Three Sisters & Co.

Set of three Russian dolls with the largest one open and the lid laying on its side.

MAINSTAGE

Three Sisters & Co.

By Anton Chekhov
Adapted by Rob Kempson and the Ensemble
Directed by Rob Kempson

About

What happens when the world changes suddenly and you're left to pick up the pieces? In Three Sisters & Co., the graduating class of George Brown Theatre School use Chekhov's Three Sisters as a jumping-off point to explore our present reality through a zoom lens. This foundational text serves as a tool for contemporary artistic exploration, so this production is packed with heart and humanity--and performed LIVE online. Created entirely using digital platforms, Three Sisters & Co. is part classical study, part devised project, and altogether unlike anything you've ever seen before (online or in-person).

Performance Schedule

  • April 7, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 8, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 9, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 10, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 14, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 15, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 16, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
  • April 17, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: YouTube Live Broadcast

Running Time: A little over 2 hours, including intermission

Cost: In lieu of admission fees for the performances, the students, staff and faculty of the School of Media and the Performing Arts hope that you will donate to the COVID-19 Student Emergency Relief Fund.

Headshot of director Rob Kempson

Directed by Rob Kempson*

Rob Kempson is a theatre artist and educator, working primarily as a director and playwright. He has been a member of the Stratford Festival Playwrights’ Retreat, a Resident Artist Educator at Young People’s Theatre, and the RBC Intern Director for The Musical Stage Co. He is the past Artistic Producer of the Paprika Festival, the past Associate Artistic Producer at Theatre Passe Muraille, and the past Associate Artistic Director at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Rob was recently named the new Co-Artistic Director of ARC, a Toronto-based company. More info at robkempson.com or on Twitter at @rob_kempson.

Selected credits

Selected Writer/Director:

  • Trigonometry (timeshare/Factory)
  • Mockingbird (Next Stage Theatre Festival)
  • SHANNON 10:40 (timeshare/Videofag)
  • explicit (Rhubarb Festival)
  • #legacy (Harbourfront Centre)
  • The HV Project (Community)

Selected Director:

  • Box 4901 (timeshare/Buddies)
  • The Places We Are (Theatre Erindale)
  • The Snow Queen (Canadian Children’s Opera Company)
  • Electric Messiah IV & V (Soundstreams)
  • The Little Mermaid (St. Lawrence College)
  • 9 to 5: The Musical (Randolph College)
  • The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom (Sudbury Theatre Centre)
  • Box 4901 (SummerWorks, foldA Festival)
  • The Canadian, Maggie and Pierre, Million Dollar Quartet, Daisy Amazed Me, Violet’s the Pilot, Rose’s Clothes (Thousand Islands Playhouse)

Co-directed with Briana Brown, Toronto Fringe:

  • Songs for a New World (Claude Watson)

Writer/Composer/Performer:

  • The Way Back To Thursday (Theatre Passe Muraille/Touchstone Theatre – Dora Nomination: Outstanding New Musical).
Director's Notes

All our hopes are shattered. It's like thousands of people raised a huge bell, a lot of money and of labour was spent on it, and it suddenly fell and smashed. All at once, for no reason whatever.” – Masha, Act IV, Three Sisters

As an artist, I believe in creating work that responds directly to the moment we’re in. To me, the thesis of any production must answer the question of why we are doing this play here and why we are doing this play now. So, when setting out to imagine a zoom production for an incredibly talented cast of 25 in the midst of a global pandemic, I knew that we needed to lean into the moment, point out the ways that we are challenged by it, and apply all of that to the work itself.

Most of us are experiencing some pretty intense feelings of isolation right now. Whether holed up with our families, finding the new rhythms of working online, or negotiating tricky co-habitation, the pandemic has forced everyone to live their lives in new ways and seek connection through unconventional means. And that, conveniently, is pretty strongly related to the themes and challenges of Chekhov’s Three Sisters. The Prozorov family feels stuck in their town and surprised by the lives they are now living. They want to be freed from their isolation and live the lives that they once knew in Moscow. But of course, the Moscow in their minds doesn’t exist. There is no one shift that will change your life and make it better forever. The grass will always be greener elsewhere, no matter where you live or the circumstances you’re in.

So, a big part of this play is about meeting your reality against your expectations. As bleak as that might sound, I think there is great power and hope in it. We cannot control the world around us, but we can control how we approach it. For Three Sisters & Co., we’ve decided to approach our current world with creativity, innovation, and yes—hope.

We’ve torn apart this script, using the best of Chekhov and mixing it with the best of ourselves. Everything has been created by this incredible ensemble, including the music you hear, and supported by a creative team of designers who are flexible beyond understanding. This work represents an invitation to engage with the digital world of performance, rather than accepting it as a stand-in for the real thing. Everything that is being performed live, is undeniably theatre, and it represents the best kind of creativity—that which turns a problem into something inspirational.

It has been an honour and privilege to create digitally with this group. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Creatives

Michael Panich*, Stage Manager

George Brown Theatre School: Metamorphoses, Planet Munsch, You Never Can Tell, Munsch Goes to School, Munsch-o-Mania, Munsch All Over, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Elsewhere: Suddenly Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare in Action), The Rainbow Fish, Stella-Queen of the Snow (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia), Stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Theatre Smith-Gilmour), The Hound of the Baskervilles (Lighthouse Festival Theatre), Canada in Love, Remember that Song, The Legend of Dan McGrew (Smile Theatre). Michael graduated from Concordia University’s theatre program in 2008. In addition to stage managing, Michael is also a production manager, actor and set/light designer.

Jackie Chau, Set & Properties Design

Jackie has worked as a set and costume designer and her work has toured internationally. In addition, she is a production designer and art director for film and television. Selected theatre design credits include: Sexy Laundry (Theatre Aquarius) Annie Mae’s Movement, Almighty Voice and His Wife, Tombs of the Vanishing Indian, From Thine Eyes, HUFF (NEPA), Antigone Insurgency, Talking Masks, Charge of the Expormidable Moose, Ubu Mayor, S/W (One Little Goat), Gas Girls (New Harlem Productions), Romeo and Juliet (TD Dream in High Park/Can Stage), Zadie's Shoes, Lady Sunrise (Factory Theatre), Brown Balls (Fu-Gen), The Swearing Jar (Prairie Theatre Exchange), Fish Eyes Trilogy (GCTC), Canada 300 (Watermark Theatre), Cannibal the Musical (Starvox Entertainment), Twist Your Dickens (Second City Chicago/Toronto), Mini Me Makeover – Designer and Co-host (CBC Kids/Expect Theatre), Moment, Dissidents, Oil (ARC Theatre), Cowboy Versus Samurai, 39 Steps, Oraltorio (Soulpepper) and The Komagata Maru Incident (Stratford Festival). Jackie was named in NOW magazine's Top 10 Theatre Artists of 2009, nominated for the Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design, nominated for a Saskatoon Area Theatre (SAT) award, 2 Broadway World awards and has received 8 Dora nominations for outstanding set and costume design. This is Jackie's 14th year designing for the George Brown Theatre.

Siobhán Sleath, Lighting Design

Siobhán is happy to be back at George Brown Theatre to design 3 Sisters & Co. She’s also worked with the School on The Learned Ladies, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Machinal, Cavalcade, Lady Windermere’s Fan and three Munsch Shows. Other recent shows include: Ann (Arkansas Rep Theatre), The Horse and His Boy, Wilde Tales (Shaw Festival); Miracle on 34th Street, A Year with Frog and Toad, Shrek and The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre); Steel City Gangster and On a First Name Basis (Theatre Aquarius); Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Avenue Q (Sudbury Theatre Centre; and Elegies: A Song Cycle (Acting Up Stage). She is the Associate Lighting Designer on the Canadian production of Come from Away. More information can be found on her website: www.siobhansleathdesign.com

Brandon Kleiman, Costume Design

Brandon is a set and costume designer based in Toronto with work appearing on stages across Canada. This is his 7th year with George Brown College, he also designs for other post-secondary institutions including St. Lawrence College, Fanshawe College, Sheridan College, and The Randolph Academy. He was nominated for the 2017 Pauline McGibbon Award, the 2018 and 2020 Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design, and is a recipient of an OAC Chalmers Development Grant. Brandon is a multiple Dora Award nominee and two-time winner. For more information and a portfolio please visit www.brandonkleimandesign.com.

Nick Andison, Video Design/Streaming

Nick designs lighting and projections for theatre, dance, opera and corporate productions. Some of his recent work includes lighting design for: Electric Messiah (Soundstreams); Cottagers & Indians, Bunny, Mustard, Midsummer (Tarragon Theatre); The Snow Queen (CCOC); DAS DING (The Thing) (Theatre Smash); associate lighting and projection design for A Christmas Carol (Shaw Festival) Lighting & Technical Director for: EUNOIA (Fujiwara Dance Inventions). Nick has also recently worked as an assistant lighting designer with many theatre companies and individual designers, some of which include The Shaw Festival, The Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, Soulpepper Theatre Company, Tarragon Theatre and many others. When not busy with design, Nick works as a technical director and site manager for large corporate events and festivals, with past projects including the MLB All-Star Game, various NHL outdoor hockey games, SuperBowl LIV, Taste of Toronto and The Big Feastival Canada. Nick also enjoys his work as a mentor and Technical Director for the Regional Arts Program productions at Cawthra Park Secondary School, where he studied before his theatre production studies at Ryerson University.

Cast

Headshot of Max Kobetich
Andrey - Max Kobetich

Max Kobetich is a Canadian actor raised by his wonderful mother in Guelph, Ontario. He fell head over heels in love with acting at a young age and has never looked back since. Max absolutely loves to make himself and others around him laugh.

Select Theatre:

  • House of Desires (George Brown Theatre),
  • Fuente Ovejuna (George Brown Theatre),
  • Planet Munsch (George Brown Theatre),
  • Out in the Open (Theatre Ross Touring Company),
  • A Permanent Solution (Theatre Ross Touring Company).

Select on Screen:

  • Directors Cut (short), (The Acting Center),
  • The Piano Bar (short), (The Acting Center),
  • Sappsago Cheese Festival (short), (The Acting Center)

Max is a massive proponent of chasing what makes one happy and never letting that go. He is very grateful to be a part of the George Brown Theatre School and honoured to be a part of the amazing class of 2021! Instagram: @maxkobetich.

Headshot of Mia Hay.
Natasha - Mia Hay

Mia Hay is a young actress hailing from the East Coast of Canada. It was there that Mia started her career performing new works and works in development at the Notable Acts Theatre Festival and touring TYA with companies such as Theatre New Brunswick. It has been an absolute joy and dream come true to train at George Brown Theatre School and be surrounded by such wonderful and talented peers these past two years. Some of her favourite credits from George Brown include Izzy in Dreary and Izzy, Sebastiana in Heresy of Love, Emelia in Othello, the Paper Bag Princess in Planet Munsch, and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. To keep up with Mia and her career as it develops you can follow her on Instagram at @ms.miahay.

Headshot of Henry Peirson
Natasha 2 - Henry Oswald Peirson

Henry Oswald Peirson is a Toronto-based actor, creator, musician, and clown originally from Guelph, ON. Growing up amidst a hodgepodge of community theatres, choirs, musicians, and poets, he began acting at the age of nine and quickly grew fond of collective creation, theatre for young audiences, and Brechtian theatre. Having recently worked as an educator for adults with developmental exceptionalities, Henry aspires to continue making theatre more inclusive by creating work with neurodivergent populations. He has completed the Voice Acting Foundations certificate from George Brown College and is entering his graduating year at George Brown Theatre School where he's created and performed such roles as Rocinante (Don Quixote), Officer (Planet Munsch), Oscar Wilde (Gross Indecency), and Nurse (Romeo and Juliet). Other recent performances include Missing Links (Theatre by the Bay), The Second Woman (Harbourfront Centre), and a clown turn in the online family event “Mission Jolly”. @henry.peirson

Headshot of Molly Muck
Olga - Molly Muck

Born and raised in small-town Ayr, Ontario, Molly is an artist of multiple disciplines such as: acting, music, comedy and digital media but has been acting since she was eight years old at various theatre camps around southern Ontario. Inspired by her dad, Molly learned to sing at a very young age and only found her love of performing through singing to him, while he played the guitar. She discovered her love of creation and direction when introduced to devised theatre in her tiny high school Drama Club. Since coming to George Brown Theatre School, Molly has had numerous memorable roles, all of which have come with an abundance of knowledge.

Scene Study Highlights:

  • Juliet in Romeo and Juliet
  • Vanda Jordan in Venus in Fur
  • Mrs. Cheveley in An Ideal Husband
  • River in Appropriate

Other Theatre Highlights

  • (Cambridge Community Players) Mother in Story of a Mother
  • (GBTS) Andrew’s Mom in Planet Munsch
  • Florence in Poof!
  • (NTS Drama Festival) Seduction Sound in After Liverpool
Headshot of Katie Wise.
Masha - Katie Wise

Katie Wise is a Sudbury-born actor who is greatly looking forward to completing her third year of studies at George Brown College in 2021. She wrote and pieced together several pieces for her second-year scene studies at George Brown including a reworked devise piece of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde by Moisés Kaufman, as well as transitory scenes for a condensed version of Sor Juana Ines de la Crus’ play House of Desires.

Select George Brown credits include:

  • Mrs. Cheveley (An Ideal Husband),
  • Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (The Heresy of Love)

​Select YES Theatre credits include:

  • Spider (James and The Giant Peach)
  • ​Merrily We Roll Along, Young Violet (Violet)
Headshot of Davin Babulal
Kulygin - Davin Babulal

Davin is an enthusiastic all-rounder fuelled by his curiosity. He graduated from McMaster University with an Honours B.Sc. in Life Sciences but was also an honorary theatre kid and even got the opportunity to assistant direct and co-compose music for McMaster’s 2017 Fall Major Production, Women and Servants.

Some select theatre credits include:

  • Leading Player (Pippin, MMT)
  • Perchik (Fiddler on the Roof, MMT)
  • Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet, Notapom Prod.)

Some of his favourite George Brown credits include:

  • Richard (Richard III, Dir. Eva Barrie)
  • Bayard Rustin (Seat Next to the King, Dir. Tanisha Taitt)

He feels grateful to be collaborating with such dedicated peers and facilitators. He has a million hobbies but lately, he’s been skateboarding, embroidering, whittling, practicing tai chi, and laying in the dark listening to albums all the way through. If you want to see what else he’s up to, check out @darwinbibs on Instagram.

Headshot of Adriano Reis
Vershinin - Adriano Reis

Adriano Reis is a Brazilian-Canadian actor Born in Toronto and raised in Newmarket, Ontario. After completing one year of training at Centennial College for Theatre Arts and Performance he enrolled at George Brown Theatre School.

Scene Study Highlights:

  • Castaño in House of Desires
  • Lord Darlington in Lady Windermere’s Fan
  • Sadiq in A Line in The Sand
  • Jorge in Refugee Hotel

Theatre:

  • Demetrius in A Midsummer, Night’s Dream (Theatre Orangeville)
  • Daemon in R.U.R (Centennial College)
  • Edmond in The Count of Monte Cristo (Sacred Heart HS)

Online:

  • Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest
  • Kyle in Best Brothers (Grandview Theatre)

Adriano spent his early childhood in Governador Valadares, Brazil with dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. When he was told that his dream was unrealistic, he decided to pursue acting instead. He would like to thank his parents for all their support in making his dream come true. (Instagram: @adrianoreis10)

Headshot of Karly Friesen.
Irina - Karly Friesen

Karly Friesen is an actor and creator born and raised up North in Sudbury, Ontario. Karly is a proud graduate of the Drama and Dance program at Sudbury Secondary High School where she had the pleasure of performing roles such as Deb (Elf: The Musical), Elizabeth Proctor (The Crucible), and Sara (The Theory of Relativity).

Selected credits at George Brown Theatre School include:

  • Mrs. Kendal (The Elephant Man)
  • Queen Margaret (Richard IV)
  • Gwendolen Fairfax (The Importance of Being Earnest)
  • Kissy Aunt (Planet Munsch)
  • America (Divine Narcissus).

When Karly’s not performing, she’s dancing around her apartment or practicing her embroidery skills. Karly would like to thank her family and friends from home who have given her endless support. She would also like to thank her fellow classmates for inspiring her every day and for becoming her new family away from home, she couldn’t imagine graduating alongside anyone else. Instagram: @karlyfriesen

Headshot of Cooper Bilton
Tuzenbach - Cooper Bilton

Cooper Bilton has had the opportunity to perform in many places including Long Beach, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. Before enrolling at GBTS he attended a two-week Shakespeare intensive at the Stratford Festival on a scholarship from the National Theatre School Drama Festival.

Selected Theatre:

  • George (The Second Self), (Edmonton/London Fringe)
  • Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), (Paris Performers)
  • Tyler (Doing Our Bit), (Sanderson Centre)
  • Peter (Peter Pan), Alan A. Dale (Robin Hood) & Tweedledum (Alice In Wonderland), (Bell Summer Theatre Festival)
  • Paperboy (Dracula, A Love Story), (Casa Loma/Brant Theatre Workshops)

George Brown Highlights:

  • John Merrick (The Elephant Man)
  • Mercer (A Line In The Sand)
  • Iago (Othello)
  • Occident (Divine Narcissus)
  • Commander (Fuente Ovejuna)

Online:

  • Algernon (The Importance Of Being Earnest), (Theatre Orangeville)
  • Stephen (Indisposable), (Grandview Theatre).

Cooper dedicates this season to his Aunt Carla and Uncle Greggy for their generosity, support, and love. You can find him on Instagram @cooperbilton & YouTube @ETCfilms.

Headshot of Colton Gobbo
Solyony - Colton Gobbo

Pursuing his love for the theatre after his first professional role at age 9 in Hair, Colton Gobbo is tremendously grateful to be a member of George Brown Theatre School’s graduating class and to be performing alongside his incredible peers. With experience in theatre, combat, film and television, some of his favourite credits include;

George Brown:

  • Don Juan (The Trickster of Seville)
  • Squirrel (Planet Munsch)
  • Lord Illingworth (A Woman of No Importance)
  • Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Film & television:

  • Lakewood (Phillip Noyce)
  • Ginny and Georgia (Netflix / Sarah Lampert / Debra J. Fisher)
  • Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (André Øvredal)
  • Titans (DC Entertainment)
  • Operation Christmas List (Justin G. Dyck)

Colton would like to thank his family for the unending love, support, and the 9-hour roundtrips from his hometown Sudbury to Toronto for endless auditions - which he’s still paying off. Instagram: @coltosaur

Headshot of Tom Keat
Chebutykin - Tom Keat

Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Tom is now a Toronto based writer, actor, and clown. He is a seasoned performer at 4th Line Theatre; his credits include The Right Road to Pontypool (2010), Cavan Blazers (2011), Bad Luck Bank Robbers (2016), Who Killed Snow White (2018), and very recently as Jeanne in Bedtime Stories & Other Horrifying Tales (2020).

Tom is entering into his final year at George Brown Theatre School; he's most proud of his work as Mengo in Fuente Ovejuna (2020), and as Don Gonzalo in The Trickster of Seville & The Stone Guest (2020).

Tom is so electrified to be back working with this ensemble. He will be forever grateful for the memories spent together, in these halls, around these studios. We started this as strangers; we’re ending it as lasting friends.

Big thank-you to his teachers and family for supporting him through this process. Instagram: @stairway_to_tom

Headshot of Aaron Macpherson
Fedotik - Aaron Macpherson

Aaron Macpherson is a Toronto-based actor and musician originally from Guelph Ontario. Having discovered his love of theatrics through cartoons and silly voices, he pursued his passions at George Brown Theatre School where he is entering his graduating year. Some of his favourite theatre school credits include:

  • Cheryl’s Dad (Planet Munsch)
  • Flores (Fuente Ovejuna)
  • Miss Prism (The Importance of Being Earnest)
  • Murderer 2 (Richard III)

Recently completing the Voice Acting Foundations certificate at George Brown College, Aaron aspires to one day voice a superhero. He spent much of quarantine producing his own original cooking show and is actively writing his first play. Aaron has a love of children’s theatre, touring productions such as Treeboy (Theatre Orangeville) and New Canadian Kid (John F Ross CVI). Aaron is interested in exploring the world of film and TV and hopes to one day have a Lego mini-figure of himself. Instagram: @aaron.macpherson1

Headshot of Isaiah Wagner-Chazalon
Rode - Isaiah Wagner-Chazalon

Originally from the trees and lakes of Muskoka, Ontario, Isaiah is a Toronto-based actor, singer, songwriter, and stage-combat enthusiast. Having been involved in a number of shows and improv troupes (including 3 nationally competitive teams) during his time in cottage country, Isaiah spent two years studying acting and theatre history at York University before making the shift to George Brown Theatre School. He is very excited to continue working and studying techniques of acting and stage-combat in both theatre and film.

Selected George Brown highlights include:

  • Gerald (A Woman of No Importance)
  • Don Pedro (House of Desires)
  • Cassius (Julius Caesar)
  • Dauphin (Saint Joan)
  • The Dragon (Planet Munsch)

Isaiah has nothing but endless praise and thanks to give to his family, friends, and instructors at George Brown Theatre School. Instagram: @isaiahwc

Headshot of Adrian Marchesano
Ferapont - Adrian Marchesano

Adrian hails from Oakville, Ontario and is excited to be performing in his final year at George Brown Theatre School. For as long as he can remember, the arts have always been a part of his life; from his beginnings in community theatre to professional productions, Adrian continues to pursue his passion as an actor. Before GBTS, he had studied Dramatic Arts at Brock University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts.

Some of his favourite roles include:

  • Pantalone (Pantalone’s Palace)
  • Nicholas (One for the Road)
  • John Worthing (The Importance of Being Earnest)
  • Archbishop (Heresy of Love)

Adrian would like to thank his family and friends for their unyielding love and support.

Headshot of Aiden Holden-Jones
Anfisa - Aidan Holden-Jones

Aidan is a Toronto-based actor, part-time singer, and full-time goof, originally from London, Ontario. She is so honoured and excited to be performing alongside this amazing cast of people she calls family! Aidan is so lucky to have been around the theatre her whole life, and cannot thank her parents and partner enough for their endless support (and a special thanks to Mum for her guidance and wisdom). Aidan has a deep love for voice work and animation, as well as classical theatre, and has a huge passion for dialects! She hopes someday to complete a master's degree to become a dialect coach.

Some of her favourite roles at George Brown include:

  • Marcella (Don Quixote)
  • Doña Ana (House of Desires)
  • Lady Windermere (Lady Windermere’s Fan)
  • Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Another huge thank you goes to the coaches and teachers at George Brown who have helped her grow and learn so much over these hectic years. IG: @aidanhojo

Headshot of Elyssia Giancola
Chorus Leader - Elyssia Giancola

Elyssia is thrilled to (finally!) be performing this season with her most wonderful colleagues. Born and raised in Brampton, ON, Elyssia got her first acting role when she was cast as Rover the Dog in her elementary school’s production of Cinderella. She’s since gone on to win a Brampton Arts Council Award for her portrayal of Shelby in Steel Magnolias and earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and Professional Writing from York University. Elyssia has continuously trained as a dancer and is a certified instructor in both jazz and tap dance. When she is not performing, Elyssia loves reading mystery novels and playing along with Jeopardy! from the comfort of her living room — especially the Shakespeare categories! A giant thank-you to all the faculty that have guided her on this wacky and wonderful journey.

GBTS performance highlights include:

  • Doña Leonor (House of Desires)
  • Beauty (The Bandit Queen)
  • Goose (Planet Munsch)
  • Elizabeth (Richard III)

Twitter: @ElyssiaG/IG: @elyssia_g

Headshot of Samer Dagher
Chorus - Samer Dagher

Born in Beirut, Lebanon and raised in Amman, Jordan. After moving to Toronto in August 2017, Samer decided to pursue his passion for acting and theatre. He develops and hones his love for performance and storytelling through different mediums, such as writing and spoken word poetry in Arabic and English. He also enjoys exploring the roots and traditions of both Eastern and Western culture and applying them to his work and activism. He is endlessly grateful and thankful for the continuous support and love of his mother.

Favourite Scene Study Highlights include:

  • Ilhan (Boy Play)
  • Man (The Treatment)
  • Lord Goring (An Ideal Husband)
  • Zeal (Divine Narcissus)
  • Duke Octavio (Don Juan and The Trickster of Seville)
Headshot of Alea Carrington
Chorus - Alea Carrington

Alea Carrington is a Toronto-based actor, dancer, musician and choreographer. Growing up in Victoria BC, she began dancing at the age of 3 and started performing in community theatre soon after. Her fondest memories of high school drama involve working on devised theatre and exploring self-expression. She moved to Toronto to pursue her acting career at George Brown Theatre School where she has performed some of her favourite roles such as:

  • Disillusionment (Bandit Queen)
  • Juanita (Heresy of Love)
  • Taylor Jae (Planet Munsch)
  • Lady Chiltern (An Ideal Husband)
  • Izzy (Dreary and Izzy)

Alea has studied film/tv both in Vancouver and Toronto and continues to look for ways to expand her creative abilities. Outside of acting Alea is an avid photographer and is always ready for a good adventure. @aleacarrington

Headshot of Maisie Fleur
Chorus - Maisie Fleur

Maisie Fleur is a British-Canadian artist, raised in Oakville Ontario and born in the UK. She is thrilled to be a part of the resilient graduating class of 2021.

Select George Brown credits include:

  • Celia (House of Desires)
  • Deirdre (Dreary and Izzy)
  • Elizabeth (Richard III)
  • Mrs. Erlynne (Lady Windermere’s Fan)
  • Cheryl/Violinist (Planet Munsch)

Other select theatre includes solo shows I, Claudia, and The Shape of a Girl; Rona Lisa Peretti (25th...Spelling Bee), Erma (Anything Goes), and Daisy (Turtle Beach). When not in the studio, Maisie is an avid quilter and auntie. She is grateful to all who have supported her during her time in training. IG: @maisiefleur

Headshot of Chanelle Larabie
Chorus - Chanelle Larabie

Chanelle Larabie is a bilingual actress from Kapuskasing, Ontario. She has stood out from her peers since day one; while the other kids kept busy with sports, Chanelle would transform into different characters and put on shows for her friends. She had always assumed she just didn’t fit in until she was cast at the age of thirteen in a local theatre production of La Meute by Esther Beauchemin. Then Chanelle knew that she had the blood of an actress. Since the North didn’t offer many acting opportunities, Chanelle turned to pageantry to keep her performing needs met. In this world of glitz and glamour, she was able to showcase her singing and guitar skills, but most importantly she was able to build her self-confidence earning her the title of Miss Teen Ontario North. Today she is making her acting dream a reality by studying at the George Brown theatre school.

Favourite GBC scene study highlights include:

  • Desdemona (Othello)
  • Sara (Stop Kiss)
  • Religion (The Divine Narcissus)
  • Kendra (Gloria)

She has also particularly loved being in the role of Cat in the GB kid’s show Planet Munsch. Chanelle looks forward to her career and is aiming for television and film roles in her near future. She would love to thank her supportive parents Cindy & Dean and all the wonderful GB theatre school personnel. Follow her journey on her Instagram @chan_lara33.

Headshot of Olivia Cameron
Chorus - Olivia Cameron

Olivia Cameron is a Toronto-based actor originating from Brantford, Ontario. Her introduction to the arts began at the age of seven where she studied classical piano until entering high school where she was introduced to the world of theatre. Following high school, she took a year off and took part in the Paprika Festival where she co-wrote a play that she then performed in for the festival. Following that amazing experience, she permanently relocated to Toronto and began at George Brown.

Some of her favourite George Brown credits include:

  • Cecily (The Importance of Being Earnest)
  • Sancho (Don Quixote)
  • Hamlet (Hamlet)
  • Odessa (Water by the Spoonful)

She is honoured to be graduating with the class of 2021 and incredibly grateful to have worked alongside them during her time at George Brown. She would also like to thank her family for their continuous support and generosity. IG: @oliviacameron_99

Headshot of Kaitlin Condie
Chorus - Kaitlin Condie

Born and raised in Toronto, Kaitlin has also spent a fair share of her life in nature. She is thrilled to be part of a supportive and cohesive cohort at GBC Theatre School where she has been especially inspired by Kawa Ada, Tanisha Taitt and Keith Barker.

Favourite roles include:

  • The Bandit Queen (The Bandit Queen)
  • Temina (Planet Munsch)
  • Faye (Skeleton Crew)
  • Hester (A Woman of No Importance)

Aside from acting, Kaitlin spends her time in artistic activities including cake decorating, photography, and cosplay costume design and creation. She is prepared to live on ramen noodles until her acting vision comes to life!kaitlin.condie@gmail.com IG@bluebird1027

Headshot of Maggie Roman
Chorus - Maggie Roman

Maggie Roman is a Toronto-based actor, she is originally from the beautiful small town of Lion's Head, Ontario. She has loved the world of theatre from a young age, and she discovered her passion for physical theatre while training at George Brown. She is thrilled to be part of the George Brown Theatre School's 2021 graduating class and to be able to perform alongside such wonderful artists.

Select George Brown Credits:

  • Snares (Bandit Queen)
  • Tina (Planet Munsch)
  • Lady Windermere (Lady Windermere's Fan)
  • King Claudius (Hamlet)
  • Cassidy (Appropriate)
  • The Angel of America (Angel's in America)
Headshot of Casey Spector
Chorus - Casey Spector

Casey Spector resides in Toronto, as an actor and singer who loves to dance! Casey grew up performing musical theatre and attended Alexander Mackenzie High School for their Theatre arts program to continue her training. Casey is thrilled to be a part of the George Brown Theatre School graduating class of 2020 and is forever grateful for the training she’s received from all the coaches, teachers and directors and for all the experiences she’s had with her fellow thespians.

George Brown credits include:

  • Skunk (Planet Munsch)
  • Mrs. Arbuthnot (A Woman of No Importance)
  • Loureen (Poof)
  • Sarah (Stop Kiss)
  • Paulina (Winter’s Tale)

@caseeyy.s

Headshot of Kay Wong
Chorus - Kay Wong

Kay is a Chinese-Canadian actor, singer, and improviser born and raised in Scarborough Ontario. Kay began his love affair with the performing arts as a member of the Canadian Children's Opera Company, singing classical choral works in the city and on tour in Europe as well as acting in productions such as East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon and A Dickens Of A Christmas. He would later also grow to love improv, competing in the Canadian Improv Games and working a co-op with the Second City facilitating school shows and co-leading improv workshops.

Recent GBTS highlights include:

  • The Crow and The Prince (Planet Munsch)
  • Jack (The Importance of Being Earnest)
  • Father Antonio (The Heresy of Love)

The theatre community has always helped Kay to grow both as a professional and as a person, and he is excited to give back as well as push the boundaries of what's possible for Asian-Canadian artists. Say hi to Kay at KayWong700@gmail.com

Credits & Acknowledgements

Production Staff

  • Intern Director: Jamie Fiuza
  • Streaming Technical Coordinator: Nick Andison
  • Properties Master: David Hoekstra
  • Stitcher: Victoria Banjavcic
  • Movement Coach: Jack Rennie
  • Voice Coach: Christina Pastor
  • Speech Coach: Geoffrey Pounsett
  • Alexander Technique Coach: Victoria Heart
  • Archivists: Elyssia Giancola and Henry Oswald Peirson
  • Music Coordinator: Samer Dagher
  • Audio Coordinator: Adrian Marchesano
  • Movement Coordinator: Alea Carrington
  • Social Media Coordinator: Olivia Cameron
  • Music & Audio Team: Olivia Cameron, Samer Dagher, Maisie Fleur, Colton Gobbo, Mia Hay, Chanelle Larabie, Aaron Macpherson, Adrian Marchesano, Molly Mück, Henry Oswald Peirson, Isaiah Wagner-Chazalon, Kay Wong

Special thanks to our generous donors

  • The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation  
  • Sonja Koerner and the Women’s Art Association  
  • Loretta Bogert-O’Brien  
  • Esther Farlinger  
  • Larry LaForet  
  • Audrey J. Murdoch  
  • Ray Wares  
  • Lu-Ju Chou​
  • George Brown Seniors’ Association  
  • Cindy Larable​
  • Debbie Read 

Staff for George Brown Theatre

  • Chair: Trent Scherer​
  • Program Coordinator: Sue Miner​
  • Support Coordinator: Michael Longstaff​
  • Production Manager/Technical Director: Scott Banks
  • Production Assistant: Tim Moore
  • Head of Wardrobe: Ina Kerklaan

Thank you to our friends in the community

  • Cindy Bautista and the George Brown College Marketing Department
  • Ashley Harychan, Vibalin Padua, Yun Lin, and Arleen Prudenciado (George Brown College Accounts Payable)
  • Megan Woods and Soulpepper Theatre Company
  • Robert Scott (Canadian Actors’ Equity Association)

*The participation of these Artists is arranged by permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance.Opera.Theatre Policy (DOT).