count properly pretty quickly! My husband and I also played Crib on our first date….maybe that sounds lame and I should be ashamed to admit it but it was sweet and fun. I won both games – he’ll claim he let me win but knowing how competitive he is there’s no way that’s true!

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Alyssa Paterson is in the Ensemble

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Melanie Lafleur is The Arbiter

sHeadshot5BandWWhat is your role in the production? I will be portraying the role of The Arbiter in Chess. As the official representative of the World Chess Organization, The Arbiter is responsible for all actions that take place during each chess match. The Arbiter is judge and jury, making the final call on all items related to the game and it’s participants. In short, I am the boss.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been singing, dancing and performing as long as I can remember. I have had the opportunity to perform on a variety of stages both in professional and community settings. I returned to the stage last year after a 9 year hiatus. Chess marks my second performance with the Walterdale, last seen all the way back in 2001.

What brought you out for this show? What drew you to it? I remember discovering this show first when I was in high school and falling in love the the intricate music and dark, yet moving story. I was excited when I heard the Walterdale was planning the production and decided early on that I would love a chance to sing some of the rock-infused music!

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? What do you think they will take away from it? Chess tells the story of a significant time in human history. The names and places may differ from our reality, but the themes are everlasting. The struggles and ideological differences these character face are universal no matter what the issues being discussed. I hope the audience is reminded that home is where the heart is. And that the greatest sacrifice we can make is to give of ourselves completely.

Chess is a Board Game… What’s your favorite Board Game? Why? Got any funny game-playing stories? My favorite game is Skip-Bo! I love card games. My best friend and I have played the game so much that we even have our own rules! Some that involve new positions such as “Skip-Bo Fairy” and “Shuffle Queen”. I have always enjoyed strategy games and have been known to play a round or two of Chess myself.