Member Since: 2018
What has been your favorite role?
I can’t say that I have found a favorite role yet. My exploration has led me into a number of interesting adventures, but certainly the operation of a live steam locomotive pulling into a station while ensuring all safety and end marks were accomplished, was the most challenging. In theatre; I recently did my first farce which included a drag character that was the most challenging to clearly delineate the two roles. Puppeteering a singing couch would likely be the most unusual.
What do you do when you are not performing?
When I am not performing, I can be found driving heritage steam equipment at museums all over the province. I am also writing new projects and developing creative content..
What activity are you involved with or passionate about that people would find interesting?
I am the president of the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre. We are maintaining and repurposing three Provincially designated heritage structures in the town of Nanton. Part of the repurposing plan is to create an arts centre. Every part of this project is fascinating to me as it involves the idea of “place making” through experiential programming.
What Director would you like to work with?
Having worked as a Special Effects Head of Department for many years, I have been able to observe some really great directors. I would really like to try working with John Malkovich. We studied his theatre work in University and having had some great experiences working with him on set, I think he would be the most interesting for character development. Another director would be Walter Hill.
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
Over the years I have found it harder and harder to watch content as it takes me into a work mode. I always say that the MGM Wizard of OZ got me into films with its unique blend of vaudeville theatre and classic technicolor cinematography. That said, Buster Keaton’s The General is awesome, Carey Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace is fun, Jack Nicholson in The Shining, Ellen Green in Little Shop of Horrors, and Anthony Hopkins in The Father are all super high on my list. My all time favorite escapist goto is the first three Indianna Jones movies.
As a Performer, what is one thing you wish you would have known sooner?
I think the amount of body and voice training that is involved with being an accomplished character performer was a late realization. I have very high regards for the actors who came through the Royal Shakespeare Company.