Member – Page 8 – Walterdale Theatre

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.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Jenn Robinson is Edith Potter!

What is your role in The Women? I am playing Edith Potter. She is new money and doesn’t quite fit in with her high society friends. She is often saying or doing the wrong things, but it doesn’t phase her at all. She is perpetually pregnant, always eating, and a total blast to play.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? I took drama classes in school but haven’t really done much since. A few years ago I started taking vocal lessons with Edmonton Vocal Arts. That inspired me to get involved with acting again and since then I’ve taken courses at the Foote Theatre and became involved with Actor’s Gym. I worked as assistant stage manager on Boeing Boeing at the Walterdale a few years ago and I loved it. I am very excited to be working with Walterdale again, this time in front of the curtain.

What brought you out for The Women? I had a great time working on the last show I was involved with at the Walterdale, and I thought it would be the perfect place to get back into theatre. I was also very interested in being a part of an all female production, and have had an amazing time working with all of these hilarious and incredibly talented women.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? I hope they laugh their asses off but then go home afterwards and think ‘damn that’s real’. Our director Catherine Wenschlag has done an incredible job of bringing this show into our century and creating situations and relationships that are still relevant and real in our current society. I think on the surface our show is very funny and will have audiences laughing, but at the core it is a very insightful glimpse into women’s roles in society and the complexities of female friendships. Other women can be our best friends and our greatest enemies.

What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? I think one of the biggest obstacles women continue to face today is sexual harassment, especially in the work place. We have witnessed the downfall of many powerful male celebrities over the past few months due to sexual harassment claims and charges. Sadly this is not new, it’s just finally being talked about by the media. Women have been dealing with this for decades, forced to remain silent for fear of losing their jobs, being judged, or worse not being believed. It’s about time people are finally talking about it, and taking steps to fight it. It’s beautiful the way women are banding together to support each other. But this fight is not over, and it won’t be until women are in a place where they feel safe and comfortable to come forward about sexual harassment in their work place, or god forbid when we live in a time where women no longer have to face that abuse at all.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Katelyn Arthurs is Miriam Aarons!

What is your role in The Women? I play Miriam Aarons, an ex-chorus girl turned musical theatre star. She’s a scrappy, sassy, witty character who is no stranger to doing what she has to do to survive in a man’s world.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? I’ve done a few shows at the Walterdale and around Edmonton, and before that some community theatre as I nomaded around the country. Walterdale keeps having me, so I keep coming back!

What brought you out for The Women? I’ve always wanted to work with Catherine (our director), and when she had mentioned this show a while back, I already dibs-ed an audition slot! The script is also fascinating, being that it was written in 1936, and a lot of it still rings true. It’s still a very timely piece that takes a look at relationships, social climates, and the importance of thinking for yourself.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? First of all, the set and the costumes are gorgeous. Secondly, Clare Boothe Luce was a fantastic writer who produced a fantastic, biting script that is peppered with humour, sincerity, and brutal honesty. Last but not least, the incredible amount of talent in the show. The cast is incredible and it’s been really great working alongside this many talented women… not to mention the best rehearsal conversations EVER. I foresee a great talk-back on the talk-back evening during the run!

What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? The ability to have total agency over their bodies. Women’s health issues and decisions concerning them are too often made in rooms where there are no women present, or even consulted. In 2018, it is frightening to be able to say that in certain areas of first world countries, it is easier for a woman to buy a gun than to access birth control. Women face a tremendous amount of scrutiny in regards to their reproductive health, when it should be no one’s business but theirs and their doctor… who may or may not respect their wishes as well. While we are fortunate to live somewhere with more progressive laws, it seems that every time someone makes some progress, someone else takes two steps back. Women have a powerful voice and I’m proud to be part of a generation that is using it for change.

Meet the Team of THE WOMEN – Brooke Emberly is the Master Painter!

What is your role on The Women? My name is Brooke Emberly, and I am the Master Painter on The Women coming up next at Walterdale Theatre. Being Master Painter means I am directly in charge of making sure the Designers and Directors dream of the set comes to life, in the form of paint. I am in charge of acquiring the appropriate paints for the palette of the show, applying the techniques and textures required, and overseeing all those who help with this process to be sure everything looks uniform. In the paint department, we are the last ones to work but the first thing you see when entering the theatre!

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? I graduated from the Theatre Production course at Grant MacEwan University in May of 2015. Before that, my experience with theatre was the acting I did in high school. I was always interested in the ‘behind the stage’ magic, and wanted a job that would always bring new and exciting challenges. Since graduating, I’ve had the good fortune to stay active by volunteering with Walterdale Theatre, light-walking at the Citadel Theatre, working concerts with our local IATSE 210, as well as my festival work with The Works during the summer months. Through these connections, I had the opportunity to work on the props for the music video Second Attack by Striker. Although it was volunteer work, it was an amazing experience that I’m so grateful to have been able to learn from.

What brought you out for The Women? I was actually head-hunted for this position, which is an extraordinarily humbling experience. After working on the paint crew for Othello, another show put on by The Walterdale, I was asked to come back in a leadership position for this show. I am so excited to be working with the people I do, and equally as excited to see how this all comes together!

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Although The Women was created in the 1930’s, many of the issues it revolves around are very relevant today. At its core, this show is about stability, respect, trust, and feeling honoured and wanted. These are all things that anyone, of any gender, can relate to. Through its zany scenes juxtaposed against its serious ones, this slice of life play works through many of the truly human issues we still face. I honestly believe that there are so many ways to interpret this play, that you just have to some see it for itself to see what it says to YOU!

What do you think is the most important issue facing women today? Why? We currently live in an amazing era where information (and inevitably, misinformation) can be shared globally at the click of a button. This means, issues that were never being addressed before on large scale levels are being recognized and sought out. Unfortunately, we also live in an age where it is easier, and ‘trendy,’ to pretend that legitimate issues that plague thousands are just cases of people being ‘too sensitive’ or ‘too pc.’ There is an awkward tug-of-war happening where the newer generation see’s these issues and wishes to take the reins and fix them, yet the older generation is not ready to give up control or change old ‘bad habits’ for the better. This has always been the case as one generation gets ready to overtake the other, (i.e. the ‘Greatest Generation’ verses the ‘Baby Boomers’ in the hippie movements, rock and roll movements, etc…) however there is the added complexity of technology that spreads these debates quicker, more aggressively and more anonymously. Of course, it is not all as cut and dry as all of that, as there are people from each generation that go against the grain of the masses in either positive or negative ways; but it still stands to show that the most challenging obstacle facing women today is the ability to legitimately be heard, recognized, trusted and understood above the roar of nay-sayers and the cloud of misinformation and abuse. After all, those who are in the wrong are often the loudest of them all.

Meet the Cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE – dale Wilson is Dr. Rank

What is your role in this production? The good doctor, a long time friend of the Helmers, seems a curmudgeony sort dedicated to the family.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been performing on Walterdale’s stage for going on 27 years as well as various stints on other stages. I used to do a lot with the U of A MFA directing candidates, that was like a master class every time. I’d like to do more of that.

What brought you out for this show? This presented the chance to work with a lot of people I’m familiar with on and off stage and I’d been curious for some time about doing an Ibsen piece so it seemed a good fit. Besides the fact that it may be the only ancient role in the season

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? If one only takes away that you have to treat people well as in, thinking as much about them at least as much as yourself, we’ll have spent a merry evening together.

Money is a big issue in this play. Got any funny stories about money? The only story I have about money is I don’t have nearly enough of it and there ain’t nothin’ funny about that.

Photo Credit: Kristen Finlay
Features: dale Wilson as Dr. Rank, and Nicole English as Nora

Meet the Cast of FROM CRADLE TO STAGE 2017 – Miranda Broumas is Guenevere in GUENEVERE

What is your role in this production? I’m playing Guenevere, who’s a spirited and yearning young lady. Despite her affairs with Lancelot, she remains a dutiful partner to King Arthur. Their marriage is founded in a very admirable friendship and professional respect. Arthur values her insight and opinions, which is a refreshing dynamic between a man and a woman given the attitude and treatment toward women during the time period in which the show is set. Overall, Guenevere is a bold and noble queen who, in her own way, is always striving to protect the kingdom, promote peace, and preserve Arthur’s reputation. In many ways, she’s beyond her years. She can come across as introspective and strong, but has momentary lapses of naivete. Regardless of which side she’s putting forward, she is inherently opinionated and punctilious. She listens when the time is right, and takes charge when she feels she should.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I took drama and oral communication classes from junior high through post-secondary, and was a professional and competitive dancer for fifteen years. In 2013, I retired from dance to focus my extracurricular efforts on theatre. Recent credits include Lucy in Raine (New Works Festival 2016), Cunningham in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (University of Alberta), Dawn in Seven Lost Minutes (35th Annual Edmonton Fringe Festival) and Lady Windermere in Lady Windermere’s Fan (Walterdale Theatre). This is my first role of 2017 and my second production at Walterdale.

What brought you out for this production? I’ve long admired the work of our director, Eric Smith, and jumped at the opportunity to audition for one of his productions. Once I had a chance to review the script, I was immensely intrigued. I’ve never worked on a such a poetic show before, so I was excited to try something new. I also felt somewhat obligated to audition for a Greek tragedy since my father hails from Nafpaktos.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come see it? From playwrights and painters to actors and dancers, it’s always important to support local artists, and From Cradle to Stage is a great way to do that. John Richardson has written a delightful rendition of a well-known tale that I think audiences will enjoy. I’m especially impressed by the depth of emotion the show covers in just sixty minutes.

What has been the most challenging thing about doing this show? The most enjoyable thing? The most enjoyable part has been getting to know the cast and crew on both professional and personal levels. The rehearsal process was a great balance of silly and serious, and resulted in a close-knit cast presenting a very unique and heartfelt show.

Meet the Cast of FROM CRADLE TO STAGE 2017 – Anglia Redding is Victoria in PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY DINNER

What is your role in this production? My role is twofold in this production: I play Victoria in the production and I’m the Co-Director of Publicity for Walterdale. In my role as Co-Director, I write press releases, contact local reviewers, set up interviews, and make sure the word about the show gets out so people will come and see it! Victoria is a bit of a puzzle. She is the perfect wife and mother, but she has many secrets she needs to keep hidden. She would do just about anything to protect her family.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I graduated from Keyano College with a diploma in Visual and Performing Arts program located in Fort McMurray. I acted in a few shows on the Keyano main stage, including Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and Les Belles Soeurs. I’ve been involved in stage-managing a few productions like Death Comes to Auntie Norma (Lucky Wench Productions) and Jesus Master Builder (Walk on Water Productions). I’ve also stage-managed for Gerald Osborn at ADFA’s Stage Struck for the past few years, which has been a real treat. Since 2012, I’ve been volunteering at Walterdale in various roles, including assistant stage manager and lighting operator. I’ve really found my niche as a stage manager, which suits my bossiness to a T.

What brought you out for this production? Since acting seems to be in my blood (despite my love for stage-managing), I love to come out and audition for Walterdale shows. It’s awesome to get to meet different directors and hear about their vision. Even if I don’t get a part, I never feel rejected because of the feeling of community Walterdale projects. I always feel like I’m coming home.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come see it? I hope audiences will see that not every family is perfect; we all have secrets and skeletons in the closest. Some laughs would also be nice! Audiences should come and see it because it’s a great way to spend an evening while supporting local playwrights. What not to like?

What has been the most challenging thing about doing this show? The best thing? It’s been 17 years since I was onstage last, so remembering how to learn my lines was a bit of a struggle. I used to know all the tips and tricks, but things have changed so much! Imagine my surprise when I found out there were apps I could use to help me. Back in my day, you just sat with your script and repeated the lines until they were in there (shakes fist at young people).

I’d have to say the best thing has been getting back onstage. Stage-managing and acting can be quite varied in responsibilities and duties. It’s a whole different world under the lights than it is hiding in the booth!

Meet the Cast of From Cradle to Stage 2017 – Erin Forwick-Whalley is Chorus #1 in Guenevere

What is your role in this production? I am playing the role of Chorus #1, also known as Mama Nun! (We made up nicknames for all of the nuns because we have no names in the play.) I am the Abbess, which is like the head nun, so feel a great obligation to guide the younger nuns under my tutelage.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I am an elementary teacher, so really I perform everyday on the stage I call my classroom! I also sing in a choir, and every year we put on a Broadway show, so I’ve had opportunities to act in those. My favorite role so far has been Mme. Thenardier in Les Mis! I first auditioned for a play in 2013, and received a challenging role in the play Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor (Horizon Players). Having never been in this type of production before, it was trial by fire for me, and I learned so much from the ever patient director, cast mates, and crew! This is my second role at Walterdale, having last done And Then The Lights Went Out by Andy Garland in 2014.

What has been the most challenging thing about doing this show? The most enjoyable thing? The thing I find most amazing and enjoyable about theatre is how quickly a cast/crew can bond, because we spend so much time together and because we are forced to be vulnerable and have trust that we will be accepted. I have fallen in love with every team I’ve been a part of, and this one is definitely no different! The most challenging part for me will be when we go our separate ways at the end of the run.

Meet the Team for From Cradle to Stage 2017 – Laura Ly is Director of PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY DINNER

What is your role on this production? I’m direct Portrait of a Family Dinner. It mostly involves working with an awesome cast and a great production team, and doing my best to steer things in the right direction.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first play at the Walterdale. I am relatively new to the production side of theatre; however, I am very familiar with being an audience member and appreciating it from the other side.

What brought you out for this production? My friend Bethany burst into my office one day at work and asked if I would be interested in directing a one-act play. A few hours later, I was signed up to direct Portrait. I’ll admit that it probably took me a few weeks to fully realize exactly what I signed up for, but I’m so glad that I did.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? I hope that audiences walk away thoroughly enjoying themselves and marvelling at being able to witness the unveiling of a never-before-seen piece of art. They should come see it because Edmonton has some very talented playwrights, who are trying some very cool things, and they don’t want to be the only ones missing out. I don’t want to bully anyone, but c’mon, all the cool kids are coming out to From Cradle to Stage, and do you really want to be the person who missed out?!

What has been the most best thing about doing this show? It may sound super cliche, but I truly love the cast and crew of Portrait. I have enjoyed spending time with the cast, and have learned so much from the production crew over the past few months.

Meet the Cast of Guenevere – Derek Kaye is Lancelot!

What is your role in this production? I’m playing the role of Lancelot. He is Guenevere’s lover and King Arthur’s right hand man. He’s a man of honor, brave, and fiercely loyal. The love he has for both Guenevere and Arthur is deeply rooted and cherished.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve loved doing theatre since I was a kid and this is my second show at the Walterdale, my first being A Man of No Importance. It was so much fun and I met so many great people in that production that when I saw Eric Smith was directing this show I said that myself “that’s going to be another fun ride” and here we are!

What do you think audiences will take away from this show? This is such a unique show for the reason that it’s an original Greek tragedy which is a format that isn’t seen very often in modern-day theatre, and the themes that are presented are as true in our lives nowadays as they always were. I hope that the audience connects with these characters like we all have and takes the emotional journey with us.

What has bee your biggest challenge? A challenge that I’ve had to face doing this show is not dying from laughter! The material is heavy emotionally so to be able to laugh and have fun is important and we have had that in droves! Also playing with swords and pretending to fight people; hello, six year old Derek, you don’t ever have to grow up!