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Flush Ink Performing Arts Presents

THE ACTORS

It also takes an entire village to put on a show. Ours is growing…

Nike Abbott	Nike Abbott is a native of Kitchener-Waterloo. She spent the 90’s and the first part of the new century living in Toronto. There she worked in film and television casting as well as performing in comedy improv and sketch shows. She was both a writer and a performer and also a stage manager in the theatre scene. The call of the ivory tower drew her back home to Waterloo where she is studying English at the University of Waterloo Nike read for She Speaks 2008.
Shirley Barrie	SHIRLEY BARRIE (Toronto) Shirley Barrie is a Toronto playwright who has received two Chalmers Awards and a Dora Award for her work. Her newest play, Beautiful Lady, Tell Me…, a vaudeville musical murder mystery, will be produced at 4th Line Theatre, Millbrook in August, 2007.  Other recent productions:  the award winning one-act, Revelation (Alumnae New Ideas, Toronto Fringe), Possession (Alumnae New Ideas) and two new adaptations of old tales:  Hansel and Gretel (Geordie Theatre) and The Girl in the Flower Basket (Japanese Folklore Theatre Productions).  She was in South Africa for much of 2005/06 working as Senior Story Editor on Jozi-H (short for Johannesburg Hospital) , a 13 x one-hour TV medical drama series broadcast on CBC TV in Canada and SABC in South Africa. Shirley was a co-founder of the Tricycle Theatre in London, England and of Straight Stitching Productions in Toronto. Shirley participated in the 2007 readings of She Speaks.
Carol A. Badger	Carol A. Badger is thrilled to be involved with Flush Ink Productions for the first time. A big thank you to Paddy and Grace! She is a graduate of the University of Windsor BFA acting program. Some of her past Theatre credits include ‘Dentity Crises (Alumnae Theatre), Actor’s Nightmare (Alumnae Theatre), Rock around the Clock (Theatre Collingwood), Androcles and the Lion (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Globe Theatre Tour (Saskatchewan), Crimes of the Heart and The Perfect Manhattan ( Galt Little Theatre) and The Comedy of Errors (Guelph Little theatre). Carol would like to thank Stephan and Matt and Eric for their unconditional love and support. Carol read for She Speaks ‘08.
Terry Barna	TERRY BARNA is a Waterloo actor who has spent the last 8 years “re-chasing a dream” after 15 years in Corporate Canada. He has performed in almost 40 plays on stages throughout Ontario during this chase, including 11 productions at Waterloo Stage Theatre, and 4 at Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia. He has also had the honour of originating roles in 3 Norm Foster productions, and 2 other Canadian plays. For those of you with Rogers Cable TV, Terry can be seen every day co-hosting “dayime”, the region’s favourite talk show. This summer, you will be able to see Terry at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, performing in “Harvest”, a wonderful play about a couple who unwittingly rent their farm house to a young man who turns it into a marijuana grow-op. Fun times ensue! Terry read for She Speaks ‘09.
Helen Basson	HELEN BASSON has worked in professional theatre for over 30 years.  At  the Stratford Shakespeare Festival she has worked as a seamstress,  design assistant and is currently employed as Wardrobe Mistress of the  Tom Patterson Theatre.  She has toured North America with the  Stratford Festival and with Toronto's Mirvish Productions working at  the great stages of Canada's National Arts Centre, Washington's  Kennedy Centre and the Virginia Theatre on Broadway (and countless  theatres in between - never Boise though).  Helen also designs and co- ordinates costumes for Wilfrid Laurier University's  Opera and Drama  productions.  In her spare time Helen sings with the Grand  Philharmonic Choir, enjoys Yoga classes with her husband, time with  her Grandson and family and dancing with her cat. Helen read for She Speaks ’08 & ’09.
Robin Bennett	Robin Bennett is thrilled to be a part of Flush Ink Productions.  Robin most recently appeared as Norman in 'Table Manners'. Other appearances include, Valmont in 'Dangerous Liasons' (Best Actor 2008), the Old Man in Craig Lucas' 'Prelude to a Kiss' (Best Supporting Actor 2006), Serge in Yasmina Reza's 'Art',  Doctor Miranda in Ariel Dorfmann's 'Death and the Maiden' and Tom Duncan in Norm Foster's 'Maggie's Getting Married'. Directing credits include two Asphalt Jungle V plays for Flush Ink,  'The Affections of May' by Norm Foster (June 2010), 'Queen Milli of Galt' (Best Director, Best Production 2009) by Gary Kirkham, 'The Vagina Monologues', 'Alien Guest', 'The Perfect Manhattan' (Best Production 2005), 'No Exit', 'Keeping Tom Nice', and 'The Woman in Black'. Robin has studied with the British American Drama Academy and the Juilliard School.  He would like to thank all those wonderful people who understand a passion must be observed. Robin acted in AJS III.
Samuel Liam Bentley	SAMUEL LIAM BENTLEY was part of the stage crew throughout high school.  He had his first agent by five and has been in several films and television shows.  He has taken several drama courses, including a three week Shakespeare intensive with Prof. Leslie O’Dell, when he was eight.  Sam performed in Asphalt Jungle Hot Pants.
Kristopher Bowman	Kristopher, a Kitchener native, has been performing since the age of fourteen. His most recent credits include, KWLT’s production of What the Butler Saw, and his several roles in Shaking the Dew from the Lilies. More recently, Kris was in Asphalt Jungle Shorts I & II, performed for She Speaks and played Hamlet in KWLT's production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Kris’s passion on the stage include improv, clown work and dinner theatre. “Comedy in any and every form, is so necessary today, I’m only happy to help. If I had a wife and kids, I’d thank them for their support.” Kris is off doing some wonderful things. Keep an eye out for him. Kris performed in Shaking the Dew from the Lilies, AJS I, II, III and She Speaks ‘07.
Jessalyn Broadfoot	JESSALYN BROADFOOT is a 21 year-old, small-town-raised fan of life! She is a 4th year student at the University of Waterloo, double majoring in Drama and Speech Communication. Her theatre credits go way back to high school with her favourite role being an ensemble member of Godspell, singing "Turn Back, O Man." Most recently, her involvement includes Beth in Single & Sexy '08, the Lil' Coochie Snorcher That Could in The Vagina Monologues, and Jessalyn/Pie Singer in Differ/End: The Caledonia Project, which has toured to Kitchener City Hall and Calabria, Italy. Jessalyn has also co-directed/produced The Vagina Monologues at the University of Waterloo for the past two years. She likes to sing and loves to challenge herself in theatre that does the unexpected. Jessalyn joined us for She Speaks 2010. Jessalyn performed in She Speaks ’10 and AJS VI - in ENIGMAS, SUCH AS WE & LIPSTICK CIGARETTES and SUCH AS WE. She was also a creator/actor in THE FEAR PROJECT – UnHinged 2011.
Ashley Burton	Ashley is an actress, singer, dancer and educator who is an active member of the Canadian Theatrical community. Ashley is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts where she was the recipient of the Eileen Farrell Triple Threat Award. She is currently in her second season at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival where she plays the “Circus Kit Kat Girl” in CABARET and also performed in OKLAHOMA in 2007.  Favorite past credits include “Lisa” in MAMMA MIA, “Jasmine cover/Harem Girl” in DISNEY’S ALADDIN, “Angie” in the CTV television series INSTANT STAR, "Texas" in CABARET, and "Rose" in LES BELLES SOEURES. You might also recognize Ashley in the Milk Hip Hop Commercial “Want Milk”. Her next upcoming television appearance will be her character of Sholana Peach in THE LASTEST BUZZ IN '09. Ashley plans to continue to write and perform in her own shows while continuing her work in theater, film and television. She also takes great pride of her continual work with the community of young aspiring performing artists. To learn more about Ashley's work visit her website HERE. Ashley was the producer, director and writer of her own work, NONA’S PARTY part of UNHINGED ’08. - performed in the gazeebo on Victoria Park Isand.
Rachel Clark	Growing up in the small town of Elmira, Rachel found her true love....performing. The only problem was-she was terribly shy, to the point of remaining completely silent. Her parents then encouraged her to dance at Encore Dance Studio where she trained, competed and taught for many years. In high school this once shy little girl began vocal lessons and achieved her royal conservatory grade 8 voice examination. In the fall of 2002 Rachel landed the role of "Anne" in KWMP's Anne of Green Gables performed at the Centre in the Square. The show proved to be a wonderful success and her happiest moment yet. In the winter of 2003 Rachel was scouted and sent to dance in Hawaii at the pro-bowl half time show. That fall she began school in Toronto at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. The summer of 2005 Rachel graduated and moved home out of the city. Currently she teaches dance, and works at group homes with the handicapped, sharing her joy of music with them. This past summer she performed in "With a Song for Hope" at Waterloo Entertainment Centre to raise money for cancer. Rachel is thrilled to be performing with such a knowledgeable group of professionals, one being a memorable teacher from Randolph. She hopes this is only the beginning of her career to act, sing, dance and move people's spirits through the art of theatre. Rachel performed in AJS I.
Jennifer Cornish	JENNIFER CORNISH began studying acting at the age of 8 and has been annoying people with silly voices and obscure play references ever since.  Recent, other, theatrical credits include: Queen Milli of Galt, Les Liasons Dangereuses, As Bees In Honey Drown, Money And Friends, "Alien Guest" (Galt) and Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (KWLT).  She assist-directed the 2008 Galt charity performance of Vagina Monologues and was lately seen in the interactive film project, American Shot (GUIST Productions) for 2009 CAFKA.  Her first play, Permit Me Please was performed in less than a minute in AJS IV. Jennifer is part of Urban Scrawlers. Her portrayal of the Groucho"-esque Master of Ceremonies in Asphalt Jungle Shorts V (2009) will remain one of her favourites for a long time. Plus, she got to keep the tux. Jennifer performed in AJS III, IV & V and read for She Speaks ’08, ’01, ’10, ‘11. Jennifer also performed in Quantum Entanglement, part of Unhinged, produced by Kinetic Friction – performed at ArtBar in the Centre in the Square. Jennifer co-wrote SOCK TO ME with Roger Sumner in AJS VI and wrote & directed MASCARA IS NOT A TOO OF THE PATRIARCHY in She Speaks ’11.
Nicholas Cumming	Nicholas Cumming is a local theatre creator with a BA in Drama and English from the University of Waterloo. He has been a company member of the Multicultural Theatre Space since 2004. He has appeared in Exit Strategy, Yes or No!, Seasons of Immigration, Legion of Memory I + II, Me Here/Me Happy, Motio X Industria, and Three Legged Horse with the MT Space; Tennessee Williams’ I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow with Poor Tom Productions; Asphalt Jungle Shorts I, II & III with Flush Ink; and Mimetic Flesh/Mimetic Hotel, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Spring Awakening with UW Drama. He directed and wrote The Children’s Crusade for the UPStart Fringe 2007, and HE for UPStart 2004.  He is a poet and playwright currently working on several plays with Pat the Dog, KW’s professional playwrights’ development centre. He is also a member of the earthling collective, whose WARMER project is examining the environment and human dynamics in a local context. Nick performed in AJS I, II, III & V and read for She Speaks ’07 & ‘09. Nick also performed in COPY PROTECTION in UNHINGED ’08 and TIMED RELEASE & KITCHEN SYNC in UNHINGED ’09.
Deb Deckert	Deb Deckert is a long time member of the Elmira Theatre Company she has been recognized with numerous awards for her acting and directing, most recently winning a coveted spot in the Western Ontario Drama League Festival for her direction of “Ten Times Two”. Some of her favourite roles include Carmen in “Cooking with Gus”, Annette in “Hamish” and Dolly Levi in “Hello Dolly” with Elmira, and Lady Bracknell in “The Importance of Being Earnest” with JM Drama of Kitchener. Deb was also in the award winning production of “Clue, the Musical” with Theatre Guelph and has performed in six of Guelph’s popular Spirit Walks. Deb also loves to sing, performing with the group “Approximately Jazz Deb read for She Speaks 2008.
Emma Dines	EMMA DINES is an Independent Studies student at the University of Waterloo, which basically means that she gets to study whatever the hell she wants, and gets credit for it. This wonderful program has given her the chance to study a wide range of unconventional subjects such as contemplative practices and education, comparative theories of yoga and theatre and ecological and cultural sustainability. Emma loves grassroots and community theatre, and in her first year at UW brought the Vagina Monologues to her campus, directing the production for the first two years. She is looking forward to taking over the KW downtown with AJSV, and bringing theatre out of the theatre and back into the streets. Emma will be performing in FUNNY STORY & MUCK.
Jesse Aaron Dwyre	Jesse Aaron Dwyre Jesse has performed on stages across Canada in contemporary and classical roles; Harry Becker in Counsellor-at-Law (Theatre Calgary), Lysander in Midsummer Nights Dream(Driftwood Theatre), Henry in Get Away (Alberta Theatre Projects), Sherman in Blacks Don’t Bowl (BlackTheatreWorkshop), Shade in Silverwing (MTYP Winnipeg), and Pol in Bungsu (Odyssey Theatre). Jesse was nominated Best Supporting Actor by the Betty Mitchell Awards for his Ben in Of the Fields, Lately (Theatre Calgary). Film work includes leading roles in Imitation as Fenton , Adam in Adam’s Wall and also Golen in The Cats, which he recently shot in Istanbul. Television credits include; Mary Shelly, Apocalypse 10.5 ( NBC) and Romeo in Shakespeare’s Words and Music (Bravo). A native of Kingston Ontario, Jesse is a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada, and The Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training. Jesse read in She Speaks ’09.
Andrew Frey	Andrew jumped into theatre seven years ago and has been an enthusiastic participant ever since. Favourite shows include Hamish – Elmira Theatre Company, The Melville Boys and Out of Order – Theatre Three-Eleven, and The Weir – Next Level Theatre. In fact, he liked The Weir so much, he will be appearing in Theatre Three-Eleven's production of it next spring. Andrew performed in AJS III and played the part of Evan in WHITE NOISE – UNHINGED ’09.
Paddy Gillard-Bentley	PADDY GILLARD-BENTLEY, most recently performed in The Vagina Monologues, Leave Taking, and Pamphilia. Her first play, not counting the backyard extravaganza’s where a blanket clothes-pegged to the wash-line was the stage, was George and the Dragon. She played the Doctor, wearing a stuffed top hat. She was six. After that, it was KWLT and Wurst Players Around and musicals...which was great...really...’cept for all that singin’ and dancin’. Paddy had a cameo in AJS I and read for She Speaks ’07 & ‘09.
Athena Guy	Athena Guy was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario. Most recently she worked with MT Space for the 4th year in a play called Behind the Veil . A wonderful short that presents the facts and issues amongst Muslims and their "stereo-typed" culture. Athena is very eager to work with Director Nicole Lee Quensel and new cast members. This play reminds Athena of British comedy and hopes to play it quite cleverly. Athena is working on getting into Stratford's Conservatory Program and The Banff Centre in Alberta. Her ultimate goal is to win an Oscar! Athena performed in DEAD CAT BOUNCE, produced by Cat Free Productions, performed beside One-eyed Jacks. – part of UNHINGED ‘08.
Kate Gregg	KATE GREGG spends a lot of her time as Aunt Dot, dressed in wild outfits and drawing laughter from deep inside children’s bellies. Kate has been a professional entertainer since 1975, performing an excess of 5,000 shows. Kate is also proud to be a busker, a predominantly male dominated profession. Kate read for She Speaks 2008.
Sasha Gruetzmacher	SASHA studied voice, always performing in school choirs and led the first Student-conducted choir in Kitchener. As for theatre, she was in all the high school plays but most notably was the title role in "Who will call Him King of Kings" in a musical produced at the Waterloo Mennonite Brethern Church. She performed in Sanguine Sonata in Asphalt Jungle Hot Pants. She’s an interesting blend of polymath, biology, engineering and visual art, poetry and guitar. Sasha performed in Asphalt Jungle Hot Pants, She Speaks, 2012 and is part of Urban Scrawlers. Sash is the President of Flush Ink Productions.
Noah Hicks	Recently graduated from Redeemer University College with a B.A. in Theatre Arts, Noah is a Hamilton based actor who is thrilled to be stretching himself all the way to Kitchener. Past acting credits include Everyman in Everyman , Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof , Mark in Final Decisions (WAR), and most recently, Snoopy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown , which was put on by The Essential Players, a production company Noah helped found two years ago. As well as acting, Noah has also built sets, hung lights, managed stages and been involved in almost every aspect of theatrical production (they still won’t let him near makeup for some reason). After Dead Cat Bounce finishes, it is back to Hamilton for Theatre Ancaster's production of Beauty and the Beast . Noah is especially grateful to his parents, who have always applauded the loudest.  Noah performed in DEAD CAT BOUNCE, produced by Cat Free Productions, performed beside One-eyed Jacks. – part of UNHINGED ‘08.
Nada Humsi	Nada Humsi is considered an important artist in avant-garde and experimental theatre in the Arab world and the first female professional mime in Syria. Nada was the first woman who wrote and performed a monodrama in Syria; The Option (1988), directed by Riad Ismat. She also played leading roles in dozens of plays and non-verbal monodramas and toured Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, the united Arab Emirates, France, Scheck republic, Bulgaria, Romania, India, Japan, united states and Canada. Her recent acting credits include parts in: The Last 15 Seconds, The other End of the line, Across the Veil, Motion X Industria, Me… Here, Me…Happy, MT Space Theatre Company, Kitchener, Ontario, The Meet, Salam-Lotus for Art Creators, Tokamachi, Japan, The Dawn and Twilight of a girl Named Yasmeen and Woman…Women, Mosaic Art Production, Syria and the Canadian-Iraqi Society, York wood theatre, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, Rouge and Peasants theatre Company, Kingston, Ontario. The Unborn Child by Diana Manole, performed at the Canadian stage Theatre. Nada was awarded: Best Actress, The Non-Verbal International Theatre Festival, 1993, Calcutta, India; Best Performer, Toyama Theatre Festival, 1992, Toyama, Japan; Best Actress, Carthage International theatre Festival, Tunis, Tunisia. Nada produced and performed in WOMAN...WOMEN in UNHINGED ’09.
Rusa Jeremic	Rusa Jeremic began her studies in the York University Theatre Performance Program and ended them with a Masters in Political Science with several stints volunteering overseas as a Human Rights observer in between. Naturally, working as a lobbyist and activist led Rusa full circle back to the theatre. In 2007, growing nostalgic for her first love – comedy – Rusa graduated from the Second City Conservatory Program.  She hasn’t looked back since. A regular at Toronto’s Bad Dog Theatre you can catch her in the popular Harold Show or MacroNeato among others.  Developing the satirical website HarperGirl is a dream come true. HarperGirl merges Rusa’s love of politics, comedy, and satire. Harper Girl Does Canada brings it to life with hilariously ridiculous results. Rusa performed in Harper Girl Does Canada – hot off the Canadian Fringe – for UNHINGED ’09 at Herrschner’s Quality Crafts.
George Joyce	GEORGE JOYCE’S theatrical involvement spans 40 years, during which he has acted in, directed or produced over 80 plays and musicals throughout Ontario and the Maritimes, including work with Stephenville Festival, Neptune Theatre; Theatre & Company; Tribal Productions; Drayton, Theatre Cambridge and Flush Ink Productions where he directed their first production, Shaking the Dew from the Lilies. George also has a number of television and film roles to his credit including Sleeping Dogs, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, 2006. George directed Shaking the Dew from the Lilies in 2002, and acted in UnHinged 2011.
Brian Z. Kelly	Brian Z. Kelly would be writing things from plays to lyrics, he would be acting, maybe even try his hand at directing, he would finish his short film, resume his photographic passion, play his guitar on every decent beach in the world and he would have a really cool puppet tv show if he could realize that his life is no longer insanely busy. Brian excels at flying a stunt kite perched on top of a huge hay bale, while connecting deliveries across the country on his blackberry. He plays soccer, coaches soccer but more than all these things, he loves to hang out with his son, Liam. Brian was our M.C. for She Speaks 2007 & 2008, and has done most of the promo shots for Asphalt Jungle Shorts. He is also on the Board of Flush Ink Performing Arts and our General Manager. Brian read for She Speaks ’09 & ‘11 and performed in AJS V and AJS VI.
Dorothy Ferr	DOROTHY FERR’S past Theatre credits include: Volumnia in Coriolanus (KW Youth Theatre); Katie Payne in Thinking Outside the Box (Nancy Tam); Iago in Othello (KW Youth Theatre); Lady Macduff in Macbeth (KW Youth Theatre); Kate in The Taming of the Shrew (The Player’s Theatre); Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet (KW Youth Theatre). Dorothy would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and all her directors for their encouraging support.
Tracey Kenyon	Tracey Kenyon is proud to be working with Flush Ink Productions Inc. She has been an active member in theatre for the past 16 years. Her favourite stage credits include Flush Inks Productions of “Asphalt Jungle Shorts I, II & III”, Elmira Theatre’s “Ten times Two” (Constance et al), and Theatre in the Trees’ “Funny Valentine” (Zan). Throughout the year, Tracey can also be seen performing murder mysteries and comedy improv shows with the Mysterious Players. Tracey acted in AJS I, II, III, IV & V and read for She Speaks ’07, ’08 & ‘09. Tracey also performed in ROCK ‘EM DEAD produced by Mysterious Players part of UNHINGED.
Will Kernohan	M r Kernohan is deliquescent and once did an advertisement for Smirnoff vodka. He collects meteorites and lives in Scotland in a house with no furniture. Will performed in Quantum Entanglement, part of Unhinged, produced by Kinetic Friction –at ArtBar - the Centre in the Square.
Gary Kirkham	GARY KIRKHAM is a playwright, actor, filmmaker, et al. His play, Queen Milli of Galt, won the Samuel French Canadian Playwriting Competition and will be part of the 2007 Blyth Festival Season. His one act play, Look, was adapted into a short film staring Mike Peng and Alan Sapp. His newest play, Falling: A Wake, will premiere at the Registry Theatre March 15-24, 2007! Gary is a member of Lost & Found Theatre. He has also acted with Theatre & Company and most recently, MT Space, touring in their version of The Season of Immigration. Gary spent years as an improviser with several comedy troupes including Mental Floss and was in The Second City’s Master class. And, if you didn’t blink, you might have seen him in several sketches on The Kids in the Hall. As a filmmaker, Gary filming Bard on the Street, a series of Shakespearean monologues performed on locations throughout the region. Gary performed in AJS I and read for SHE SPEAKS ’07, ’08 & ’09.
Mark Kochut	MARK KOCHUT is coming out of retirement for this AJS – on many levels. Mark got a taste for theatre in high school in North Bay - the theatre hotbed of North America. During his summers, his involvement with The Unicorn Theatre honed such diverse skills as set-building to a role in Streetcar Named Desire – “Hot tamales! Get your red-hot tamales!” Since then, he’s embarked on a quest to find the perfect job, which may not exist. Mark enjoys ball hockey, stunt kite-flying and online poker. He is an amateur mycologist who most loves to spend time with his two favourite ladies – his wife and his daughter. Mark acted in AJS IV.
Carol Lewis	CAROL LEWIS is delighted to be part of this celebration of International Women’s Day. She is a member of several local community theatre groups. Last summer Carol won an award at a one-act play festival as “The Sweetest Little Mom in the World” for her role as 'Mrs. Spiller' in ‘Autumn Blooming’. Most recently Carol narrated the role of 'Death' in Distler’s ‘Dance of Death’ with the Menno Singers in Kitchener. Carol read for She Speaks 2008 and acted in ASJ IV.
Marlena Martins	MARLENA MARTINS is Kitchener’s own versatile, multi-faceted Psychic, 'Lady of the Angels' and hypnotherapist, this grandmother of three has trained in Metaphysics, Paranormal Phenomena, Dance, Yoga, Herbalism & Art, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sydney, Australia and Chiang Mai, Thailand'. This will be her foray into the theatre world.
Lisa Massaro	LISA MASSARO is a dancer, actor, tour guide, amateur computer programmer, and all around performer. Past acting credits include Masks on Meds, The Doctors of the Commedia Dell’Arte, FASS Theatre Company at the University of Waterloo, and various school projects. Lisa is studying Psychology and Drama at the University of Waterloo.
Ian McKellar	IAN McKELLAR is excited to be a part of AJS for the first time. He has been involved in community theatre for about five years now, working mostly with Theatre Guelph and Elmira Theatre Company. Ian is currently attending the University of Waterloo for Arts, and hopes to one day decide where he wants to go from there. Ian has performed in AJS V, VI, VII, VIII.
Katharine Mills	KATHARINE MILLS most recently appeared as Milli in Galt Little Theatre's production of Queen Milli of Galt. Other recent performances include stalking the Asphalt Jungle in various guises, appearances in Poor Tom Productions' I Can't Imagine Tomorrow and Still Life In Leather, and What!sInThere? Productions' Children's Crusade and Copy Protection (the latter of which was included in Unhinged 2008). She is a poet, designer, and painter, studies singing, movement, and clown, and is perpetually fascinated by the interconnectedness of everything. Katharine has performed in AJS II, III, IV & V and read for She Speaks ’08 & ‘09. Katharine also acted in COPY PROTECTION and UNDERTOW, both part of UNHINGED ’08 and TIMED RELEASE – UNHINGED ’09.
Carolina Miranda	CAROLINA MIRANDA is a performer from Brazil, where she was part of AGORA – CDT, a very active theatre company in her country. She holds a B.A. in Portuguese and English Language and Literature from the Universidade de Sao Paulo. Carolina moved to Canada in August 2003, and has since studied with a number of eminent teachers such as Sue Morrison, Mike Kennard and David Smukler. She joined the MT Space in Nijinsky: through a window and in October 2004. She had her debut on Canadian screens playing the leading role in the short film Moving by Ian Kennedy. She has recently finished shooting Baby by Tijuana Lane. Carolina read for She Speaks 2007.
Douglas Morton	This is Douglas' second Asphalt Jungle Shorts, although she has been heavily involved in local theatre for many years. With KW Little Theatre, she has played the roles of Mort, Brutus, and most recently Guildenstern to Roger Sumner's Rosencrantz (and Kris Bowman's Hamlet) in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. When not acting, she's been doing puppet shows, science shows and modeling nude for Universities and local studios. Having recently realized that she's transgender, Douglas would like to thank the people of KW for being overall very Queer friendly. Yay diversity! Douglas performed in AJS II, III & IV & VIII
Brian Otto	Brian Otto is a busy actor and singer who currently is an active member of three community theatre groups and The Renaissance Singers, and has worked with most of the other groups in the region in the past 20+ years.  He's also worked extensively as a professional in plays and musicals with theatres around the province.  Currently, Brian is rehearsing "The Merchant of Venice" in Guelph, and producing a musical revue to be staged at the Registry Theatre in September.  He feels really honored to be asked to participate in this festival. Brian read for She Speaks 2008.
Joyce Pedder	Joyce Pedder is originally from Manchester, England. She is a member of  K.W. Silver Stars Theatre Group. Productions Joyce has appeared in include: Canadian Eh!, Silver Stars Shine, The Attic, Eileen Vale in Waiting for Heaven, Cleo in Just Ordinary People, and Bag Full of Miracles  (upcoming in May 2008). Joyce has appeared in Elmira Theatre and Company productions At the Mall and Dear Ruth. She has also acted out various characters with  the Harmony Interage Theatre, an elder abuse drama and mime group, and enjoys ice dancing and singing with the " Merry Melodies". When not involved with theatre, she enjoys square dancing and studying Bible Prophecy. Joyce read for She Speaks 2008.
Shelagh Ranalli	Shelagh loves the idea of taking theatre to the streets, literally!   Asphalt Jungle Shorts offers Shelagh a great opportunity to connect with former cast mates and artists after a 3 year hiatus. Previously, Shelagh has acted in productions with Waterloo Stage Theatre, KWMP and Theatre & Company.  Her most favourite production was Paddy Gillard-Bentley's renown creation, Shaking The Dew From The Lilies, where she had the honour of portraying the intoxicating Aja. Shelagh resides in Kitchener with her lovely children, Charlotte and Joseph." Shelagh performed in Shaking the Dew from the Lilies, AJS I & II & V and She Speaks 2007 & 2009.
Brendan Schaefer	Brendan has been involved in Theatre off and on for the past 40 years, starting off his career at age 3 playing the role of a servant boy in a college production of The Makado. Brendan completed his degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Arizona in 1990, and spent a number of years with Theatre & Company in Kitchener in the 1990s, when it was still a small ensemble of dedicated starving artists. Favourite roles from that period include Johann in The Shunning and Trisotin in The Sisterhood, as well as the role of Technical Director, Production Manager, Box Office Manager, Lighting Director, and Chief Cook & Bottle Washer in many other productions. From there, he moved on to San Diego to work with Lamb’s Players. More recently, Brendan has appeared in a few short plays, including a number of the Asphalt Jungle productions in downtown Kitchener, as well as working with Lost & Found Theatre as a set builder and technician on many of their illustrious productions. Brendan performed in AJS I & II. Brendan also performed in DEAD CAT BOUNCE part of UNHINGED ‘08.
Emily Schooley	Emily Schooley is an actor/writer/photographer/perfectionist, and is absolutely thrilled to return to theatre to be a part of She Speaks. Recently, she has acted with several local film companies, including K - Drew Productions, Mars on Mars Productions, and FBN Multimedia; with the latter, she is working on an upcoming TV series, A Shadow Shall Fall. When not out and about doing creative things, she lives in half a Victorian house with five cats and a supportive partner, who serves as a useful alibi for any claims of "crazy cat lady." Emily read for She Speaks 2008 & 2009.
Brigitte Schuster	Brigitte (Gita) Schuster is the owner of Growing In The Arts where she is a Therapeutic Expressive Arts Facilitator who has been engaging children & adults through the arts for 22 years. She is a Theraplay® Practitioner, a recognized supporting member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association & spent 5 years as a Child & Youth Worker. GITA spent 12 years as Artistic Director of Playing On the Moon Children’s Theatre Arts Centre where her students have won over 200 first place awards at the Kiwanis Drama Festival & can now be seen in major movie, stage and T.V. roles. Currently GITA is the director of the children’s drama department at the Waterloo Community Arts Centre/The Button Factory. GITA is a two- time nominee of the KW Woman of the Year Award & a three-time nominee for a KW Arts Award; all in recognition for her outstanding contributions to children in the arts. However, GITA’s greatest creation to date is her beautiful & smart 11-year-old daughter MacKensey and twin 8-year-old boys Eric and Quinn. ‘Gita’ read for She Speaks ’08 & ‘09.
Brian Scott	BRIAN SCOTT will be taking his first steps on stage since High School during A Grave Familiarity. Brian has spent the past 15 years supporting cultural production in and around Kitchener, helping many, many artists realize their dreams. Brian read for She Speaks 2008.
Kathleen Sheehy	Kathleen is a founding member of Lost & Found Theatre, and prior to that was a member of the ensemble at Theatre & Company. Most recently she appeared as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night in a collaborative project with UW’s Dept of Drama, and just before that, in Falling: A Wake by fellow L&F member Gary Kirkham. Favourite roles include Dorothea in Eleemosynary, Bubbie in Crossing Delancey, Claire in A Delicate Balance and Stacy in Some Assembly Required. Her free time is filled with reading, cooking for friends, and her faithful Lab, Piper. Kathleen performed in AJS I and directed in several others. She read in She Speaks ’09.
Jessica Singh	JESSICA SINGH was raised in Kitchener/Waterloo, growing up in a world of the performing arts. She has been dancing for sixteen years, and hopes to be doing so as long as her body will let her. She began acting in her first year of high school in drama classes. She competed in the Sears Drama Festival from grade nine to grade twelve, doing a variety of shows from student- written plays to Into the Woods, playing the Baker’s Wife. After high school, Jessica enrolled in the University of Waterloo’s English program, while still taking drama courses, which include Introduction to theatre courses as well as beginner acting. Currently, she is in her second year at the University of Waterloo as a proud drama major. She is looking forward to her second year as she’s been cast in The Vagina Monologues held by the university. She has been taking intermediate acting courses offered to drama majors at Waterloo, as well as technical theatre courses. She is working on the tech work for her school’s production of Arcadia, and has just finished working on Masks on Meds. In the near future, Jessica hopes to get her bachelors in Drama and move on to teachers college, to teach high school drama and English. Jessica read in SHE SPEAKS ’10.
John Slavik	JOHN GRIFFITH SLAVIK, erstwhile philosophy student and miner, finds meaning in the depths of the Sylliad. Born in London, Ontario, bundled off to Vancouver at three days of age and raised around the factories and farms of Kitchener, John Slavik inexplicably found himself at age 18 pretending to be a miner in Northwestern Ontario. Plumbing the depths of the earth, his soul and pretense, he took the logical leap int6o...philosophy. It was whilst pretending to be an existentialist at Wilfred Laurier University, that Slavik finally realized he was acting. Since then, he has never looked back (nor forward, for that matter). Slavik joyously portrayed the hapless knight, Sir Gawian, in the Clay and Paper workshop production of Gold, in the summer of 2001, and the full production of Gold in 2001, regardless – he says – of incurring every category of injury, thus he returned to perform Zeus and Hector in The Sylliad, and to dance the dance of death. Apart from Sir Gawian, Slavik’s other favourite roles have been the narrator in Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank, and the multiple character demands in The Story Chain. Most recently, he played the role of Charlie in the short film, A Well-Lit Life. John will read for She Speaks ’10.
Abigail Slinger	ABIGAIL SLINGER. Although a relative newcomer to the stage, Ms. Slinger will be entering her Second Year of an English and Theatre Studies Hon. BA program at the University of Guelph this September.  In 2008, she appeared in Guelph Little Theatre's ensemble production of The Curious Savage and landed the role of Constanze in Galt Little Theatre's 2009 production of Amadeus (Western Ontario Drama League selection).  Abigail joined Flush Ink Productions for Asphalt Jungle Shorts VI, where she performed One Night, Double-Edged Word & Necrosexology and wants to thank Ms. Gillard-Bentley for giving her the opportunity to help make some freakin' amazing art! Abigail read THE OTHER SHOE & STUPID AND TERRIBLE in She Speaks ’11, and was part of AJS VI.
Lindsay Stewart	Lindsay Stewart has been a fixture in the region's arts and entertainment scene for more than two decades. As a singer and well regarded songwriter, he made the college radio charts and continues to record original material. He co-wrote a song that reached the finals of the 1994 CFNY New Music Search and has received airplay around the world. As a writer, he has published articles, features and interviews regionally and internationally covering theatre, music, politics and culture. His performance resume includes appearances in numerous television and film productions, most notably portraying Jimi Hendrix's producer Eddie Kramer in an MGM/Showtime feature. He portrayed a gun toting villain along side Milla Jovovich in .45, a jungle warrior in 16 episodes of Peter Benchley's Amazon and a variety of criminals, medieval warriors and small character parts. As a founding member of the board of directors of Flush Ink Performing Arts, Lindsay brings his unique talents and experience to the table. He operates a small video production company under the name GNP Moving Pictures, archives and produces the Flush Ink events and has been sought out by some of the regions finest musical talents as a videographer. He is a three time nominee for the region's performing arts awards. Lindsay read for She Speaks, ’07 and performed in AJS V.
Krista Sweeney	RISTA SWEENEY Krista is delighted to be making her Asphalt Jungle Shorts debut. Krista’s last performance was with a five-woman show with Inter Arts Matrix in 2009. Prior to that, she starred as Cynthia in Flush Ink’s production of Shaking the Dew From the Lilies at the Registry Theatre (2002). Krista has also performed with KW Musical Productions, (A Christmas Carol in 2007) and made her professional debut at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii. Although a lifetime ago, she fondly remembers her many leading roles at the University of Waterloo, including Chicago, Romeo & Juliet and Agnes of God. Her most challenging, yet rewarding, role to date is that of Mom to Paige, James, and Claire. P.S. I thank you. Krista performed in THE THINGS THEY DON”T TELL US & THE PERFECT MATCH in AJS VI.
Roger Sumner	Roger Sumner has appeared in every AJS show to date. In addition, you may have seen him playing downtown in both Unhinged festivals, She Speaks and the WARMER Project. He also just sort of turns up a lot. A dedicated dilettante and confirmed niobium addict, Roger likes to play with words, obsolete weapons, improvised musical instruments and gravity. Roger has performed in AJS I, II, III, IV, V & VI. Roger also performed in UNDERTOW part of UNHINGED presented by Warmer. He read for She Speaks ’09, ’10, ’11.
Arlene Thomas	ARLENE R. THOMAS is a local actor and producer and co-founder of Shadow Puppet Theatre. She is a graduate of the University of Windsor’s B.F.A-acting program and since then has appeared in numerous productions both in and outside Waterloo Region. Past productions include Asphalt Jungle Shorts I, II and III, Zazztrozzi, and Shadow Puppet Theatre’s Macbeth for which she was both performer and producer. She is now hard at work on Shadow Puppet Theatre’s next project, Faust, which is being produced in conjunction with The Centre for German Studies and for which she has received a grant from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. Arlene acted in AJS I, II, III, IV, V & VI, and read for She Speaks ‘07, ‘08, ’09, ’10 & ‘11. Arlene played the role of Jenna in WHITE NOISE, part of UNHINGED ’09.
Tanya Williams	Tanya Williams has been directing, facilitating & performing dance & theatre for over 15 years and draws on her experience in physical theatre, forum and environmental theatre, movement and sound improvisation, choreography, modern dance, aikido, contact improvisation, clown, and Alexander Technique movement education.  Her adventures have found her creating dance films on the shores of Ireland and in the canyons of Utah, and collaborative community theatre and dance on school buses, in ruined mills, malls, and inner city alleyways.  Most recently, she performed with The MT Space in Season of Immigration to the West, and with Friends of the Floor, as part of Nudge: The Something Spintacular. Tanya performed in AJS II & III. Tanya also performed in UNDERTOW, part of UNHINGED ’08 produced by Warmer, and KITCHEN SYNC, part of UNHINGED ’09.
Mari Trainor	MARI TRAINOR has worked as a professional actor over the past 35 years in theatre (both national and regional), film and TV. Most recently, she had the pleasure of portraying “Florence Foster Jenkins” in the highly successful production of Glorious! for Theatre By the Bay. Some highlights include: Jane Bingham– Having Hope at Home, Peggy – Weekend Comedy, both for the Red Barn Theatre; Beggar Woman – Sweeney Todd (Regent Theatre); Jennie Jones/Mrs. Waters in the new musical Tom Jones (Tarragon). Mari originated the role of Jennyanydots in the Toronto production of CATS; Auntie Em/Glinda – Wizard of Oz, Elmire/Mme. DuGrande – world premiere of Napoleon (Elgin Theatre); Electra/Miss Cratchet – Gypsy (Stratford Festival); Fanny in Cavalcade and Frisco Kate in Girl Crazy (Shaw Festival); Marta – Waiting for the Parade (National Arts Centre); Maria – Twelfth Night (Theatre New Brunswick). Other film/TV credits include – Godsend, Tracker, Jet Jackson, Sister Mary Explains It All, Under the Piano and the recurring role of “Molly” in The Road to Avonlea television series. Mari is the voice of Coach and Dr. Bear in the animated children's series Franklin the Turtle. Mari read for She Speaks ’09 and we were happy to have her join us from St. Mary’s
Hector Vasquez	HECTOR VASQUEZ – cellist - was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He began his musical training at the National Conservatory of his native city with the Belgian maestro Leon Roy. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Violoncelle performance) at the National Conservatory in Puerto Rico with Adolfo Odnopossof and the internationally renowned Catalonian cellist Pablo Casals. He then studied with Claus Kanngiesser at Germany’s Musikhochschule of the Saarland in Saarbrucken, and later also with maestro Sir William Pleeth in London, England, and with the Brazilian maestro Aldo Parisot at Yale University. While in England, Hector played period instruments with “The Early Cello Consort,” touring the United Kingdom and Europe. Hector has been principal cellist of the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, Soloist of Venezuela, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra. In Florida, where he lived in 2000-2003, he was principal cellist at the Florida Grand Opera, Miami Symphony Orchestra, Florida Chamber Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Pops, and Boca Pops. In Canada since 2004, Hector has played with the Waterloo Chamber Players, the Waterloo Community Orchestra, and he has been principal cellist of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as soloist with the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, Soloist of Venezuela, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Camerata de Solistas, Florida Chamber Orchestra, Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and the Antioquia Symphony Orchestra, Medellin, Colombia. Hector is also active as a recitalist. His many recitals have included the Conrad Grebel Noon Recitals; K-W Chamber Music Society; various series in Colombia, including those in Bogotá, Cali, and Medellin; the Teatro Teresa in Carreno, Venezuela; and the Carnegie Recital Hall, New York. Hector Vasquez will perform the Haydn Cello Concerto in D Major with the Waterloo Chamber Players in April 2008. And he will perform Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra in March 2008. Hector will be performing in ONE NIGHT – not every night.
Jane Watson	JANE WATSON is thrilled to participate in the burgeoning creative movement in Kitchener and to be a part of She Speaks, reading Rasputin’s Organ, as a part of the celebration of International Women’s Day. This past spring you may have seen her performing Shakespearean scenes with her husband John, joined by the musical mastery of the Tactus vocal ensemble in several collaborative concerts called Rhyme and Reason and A Day in the Life of Will. You may also see her this May performing at the Registry Theatre with Lost & Found Theatre in John Mighton’s masterful play, Possible Worlds. Other recent credits include Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Vagina Monologues, The Comedy of Errors, and Gwendoline .She has been seen in several critically acclaimed SummerWorks presentations including The Penalty Killers, Waiting for Odysseus, and Visions of Daniel, and many moons ago played Gwendoline in Theatre & Co.’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest. She recently shot several short independent films including Emes and Money City; TV credits include, The Two Mrs. Kissels, All the Good Ones are Married, Till Death Do Us Part, Black Dawn: The Next Pandemic, and Earth: Final Conflict. She has also appeared in more than a dozen commercials. Jane also currently teaches Broadcasting Performance at Conestoga College in the School of Media and Design. Jane read in SHE SPEAKS ’08 & ‘09.
Bruce Wolff	Bruce Wolff was more surprised than anyone to be among this group of actors in the first Asphalt Jungle Shorts. Since then, he’s participated as an actor in She Speaks, Asphalt Jungle II – VII and feeling quite at home on the stage, wherever the stage might be. He still holds a secret dreams of a return to the glory years of writing, producing and acting in high school productions.   His day job (which he won't be quitting anytime soon) at The University of Waterloo in the Biology Department gives him plenty of opportunity to practice his oratory skills. It is most likely that work, time with his kids and friends, and traveling will provide sufficient incentive to keep the stage an enjoyable avocation. Bruce has performed in AJS I, II, III, IV, V & VI and She Speaks ’07, ’09, ’10 & ’11.

THE PLAYWRIGHTS

THE DIRECTORS

THE CREW

FLUSH INK PERFORMING ARTS ~ BOARD OF DIRECTORS