Tag: Member Profile

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FIRE FACTORY PROJECT – Rebecca Bissonnette is Yetta Lubitz and Rose Schneiderman!

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Rebecca Bissonnette and I get the honour of playing two real life heroes – Yetta Lubitz an immigrant factory worker and Rose Schneiderman a union organizer. The characters are quite different – Yetta is a young, immature and vulnerable girl looking to better herself, while Rose is a strong, opinionated speaker who does whatever is necessary to create change.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? My background in theatre isn’t a big one……not yet anyway. My very first show ever was only a few years ago, here at the Walterdale when I was cast as Mrs. French in Ravenscroft. My background is mainly in dance, having been a studio dancer for 15 years and recently returned to the dance floor over the past couple of years to launch my own dance troupe. While I might have come rather late to the theatre party, I consider myself quickly making up for lost time, having been blessed enough to work with some of the best community theatres around – Foote in the Door, Trinity Players, Element Theatre and Paper Doll Productions.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? I believe that when real life tells a story, people need to listen. This is so much more then words on a paper – these are words spoken by real live people, people who have experienced such tragedy, such devastation, such heartbreak. Their stories need to be told, so that we never forget and hopefully aren’t doomed to repeat.

On top of that, this show is full of such passionate people on both the cast and crew. With a show that has so many moving parts, it could very easily turn into a disaster. BUT, the commitment, hard work, dedication and joy (yes joy) with which everyone has approached this show, has easily made it one of my favourites to work on. I would work with anyone of them again in a heartbeat. People need to come see this show based on its collective heart.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – What was your first job? How old were you and what did it entail? Let’s be real – my first job was as a lazy teenager, not wanting to work, but was told by my grandma that I wasn’t sitting around her beach house all summer. So, I was a dishwasher at the town restaurant. It was physically hard, I stunk of grease and was constantly sweaty, but I got free meals. And at 13, that’s all you can ask for.

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Danielle Yu is Rose Freedman & Ida Mittleman

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Danielle Yu and I play 2 amazing characters, Rose Freedman and Ida Mittleman. Rose Freedman was known as the last survivor of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire dying at the age of 107 who worked on the 9th floor and Ida Mittleman was known as one of the women who testified in court that all doors of the 9th floor were indeed open.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? ​I have been performing for as long as I can remember, from taking musical theatre classes at the Citadel as a child to voice lessons at the Conservatory of Music with the Alberta College. I had taken a very long break from the theatre (12 years to be exact!) until 2017 when I auditioned for an original musical titled Emma, and had landed the lead role! I auditioned at the Walterdale Theatre for my very first time this past summer and am ecstatic to be on this journey of opening the 60th season.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? Everyone and anyone should come and partake in the adventure and experience of The Triangle Fire Factory Project to witness the importance of this piece of history! Not only is it filled with historical events, but there’s action, agony, sorrow, humor and SO MUCH MORE. Most importantly it teaches us the reason behind the rules and regulations we have today in modern life.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – What was your first job? How old were you and what did it entail? ​The very first job I had was when I was 16 at a McDonald’s near my neighbourhood. Being 16, I didn’t really have the understanding of responsibility so I didn’t last very long. However the 3 weeks that I was employed taught me a lot about hungry customers, cheerful customer service, and an amazing discount!

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Dustin Berube is William Shepherd

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Dustin Berube and I play the role of William Shepherd. My character was a United Press reporter who happened to be in Washington Square at the time of the fire. He called into his office and described the fire as it was happening. In the show, he is used as a narrator for the audience.
What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? This is my second Walterdale show (Dustin appeared in Follies, in 2017), but I have been involved with theatre since I was a teenager.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? This show is an interesting piece of history that is told in a unique way. Much of the script is taken straight from the transcripts and testimonials of those people that were there, which adds to the impact that this show will have on an audience. This is a live theatre experience that doesn’t come along very often.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – What is the funniest/most embarassing thing that ever happened to you in a workplace situation? I had a funny/embarrassing workplace experience when I was working in a retail card store. It was Boxing Day and I was the first to open the shop doors. My coworker was running late so I was working as fast as I could with a very long line of customers. In the middle of a transaction with a customer, I suddenly realized that I was going to become sick, so I calmly turned around and utilized the small trash bin at my feet. I wiped my mouth with a tissue, stood up and carried on. The customers seems unfazed by my germs and insisted that I continue to bag their items. As we all know, the customer is always right!

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – James Toupin is Chief Edward F. Croker

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is James Toupin and I play New York Fire Department Chief Edward F. Croker. Before I started doing research for this show, I had no idea that Chief Croker actually instituted the Fire Drill. A Fire Drill is actually called a Croker Drill.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? I graduated from Grant MacEwan’s Theatre Arts program in 1984 and worked professionally as an actor/writer/director until 2004. After 20 years, I needed to take a break for a while. I have never appeared in a Walterdale Theatre production, but I have performed many times in this theatre, including getting married here in 1990.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? First and foremost, because it is an excellent drama. Of course the play deals with the formative years of the labour union movement and explains what they were up against and that is an interesting moment in history.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – what is the funniest thing that ever happened to you in a workplace situation? I have to say it was during a children’s theatre performance. I was playing the bad guy and before the show I would always talk to the younger children to let them know I was only acting like the bad guy for the play. The play began with a monologue by my character explain who everyone was and right towards the end of the monologue my character asks, “And do you know who I am?”. Without missing a beat, a little voice from the audience responded, “You’re the bad actor!”.

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Kingsley Leung is Eddie Markowitz

What is your role in The Triangle Factory Fire Project? I am an immigrant. I am a Jew. I helped to make this country strong and diverse. They call me Eddie Markowitz – the head shipping clerk at the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory – played by Kingsley Leung.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my 3rd Walterdale production. When they need Asians or funny looking guys, I get the call. My willingness to shave my body and wear high heels on stage make my talents very unique.

Why do you think audiences should see this show? This will be the best Rom-Com you will see this century! Fiery relationships that go up in smoke, burning desires and trailblazing women.

This is a show about terrible working conditions… to lighten the mood, do you have any funny work stories?  As a hospital porter, I was bringing body parts and limbs down to the morgue. I was in the elevator trying to keep everything from falling off my cart, when the doors open with a bunch of doctors standing there and I ask them, “Do you mind if I get a hand?”. That was exquisite fooling!

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Kent Sutherland plays Max Blanck!

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Kent Sutherland, and I play Max Blanck one of the co-owners of the Triangle Waist Factory. Blanck is not a very nice person and along with his fellow co-owner, Isaac Harris, the duo was named as one of the Top 10 Worst Bosses in America by TIME Magazine. I also helped build the set and some of the props.

What is your background in theatre? I was involved with theatre throughout elementary and junior high, and then got back into as an adult with my first production being at Walterdale – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I have since done musicals with Festival Players, Two ONE-WAY Tickets to Broadway, Foote in the Door, and, of course, Walterdale. This is my first non-musical role in a very long time.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? The story is a significant part of history. It was this fire that was the catalyst for changes in building codes, the implementation of fire drills, and better working conditions for women and immigrants. The play explores the historical, political and social ramifications that resulted from this seminal event, and examines the continuing modern day concerns of corporate greed and responsibility, and the moral and ethical issues surrounding the question, “what is the value of a human life?” Also, the way our director has decided to stage the show is sure to have an effect on the audience and have their feelings run the gamut.

Worst job you ever had, and why? Probably the worst job I ever had was working the graveyard shift at the 7-11 that used to be on 99 St. and 90 Ave. one summer. There was supposed to be two people working the shift, but my co-worker often/always called in sick leaving me to work alone. There were several “interesting” incidents at that location during the graveyard shift while I was employed, and there were several times I did not feel all that safe. During one shift, a customer came in asking where the bathroom was, and I looked up to see his face covered in blood — all I could do was point in the direction of the bathroom.

The Triangle Factory Fire Project runs October 10-20, 2018.
Click here for tickets.

Five Fast Qs with Monica Roberts – Diana Goodman in NEXT TO NORMAL!

What is your role in the show? I have the honour of playing Diana Goodman, the maelstrom at the center of the story. 

What is your background with Walterdale? I have been around Walterdale for a long, long time. First in a technical role (costume design) but then on stage as Cleopatra in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. 

Favourite thing about rehearsal for Next to Normal? The cast and crew. This show deals with very emotional subjects and everyone has been so open, vulnerable, respectful and honouring of everyone’s story. Without this group of talented performers and supportive crew the show would be an awful experience. 

Someone new visits Edmonton, what do you recommend they check out (other than Walterdale Theatre)? Depends on what you like – hike the river valley, find a great food shop, drink local beer, visit a museum. Edmonton has something for everyone.

If you could ask Walterdale’s resident ghost “Walter” a question, what would you ask him? Not really a question but a message. Thanks for the blue sock. 

 

Photo Credit: Scott Henderson, Henderson Images

Meet the Cast of BLUE STOCKINGS – Brayden O’Boyle is Lloyd

What is your role in Blue Stockings? I play Lloyd, one of the male students at Cambridge. Lloyd comes from a position of privilege and has spent his whole life in elite circles. The presence of women at Cambridge unsettle him, especially when he learns they are attempting to gain the right to graduate. He’s got tight control over his peers and his academic life; anything that upsets his control is a threat to be dealt with.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been a fan of theatre since I was very young, and considered myself a drama kid in high school. After entering post-secondary education, my opportunities to act became limited. I am very thankful for the Walterdale for being an excellent environment for an amateur actor to work, find a community, and be a part of telling meaningful stories.

What brought you out for this show? Feminism and women’s rights is a subject I feel passionate about, and I think it’s important to discuss the history of these movements. Blue Stockings is set a century ago, but the topics involved are fresh and connect to our modern social climate. The fact that it’s a relatively fresh script is also very exciting.

What has been the most fun thing about working on the show? The biggest challenge? The cast and crew have been a lot of fun to work with. Laura (as director) lets her actors play around with their performances and is always asking, “Why do you think your character does this? What do you think is best in this scene?” I think the hardest part has been playing the role of Lloyd, whom I find utterly despicable. Connecting to the character has gotten me to ask a lot of tough questions of myself.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why should they come and see it? Hopefully the audience will have fun at the show, but I’d really be happy if we got people thinking about how these issues have changed and, in many cases, not changed over the past hundred years.

This show is about the advancement of women in history… who is a woman from the past (or present) that has inspired you? Why? Mary Wollstonecraft wrote the Vindication of the Rights of Women during the late 18th century, which was pretty much a direct “take that!” to all the Enlightenment male’s movements during the same time. She is one of the founding scholars of feminist theory and her personal life is crazy interesting.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Roseanna Sargent is Mary!

What is your role in The Women? The role I play in this production is Mary. She is a high society lady, happily married with 2 wonderful children and life is rather enjoyable for her until she finds out her husband is having an affair. 

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale?  My first production at the Walterdale was part of the cradle to stage festival and I played Sophie the daughter of Emily, in The Sunset Syndrome which portrayed Emily’s inner turmoil and emotions of a women with dementia. This production was the first play I was a part of in Canada. I then went on to be apart of Lady Windermere’s Fan and got to wear the most beautiful dress.

What brought you out for the show?  I loved the idea of an all women cast and the play is just hilarious with some deeper meaning and issues that slowly arise throughout the story. It was a production that I knew would be awesome to be apart off.

Why should audiences come see this show? This play has all the emotions in it. You will laugh your head off one moment, nod your head with understanding the next and be sobbing within 10 minutes. The play is about women, in all societies and in all classes. It tells the story of friendship, betrayal and deals with real life issues that many women deal with every single day. There is so much depth to this play that most people will walk out with understanding, however what they exit with, will be entirely up to them.

What is the most challenging obstacle that you think women have overcome in the last century? I think the most challenging obstacle women have overcome this last century is the right to their body. History depicts women as secondary citizens who belonged to their father or husband with no voice and no control. The past 100 years has seen women grow and speak up and fight for equality in all areas. As a women living in a western society today I have a voice, I have a choice as to who I will marry, love, be apart of my family. I have opportunities that many women all over the world do not have. I am lucky and very grateful for this, but there are so many women and children who do not have a voice, who do not have control over their place in society, I think women have a long way to go to gain equality. I think women’s greatest challenge is uniting all women over the world and reaching a common ground that protects all women in all societies and cultures with respect to the variation of this world.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Katrina Kunkel is in the Ensemble!

What is your role in The Women? I get the opportunity as an ensemble member to play 1st Hairdresser, Princess Tamara, Miss Watts, and 2nd Girl. I am excited to play a variety of characters from varying social statuses and backgrounds who have differing beliefs of the world around them.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? This is my first performance with Walterdale! I took some drama classes at the University of Alberta and had the opportunity to perform in ABBEDAM and the New Works Festival at the University. I absolutely fell in love with the experience.
What brought you out for The Women? I was drawn to the story and the cast size and was intrigued that it would be an all female cast. I enjoyed my past theatre experiences and the support and sense of community that is created through being part of a production. I can say I definitely found that here!
What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? While the play was written in 1936, it speaks to issues that are still prevalent in society today. While provoking laughter, the story also provokes a deeper reflection into the multiple facets of female relationships, societal privilege and entitlement, the position of women in society, and the judgment and support that comes from making personal choices. While the audience may or may not agree with the choices of the characters, it opens the door to create dialogue about how it compares or contrasts to each audience member’s own view of the world.
What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? Control and choices over one’s own body and the sigma surrounding it. The problem is a global one and ranges from access to birth control, genital mutilation, safe abortions, to judgement regarding clothing choices. Many of the decisions surrounding women’s bodies are made with little or no input from women themselves or from the individual woman. Women, and everyone for that matter, should be able to feel safe making personal choices regarding their own body without judgement, discrimination, and harassment from others.