Production Designer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
potatoCakes_digital is the award winning multimedia design and technical services company of Emily Soussana and Andrew Scriver. Formed as a collective in 2018, and officially incorporated in 2021, they have been unofficially working together for over six years as an all-encompassing artistic and technical team offering dramaturgy, management, and technical direction--as well as designing video, lighting, sound, set, and costumes for live performance, installation, and digital art in Tiotia:ke and across Canada. Recent credits include designing lights and video for Kim Senklip Harvey’s Kamloopa at Soulpepper in Toronto (2022), and the Break Horizons: A Concert Documentary (2021). potatocakesdigital.ca
Playwright - CAGED
Rachel Aberle has been working in theatre for over 15 years, with experience spanning across performance, playwriting, dramaturgy, directing, and company leadership. Career highlights include touring the country with The Firehall Arts Centre's Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen, having her plays Still•Falling and The Code tour across North America with Green Thumb Theatre, any time she's gotten to ham it up at the Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong, BC, and of course the immense honour of serving as Green Thumb's Artistic Director from January 2021 to December 2023. Rachel received the 2018 Sydney J. Risk Prize for Outstanding Original Play by an Emerging Playwright for The Code, and recently completed SFU's The Writer's Studio as part of the 2024/25 fiction cohort. Rachel lives in Quesnel, BC, on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene People, where she is working on her debut novel, and enjoying life with her daughter, husband, and their two ridiculous dogs.
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Sam Bob (traditional name-Tulkweemult’) of the Snaw-Naw-us First Nation on Vancouver Island has performed nationally in television, film, radio, and theatre. He is a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award nominee for Best Actor in 2004 and 2022, nominated for Best Actor by Edmonton’s Dreamspeaker’s Film Festival in 1998. Mr. Bob has an extensive body of theatre work across Canada. He can also be seen in film and TV in Blackway with Anthony Hopkins, Monkey Beach, with CBC, Loudermilk on Amazon Prime. And recently shot a pilot called Canoe Journey in Lummi territory near Bellingham. Sam has taught free community theatre classes at the Vancouver Friendship Centre for several years and finds putting young people on stage a particular joy.
Vince - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
13 years old and being cast in a production of The Music Man at a Benedictine Monastery in Muenster, Saskatchewan. A very common introduction to a life of acting. Eric has since followed a more conventional path of theatre school, and regional theatre, followed by more than 100 film and television credits, including X-Files, Stargate, Virgin River and various police officers in various Hallmark productions with exactly the same plot. Eric is thrilled to be involved in this Green Thumb show and thanks his wonderful wife and brilliant, beautiful daughters, who helped him write this.
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Nyla Carpentier (Tahltan, Kaska, French, Scottish) is a multifaceted performing artist currently residing in North Vancouver. She’s a new mom, a powwow dancer and workshop facilitator. Theatre acting highlights: Battle of the Birds (Savage Society), The Flats/Les Flats (Prairie Theatre Exchange and Theatre Cercle Moliere), The Berlin Blues and Ipperwash (The Blyth Theatre Festival) and Busted Up: A Yukon Story (Openpit Theatre). Nyla performed her solo show Dissection of a... Mixed Heritage Woman at the Victoria and Vancouver Fringe Festival. She is currently working on a second solo show and her first full length play.
Braidie - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Sarah Conway (she/her) is an actor, writer, and comedian. Select credits: Dian/Various (Eyes of the Beast, Neworld Theatre), Performer (Tamasha-O-Tamasha, Resource Centre for the Arts), Diana Hudson (The Bright Young Things, Vancouver Fringe), Amanda-Lynn (The Flying Doctor, Perchance Theatre), Stephano/Boatswain (The Tempest, Perchance Theatre), Jackie Coryton (Hay Fever, Perchance Theatre), Reporter & Local Reporter (Son of a Critch), Elizabeth Welsh (Blue Stockings, Studio 58). Her play Budding premiered as part of the Six of One: New Play Festival at Studio 58. Sarah wrote and directed her first short film Jenny the Goblin earlier this year. She has performed at the Ottawa, Montreal, and Baltimore improv festivals. Sarah is a graduate of Studio 58. sarahconway.ca
Lance - 500 WORDS
Ethan DeHoog is a Vancouver based artist from small town Smithers BC, and a recent graduate of Studio 58. He is grateful for the stewardship of the Wet’suwet’en, Musqueum, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, without which he would not be able to grow, work, or call these lands home. Beyond his performances at Studio he wrote and performed his show Cardboard Boxes and Other Ways to Travel at the Vancouver Fringe. He is beyond excited to work for the first time with Green Thumb Theatre in its tour of 500 Words!
Director - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Leslie is honoured to be working with Green Thumb Theatre again, one of her favourite companies in this city! Their most recent credits include directing Grandma.Gangsta.Guerrilla. (Ruby Slippers Theatre), For Now (Green Thumb Theatre) and Gillty As Fin (Studio 58). Recent acting credits include “Mariana” in Measure for Measure (Bard on the Beach) and “Narrator/ Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol (Presentation House Theatre). Thank you to everyone at Green Thumb Theatre, to everyone working on this show and to Stephen and Rosalind, who make anything possible, and everything worth it.
Sylvia - 500 WORDS
Sewit Eden Haile (she/her) is an emerging performer and writer thrilled to be making her Green Thumb debut! Her recent credits include: Mother - Blood Wedding (Studio 58), Ruby/Playwright - The Raft (Risky Nights/Studio 58), Sewit/Playwright - One of A Kind! (Vancouver International Children's Festival), Ensemble - East Van Panto: Robin Hood (Theatre Replacement). Her play pretty girls premiered at Studio 58’s FourPlay festival and she was a recipient of the 2024 Studio 58 Writing Award. Sewit is privileged to be living on the unceded, traditional homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations/"Vancouver". As of December 2024, Sewit is a proud graduate of Studio 58!
Playwright - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Born and raised on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh peoples (colonially known as “Vancouver”), now based in Tkaronto (“Toronto”), C.E. Gatchalian is a Filipinx diasporic queer author and theatre artist. The author of six books and co-editor of three anthologies, he was the 2013 recipient of the Dayne Ogilvie Prize and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. Formerly Artistic Producer of the frank theatre company and currently Community Engagement Producer for CultureBrew.Art, he is the recipient of two Jessie Richardson Awards for his work as a theatre artist and producer. He is currently developing a new version of his play Falling in Time with director Peter Hinton-Davis. His memoir, Double Melancholy: Art, Beauty and the Making of a Brown Queer Man, was published in 2019 by Arsenal Pulp Press. In 2022 he was one of the recipients of the one-time only British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards. (Instagram: @ce_gatchalian; X: @CEGatchalian; Facebook: @CEGatchalian; BlueSky: @cegatchalian.bsky.social; website: cegatchalian.com)
Stage Manager - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Emma is a director and stage manager based on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ nations. She is thrilled to be making her Green Thumb Theatre debut! Recent credits include: apprentice SM Sexy Laundry (Arts Club on Tour); SM The Height of the Storm (United Players); production and directing apprentice A Taste of Hong Kong (Pi Theatre with vAct); producing and directing Punch Up (Vancouver Fringe). Emma holds a BA in Classics and History of Science & Technology, an MA in Western Esotericism, and has trained and worked as a funeral director, but theatre is her favourite!
Costume Designer - 500 WORDS
Alaia is a Vancouver theatre designer originally from the Gulf Islands. Recent projects she has worked on include costume design for The Dark Lady, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Measure for Measure (Bard on the Beach), Miracle on 34th Street, Million Dollar Quartet, Sexy Laundry, The Cull, Beneath Springhill, The Birds and the Bees (Artsclub) The East Van Panto: Robin Hood, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (Theatre Replacement), HMS Pinafore, Carmen Up Close and Personal (Vancouver Opera), costume design for Beautiful Man (PI Theatre), set design for Midsummer Night’s Dream (TWU), The Hobbit, Case for Existence of God, God Said This (Pacific Theatre), Ce Que Je Sais de Vrai (Seizieme). She has worked on a variety of smaller shows through Vancouver and has a passion for costuming dance. Alaia is a graduate of the UBC Theatre Design program in 2017 and holds an English literature degree from 2012.
Writer, Director, Creator - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Kim Senklip Harvey is a proud Syilx and Tsilhqot’in award-winning creator known for her ability to direct bold iconoclastic productions that inspire and delight. Kim was the first Indigenous woman to win the Governor General’s Award for Drama with her play Kamloopa to which she directed the 3-city world premiere. She is the director of 2 feature-length documentary films Break Horizons: A Concert Documentary and Making The Mystics. Kim is a 2-time recipient of a Netflix and Indigenous Screen Office fellowship. She is also currently writing on a CBC mini-series and her pilot Half Way Home is currently in development with Sphere Media. Kim has her Masters in Creative Writing and is currently getting her Ph.D. in Law. Kim’s passion for storytelling lives within its transformational nature and works in service to her Indigenous Nations.
Projection Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
June (she/her) is an interdisciplinary sound and video designer. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada –the unceded and stolen territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm, Skwxwú 7mesh, and Səl̓ í lwətaɬ Nations, June has been surrounded by the colourful sounds and sights from the cities to the mountains; sparking an interest in exploring the interrelations between sounds and visuals and their unique personalities. She is a graduate of SFU’s BFA Theatre Production and Design program and of Douglas College’s Stagecraft and Event Technology program. Some of her works include: "The Flying Dutchman" (Vancouver Opera | Assistant Projection Designer), “I Fear Love” (Fringe Festival | Projection Designer), and “FOREIGN | FUTURES” (Video Designer).
Stage Manager - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Mandy is a Vancouver-based stage manager with a B.A. in Theatre Studies and Sociology from the University of British Columbia. She is thrilled to be working with Green Thumb Theatre for the first time. Selected stage management credits include Pride and Prejudice (Western Canada Theatre), Oliver! (Gateway Theatre), 9 to 5 (Chemainus Theatre Festival), and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (CTORA). When not backstage, she’s likely curled up with a good book or out running with her beloved dog, Bruno. Much love to her family and Nathan for their endless support.
Blackboard Illustrator - 500 WORDS
Liam Kearns (they/them) is a queer, Vancouver-based stage and production manager originally from the UK by way of Switzerland. They have been working professionally in the Canadian arts scene for more than a decade, specializing in site-specific and touring productions. They’ve worked with companies including Axis Theatre, The Only Animal, ITSAZOO Productions, The Belfry Theatre, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and Green Thumb Theatre. They believe theatre for young audiences is vitally important as it allows young people to see someone’s life manifested on stage through a character, to walk a mile in their shoes, fueling curiosity to ask questions about themselves, others and the world we live in. Outside of the theatre world, you can find Liam baking vegan treats, getting lost in a jigsaw puzzle or spending the entire day outdoors geocaching.
Director - 500 WORDS
Jamie King is an awarded theatre director that grew up on the rainy western coast. Previously for Green Thumb, they directed What If? By Katey Hoffman. Recent directing credits: Middletown, The Wolves and LOVE/SICK at Pacific Theatre; Pretty Girls, Blue Stockings and Can We Fix It? for Studio 58, Sunrise Betties for Itsazoo Productions; As You Like It for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan; The Legend of Georgia McBride for Arts Club Theatre Company; SYSTEM FAILURE, and SPARAGMOS for Caravan Farm Theatre. JK is the current Associate Producer for Theatre Replacement. Check out more on their work at www.jamiekinghere.com
Projections Design - FUNNY YOU DON'T LOOK AUTISTIC
Andie Lloyd is a queer interdisciplinary artist and community advocate, currently based on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories. She works internationally as a lighting designer and media artist, and is a co-founder of HK House 香港屋 (@hkhouseofficial), a volunteer-powered non-profit based in Vancouver, B.C. As a justice motivated artist, Andie aims to work alongside collaborators in alignment with her values of self-determination, land sovereignty, climate justice, fat liberation, queer liberation and anti-capitalism. She hopes to bring these values into all of her creations through the avenues of radical compassion and respect. Some of her notable involvements include: Happy Valley/馬照跑.舞照跳(rice & beans theatre) - Projection Design, Lose Myself Again (Music Video, Argel MDR) -Media/Lighting Designer, BQFKN Online! (rEvolver Fest 2023) - Digital Design Director/Lighting Designer, ūtszan (to make better) (The Cultch) - Projection Designer, Clean/Espejos (Neworld Theatre) - Surtitle Designer, whip (FakeKnot) - Lighting Designer, and she looks forward to designing for the world premiere of Peace Country by Pedro Chamale in Fall 2023. GFHG SDGM.
THE MIXOLYDIAN – Study Guide Author
Toonasa Jordana Luggi (Wet’suwet’en & Dakelh) is a photographer/artist/educator and a member of Stellat’en First Nation. Toonasa was raised in Stellako, a Dakelh village in BC’s northern interior. They graduated from Emily Carr University with a BFA in Photography in 2014. From 2019-2022, they worked as the Education Specialist at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Toonasa has always been passionate about education and the arts, especially collaborative projects. In 2022, a childrens’ picture book ‘Majagalee: The Language of Seasons’ by Shawna Davis (Gitxsan) was published with Toonasa’s photography. Toonasa currently lives and works in Vancouver BC.
Sound Designer - 500 WORDS & PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Matthew MacDonald-Bain is a Vancouver-based actor/sound designer and is honoured to be returning to Green Thumb! He is a four-time Jessie Award nominee and two-time Award winner for Acting and Sound Design. Select design credits include East Van Panto: Pinocchio (Theatre Replacement), Middletown, Bar Mitzvah Boy, The Lonesome West, The Wolves (Pacific Theatre), The Competition Is Fierce (Itsazoo), The Day Before Christmas (Arts Club), Bright Blue Future, Bug, Of Mice And Men (Hardline). Matthew is a graduate of Studio 58.
Playwright - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Joan MacLeod’s plays include Jewel, Toronto, Mississippi, Amigo’s Blue Guitar, The Hope Slide, Little Sister, 2000, The Shape of a Girl, Homechild, Another Home Invasion, The Valley, Gracie and a libretto for a chamber opera based on the children’s novel The Secret Garden. For seven seasons she was a playwright-in-residence at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. Her work has been translated into eight languages. She is the recipient of numerous awards including two Chalmers Canadian Play Awards, the Governor General’s Award and the Siminovitch Prize for Theatre. Joan worked at the University of Victoria as a Professor in the Department of Writing for 15 years, retiring in 2019; she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. She also writes poetry, prose and for television. She is currently working on a collection of linked short stories.
Writer & Performer - FUNNY YOU DONT LOOK AUTISTIC
Michael McCreary https://www.aspiecomic.com/ Michael McCreary is an autistic comedian, actor, author, and TEDX speaker who’s been performing stand-up comedy since age 13. In the past 10 years, he has performed stand-up shows and keynote addresses in every province in Canada – plus the Yukon - and across the United States. He has done shows for tech giants IBM and SAP International; for universities such as McMaster, Queen’s, McGill, Montana State U and the University of Texas; and for many agencies and autism organizations: Autism Ontario, Autism Canada, Autism Nova Scotia, Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society (Calgary), Firefly Autism (Denver), Autism Yukon, Geneva Centre for Autism, Autism Society Newfoundland & Labrador, Pacific Autism Family Network; and for schools and school boards across the continent. Michael has also written the book “Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic” (Annick Press); hosted the Autism Ontario video “Autism: See the Potential” https://vimeo.com/144769608; has consulted on the TV show “Ransom” to ensure the authenticity of a character with autism and has been featured on The National and on CBC Radio’s “Laugh Out Loud!” He was the featured comic in Commander Chris Hadfield’s Generator show at Massey Hall in Toronto in 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f2W30iYP30 He played the role of a neurodivergent character in the TV series Astrid & Lilly Save the World (SYFY Network) and he can also be seen in Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). In May 2022 he was part of the closing Gala at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival for CBC. He is currently working on a play, a new book, a documentary, and getting his driver's license.
Deyen - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Renae Morriseau is Nêhiyawi/Cree, Nahkawiniw/Saulteaux. Since the 80’s Renae has worked individually and collectively on Indigenous stories in music, theatre, film and television. Much of her work is about art created with, for and about the hopes of a good future for Indigenous people on their lands and in the cities of Turtle Island. She has worked across Canada and internationally with her singing group, M’Girl. Renae is currently recording her songs in both traditional and contemporary sounds. Quest Out West, a documentary APTN Television series will debut its 4th season in May, 2023. She directed 5 episodes on this Syilx/Okanagan food sovereignty show. She directed a new work by Rosanna Deerchild, THE SECRET TO GOOD TEA at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and right after, the late Taran Kootenayhoo’s, White Noise at the Firehall Arts Centre in 2023. She currently teaches at Capilano University in Indigenous Film Studies.
Playwright - 500 WORDS
After graduating from the Vancouver Playhouse Acting School in 1987 Jamie worked as an actor, playwright and director throughout Western Canada. Selected acting credits include: The Cripple of Inishmaan (Arts Club), Twelfth Night (Bard on the Beach), Of Mice and Men (Vancouver Playhouse), Popcorn (Sea Theatre). Selected directing credits include: The Palace Grande (Dawson City), True West (Humdinger Productions), Seven Stories (Guild Theatre, Whitehorse), Scraping the Surface (Theatre Terrific), Land of Trash (Green Thumb Theatre). Jamie also served as Artistic Director of Theatre Terrific as well as Associate Artistic Director of the Station Street Arts Centre where he created and directed "The Kids' Series". His play November took home first prize in Theatre BC's Canadian National Playwriting Competition. He has been nominated for six Jessie Richardson awards, winning twice. After directing and acting in a show in Dawson City Jamie decided to shift careers and move North. In 2007 he moved to the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories where he still lives and works as a Community Counsellor and Expressive Arts Therapist. Jamie is also a faculty instructor at Vancouver Expressive Arts. Over the years Jamie has written six plays for Green Thumb Theatre. He is grateful to the Green Thumb team for providing the opportunity to revisit the character of Derwent and update his story for a new generation of young audiences.
Stage Manager - CAGED
Finnley (she/her) is a stage manager holding a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from UBC. She is very excited to embark on her first tour! Recent stage management credits include Primary Trust (The Grand), 9 to 5 (Thousand Island Playhouse), and Waitress (Arts Club). Finnley is so grateful to be part of this brilliant team and sends huge thanks to all the folks at Green Thumb.
Stage Manager - 500 WORDS
Samantha is grateful to the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations on whose land she lives, and to the people who make up Green Thumb Theatre for so many opportunities to work, play, and grow.
Stage Manager - FUNNY YOU DON'T LOOK AUTISTIC
Siobhan Powell (she/her) is a multidisciplinary theatre manager and visual artist of mixed European and Chinese heritage gratefully living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the (Musqueam); Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples. She received her BFA in Drama with a specialization in Technical Theatre and Production from the U of A in 2012, and continues to enjoy working in theatre production, primarily based out of the great PNW. Among Siobhan’s favourite things are live theatre, bunnies, being outside, and good deep belly laughs!
Props Designer - 500 WORDS
Set/Props Designer - CAGED
Kimira Reddy is an accomplished Artist, award-winning Set Designer, and visionary Creative Director shaping the artistic landscape on the unceded Coast Salish Territories. She also serves as the Communications Director of Raven Spirit Dance. Her diverse portfolio spans immersive virtual reality experiences, exhibition designs, and art installations. Originally hailing from South Africa, she earned her MFA in Design from UBC. Her creative journey is enriched by collaborations with UBC, Vancouver Opera, Canada Wild Arts Society, Indian Summer Festival, Zee Zee Theatre, and other prominent organizations. Discover more at www.kimirareddy.com
Director - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL & CAGED
Anita Rochon is a director and theatre maker. Since 2006, she’s been the artistic director of The Chop with Emelia Symington Fedy, a company they co-founded. The Chop is an award-winning Vancouver based company whose work is known for its sophisticated experimentation with authenticity and involves non-traditional collaborators and some of the finest artists working in Canada. The Chop tours nationally and internationally with past presentation in Toronto (Factory Theatre), Victoria (Belfry) Burnaby (Shadbolt Centre for the Arts), Richmond (Gateway Theatre), Whitehorse (Pivot Festival), Ottawa (Magnetic North), Halifax (2b Theatre), Stratford (Stratford Festival), Montreal (Usine C and Segal Centre), Portland (TBA Festival), Seattle (On the Boards), Edinburgh (Edinburgh Fringe), Dublin (Abbey Theatre, Dublin Fringe), Brighton (SICK! Festival), Hong Kong (Hong Kong Arts Festival), Darwin (Darwin Festival) and London, England (Battersea Arts Centre). As a director, Anita has worked at The Shaw Festival, Bard on the Beach, Theatre Replacement, Caravan Farm Theatre, Belfry Theatre, Théâtre la Seizième, Electric Company Theatre, Globe Theatre and Vancouver Opera. She is a graduate of Studio 58 (Acting) and the National Theatre School of Canada (Directing). She is the recipient of the Ray Michal Prize for an Outstanding Body of Work by a New Director, a Mayor’s Arts Award (awarded by Donna Spencer) and the Siminovitch Protégé prize (awarded by Kim Collier). Anita is an active member in Canada’s theatre community and has sat on numerous advisory boards and juries.
Myrtle - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Emma is an actor born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and is now based in Vancouver on the colonized lands of the Coast Salish peoples. She is so excited and grateful to be making her Green Thumb debut! Recent theatre credits include Hilda’s Yard (Western Gold Theatre), Mary's Wedding (Firehall Arts Centre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Minimal Stage Productions) and improvising with Tightrope Impro Theatre. She trained at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and is a graduate of Studio 58.
Props Designer - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Originally from the small northern town of Smithers BC (Wet'suwet'en territory), Emerenne Saefkow is a non-binary, multidisciplinary artist who adores almost anything creative and hands-on. Select previous theatre credits include Studio 58’s The Tempest, Blue Stockings and Everybody (Set and Props), Carousel theatre’s The Tempest (Costume Design and creation) and One of a Kind, a zoom theatre piece for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (Writing and Illustrating). They’re deeply grateful to live and create on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. You can see more of their work at EmerenneSaefkow.com
Set/Props Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Jenn is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist who lives on the unceded lands of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ(Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Selected credits include: Kuroko (VACT, Props), Wet(Itsazoo, Set & Props), Selfie (Seizieme, Set & Costumes) and 10seasons backstage at Bard on the Beach. Jenn studied at Studio 58 and UBC. She is a member of CAEA and the Associated Designers of Canada. www.jenniferannstewart.com
Sound Designer - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Ian Tamblyn began his professional life as a musician and songwriter at the Bobby Orr Pizza in Peterborough, 1972. Since that time it has been a slice. Forty-five albums, CDs and cassettes later, Ian has recently released a retrospective of his work. Featuring twenty-six songs on the double CD and ten on the vinyl release, the collection is entitled Scenes through a Mirror. In the past year Ian has been busy touring, mostly in Ontario and Quebec. He has also been working on a collection of Arctic stories and reflections that is now in the hands of editor, Season Osborne. One of these adventures will be presented in Haliburton on May 8th. Last year Ian researched a story about his grandmother Vera Baird who was a singer in the lumber camps and towns of North Western Ontario. The project came about when Ian discovered her repertoire of sheet music in a piano bench. The research has developed into a musical play entitled Vera . Carson Beckie, a classical pianist, recorded twenty of these “found” songs. A workshop for this play was held in June with Carson( pianist) ,Sheena Turcotte (Vera), Eleanor Crowder, and director Mary Ellis. Continuing on the theatre front, Mr. Tamblyn is involved with actor/director Maja Ardal bringing Otzi, the Cooper Age Iceman back to life! with an eye to a collaborative production. Workshops began in May. He is also involved in a theatrical adaptation of Brian Doyle’s book “Mary Anne Alice”. Ian has won numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. Most recently Ian was nominated as English Songwriter of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2022.. In the same year he was awarded membership as an Officer of the Order of Canada. This summer Ian will be playing at the Stewart Park Festival in Perth, July19th and the Live from the Rock Festival in Red Rock, Ontario, Aug 10-12. Before the Red Rock festival, Ian will be the guide and host of a five day voyageur canoe paddle from Rossport to Red Rock. This fall Ian will be joined by Fred Guignion ( guitar and lap steel) and Pat Maher (bass, vocals) at the Red Bird Cafe September 26th. For other information about tours and news please visit www.iantamblyn.com
Set Designer - 500 WORDS
Sophie Tang is an award-winning lighting and set designer working in Theatre, Opera and Dance. She has worked with companies including Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, National Arts Center, Electric Company Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera, Artsclub Theatre, Bard on the Beach, Citadel Theatre, Canadian Stage, Theatre Replacement and so on. Recent set design credits: "Cinderella"( Gateway Theatre), "My Little Tomato"( Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre), "Kitchen", (Studio 58), "Bad Parent"(Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre x Prairie Theatre Exchange x Soulpepper Theatre),"The Rez Sisters"(Stratford Festival). Recent Lighting credits: East Van Panto: Robin Hood (Theatre Replacement), The Lehman Trilogy (Theatre Calgary), Jersey Boys (Artsclub Theatre), Salesman in China (Stratford Festival), Three Musketeers (Citadel Theatre x Artsclub Theatre), Twelfth Night (Bard on the Beach), Portfolio website: sophieyufeitang.com
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Kelsey Kanatan Wavey (they/she/he) is a gender fluid multidisciplinary artist currently based in so-called Vancouver. Kelsey was born and raised in Treaty 1, Winnipeg, is 5th generation settler of German/British/Norwegian ancestry and Muskeg Ininowahk (Swampy Cree), and is a proud member of Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Treaty #5). Kelsey attended Studio 58 to study acting, and has been working as an actor, writer, director, and curator since graduating in 2019. Kelsey is also a singer and is working on self-releasing their work with Indigenous indie pop duo “EVERB0DY”, as well as sings with two femme Indigenous drumming group “M’girl” and “iskwew singers”. Some of their recent theatre acting work includes In My Day (Zeezee theatre), The Rez Sisters, Women of the Fur Trade (MTC), Making the Mystics, Break Horizons: a Concert Documentary (Urban Ink and The Cultch). You may have seen their recent directing work in Cerulean Blue (Studio 58) and Gather: Stories in Nature (Neworld and Pacific Theatre).
Costume Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Mel (they/them) is a queer, Chinese-Indonesian multidisciplinary artist based on Unceded Coast Salish Territories. Dancing between costume design, visual art, personal essays (localcolour.substack.com), and graphic design, their work is a love letter to colours, finding small joys, community building, and celebrating silliness. Mel’s process is deeply story-driven and rooted in design dramaturgy, with a specialization in supporting new works and adaptations. Recent theatre collaborations include designing for Playwrights Theatre Centre, Pacific Theatre, ITSAZOO, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, among others. In their free time, they love solving crosswords, being surrounded by trees, and sharing hotpot with loved ones. More info: bio.site/melicia
Costume Designer - 500 WORDS
Alaia is a Vancouver theatre designer originally from the Gulf Islands. Recent projects she has worked on include costume design for The Dark Lady, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Measure for Measure (Bard on the Beach), Miracle on 34th Street, Million Dollar Quartet, Sexy Laundry, The Cull, Beneath Springhill, The Birds and the Bees (Artsclub) The East Van Panto: Robin Hood, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (Theatre Replacement), HMS Pinafore, Carmen Up Close and Personal (Vancouver Opera), costume design for Beautiful Man (PI Theatre), set design for Midsummer Night’s Dream (TWU), The Hobbit, Case for Existence of God, God Said This (Pacific Theatre), Ce Que Je Sais de Vrai (Seizieme). She has worked on a variety of smaller shows through Vancouver and has a passion for costuming dance. Alaia is a graduate of the UBC Theatre Design program in 2017 and holds an English literature degree from 2012.
Projections Design - FUNNY YOU DON'T LOOK AUTISTIC
Andie Lloyd is a queer interdisciplinary artist and community advocate, currently based on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories. She works internationally as a lighting designer and media artist, and is a co-founder of HK House 香港屋 (@hkhouseofficial), a volunteer-powered non-profit based in Vancouver, B.C. As a justice motivated artist, Andie aims to work alongside collaborators in alignment with her values of self-determination, land sovereignty, climate justice, fat liberation, queer liberation and anti-capitalism. She hopes to bring these values into all of her creations through the avenues of radical compassion and respect. Some of her notable involvements include: Happy Valley/馬照跑.舞照跳(rice & beans theatre) - Projection Design, Lose Myself Again (Music Video, Argel MDR) -Media/Lighting Designer, BQFKN Online! (rEvolver Fest 2023) - Digital Design Director/Lighting Designer, ūtszan (to make better) (The Cultch) - Projection Designer, Clean/Espejos (Neworld Theatre) - Surtitle Designer, whip (FakeKnot) - Lighting Designer, and she looks forward to designing for the world premiere of Peace Country by Pedro Chamale in Fall 2023. GFHG SDGM.
Director - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL & CAGED
Anita Rochon is a director and theatre maker. Since 2006, she’s been the artistic director of The Chop with Emelia Symington Fedy, a company they co-founded. The Chop is an award-winning Vancouver based company whose work is known for its sophisticated experimentation with authenticity and involves non-traditional collaborators and some of the finest artists working in Canada. The Chop tours nationally and internationally with past presentation in Toronto (Factory Theatre), Victoria (Belfry) Burnaby (Shadbolt Centre for the Arts), Richmond (Gateway Theatre), Whitehorse (Pivot Festival), Ottawa (Magnetic North), Halifax (2b Theatre), Stratford (Stratford Festival), Montreal (Usine C and Segal Centre), Portland (TBA Festival), Seattle (On the Boards), Edinburgh (Edinburgh Fringe), Dublin (Abbey Theatre, Dublin Fringe), Brighton (SICK! Festival), Hong Kong (Hong Kong Arts Festival), Darwin (Darwin Festival) and London, England (Battersea Arts Centre). As a director, Anita has worked at The Shaw Festival, Bard on the Beach, Theatre Replacement, Caravan Farm Theatre, Belfry Theatre, Théâtre la Seizième, Electric Company Theatre, Globe Theatre and Vancouver Opera. She is a graduate of Studio 58 (Acting) and the National Theatre School of Canada (Directing). She is the recipient of the Ray Michal Prize for an Outstanding Body of Work by a New Director, a Mayor’s Arts Award (awarded by Donna Spencer) and the Siminovitch Protégé prize (awarded by Kim Collier). Anita is an active member in Canada’s theatre community and has sat on numerous advisory boards and juries.
Playwright - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Born and raised on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh peoples (colonially known as “Vancouver”), now based in Tkaronto (“Toronto”), C.E. Gatchalian is a Filipinx diasporic queer author and theatre artist. The author of six books and co-editor of three anthologies, he was the 2013 recipient of the Dayne Ogilvie Prize and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. Formerly Artistic Producer of the frank theatre company and currently Community Engagement Producer for CultureBrew.Art, he is the recipient of two Jessie Richardson Awards for his work as a theatre artist and producer. He is currently developing a new version of his play Falling in Time with director Peter Hinton-Davis. His memoir, Double Melancholy: Art, Beauty and the Making of a Brown Queer Man, was published in 2019 by Arsenal Pulp Press. In 2022 he was one of the recipients of the one-time only British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards. (Instagram: @ce_gatchalian; X: @CEGatchalian; Facebook: @CEGatchalian; BlueSky: @cegatchalian.bsky.social; website: cegatchalian.com)
Props Designer - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Originally from the small northern town of Smithers BC (Wet'suwet'en territory), Emerenne Saefkow is a non-binary, multidisciplinary artist who adores almost anything creative and hands-on. Select previous theatre credits include Studio 58’s The Tempest, Blue Stockings and Everybody (Set and Props), Carousel theatre’s The Tempest (Costume Design and creation) and One of a Kind, a zoom theatre piece for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (Writing and Illustrating). They’re deeply grateful to live and create on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. You can see more of their work at EmerenneSaefkow.com
Stage Manager - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Emma is a director and stage manager based on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ nations. She is thrilled to be making her Green Thumb Theatre debut! Recent credits include: apprentice SM Sexy Laundry (Arts Club on Tour); SM The Height of the Storm (United Players); production and directing apprentice A Taste of Hong Kong (Pi Theatre with vAct); producing and directing Punch Up (Vancouver Fringe). Emma holds a BA in Classics and History of Science & Technology, an MA in Western Esotericism, and has trained and worked as a funeral director, but theatre is her favourite!
Myrtle - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Emma is an actor born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and is now based in Vancouver on the colonized lands of the Coast Salish peoples. She is so excited and grateful to be making her Green Thumb debut! Recent theatre credits include Hilda’s Yard (Western Gold Theatre), Mary's Wedding (Firehall Arts Centre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Minimal Stage Productions) and improvising with Tightrope Impro Theatre. She trained at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and is a graduate of Studio 58.
Vince - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
13 years old and being cast in a production of The Music Man at a Benedictine Monastery in Muenster, Saskatchewan. A very common introduction to a life of acting. Eric has since followed a more conventional path of theatre school, and regional theatre, followed by more than 100 film and television credits, including X-Files, Stargate, Virgin River and various police officers in various Hallmark productions with exactly the same plot. Eric is thrilled to be involved in this Green Thumb show and thanks his wonderful wife and brilliant, beautiful daughters, who helped him write this.
Lance - 500 WORDS
Ethan DeHoog is a Vancouver based artist from small town Smithers BC, and a recent graduate of Studio 58. He is grateful for the stewardship of the Wet’suwet’en, Musqueum, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, without which he would not be able to grow, work, or call these lands home. Beyond his performances at Studio he wrote and performed his show Cardboard Boxes and Other Ways to Travel at the Vancouver Fringe. He is beyond excited to work for the first time with Green Thumb Theatre in its tour of 500 Words!
Stage Manager - CAGED
Finnley (she/her) is a stage manager holding a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from UBC. She is very excited to embark on her first tour! Recent stage management credits include Primary Trust (The Grand), 9 to 5 (Thousand Island Playhouse), and Waitress (Arts Club). Finnley is so grateful to be part of this brilliant team and sends huge thanks to all the folks at Green Thumb.
Sound Designer - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Ian Tamblyn began his professional life as a musician and songwriter at the Bobby Orr Pizza in Peterborough, 1972. Since that time it has been a slice. Forty-five albums, CDs and cassettes later, Ian has recently released a retrospective of his work. Featuring twenty-six songs on the double CD and ten on the vinyl release, the collection is entitled Scenes through a Mirror. In the past year Ian has been busy touring, mostly in Ontario and Quebec. He has also been working on a collection of Arctic stories and reflections that is now in the hands of editor, Season Osborne. One of these adventures will be presented in Haliburton on May 8th. Last year Ian researched a story about his grandmother Vera Baird who was a singer in the lumber camps and towns of North Western Ontario. The project came about when Ian discovered her repertoire of sheet music in a piano bench. The research has developed into a musical play entitled Vera . Carson Beckie, a classical pianist, recorded twenty of these “found” songs. A workshop for this play was held in June with Carson( pianist) ,Sheena Turcotte (Vera), Eleanor Crowder, and director Mary Ellis. Continuing on the theatre front, Mr. Tamblyn is involved with actor/director Maja Ardal bringing Otzi, the Cooper Age Iceman back to life! with an eye to a collaborative production. Workshops began in May. He is also involved in a theatrical adaptation of Brian Doyle’s book “Mary Anne Alice”. Ian has won numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. Most recently Ian was nominated as English Songwriter of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2022.. In the same year he was awarded membership as an Officer of the Order of Canada. This summer Ian will be playing at the Stewart Park Festival in Perth, July19th and the Live from the Rock Festival in Red Rock, Ontario, Aug 10-12. Before the Red Rock festival, Ian will be the guide and host of a five day voyageur canoe paddle from Rossport to Red Rock. This fall Ian will be joined by Fred Guignion ( guitar and lap steel) and Pat Maher (bass, vocals) at the Red Bird Cafe September 26th. For other information about tours and news please visit www.iantamblyn.com
Director - 500 WORDS
Jamie King is an awarded theatre director that grew up on the rainy western coast. Previously for Green Thumb, they directed What If? By Katey Hoffman. Recent directing credits: Middletown, The Wolves and LOVE/SICK at Pacific Theatre; Pretty Girls, Blue Stockings and Can We Fix It? for Studio 58, Sunrise Betties for Itsazoo Productions; As You Like It for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan; The Legend of Georgia McBride for Arts Club Theatre Company; SYSTEM FAILURE, and SPARAGMOS for Caravan Farm Theatre. JK is the current Associate Producer for Theatre Replacement. Check out more on their work at www.jamiekinghere.com
Playwright - 500 WORDS
After graduating from the Vancouver Playhouse Acting School in 1987 Jamie worked as an actor, playwright and director throughout Western Canada. Selected acting credits include: The Cripple of Inishmaan (Arts Club), Twelfth Night (Bard on the Beach), Of Mice and Men (Vancouver Playhouse), Popcorn (Sea Theatre). Selected directing credits include: The Palace Grande (Dawson City), True West (Humdinger Productions), Seven Stories (Guild Theatre, Whitehorse), Scraping the Surface (Theatre Terrific), Land of Trash (Green Thumb Theatre). Jamie also served as Artistic Director of Theatre Terrific as well as Associate Artistic Director of the Station Street Arts Centre where he created and directed "The Kids' Series". His play November took home first prize in Theatre BC's Canadian National Playwriting Competition. He has been nominated for six Jessie Richardson awards, winning twice. After directing and acting in a show in Dawson City Jamie decided to shift careers and move North. In 2007 he moved to the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories where he still lives and works as a Community Counsellor and Expressive Arts Therapist. Jamie is also a faculty instructor at Vancouver Expressive Arts. Over the years Jamie has written six plays for Green Thumb Theatre. He is grateful to the Green Thumb team for providing the opportunity to revisit the character of Derwent and update his story for a new generation of young audiences.
Set/Props Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Jenn is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist who lives on the unceded lands of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ(Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Selected credits include: Kuroko (VACT, Props), Wet(Itsazoo, Set & Props), Selfie (Seizieme, Set & Costumes) and 10seasons backstage at Bard on the Beach. Jenn studied at Studio 58 and UBC. She is a member of CAEA and the Associated Designers of Canada. www.jenniferannstewart.com
Playwright - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Joan MacLeod’s plays include Jewel, Toronto, Mississippi, Amigo’s Blue Guitar, The Hope Slide, Little Sister, 2000, The Shape of a Girl, Homechild, Another Home Invasion, The Valley, Gracie and a libretto for a chamber opera based on the children’s novel The Secret Garden. For seven seasons she was a playwright-in-residence at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. Her work has been translated into eight languages. She is the recipient of numerous awards including two Chalmers Canadian Play Awards, the Governor General’s Award and the Siminovitch Prize for Theatre. Joan worked at the University of Victoria as a Professor in the Department of Writing for 15 years, retiring in 2019; she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. She also writes poetry, prose and for television. She is currently working on a collection of linked short stories.
Projection Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
June (she/her) is an interdisciplinary sound and video designer. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada –the unceded and stolen territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm, Skwxwú 7mesh, and Səl̓ í lwətaɬ Nations, June has been surrounded by the colourful sounds and sights from the cities to the mountains; sparking an interest in exploring the interrelations between sounds and visuals and their unique personalities. She is a graduate of SFU’s BFA Theatre Production and Design program and of Douglas College’s Stagecraft and Event Technology program. Some of her works include: "The Flying Dutchman" (Vancouver Opera | Assistant Projection Designer), “I Fear Love” (Fringe Festival | Projection Designer), and “FOREIGN | FUTURES” (Video Designer).
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Kelsey Kanatan Wavey (they/she/he) is a gender fluid multidisciplinary artist currently based in so-called Vancouver. Kelsey was born and raised in Treaty 1, Winnipeg, is 5th generation settler of German/British/Norwegian ancestry and Muskeg Ininowahk (Swampy Cree), and is a proud member of Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Treaty #5). Kelsey attended Studio 58 to study acting, and has been working as an actor, writer, director, and curator since graduating in 2019. Kelsey is also a singer and is working on self-releasing their work with Indigenous indie pop duo “EVERB0DY”, as well as sings with two femme Indigenous drumming group “M’girl” and “iskwew singers”. Some of their recent theatre acting work includes In My Day (Zeezee theatre), The Rez Sisters, Women of the Fur Trade (MTC), Making the Mystics, Break Horizons: a Concert Documentary (Urban Ink and The Cultch). You may have seen their recent directing work in Cerulean Blue (Studio 58) and Gather: Stories in Nature (Neworld and Pacific Theatre).
Writer, Director, Creator - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Kim Senklip Harvey is a proud Syilx and Tsilhqot’in award-winning creator known for her ability to direct bold iconoclastic productions that inspire and delight. Kim was the first Indigenous woman to win the Governor General’s Award for Drama with her play Kamloopa to which she directed the 3-city world premiere. She is the director of 2 feature-length documentary films Break Horizons: A Concert Documentary and Making The Mystics. Kim is a 2-time recipient of a Netflix and Indigenous Screen Office fellowship. She is also currently writing on a CBC mini-series and her pilot Half Way Home is currently in development with Sphere Media. Kim has her Masters in Creative Writing and is currently getting her Ph.D. in Law. Kim’s passion for storytelling lives within its transformational nature and works in service to her Indigenous Nations.
Props Designer - 500 WORDS
Set/Props Designer - CAGED
Kimira Reddy is an accomplished Artist, award-winning Set Designer, and visionary Creative Director shaping the artistic landscape on the unceded Coast Salish Territories. She also serves as the Communications Director of Raven Spirit Dance. Her diverse portfolio spans immersive virtual reality experiences, exhibition designs, and art installations. Originally hailing from South Africa, she earned her MFA in Design from UBC. Her creative journey is enriched by collaborations with UBC, Vancouver Opera, Canada Wild Arts Society, Indian Summer Festival, Zee Zee Theatre, and other prominent organizations. Discover more at www.kimirareddy.com
Director - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Leslie is honoured to be working with Green Thumb Theatre again, one of her favourite companies in this city! Their most recent credits include directing Grandma.Gangsta.Guerrilla. (Ruby Slippers Theatre), For Now (Green Thumb Theatre) and Gillty As Fin (Studio 58). Recent acting credits include “Mariana” in Measure for Measure (Bard on the Beach) and “Narrator/ Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol (Presentation House Theatre). Thank you to everyone at Green Thumb Theatre, to everyone working on this show and to Stephen and Rosalind, who make anything possible, and everything worth it.
Blackboard Illustrator - 500 WORDS
Liam Kearns (they/them) is a queer, Vancouver-based stage and production manager originally from the UK by way of Switzerland. They have been working professionally in the Canadian arts scene for more than a decade, specializing in site-specific and touring productions. They’ve worked with companies including Axis Theatre, The Only Animal, ITSAZOO Productions, The Belfry Theatre, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and Green Thumb Theatre. They believe theatre for young audiences is vitally important as it allows young people to see someone’s life manifested on stage through a character, to walk a mile in their shoes, fueling curiosity to ask questions about themselves, others and the world we live in. Outside of the theatre world, you can find Liam baking vegan treats, getting lost in a jigsaw puzzle or spending the entire day outdoors geocaching.
Stage Manager - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Mandy is a Vancouver-based stage manager with a B.A. in Theatre Studies and Sociology from the University of British Columbia. She is thrilled to be working with Green Thumb Theatre for the first time. Selected stage management credits include Pride and Prejudice (Western Canada Theatre), Oliver! (Gateway Theatre), 9 to 5 (Chemainus Theatre Festival), and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (CTORA). When not backstage, she’s likely curled up with a good book or out running with her beloved dog, Bruno. Much love to her family and Nathan for their endless support.
Sound Designer - 500 WORDS & PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Matthew MacDonald-Bain is a Vancouver-based actor/sound designer and is honoured to be returning to Green Thumb! He is a four-time Jessie Award nominee and two-time Award winner for Acting and Sound Design. Select design credits include East Van Panto: Pinocchio (Theatre Replacement), Middletown, Bar Mitzvah Boy, The Lonesome West, The Wolves (Pacific Theatre), The Competition Is Fierce (Itsazoo), The Day Before Christmas (Arts Club), Bright Blue Future, Bug, Of Mice And Men (Hardline). Matthew is a graduate of Studio 58.
Costume Designer - PEOPLE LIKE VINCE
Mel (they/them) is a queer, Chinese-Indonesian multidisciplinary artist based on Unceded Coast Salish Territories. Dancing between costume design, visual art, personal essays (localcolour.substack.com), and graphic design, their work is a love letter to colours, finding small joys, community building, and celebrating silliness. Mel’s process is deeply story-driven and rooted in design dramaturgy, with a specialization in supporting new works and adaptations. Recent theatre collaborations include designing for Playwrights Theatre Centre, Pacific Theatre, ITSAZOO, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, among others. In their free time, they love solving crosswords, being surrounded by trees, and sharing hotpot with loved ones. More info: bio.site/melicia
Writer & Performer - FUNNY YOU DONT LOOK AUTISTIC
Michael McCreary https://www.aspiecomic.com/ Michael McCreary is an autistic comedian, actor, author, and TEDX speaker who’s been performing stand-up comedy since age 13. In the past 10 years, he has performed stand-up shows and keynote addresses in every province in Canada – plus the Yukon - and across the United States. He has done shows for tech giants IBM and SAP International; for universities such as McMaster, Queen’s, McGill, Montana State U and the University of Texas; and for many agencies and autism organizations: Autism Ontario, Autism Canada, Autism Nova Scotia, Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society (Calgary), Firefly Autism (Denver), Autism Yukon, Geneva Centre for Autism, Autism Society Newfoundland & Labrador, Pacific Autism Family Network; and for schools and school boards across the continent. Michael has also written the book “Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic” (Annick Press); hosted the Autism Ontario video “Autism: See the Potential” https://vimeo.com/144769608; has consulted on the TV show “Ransom” to ensure the authenticity of a character with autism and has been featured on The National and on CBC Radio’s “Laugh Out Loud!” He was the featured comic in Commander Chris Hadfield’s Generator show at Massey Hall in Toronto in 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f2W30iYP30 He played the role of a neurodivergent character in the TV series Astrid & Lilly Save the World (SYFY Network) and he can also be seen in Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). In May 2022 he was part of the closing Gala at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival for CBC. He is currently working on a play, a new book, a documentary, and getting his driver's license.
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Nyla Carpentier (Tahltan, Kaska, French, Scottish) is a multifaceted performing artist currently residing in North Vancouver. She’s a new mom, a powwow dancer and workshop facilitator. Theatre acting highlights: Battle of the Birds (Savage Society), The Flats/Les Flats (Prairie Theatre Exchange and Theatre Cercle Moliere), The Berlin Blues and Ipperwash (The Blyth Theatre Festival) and Busted Up: A Yukon Story (Openpit Theatre). Nyla performed her solo show Dissection of a... Mixed Heritage Woman at the Victoria and Vancouver Fringe Festival. She is currently working on a second solo show and her first full length play.
Playwright - CAGED
Rachel Aberle has been working in theatre for over 15 years, with experience spanning across performance, playwriting, dramaturgy, directing, and company leadership. Career highlights include touring the country with The Firehall Arts Centre's Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen, having her plays Still•Falling and The Code tour across North America with Green Thumb Theatre, any time she's gotten to ham it up at the Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong, BC, and of course the immense honour of serving as Green Thumb's Artistic Director from January 2021 to December 2023. Rachel received the 2018 Sydney J. Risk Prize for Outstanding Original Play by an Emerging Playwright for The Code, and recently completed SFU's The Writer's Studio as part of the 2024/25 fiction cohort. Rachel lives in Quesnel, BC, on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene People, where she is working on her debut novel, and enjoying life with her daughter, husband, and their two ridiculous dogs.
Deyen - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Renae Morriseau is Nêhiyawi/Cree, Nahkawiniw/Saulteaux. Since the 80’s Renae has worked individually and collectively on Indigenous stories in music, theatre, film and television. Much of her work is about art created with, for and about the hopes of a good future for Indigenous people on their lands and in the cities of Turtle Island. She has worked across Canada and internationally with her singing group, M’Girl. Renae is currently recording her songs in both traditional and contemporary sounds. Quest Out West, a documentary APTN Television series will debut its 4th season in May, 2023. She directed 5 episodes on this Syilx/Okanagan food sovereignty show. She directed a new work by Rosanna Deerchild, THE SECRET TO GOOD TEA at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and right after, the late Taran Kootenayhoo’s, White Noise at the Firehall Arts Centre in 2023. She currently teaches at Capilano University in Indigenous Film Studies.
Performer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
Sam Bob (traditional name-Tulkweemult’) of the Snaw-Naw-us First Nation on Vancouver Island has performed nationally in television, film, radio, and theatre. He is a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award nominee for Best Actor in 2004 and 2022, nominated for Best Actor by Edmonton’s Dreamspeaker’s Film Festival in 1998. Mr. Bob has an extensive body of theatre work across Canada. He can also be seen in film and TV in Blackway with Anthony Hopkins, Monkey Beach, with CBC, Loudermilk on Amazon Prime. And recently shot a pilot called Canoe Journey in Lummi territory near Bellingham. Sam has taught free community theatre classes at the Vancouver Friendship Centre for several years and finds putting young people on stage a particular joy.
Stage Manager - 500 WORDS
Samantha is grateful to the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations on whose land she lives, and to the people who make up Green Thumb Theatre for so many opportunities to work, play, and grow.
Braidie - THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Sarah Conway (she/her) is an actor, writer, and comedian. Select credits: Dian/Various (Eyes of the Beast, Neworld Theatre), Performer (Tamasha-O-Tamasha, Resource Centre for the Arts), Diana Hudson (The Bright Young Things, Vancouver Fringe), Amanda-Lynn (The Flying Doctor, Perchance Theatre), Stephano/Boatswain (The Tempest, Perchance Theatre), Jackie Coryton (Hay Fever, Perchance Theatre), Reporter & Local Reporter (Son of a Critch), Elizabeth Welsh (Blue Stockings, Studio 58). Her play Budding premiered as part of the Six of One: New Play Festival at Studio 58. Sarah wrote and directed her first short film Jenny the Goblin earlier this year. She has performed at the Ottawa, Montreal, and Baltimore improv festivals. Sarah is a graduate of Studio 58. sarahconway.ca
Sylvia - 500 WORDS
Sewit Eden Haile (she/her) is an emerging performer and writer thrilled to be making her Green Thumb debut! Her recent credits include: Mother - Blood Wedding (Studio 58), Ruby/Playwright - The Raft (Risky Nights/Studio 58), Sewit/Playwright - One of A Kind! (Vancouver International Children's Festival), Ensemble - East Van Panto: Robin Hood (Theatre Replacement). Her play pretty girls premiered at Studio 58’s FourPlay festival and she was a recipient of the 2024 Studio 58 Writing Award. Sewit is privileged to be living on the unceded, traditional homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations/"Vancouver". As of December 2024, Sewit is a proud graduate of Studio 58!
Stage Manager - FUNNY YOU DON'T LOOK AUTISTIC
Siobhan Powell (she/her) is a multidisciplinary theatre manager and visual artist of mixed European and Chinese heritage gratefully living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the (Musqueam); Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples. She received her BFA in Drama with a specialization in Technical Theatre and Production from the U of A in 2012, and continues to enjoy working in theatre production, primarily based out of the great PNW. Among Siobhan’s favourite things are live theatre, bunnies, being outside, and good deep belly laughs!
Set Designer - 500 WORDS
Sophie Tang is an award-winning lighting and set designer working in Theatre, Opera and Dance. She has worked with companies including Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, National Arts Center, Electric Company Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera, Artsclub Theatre, Bard on the Beach, Citadel Theatre, Canadian Stage, Theatre Replacement and so on. Recent set design credits: "Cinderella"( Gateway Theatre), "My Little Tomato"( Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre), "Kitchen", (Studio 58), "Bad Parent"(Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre x Prairie Theatre Exchange x Soulpepper Theatre),"The Rez Sisters"(Stratford Festival). Recent Lighting credits: East Van Panto: Robin Hood (Theatre Replacement), The Lehman Trilogy (Theatre Calgary), Jersey Boys (Artsclub Theatre), Salesman in China (Stratford Festival), Three Musketeers (Citadel Theatre x Artsclub Theatre), Twelfth Night (Bard on the Beach), Portfolio website: sophieyufeitang.com
THE MIXOLYDIAN – Study Guide Author
Toonasa Jordana Luggi (Wet’suwet’en & Dakelh) is a photographer/artist/educator and a member of Stellat’en First Nation. Toonasa was raised in Stellako, a Dakelh village in BC’s northern interior. They graduated from Emily Carr University with a BFA in Photography in 2014. From 2019-2022, they worked as the Education Specialist at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Toonasa has always been passionate about education and the arts, especially collaborative projects. In 2022, a childrens’ picture book ‘Majagalee: The Language of Seasons’ by Shawna Davis (Gitxsan) was published with Toonasa’s photography. Toonasa currently lives and works in Vancouver BC.
Production Designer - MAKING THE MYSTICS: AN ARTISTIC CEREMONY DOCUMENTARY
potatoCakes_digital is the award winning multimedia design and technical services company of Emily Soussana and Andrew Scriver. Formed as a collective in 2018, and officially incorporated in 2021, they have been unofficially working together for over six years as an all-encompassing artistic and technical team offering dramaturgy, management, and technical direction--as well as designing video, lighting, sound, set, and costumes for live performance, installation, and digital art in Tiotia:ke and across Canada. Recent credits include designing lights and video for Kim Senklip Harvey’s Kamloopa at Soulpepper in Toronto (2022), and the Break Horizons: A Concert Documentary (2021). potatocakesdigital.ca