Tag: Member Profile

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.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Trish Van Doornum is the Countess de Lage!

What is your role in The Women? In The Women, I play the Countess de Lage – a lady of leisure and many former husbands.  She loves to see & be seen and host fabulous parties at The Casino Roof.  She never knows who will be there but everyone has clamoured to come!

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? I started doing theatre in my teens and then went on to pursue a drama performance diploma from Keyano College & my BFA from the University of Lethbridge.  I’ve lived in Edmonton for 15 years and have done lots of shows with many groups, mostly musicals.  This is my 6th Walterdale show – my last one was directing Jesus Master Builder at From Cradle To Stage in 2015.


What brought you out for The Women? Originally I hadn’t planned on auditioning but the lure of doing a show with an all female cast & artistic team was too great.  I had just done an all female show at the Fringe and was directing Little Women The Musical at the time.  With such great experiences from strong female driven shows I thought, “what the heck” and when I was offered the role of the Countess I just couldn’t say no.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? We as women can have really intense and really strange relationships with the other women in our lives.  We are given mixed messages of showing empathy and being nurturing while viewing other women as competition.  This show holds the mirror up to that part of us.  Clare Booth Luce really understood the complexity of these relationships and the characters are all at various levels on the spectrum of empathy to outright ice cold competitive.

What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? There are so many issues facing women today that no one takes precedence over another.  My awesome cast mates have mentioned having total agency over our bodies in our reproductive health, pay equality and equal representation.  In our current vitriolic political climate, my one hope is that those of us who have been lucky to be born into or worked our asses off to earn these kinds of freedoms can learn to overcome the impulse judge or oppress women who have not been as fortunate.  We have the opportunity to use our privilege to help those women who are under-represented.  Taking time to mentor a young woman, supporting a small business led by women or even learning to be conscientious in how we engage in discussions about other women are small, incremental things that we can do to build change around us and lead the way for others.

Meet the Director of THE WOMEN – Catherine Wenschlag!

What is your role on The Women? What does that entail? I’m the director – a statement that fills me with equal parts joy and anxiety. As the director, I chose the play, put together a design team, auditioned and cast the actors, and am now working with everyone to put it all together.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? Since getting involved with theatre at the young age of 8, I’ve been an actor, stage manager, lighting operator, production manager, administrator, box office manager, and – most recently – a director. I’ve been with Walterdale since 2009 and am truly thrilled to be directing my second show here, following The Sunset Syndrome in 2016.

Why did you choose this script for Walterdale? There are three main things that led me to choose The Women. First, the sheer number of women involved – I have 17 actors playing 39 characters and it’s been a joy going on this adventure with them. I feel it really serves the Walterdale community to have a large female cast. Second, the humour – it’s biting and witty and dark and physical and so fun to play with!  And third, the chance to tell an 80 year old story and show how it’s still relevant today.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? My hope is that people will have a wonderful time watching the show, and then, perhaps they will have a conversation with their friends about the characters, their choices, even the role women play in the world today – and how they can grow and change that role in their own circle of influence.

What is the most challenging obstacle that you think women have overcome in the last century? In many ways, I think the biggest obstacles we’ve overcome are the ones we’re still jumping the hurdles of to get even further ahead. To have the vote, birth control, the freedom to leave an abusive partner – these were amazing accomplishments. But we have so far to go – in getting more women voted in to positions of power, stopping men (or anyone) from deciding what a woman can do with her body, and ending all domestic violence are still a ways off – but not impossible. Especially if we can see and treat other women as our allies, not enemies, and work together.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Lilianna Coyes-Loiselle is Little Mary

What is your role in The Women? I play Little Mary, Mary’s daughter. Little Mary is a smart, sensitive little girl who’s got an attitude. She wants nothing to with being a girl and loathes the fact that she is turning into a woman.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? This is my first show at the Walterale!! I graduated from JH Picard High School last year where I was involved in several shows including Othello, Amadeus, and Alice.

What brought you out for The Women? I wanted to continue doing theatre after high school and auditioning for The Women at the Walterdale was the perfect opportunity! Plus… an all female cast!? I was totally in after that. 🙂

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? That all men cheat on their wives and women can’t trust each other. Just kidding. After seeing the show, I think audiences will be much more grateful for the supportive friends they have who they can confide and trust in.

What is the most challenging obstacle that you think women have overcome in the last century? What a hard question! Women have overcome so much in the last century it’s hard to pick one single obstacle. I would say though that the biggest obstacle women have faced in the last century is shifting from being confined to the private sphere of the home to the public sphere. One hundred years ago, women were trapped in their own homes as well as their role of taking care of her husband, kids, and the house. Breaking free from this role and becoming a part of the public sphere was extremely challenging and took a lot of courage and determination. I think that when women overcame this, the wheels were set in motion for the rest of the changes towards women’s rights and empowerment that happened and continue to happen throughout history. Based on the news and what everyone is talking about today, I think the sexual abuse problem that has blown up around the world is the most important issue facing women today. We’ve come a long way, but issues like this remind us that we are still a very long way off.