George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
About the Play
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Severn Thompson*
Two sets of twins are separated as babies when their ship sinks in a terrible storm. Years later, a young man and his attendant travel to the Greek city of Ephesus, only to be mistaken for their long-lost identical twins. Confusion, chaos, and hilarity ensue as everyone’s lives are turned upside down. Only by finding their missing siblings, will order be restored and love prevail. Merriment and mayhem come to life in Shakespeare’s popular comedy. First performed in 1594, The Comedy of Errors is believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier written plays.
Read the Director's Notes
Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is a classic twin story that takes place over a single day in the exotic city of Ephesus. The comedy unexpectedly begins in tragedy when a weary traveller, broken by years of searching for lost family, arrives only to be arrested and sentenced to die at sunset.
Nearly every character in this play is searching for something: a missing parent or child, love, justice, understanding, or their “other half”. At the heart of the story lies a need for identity. Characters are repeatedly told they’re not who they believe themselves to be, and the many references to madness and witchcraft reflect how easily our sense of identity and reality can slip away.
Though originally set in ancient Greece, this production moves us to the early 1960s. It’s an era of great cultural change with new fashions and ideas bumping up against old traditions, adding to the day’s confusion.
Despite the mayhem, this is ultimately a hopeful play. Under the slapstick, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings there’s a belief in connection—that we only learn who we are through others. It might be that we need the chaos and confusion to truly appreciate ourselves and others, embracing the perfectly imperfect.
Location
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Dates
- Wednesday, February 4 | 7:30 PM
- Thursday, February 5 | 7:30 PM
- Friday, February 6 | 7:30 PM
- Saturday, February 7 | 1:30 PM
- Saturday, February 7 | 7:30 PM
- Tuesday, February 10 | 7:30 PM
- Wednesday, February 11 | 7:30 PM
- Thursday, February 12 | 7:30 PM
- Friday, February 13 | 7:30 PM
- Saturday, February 14 | 1:30 PM
- Saturday, February 14 | 7:30 PM
Runtime
1 hr 45 mins (including 15-minute intermission)
Warnings: Choreographed Violence, Use of electronic cigarettes
Cost
Regular: $27
Senior (65+ - ID required): $22.00
Student (ID required): $12
Creatives
Severn Thompson*, Director
Severn is an award-winning director, theatre creator, actor and Associate Artistic Director for the Blyth Festival. Previously for George Brown, she directed Anatol and The Munsch Bunch. As an actor, Severn has worked in theatres across the country including both the Shaw and Stratford festival as well as appearing in various film and tv.
Directing credits include: Candida, Just to Get Married (Shaw Festival), Quiet in the Land, Team on the Hill, Wing Night at the Boot (Blyth Festival), Alligator Pie (Soulpepper), Measure for Measure (Shakespeare in High Park), The Pigeon King (Blyth Festival/ National Arts Centre), A Number (That Arts Group), Kroehler Girls (Here For Now Theatre), Peter Pan (Bad Hats Theatre/Soulpepper), and Madam Mao (SummerWorks, Azure River). Severn has received Dora awards for Alligator Pie and Peter Pan, and shortlisted twice for the Gina Wilkinson prize.
Hannah MacMillan*, Stage Manager
Selected Stage: Stage Manager: Octet, Flex, Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Punk Rock (Crows) Comedy of Errors, Amazing Cordobas/War of the Clowns, Carnival of Munsch and New World (George Brown Theatre School), Rapunzel a Merry Hairy Holiday Panto (Capitol Theatre), Storybook Search Workshop (Bad Hats Theatre), The Antipodes (Coal Mine Theatre)
Assistant Stage Manager: Narnia (Bat Hats Theatre), Rosmersholm and The Wolves (Crows), A Wrinkle In Time (Stratford Festival), Rockabye, Gloria and Martyr (ARC) Little Shop of Horrors, 9-5 The Musical (Capitol Theatre), Reprint (Musical Stage Company)
Upcoming: A Mirror (ARC) You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Come From Away (Capitol Theatre)
More: When Hannah is not stage managing she loves board games, ultimate frisbee and eating great food!
Amanda Wong, Set Design
Amanda Wong (she/they) is an award winning Toronto-based set and costume designer for live performance and media. As an artist she is interested in the exploration of the overlap of heightened reality and the surreal lucid spaces. She is interested in working in moving metaphors. Amanda has been honoured with the outstanding design award in Toronto’s Summerworks Festival for two consecutive years collaborating with directors Severn Thompson and Ted Witzel and multiple nominations for the Pauline McGibbon Award. She has designed costumes for TV, web series and feature films. In 2020, Amanda designed a 100' long plexiglass ice sculpture in front of Union station. She has worked with the prominent theatre companies Soulpepper, Tarragon, Obsidian, Modern Times Stage Co, Aluna, Canadian Stage, Nightwood and Blyth Festival Theatre.
See her work next in SYNDROME, a new piece by George F. Walker, at Assembly Theatre opening March 10th; or stream Cows Come Home on Fibe TV.
Ina Kerklaan, Costume Design
Ina is delighted to be working alongside the talented class of 2026 and director Severn Thompson and the other members of the production team, designing costumes for “The Comedy of Errors”.
Ina is educated in both Fashion Design through T.M.U. and Costume Cutting through Red Deer College in Alberta. After owning her own business in Fashion, Ina began working as a cutter and stitcher in theatre wardrobe in 1999. She has worked with The Banff Centre, The Citadel Theatre, Mirvish Productions, The National Ballet Company, the Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper Theatre Company, The Canadian Stage Company and Young People’s Theatre Company.
Ina joined the George Brown Theatre School in the Fall of 2013 as the Head of Wardrobe and for the last 6 years has found her true passion designing costumes whenever she has the opportunity.
Logan Raju Cracknell, Lighting Design
Logan Raju Cracknell is a Toronto-based, Dora award-winning theatre designer with a focus in lighting design. Their work has taken them across the country and internationally. He’s excited to see what journeys are to come in his future. Some of the companies he has had an opportunity to work with are the Stratford Festival, Crow’s Theatre, Obsidian Theatre, Canadian Stage, Soulpepper, Musical Stage Company, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Buddies in Bad Times, The Belfry, Theatre Calgary, Theatre Aquarius, Bad Hats, and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.
Selected Credits: Narnia (Soulpepper/Bad Hats/ Crow’s) Bremen Town (Tarragon Theatre), The Art of War (Stratford Festival), After The Rain (Musical Stage/Tarragon), Alligator Pie (Soulpepper), Casey and Diana (Theatre Aquarius/RMTC), Roberto Zucco (Buddies in Bad Times), Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (Theatre Calgary), Icemen (Theatre by the Bay), Fairview (Canadian Stage/Obsidian), Prodigal (Howland Company), Enemy Lines (Aeris Korper), Agit-Pop! (Pearle Harbour), Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Howland/Crow’s), Mary Poppins (Theatre Sheridan), Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats Theatre/Soulpepper), Dixon Road (Musical Stage/Obsidian), Blackout (Musical Stage), Romeo and Juliet (Canadian Stage), William Shakespeare’s As You Like It: A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal (Crow’s).
Scott Banks, Sound Design
Scott is a freelance production manager, technical director, and sound designer in the GTA. Scott attended the University of Waterloo, earning a Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre. Since those days, he has been around the world and back, working on cruise ships for 7 years in the production department. He has worked in the corporate and music sectors with companies such as PSAV, Freeman AV, Snap Hoek and PRG. His real love is theatre though, and he has been involved with various theatres around the country, from Watermark Theatre in PEI (Production Manager, Canada 300 national tour), to Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg, MB (Interim Production Manager, 2013-2014 season) to 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, ON (Production Manager). This is Scott’s 10th season with George Brown Theatre School, and he is happy to be back to help these young theatre artists as they grow and learn.
Cast
Cédric Brouillette - Jailer
Cédric Brouillette is a Toronto-based French-Canadian queer actor, singer, musician and writer born and raised in Granby, Québec. He dreams of sharing compelling and meaningful stories. Whether that be on stage, on camera or through music, he aims to do so by exploring human complexity, creativity, romanticism and emotions.
As a formerly shy kid, he has blossomed into a multi-faceted artist through theatre, film and piano. He self-produced a handful of short films and videos, including “Bémol”; a story about performance anxiety, that won “People’s favourite first year short film” award at Cégep de Granby in 2022. Currently, he focuses on writing his own stories, while studying in his final year at George Brown Polytechnic in Theatre. He hopes to inspire people to learn about themselves and others and to impact his audience through authentic storytelling.
He describes himself as “Someone in the crowd, turning fiction into reality.”
Bella Castillo - Emilia (Lady Abbess)
Bella Castillo is Canadian, Toronto-based actor, singer, and dancer currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Theatre Arts at George Brown Polytechnic. She continues to develop her craft in acting, voice, and movement, bringing curiosity and passion to every role. Recent credits include Legally Blonde The Musical (Drayton Entertainment), The Cid (Leonora), The Misanthrope (Arsinoé), and Munschtock! at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.
Bella has also performed with The Singers Theatre, The Beckett Music School, and Stratford Festival in Carousel and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a featured soloist with KW Glee, she has showcased her expressive vocal range and stage presence. She also received First Place for Junior Verse at the Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts. Bella is passionate about storytelling and collaboration, and she looks forward to continuing her growth as a performer on both stage and screen.
Philip Diamond - Dromio of Ephesus
Philip Diamond (he/him) is a Canadian actor born and raised in Toronto. From a young age, Philip has loved to perform and has studied acting for many years in elementary and high school prior to attending George Brown Theatre School. When he is not acting on stage, Philip has a strong affinity towards writing, directing, and comedy. Throughout his training, he has come to love work in physical comedy and clown. Notable George Brown credits include: Don Diegue in The Cid, Hermocrate in The Colony, Bobby Darrin/Chorus in Munschstock. He is very grateful for all his family and friends for their continuous love and support.
Jaiden French - Shelly
Jaiden French is a Chinese-Canadian actor raised in London, Ontario. Prior to attending George Brown Theatre School Jaiden completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Queen’s University. There, she was involved in many productions at the Dan School of Drama and Music including: Not Wanted on the Voyage (Hannah), The Lancashire Lass (Flora), and Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play (Chorus). George Brown scene study: Agnes of God (Agnes), Measure for Measure (Isabella), The Cid (Chimène), Mustard (Sadie). Jaiden is thrilled to present this year’s season with her amazing classmates!
Jonny Ingley - Egeon
Jonny Ingley (He/Him) is a 20-year-old actor, dancer, and singer who originated from Courtice, Ontario. He has always had a passion for performing, and during his teenage years, he found his place in community theatre whilst a part of the Performing Arts Program at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute. Jonny is thrilled about this season at George Brown Theatre School, endlessly grateful for his time spent here, and is looking forward to where his journey as an entertainer will take him next. Notable credits include: Rancher in Munschstock (George Brown Theatre), Male Actor in This Is A Play (George Brown Scene Study), Wolf in Into The Woods (O’Neill CVI).
“Thank you to my family and friends for your continued support. I love you all!”
Kimia Kalantari - Adrianna
Kimia Kalantari (she/her) is an Iranian-Canadian actor based in Toronto. Before attending George Brown Theatre School, she earned her Bachelor of Architectural Science from TMU, where she developed her passion for visual storytelling.
Her theatre credits include Voiceless (Veylan Theatre, Dora-nominated), Far Flung Peoples (Toronto Fringe Festival ’24), Munschstock (GBTS), and A Meeting with Songholak (2000 Feet & Up). On screen, Kimia has appeared in several short films recognized at festivals both nationally and internationally, including Empty Your Pockets (OPC Productions), Khastegari (Mozi Visuals), For Dawn (Theta Films), and Fragments (Lucid Horizon Films).
At George Brown, her scene study work includes Agnes of God (Dr. Livingstone), Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), and Forever Yours (Manon). She also took Philippe Gaulier’s Clown course in France and is drawn to physical theatre, clown, and form-making as vehicles for storytelling, exploring the complexities of human connection and addressing social issues.
Ian Lake - Balthasar
Ian Lake is an artist, musician and actor from Whitby, Ontario. He believes one must love life more than anything else in the world, and who lives more lives than an artist? Ian’s time at George Brown has been a journey of self discovery that could not have happened without the tireless patience of his friends and professors. He would like to give a special thanks to his family as well as Rosalind McArthur Keyes.
Ricky Mckinson - Angelo the Goldsmith
Ricardo Mckinson is a Canadian artist with Cuban and Jamaican roots, born and raised in Pickering, Ontario. With a background in acting, dancing, and singing, Ricardo brings his full self to every performance, hoping to breathe life and honesty into the stories he tells on stage.
While training at George Brown Theatre School, he explored a variety of techniques that strengthened his versatility and deepened his connection to the craft. His work in roles such as Reggie in Skeletons, Philiante in The Misanthrope, and Bobby in Tough, has shaped his understanding of character, empathy, and expression.
Ricardo continues to refine his skills, driven by a desire to keep growing both as an artist and as a person. He deeply cherishes the people he’s met along his journey and looks forward to building even more meaningful connections through the work he loves most: bringing stories to life.
Siobhán McMahon - Dr Pinch
Siobhán McMahon (She/Her) is an actress, dancer, artist, and songwriter from Ottawa, ON. Siobhán is a recent graduate of Queen's University's Media and Performance Production specialization where she gained a love for devising experimental and multi-media performance art pieces and installations. She also graduated from the Society of Classical Ballet (VM) with Distinction in 2018. Siobhán hopes to build a career in theatre, film, and everything in between. She is immensely grateful to her mentors and fellow actors for sharing their gifts, insights, and hearts today, as ever. "All together now."
Shaylynn McMaster - Kitty
Shaylynn McMaster (she/her) is a Nova Scotian actor born and raised on beautiful Cape Breton Island. She moved to Toronto in 2023 to pursue her passion for theatre acting.
Shaylynn’s love of performing was sparked during her early years as a competitive dancer and she has been hooked ever since. Some of her favourite credits include: Ethel in Munschstock! (GBTS), Eliante in The Misanthrope (GBTS Period Study), Logan in The Thanksgiving Play (GBTS Scene Study), Tina in Tough! (GBTS Scene Study), Claire in A Christmas Carol (Highland Arts Theatre) and Cindy in Horror Inc. (Short Film, StabbyTimeTV).
When not on stage you can find her working on a myriad of craft projects, rollerskating, and doting on her beloved tuxedo cat, Marcy.
Jack Emerson Mosney - Antipholus of Ephesus
Jack Mosney is a Toronto based actor who found his love for live theatre when he was only 12 years old. He’s recently had the pleasure of performing at The Second City in The Ensemble with Perchance Production’s. Other highlights from Jack’s previous work include Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Elora Community Theatre), Chris/The Inspector in The Play that Goes Wrong (Mad as Hops Prod.) and Patrick Star in Spongebob The Musical (RCMPI). Jack is thrilled and honoured to be sharing the stage with so many talented performers throughout his final year at George Brown Theatre School. Special thanks to both of his parents for their constant support and belief in his dreams.
Kaleb Piper - Antipholus of Syracuse
Kaleb Piper (He/Him) is an Actor, Musician, and Creator. He was raised in Woodstock, Ontario, where he found his people in the local community theatres and school drama program. He loves the arts' ability to bring together communities of fascinating, talented people in the pursuit of creation. He is grateful for his peers, instructors, and directors who have continually inspired him and helped him learn more about the arts and himself.
You may have seen him as one of The Three Capuchin Monks (The Ensemble - Second City Toronto & Toronto Fringe), Sarah’s Dad/Others (Munschstock! - George Brown Theatre School), Kevin Newman (Brotherhood of D.I.X. - Space Space Revolution), or Clyde Barrow (Bonnie and Clyde - STAGES).
When he’s not on stage, you can find Kaleb cooking up vegetarian recipes, exploring the city, and inventing new adventures around a table with his friends and a lot of dice.
Ekaterina (Katya) Podlesnaia - Nicoletta
Ekaterina (Katya) Podlesnaia (she/her) is a Russian-Canadian actor based in Toronto. Before moving to Canada and pursuing her dream to become an actor, Katya has received a Bachelor degree in Literature at Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Back home, Katya participated in a number of student films including Zero Vector at Moscow Film School where she was involved as a screenwriter and an assistant director.
During her time at George Brown Theatre School, Katya had a chance to play Alceste in The Misanthrope and Sarah Tucker in Muncshstock!. Her scene study credits include Appropriate (Tony), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Tomorrow, Love (Hayden) and Top Girls (Mrs. Kidd).
Katya is a trained singer and hopes that, one day, musical theatre will be a part of her career.
In her free time, Katya likes to find herself new hobbies, for example, dancing, horse-riding or learning German.
Dale Rideout - Duke Solinus
Dale Rideout is a 20-year-old Canadian performer that is so excited that you're here! Most recently, Dale made his debut at The Second City, with Perchance Production’s The Ensemble, directed by Christel Bartelse. Other highlighted roles include Ernst Robel in Spring Awakening (Agnew Acting Studio) and Freddy in Carrie: The Musical (The Singer’s Theatre). Dale gives all his love to the cast and crew of this production and is so honored to get to share the stage with so many brilliant people.
Eva Soleil - Luciana
Eva Soleil is a Canadian/Norwegian actor. She was born in Norway and grew up in Toronto. She has had the pleasure of acting in 10 musicals thus far in her career. Notable roles include Donna in Mamma Mia at Wexford CSA, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Randolph Kids Performing Arts and Natalie in Choir by Barbara Johnston and Anika Johnson, which won Patrons’ Pick in 2023 at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Eva attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in the Musical Theatre and Drama Focus programs. There she completed four years of intensive training in drama, dance, vocal music and musical theatre. At graduation she obtained the Drama Focus award, the Musical Theatre award and the Leadership award. She also studied musical theatre at Randolph Kids Performing Arts for three years in both youth and pre college programs.
Rachel Claire Selby - Bill
Rachel Claire Selby (she/they) is a Canadian actor, singer, musician, artist, and creator from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Ever since she could remember, Rachel has had a natural knack for the arts, which has grown tremendously through the years. Her goal is to share that love and passion she has to an audience through a compelling performance both on-stage and on-camera.
Rachel is trained in opera, music theory, dance, as well as the theatre training she is currently enrolled in at George Brown Theatre School. They also have a full member ACTRA status, acquired through film jobs in Newfoundland such as Son of a Critch, Hudson and Rex, A Tangled Tale (commercial), and many short films.
Bianca Soskic - Thalia
Bianca Soskic is a 20-year-old dancer, actor and singer from Hamilton, ON. She began training in ballet and modern dance at age 5. She started performing in community theatre at age 12, and from there attended the Audition-Based Program of the Arts at Glendale Secondary School as a drama major. The past two years at George Brown Theatre School have been a pivotal point in Bianca’s training & self-discovery as an artist and person. She is an aspiring choreographer with a passion for movement based/physical theatre, who firmly believes in the power of support, trust & love in this industry. Bianca thanks her family, friends & instructors who have supported her in all artistic endeavours thus far.
Select theatre credits include Orlando (2025), The CID (2025), Munschstock (2024), Beauty and the Beast (2023), Grease (2022) & an original musical, 4 O’clock, performed in the 2023 NTS drama festival.
Jenae Toorie - Officer
Bio is coming
Diana SofÌa Torres González - Luce
Diana Sofía Torres González (She/her) is a Mexican actor, singer, and writer from Salamanca, Guanajuato Mexico. She moved to Toronto to follow her dream of making theatre and explore the art of telling stories. In the future, Diana is looking to explore the creative writing world and how to transport her ideas to theatre.
George Brown credits include Hippie in Munschstock! Lina in The Colony, Elvira in The Cid, Vera in By the way, Meet Vera Stark and Carmen in Forever Yours Marie-Lou.
When she’s not performing you can find her browsing at her nearest local bookstore and writing between the margins of her favourite book of the moment.
She is thrilled to be part of bringing this exciting season of plays to life!
Chrisevina Tsoura - Dromio of Syracuse
Chrisevina Tsoura (she/her) is a Greek-Canadian actor and creator based in Toronto. Her passion for performing emerged in 2016 when she discovered the joy of community theatre. She has been addicted since! Recent credits include: The Ensemble (Perchance Productions, Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival & The Second City), winner of the Volunteers’ Choice Award. Post graduation, Chrisevina is interested in exploring playwriting, physical theatre, and classical texts. When she is not at school, she is busy baking, reading, or serving coffee.
Credits & Acknowledgements
Production Staff
- Properties Master: David Hoekstra
- Assistant Stage Manager: Sarah Flanigan
- Set Carpenter: Andy DeVries
- Set Painter: Paul Boddum
- Wardrobe Assistant: Sarah Grindal
- Stitcher: Deanna Herbert
- Voice Coach: Julia Lenardon
- Speech Coach: John Nelles
- Movement Coach/Fight Director: Jack Davidson
- Social Media Coordinator: Jonny Ingley
Staff for George Brown Theatre
- Associate Dean: Trent Scherer
- Program Coordinator: Sue Miner
- Support Coordinator: Michael Longstaff
- Production Manager: Scott Banks
- Assistant Technical Director: Tim Alan Moore
- Head of Wardrobe: Ina Kerklaan
Thank you to our friends in the community
Jasmine Knox, Lisa Nighswander and Soulpepper Theatre Company; Bob Blair, Canadian Opera Company props - Wulf Higgins, Steve Horst
*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).
