1999 Theatre School Grads

ALISON BURN

After earning a B.A. in Cinema Studies and Anthropology from the University of Toronto, Alison worked successfully behind the scenes in the Toronto film industry. A budding love affair with the theatre, which began with Beline in THE IMAGINARY INVALID, Aneece in BELLES and Carmen in FOREVER YOURS MARY LOU, blossomed at George Brown. Here she had the good fortune to explore such roles as Lady Macbeth in MACBETH, Belle in ROCKET TO THE MOON, Margery in THE SHOEMAKER'S HOLIDAY, the Lion - hear me "Rroooar" in CHRISTMAS AT THE IVANOV'S and most recently Sister Inez in the Equity Showcase/George Brown co-production of Barnes' THE BEWITCHED. Al.ison is extremely proud to be a member of the graduating class.

ARWEN DOWNEY

Arwen was born in Toronto and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. Before coming to George Brown, she earned her B.A.Hons. in Theatre at Queen's University. There she explored characters such as Ophelia in HAMLET, Florina in MAD FOREST and Emma in BETRAYAL. Favourite roles at George Brown include: Belle in ROCKET TO THE MOON, Margaret in HENRY VI, Parts I & II, Mellida in ANTONIO AND MELLIDA and the drunken Dorothy Parker in the George Brown Cabaret. Arwen loves to sing and has completed her grade eight Voice with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

TIM GENTLE

Tim grew up in Bracebridge (Santa's summer Ho-Ho-Home), then relocated to attend the University of Waterloo. During his four-year Honours B.A. Degree in theatre, Tim enjoyed the roles of Billy Flynn in CHICAGO and Reverend John Hale in THE CRUCIBLE. Tim's roles at George Brown have included Earl of Warwick in EDWARD III, Duke of Salisbury in HENRY VI, PARTS I & II and Hodge in GAMMER GURTON'S NEEDLE. This summer Tim was Quddus in Valerie Senyk's BADASHT and last year played Neil Hammond in the independent film TEAMMATES.

BRADLEY GORESKI

Brad was born and raised in Port Perry, Ontario where he discovered the "magic" of the theatre. At George Brown, Brad has played such roles as Macbeth in MACBETH, Edricus in Edmond Ironside, Lodowich in EDWARD III and most recently Antonio and Valladares in the George Brown/Equity Showcase co-pro THE BEWITCHED. Brad wishes to thank his parents for their love and support and is looking forward to the upcoming George Brown season.

BETH HORTON

Beth's brief history began in London, Ontario and continued for many years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Shortly after returning to Canada she discovered acting and was given the opportunity to develop as a young actress at Unionville High School in the Arts York Programme and further at George Brown. Favourite roles thus far have included Julia (TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA), Mother Puzyrov (CHISTMAS AT THE IVANOVS), Mistress Frankford (A WOMAN KILLED WITH KINDNESS) and Gongora (THE BEWITCHED). In addition to her study of theatre Beth has trained for four years as a classical soprano.

TRICIA LAHDE

Tricia began her theatre career in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where her many stage credits included Varya in THE CHERRY ORCHARD and Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Her classical voice training has also afforded her opportunities to perform as Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, Anne in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, Luisa in THE FANTASTIKS, and Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS. Before making her move to Toronto, she earned her B.A. in Music Performance (piano) and English Literature from Laurentian University. While at George Brown, she has enjoyed such roles as Queen Elizabeth in RICHARD III, Balia in THE SUPPOSES and the enigmatic Belepsch in the recent success THE BEWITCHED. Trish would like to thank her family and friends for their unfailing support and love.

MELISSA MOORE

Melissa was born in B.C. and raised throughout Canada, stopping finally in Scarborough. There, she attended Wexford Collegiate, School for the Performing Arts where she was introduced to the wonderful world of theatre in such roles as Sheila in A CHORUS LINE, Widow Corney in OLIVER and Veronica in VERONICA'S ROOM. Her favourite roles at George Brown have included Zenocrate in TAMBURLAINE, Olivia in TWELFTH NIGHT, Telusa in GALLATHEA and Dr. Bravo in THE BEWITCHED. She is looking forward to the upcoming season and will appear in QUALITY STREET in February and DON JUAN COMES BACK FROM THE WAR in April.

LEE PATTERSON

Before attending George Brown, Lee spent one year acting with Repertory Philippines, a theatre company in Manila. She has enjoyed the challenge and training she has received at George Brown and would like to thank the faculty for their exceptional coaching. Favourite roles at George Brown include: Kate in TAMING OF THE SHREW; The Countess of Salisbury in EDWARD III and Ana in THE BEWITCHED. She looks forward to beginning her acting career in her hometown - T.O. "See you in the next millenium! I'll be riding the mothership."

AARON POOLE

Aaron was raised in the village of Craighurst, Ontario by an antique dealer and a painter. His memorable theatre encounters include: watching ALLIGATOR PIE with Eric Peterson in Barrie; seeing a blacklight puppet show of THE HOBBIT; playing out Greek mythology with family friends; taking part in the Sear's Festival; then playing Billy The Kid in COWBOY ISLAND, Tuzenback in THREE SISTERS and Vladimir in GODOT when he moved to Toronto. Collapsing on stage during a performance of THE GOOD DOCTOR, he realized that technique and stamina would help him to avoid fatigue and pneumonia - hence, George Brown College. Here, he enjoyed playing Angelo in MEASURE FOR MEASURE, Antonio in ANTONIO AND MELLIDA and Father Froylan in THE BEWITCHED. While studying he was inspired by the INSOMNIA workshop, NEEDLES AND OPIUM, CRYPTOGRAM, the Soul Pepper shows and THE STREET OF CROCODILES.

PHILIP RICCIO

Philip, a Toronto native, recently had his most challenging and exciting theatre experience playing King Carlos in the George Brown/Equity Showcase production of Peter Barnes' THE BEWITCHED. Other roles Philip has worked on at George Brown include John Frankford in A WOMAN KILLED WITH KINDNESS and Bajazeth in Christopher Marlowe's TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT. Philip is also a graduate of the Etobicoke School of the Arts where he played Teach in AMERICAN BUFFALO, Pat Garret in COWBOY ISLAND, Garcin in NO EXIT and Berald in Moliere's IMAGINARY INVALID directed by William Karner.

KATHERINE SLATER

Katherine was born in Toronto and raised in Markham, Ontario. After completing the Arts York Acting Programme at Unionville High she was accepted into George Brown where she has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Ker Wells, Dean Gilmour and Sasha Lukac. Favourite past roles include Roslinde in AS YOU LIKE IT, Porky S. Pig in CHRISTMAS AT THE IVANOV'S and Joey in THE BEWITCHED. Along with her acting studies, she has also been training as a classical singer for the past five years. She is honoured to be a part of the frighteningly talented class of 1999.

LAETITIA VILLETORTE

Laetitia was born in Argentina to European parents, raised in Bolivia and educated in Montreal. While completing her studies in Literature at McGill University, she had the honour of tackling main roles in THE FACE CHANGER and THE MIRRORMAN. She has also had the pleasure of working as a supporting actress for R.B.O. at Radio Canada Television and performing such roles as Agnes in AGNES OF GOD and Maggy in LE DIN DON at L'Atelier du Theatre d'Art de Montreal. Her favourite roles at George Brown include Isabella in MEASURE FOR MEASURE, the Queen Mother in EDMUND IRONSIDE, the lady in the Epilogue of A WOMAN KILLED WITH KINDNESS and Sister Renata in THE BEWITCHED. She is looking forward to the Repertory Season and her upcoming career as a trilingual actress.