(September 7, 2024) In the PSFT Spotlight
with Actor Geoff Whynot, The Perils of Persephone
What initially drew you to pursue a career in acting, and how did your journey begin?
I think I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was about 5 years old. My mother took me with her to a rehearsal with her community theatre troupe, and I just seemed to “get it” the way some kids take to hockey or drawing. I knew it was a good place for me. However, even after growing up with that community theatre from that point, I didn’t believe it was a career I could have until I’d finished a B.Sc. at U of T, and finally accepted that it was what I needed to do and made the switch.
How do you balance the demands of the acting profession with your personal life, and what strategies have you found effective in managing that balance?
Balance is an issue for anyone, I think? For me, being up front and open about the specific demands of a life in the theatre and about my commitment to that life has made for less stress with my partner, and also in the work I have to do between acting jobs to keep bills paid and food on the table.
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances, and what impact do you aspire to make through your work?
This is a big question! My hope is that audiences leave the theatre and carry some of what they saw and heard with them. That can be appreciation for the laughter they shared, thoughtfulness about the conflict or struggles of the characters, new perspectives on the issues of their lives or the wider world… I feel that the least we can offer those folks who leave the comfort of their own homes, give their attention to a play, and pay for a ticket, is to give them an experience they will never forget and never regret.
(September 4, 2024) In the PSFT Spotlight
with Actor Kira Shuit, The Perils of Persephone
What inspired you to pursue acting, and how did you feel when you landed your first professional role?
I have always had a passion for acting, having done it since I was 7. After covid I realized this is what I wanted to do. Having missed so many years of opportunities, when theatre came back it felt different, like more than a hobby. Another thing that really inspired me to pursue acting was my friends I’ve met in theatre. All my life I’ve been surrounded by wonderful, talented people that are all pursuing excellence in drama, and believed I could too. Perils of Persephone is actually my first professional show! When I first received the email telling me I had been cast, I didn’t stop smiling for days. I couldn’t believe I had been cast, it was such a crazy feeling.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected part of working on your first professional production?
The most surprising part is how fast we move. We blocked a skeleton of the first act in two days! As someone who’s used to youth theatre where it can take months to block the show, moving this fast has been such a thrill and a challenge.
How did you prepare for this role, and what new skills or techniques have you learned through this experience?
To prepare for the role, the first thing I did was familiarize myself with the script to get a better understanding of my character and their role in the story. To help with memorization I transcribed my lines, and cues into a notebook, to have easy access wherever I went.
What advice would you give to other aspiring young actors who are hoping to land their first professional role?
The best advice I have to give would be to expand your skill set as an actor. Try plays, musicals, improv, and even backstage positions, as each of these will give you more skills and my perspective on the different facets of acting. I strove to be involved in all these and more, and they have shaped me into a versatile actor.
(August 31, 2024) In the PSFT Spotlight
with Actor Debbie Collins, The Peils of Persephone
What initially drew you to pursue a career in acting, and how did your journey begin?
I think I was born this way! I always loved being the centre of attention when I was growing up. I never thought of it as a career choice (I mean, who could possibly be lucky enough to get paid to do this??) I rather fell into this path quite by chance. My formal training is in dance, where I suppose my journey began, and I trained and started performing at a time when there were many opportunities. People seemed to like my enthusiasm, so I was lucky enough to get work! Dance led to singing (always a passion) and the two led to acting. I have done a lot of musicals over the years, which I have loved, and am now transitioning in to more acting roles. I am loving what I get to do!
How do you approach the process of preparing for a new role, and are there any rituals or techniques you find particularly helpful?
Well, the first thing I do is print off the script. I like to work with a hard copy. I read it several times, then highlight my lines. I discovered a long time ago that I learn other peoples’ roles before my own. So, I decided that I learn best by listening. I record all the scenes I am in (doing all the other roles as well) and do a lot of listening to my device as I am doing other activities. I also try to bring my most honest self to each role. I rely on my gut a lot, especially for any comic opportunities.
How do you balance the demands of the acting profession with your personal life, and what strategies have you found effective in managing that balance?
Well, the work/life balance is always a challenge to negotiate. I am incredibly fortunate and grateful to have a wonderful partner who supports me in my work and believes in me. I would say, that’s 98% of the battle! Having to work away from home has it’s challenges to be sure, but we communicate several times a day and I think that helps us both with the separation.
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances, and what impact do you aspire to make through your work?
That is a huge question, but I think the answer is simple. I hope audiences will be entertained. I hope they will forget about whatever weighs them down for the duration of the show and just ENJOY themselves. Theatre is so wonderful, in that every single performance is different because it is live and real and every audience is different. To experience theatre transports us to a place we can only get to with other people. What do I hope for my audiences? That they love this experience as much as I do.
(August 27, 2024) In the Spotlight…
with Dan Needles, Playwright The Perils of Persephone
What inspired you to write The Perils of Persephone in 1989?
I was executive assistant to the Ontario Minister of the Environment until just before the Mississauga train derailment in 1979 when several carloads of toxic chemicals went off the rails and caught fire and 200,000 people had to be evacuated. Afterwards, everyone said how fortunate it was that the accident took place in a municipality that had an emergency plan in place because it was responsible for the Toronto airport. That got me thinking what might have happened if a similar incident took place in farm country where there is no plan of any kind and the local council would have to respond. Having grown up in that kind of community, I quickly began to see comic possibilities.
Compared to 1989, how do you feel the storyline resonates today in 2024?
I think it’s interesting how much has changed for the Currie family in the 30 years since I wrote Perils. The dairy farm has moved from small square bales and cream cans to transponders on all the cows and revolving milking parlors, but municipal politics hasn’t changed at all. Perils captures how ‘big picture’ thinking is forced on rural communities and that still resonates today. Thankfully, in Persephone Township, the good guys win.
Do you feel the division between rural and urban living are still the same?
Rural and urban worlds remain a bit of a mystery to each other and I hope that continues because it has offered me an opportunity as a writer to explore that mystery and entertain audiences for four decades now.
Is this your most produced play? And why do you think that is?
Perils may not be the most successful play I’ve done. The Wingfield Farm series holds that distinction. But Perils has been surprisingly durable and is still produced somewhere in Ontario every season (three productions in Ontario this year). It never seems to go out of fashion.
(August 14, 2024) In The Spotlight…
with Mark Kreder, Actor Bigfoot!
What initially drew you to pursue a career in acting, and how did your journey begin?
When I was growing up, my parents had a rule. My brothers and I had to play a sport, a musical instrument and do at least one extracurricular activity. I chose to sing, which then led me to the world of the theatre and musicals. When my voice dropped and I no longer had my tenor voice I began to focus on plays. Eventually, I found my way to doing my BFA at the University of Windsor. The rest, as they say, is history.
How do you approach the process of preparing for a new role, and are there any rituals or techniques you find particularly helpful?
My approach to a new role generally starts with me doing character work. This helps me to find out who the character is, what other characters think about them and what they want. After that, I try to read the play as many times as possible. I want to find as many subtleties in the text as I can. This helps me to create a character that has dynamics. In terms of rituals, it honestly changes per character, sometimes it can be finding music that I think the character would like, or changing my warm-up to better fit the energy level of who I am playing.
Balancing a demanding career in acting while raising children can be challenging. How do you manage to maintain that balance, and are there any strategies or routines that have helped you?
My wife, Melissa, and I recently had our 1st child. Anneliese is almost 8 months old. So we are right in the middle of figuring out how to maintain balance! I think the biggest thing is constant communication, that way we know how each other are doing and what the other one needs. I think we’ve also been really fortunate to have family close by to provide additional support when we need it. It also doesn’t hurt that Melissa is a super hero. She is so incredibly supportive and is taking care of our daughter right now, which allows me to be here. Ultimately, having a supportive partner is the cheat code. Melissa is doing a lot right now. When I get home it’s my turn so she can have a break!
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances, and what impact do you aspire to make through your work?
I hope the audiences come away with as much joy from my performances as I have being on stage! I think the impact I aspire to make changes based on the show. With Bigfoot! I hope I can provide an escape for the audience and remind them how wonderful it can be to believe in the magical.
(August 7, 2024) In The Spotlight…
with Esther Chung, Actor Bigfoot!
What initially drew you to pursue a career in acting, and how did your journey begin?
To this day I remember the feeling of electricity stepping out on stage when I was cast in a Christmas play in grade 3. I was hooked. I kept chasing that feeling and performed in plays through elementary and high school. At York University while pursuing my BA in psychology, I joined Vanier College Productions which solidified my love of acting and our community.
How do you approach the process of preparing for a new role, and are there any rituals or techniques you find particularly helpful?
When first preparing for a new role I like to understand the who what where when and why and everything in between of my character. Once introduced to the rest of the cast, it is crucial to discover and investigate the relationships my character has with the other characters. As far as learning the actual script it seems I am always welcoming new ways to memorize lines!
Balancing a demanding career in acting while raising children can be challenging. How do you manage to maintain that balance, and are there any strategies or routines that have helped you?
My partner is incredibly supportive which has been key in maintaining that balance. Having been a SAHM for over a decade, the switch to being an actor with an erratic schedule has been challenging. Communication, patience and a great sense of humour are all helpful to make things run smoothly at home. Another game changer is that my children are now independent and old enough essentially to run the house hold on their own and are equally passionate and supportive of my career.
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances, and what impact do you aspire to make through your work?
I hope audiences will take with them the absolute joy and delight of the story we are telling and the near electric excitement this cast and crew has as we work together. The impact I hope to make through my work is to continue to champion and bring diversity of all kinds to audiences; to accept, embrace and celebrate what’s common and what’s interesting within each of us.
(July 24) In The Spotlight…
with Erin MacKinnon, Actor, Hurry Hard
What initially drew you to pursue a career in acting, and how did you get your start?
My parents took me to the ballet when I was five and apparently told my them I wanted to be up there on that stage. So they signed me up for ballet classes and we always performed The Nutcracker at Christmas time, which I loved. But I really discovered Theatre at 12 years old when I had a wonderful drama teacher named Tanya Ambrose who decided to put on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at my school. I realized in the middle of the audition that this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I got cast as Hermia and I have never wanted to do anything else since.
Throughout your career, is there a particular role that has been most challenging or rewarding for you, and why?
I find working new Canadian plays very rewarding. I had the privilege of touring Jonas and Barry in the Home with Norm Foster and David Nairn, it was such an amazing experience to be able to work with these talented performers. I learned so much from them. It’s one of the longest running shows I have ever done. To be able to grow with the character over time and keep the discovery fresh every show was a challenge and an absolute gift.
How do you typically prepare for a role? Are there any specific rituals or techniques you find particularly helpful in getting into character?
A lot the preparation I do beforehand is script analysis, and once rehearsals start actually getting up and playing with your fellow actors and discovering together where your characters sit and how they relate to each other. Near the second week of rehearsals once I have discovered the arc of my role I usually make a playlist of songs that help me key into that character that I like to listen to before going on each night.
What’s the most exhilarating part of performing live on stage?
Going on a journey every show with a new audience and sharing the experience together.
(June 21) In The Spotlight…
with Joshua Browne, Actor, They’re Found In Trees
What’s the most exhilarating part of performing live on stage?
Keeping the ball in the air, so to speak. Feeling the ebb and flow in the cycle of tension between audience and performers as everyone in the room agrees to do the very silly and vital thing of participating in a story. The feeling that we are all sharing an experience that is unique to that specific point in time. Theatre is my favourite reminder that every moment of our lives is fleeting, and only happens once.
Can you share a unique ritual or routine you do before stepping onto the stage?
I don’t have anything that persists through all projects. I often find a song to listen to during my warmup that puts me in the right mood. Usually something wordless. It’s not a ritual or routine, but I often have the same recurring dream in the week before opening the show. I’m onstage and don’t know my lines, the script is in my hand but illegible, and sometimes the actual play we’re doing has been changed mid-performance. Some sort of male authority figure (my father, one of my teachers) is in the audience and very disappointed. It’s very Freudian and cliche, and it used to unnerve me, but now I just recognize it as a part of the process.
How do you maintain focus and stay in character when unexpected mishaps occur during a live performance?
Funny enough, when things go wrong there’s no effort necessary to focus. Adrenaline kicks in and the invisible lines between everyone in the room become very, very taut. It’s when things are going to plan that my mind can wander. But the lucky thing is that if it does, something (usually something unnoticeable) will go wrong and bring me right back into focus.
Which aspect of live theater do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome it?
The most challenging part of acting for me is the balance between control and spontaneity. Repeating things over and over again while keeping them fresh. Having the dexterity to make a moment sing, while still surprising myself. I don’t always overcome it, I don’t know any actors who do. But when I do it’s magic. As for how to do it, you’ve just got to do a ton of work making things specific enough that you can then throw it all away and be here right now, trusting that the work you’ve done will be there as a foundation and a guide.
(May 31) In The Spotlight…
with Jay Davis, Creator and Performer of the Michael Buble Tribute Show
What inspired you to create a tribute show dedicated to Michael Bublé? Were there any specific moments or experiences that sparked this idea?
The seed for a Michael Buble show was planted while I was singing in a band called The Groove Babies at a new years gig in 2012. The guitar player remarked how I sounded like Buble on our Buble covers. In 2019 I was heading into my mid 40’s and thought I’d better do this now! The first person I called was the guitar player from that new years gig. He was on board! Today he is Musical Directing the show and dazzling audiences with his guitar solos.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about delivering Michael Buble’s music to audiences?
The most challenging part was workshopping all the little jokes and transitions between songs. The most rewarding part is providing work for myself and for everyone else who helps to put the show on. I’m truly blessed.
Before creating this Michael Bublé tribute show, what was your journey like as a performer?
I have had a varied and fulfilling career that allowed me to experience all areas of the entertainment industry. From tv commercials to movies, and from musicals and tribute shows to Shakespeare and fringe festivals. Singing in bands or doing voice over work. It’s been an amazing journey.
In addition to this tribute show do you have any other musical endeavors you are currently working on?
I am currently working on an Eagles/ Glen Frey tribute show. It should be ready by next summer.
