Member Since: 2012
What has been your favourite role?
I’ve really enjoyed playing Donna, a fiercely loyal and passionate activist, in the Parsec Award-winning audio drama, “The Gray Area”. Having the opportunity to be involved with this project from Season 2, then performing in the live staged version in NYC, and now reprising the role of Donna for Season 3 (which is gearing up to begin recording again in NYC this fall), has allowed me to explore so many facets of this intense character. Another role that is very dear to my heart is the role of Amy in the short film “The Choice”, that we shot just last year in Alberta. As I was also one of the writers and producers on the project, I had the unique experience of being a part of writing and creating the character from the ground up. To then embody the character, and bring her to life on camera is incredibly special.
What do you do when you are not performing?
I love working on the other side of the camera too! Currently, I’m collaborating with some truly inspiring creatives on a couple of upcoming projects; including a Virtual Reality / 360 Video Project, an animated series, as well as another short film (a musical comedy this time). Creating and developing ideas in their entirety, from their inception to their completion, is a uniquely rewarding and exciting process. I also enjoy creating visual art when I’m not performing, especially using my favourite mediums of acrylics and pastels.
What organization/activity are you involved with or passionate about that people would find interesting?
I’m honoured to be working with the organization Animation Nights New York (ANNY), a curated, monthly screening event and yearly festival that showcases the best Animated Short Films, VR Experiences, and Games from across the globe. Past artists include Oscar-‐nominated directors, Annie-‐nominated directors, BAFTA-‐winning directors, and the support of several industry jurors, panelists, and roundtable guests–including representatives from Disney, Netflix, Cartoon Saloon, Titmouse, Games for Change, and Meow Wolf.
As an ANNY festival producer, I recently helped produce their ANNY Cannes program where I was fortunate enough to attend the Cannes Film Festival this year. I am also working with their ANNY Exchange program, which connects talent to projects.
What Director would you like to work with?
David Fincher! Not only are David Fincher’s films incredible, but his directing style intrigues me. As I come from a theatre background where I’m used to performing material night after night 100’s of times during a run and enjoy this unique way of immersing myself in a role, David Fincher’s meticulous approach, where he sometimes shoots 100 takes, interests me. Although I do love improv and thrive off of spontaneity, there is something also special about perfecting a performance. I would also be over the moon if I got the opportunity to work with Taika Waititi – he’s brilliant!
What is your favourite movie and/or TV show?
That is a hard one, as there is so much incredible content out there and I do enjoy an eclectic mix of material ranging from TV’s “Mindhunter”, to “Abstract”, to “Arcane” and Movie’s “What We Do In The Shadows” to “My Octopus Teacher”. So, I’m going to mention the show that I have just recently watched and adore: Ted Lasso. It’s such an uplifting, tender, and funny show that is really uniquely joyful.
As a performer, what is one thing you wish you would have known sooner?
Be a part of creating your own work and projects. As performers, we are a bit at the mercy of the casting powers that be, which can make you feel powerless and can sometimes pigeonhole you as a performer. Even if you’re not comfortable writing your own work, mount a one-act play, shoot a music video, or reach out to writers to collaborate with them and help produce their work. Doing this and connecting with other creatives has not only allowed my career to expand but fostered other amazing collaboration
In December of 2020, I created a workshop that brought together writers, actors, and directors to help encourage the production of original projects. Following the workshop, a writer (Sara Campos-‐Silvius) who participated and whose screenplay (“Power Chord”) was worked on in the workshop, successfully received funding from the Edmonton Arts Council. She cast another of the workshop participants in a lead role in the film, shot the short film “Power Chord”, and it’s now an official selection of the EIFF! Uniting as creatives really does help build us all up and empowers us as a community.
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