2009 SEASON    

Y O R K    S H A K E S P E A R E    F E S T I V A L

LEE WILSON

Lee is currently the Apprentice Artistic Director/Artistic Associate at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. He's also the Founding Artistic Director and Resident Director of Resurgence Theatre Company. This past spring, Lee was invited to The Old Vic in London, England by Artistic Director Kevin Spacey to take part in a directing workshop with the Peter Hall Company. He was an Intern Director at the Shaw Festival during its 2005/2006 season and in 2004/2005 he was the Resident Director in the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. In 2003/2004, Lee was awarded the Urjo Kareda Residency Grant to intern with director Richard Rose at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. He started off his career as a member of the Inaugural Soulpepper Training Company studying directing, acting, and design with Robin Phillips. Selected directing credits include: As You Like It at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario; Twelfth Night (2008) for Resurgence Theatre Company; A Midsummer Nights Dream for Theatre By The Bay in Barrie; The Valiant at the Shaw Festival and Assistant Director of Measure for Measure and As You Like It at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2005. Lee is a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School, in Toronto.

[ Director's Notes ]

AURORA BROWNE - Nurse, Paris' Page

Theatre credits include: An Inconvenient Musical (Factory Theatre); Hello....Hello (Tarragon Theatre); The Tempest (Magnus Theatre); Plan Live! From Outer Space (Toronto Fringe); Showstopping Number: The Improvised Musical (The Bad Dog Theatre). At The Second City: Family Circus Maximus, Psychedelicatessen, Insanity Fair, The Bush League of Justice. Film and television credits include: Lars and the Real Girl, Corner Gas, The Eleventh Hour, Comedy Inc, The Gavin Crawford Show.

SHANE CARTY - Abram, Friar Lawrence

Shane is delighted to make his Resurgence Theatre debut. Most recently he played Sweeney Todd at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Other credits include five seasons at Stratford with roles in: Much Ado About Nothing, The Duchess of Malfi, Loves’s Labour’s Lost, Present Laughter and The Brothers Karamazov among others. Elsewhere (selected): It’s A Wonderful Life, Einstein’s Gift (Grand Theatre); Sticks and Stones, The Mikado (National Arts Centre); This Is How It Goes (Neptune Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary); Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, (Touchmark); Les Miserables, Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, You Can’t Take It With You, Hay Fever (Thousand Islands Playhouse). Shane is a founding member of Theatrefront. He has appeared on Flashpoint (CTV/CBS) and is a graduate of Queen’s University.

LARA JEAN CHOROSTECKI - Juliet

Lara Jean is excited to be returning for another beautiful summer at Fairy Lake! Last summer, she appeared at Resurgence Theatre's productions: as Olivia in Twelfth Night and Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden. Other selected credits include: Quiet in the Land, The Swanne, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera, The Tempest, The Lark (Stratford Festival); Homechild (CanStage). Film and television: The Listener, Dan for Mayor, Charlie and Me, Loving Loretta, Degrassi: TNG, 72 hours, Roxy Hunter and the Case of the Moody Ghost. Lara Jean holds a Masters in Classical Acting from The Central School of Speech and Drama (UK) and is a graduate of the Stratford Festival’s Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training. She now makes her home in Toronto, Ontario. Lara Jean would like to send a special thank-you to Lee Wilson, whose trust and passion have made it possible for her to be here this summer, exploring this beautiful young heroine.

ALEX FURBER - Tybalt, Watch, Friar John, Musician

Alex is thrilled to be apart of Resurgence Theatre this summer. A Toronto native, Alex has studied at George Brown Theatre School and is a recent graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). Selected theatre credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest and All my Sons (NTS); Richard III, The Particulars, Grease (Escape), Godspell (TCST) and Saltwater Moon. Thanks to all my friends and family for their continual support and inspiration.

JESSE GRIFFITHS - Montague, Peter Officer, Servant

Jesse is thrilled to be making his Resurgence Theatre debut with Lee Wilson and the wonderful cast of Romeo and Juliet. Previous credits include: Claudio in Measure for Measure; Orlando in As You Like It; Azdak in The Caucasian Chalk Circle; Chateau Renaud, The Corsican Brothers (Ryerson Theatre School); Oliver in As You Like It; Turio in Two Gentlemen of Verona (Flower City Theatre Festival); Macduff in Macbeth (Classical Theatre Project); Cisco in The Unseen Hand (Paved Productions); Jason in the Rabbit Hole (Gladstone Theatre). He produced and acted in Escape from Grace (Toronto Fringe Festival). Jesse graduated from Ryerson Theatre School with honors where he was the recipient of the Louis Taube Memorial Award. He would like to thank this veteran cast for welcoming him with open arms as well as the support of his family, friends, Nancy and his roommates James and Simon who, at the time of writing this, he could still tolerate.

ALEX GUARD - Capulet
"I have seen the day that I have worn a visor..."
Alex’s two theatrical loves are Shakespeare and mask. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and worked in the UK for several years, appearing as Malcolm in a tour of Macbeth, Ferdinand in The Tempest at Dundee and Romeo in Manchester along with many other roles including Another Country in London’s West End. In Canada he explored his other love, touring the world in a mask for ten years with Theatre Beyond Words and just this spring in the commedia play A Guy Named Joe for Ottawa’s Odyssey Theatre. He has also played regional theatres from Sudbury to Fredricton. Alex is thrilled to be making his first appearance for Resurgence Theatre. He lives in St. Catharines with his wife Patricia and three mixed-up cats.

SHAUN McCOMB - Romeo

Shaun is a Toronto based actor. He's a graduate of Humber College’s Theatre Performance program, and has also completed the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training at the Stratford Festival.
 
 

SIMON RAINVILLE - Sampson, Paris

Simon is thrilled to be making his Resurgence Theatre debut with The Little Prince and Romeo and Juliet. His most recent theatrical outings include Eliante in The Misanthrope with the Red Light District; Jamie in Wild Mouth at the Tarragon Theatre; Johnny in Escape From Grace at the Toronto Fringe. He can also be seen screaming his way through Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer. Simon is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School where some of his favorite roles were Queen Isabel in Fuenteovejuna, Elbow in Measure for Measure, and Shauva in Caucasian Chalk Circle.

JANE SPENCE - Gregory, Lady Capulet

Jane is thrilled to be making her Resurgence Theatre debut. Selected theatre credits include: Gabriella in Boeing Boeing, Lady Percy in Henry IV (part 1 and 2), Duchess Of Gloucester in Henry VI, Hippolyta in Two Noble Kinsmen, Bonnie-Susan in Tempest Tost (Stratford Festival); the Mother in A Christmas Story (Theatre and Company) Desdemona in Goodnight Desdemona, Hippolyta in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Festival of Classics); Ben in Matt and Ben (MacIdeas); Phebe in As You Like It (Theatre By The Bay); Lady Anne in Richard III, Emilia in A Winter’s Tale, Jaquenetta in Love’s Labors Lost (Bard on the Beach); Curley’ wife in Of Mice and Men (Vancouver Playhouse); Tess Goode in Sisters Rosensveig (Arts Clubs Theatre). Selected TV and Film credits include: Sue Thomas F.B.Eye, Cold Squad, Inspectors Two, Outerlimits, Stargate SG1, Great Canadian Ghost Stories and The Vigil.

JAMES WALLIS - Benvolio, Balthazar, Man

James is very happy after six years to be back performing with Resurgence Theatre having performed in their productions of Romeo and Juliet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Measure for Measure and one unforgettable summer as Herman the Dog in Margo the Nut Lady. James’ favourite credits include: The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Measure for Measure, Patience or Bunthrone’s Bride, As You Like It (Ryerson Theatre School); Finer Noble Gases, The Unseen Hand (The Bleecker Theatre Company); Paradise by the River (Shadowpath Theatre); Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Magic (Theatre by the Bay); Titus Andronicus in Titus Andronicus (Red Light District). James would like to thank Lee Wilson once again for this opportunity, Resurgence Theatre Company and the wonderful cast which includes both Dovercourt boys - love you guys!

JEFFREY WETSCH - Prince, Mercutio, Apothecary

Jeffrey is extremely excited to be working with such talented and passionate people. He has most recently been seen in the role of Robbie in Dirty Dancing and before that at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival playing Cassio in a production of Othello. Other selected Stratford credits have Jeffrey tackling, with intensity, some of Shakespeare’s more difficult young leads such as Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, Claudio in Measure for Measure, and Lysander in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Also for Stratford he was privileged to play Jeremy in The Swanne (The Seduction of Nemesis), Blunt & Trunket in The Swanne (The Acts of Venus), Lord Grey in Richard III, Chorus in Agememnon, Sampson in Romeo and Juliet, Jacques in The Count of Monty Cristo, just to name a few. Other theater credits include: the Crowne Prince in Schippel the Plumber (The Grand); featured singer, dancer, writer and funny man for over seven seasons (New West Theater); Orpheus Descending (Mirvish Productions). Film and television credits include: Sue Thomas F.B.Eye (CTV), and Abandon (Paramount). A graduate of the National Theater School of Canada and the Birmingham Conservatory, Jeffrey is thankful for so much: his family and friends, and all their unconditional support.

EMILY COLLIN - Apprentice Stage Manager

This is Emily Collin’s first time participating with Resurgence Theatre. She comes from Shelburne, Ontario and attended Brock University for Theatre, where she learned stage management. After obtaining her Honours BA, she worked with Mask and Mime troupe; Theatre Beyond Words Young Company. During her university career, Emily often enjoyed acting, in such roles as Tommy’s Mrs. Walker; Our Country’s Good’s Wisehammer. She also frequently performed with Niagara rhythm and blues band James Doolin and the Mob. Last year Emily lived and taught Drama and English in Seoul, South Korea. Since returning to Canada, she has stage managed with Blackhorse Village Players on the award winning production of Rabbit Hole. She recently moved to Toronto where she actively pursues work in stage management and is very happy to have her first apprenticeship with Resurgence.

GERRY EGAN - Stage Manager

Most recently Gerry was one of the stage managers on the Cirque du Soleil closing ceremonies for the Luminato Festival as well as The Shadow with Tapestry New Opera Works. He worked on Eugene Onegin with Opera Lyra Ottawa and Binti’s Journey with Theatre Direct, which toured to the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. Selected Assistant Stage Manager highlights include: Die Zauberlote, Ariadne Auf Naxos, The Drawer Boy and Mary’s Wedding. In 2008 Gerry was Assistant Stage Manager for Just for Laughs main stage outdoor events. Company engagements include: Toronto Summer Music Festival, Opera New Brunswick, Theatre Direct, Luminato Festival of the Arts and Creativity, Port Stanly Festival Theatre, Theatre Athena, Opera NUOVA, and UWOpera. When not stage-managing Gerry likes to stay in touch with his creative side as a lighting designer. Credits include: Cowboys and Outlaws at Port Stanley Festival Theatre; Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi, The Merry Window, Cosi Fan Tutte for UWOpera; Cabaret and Gypsy for Theatre Western/Don Wright Faculty of Music.

WILL HOFSTETTER - House Technician

SEAN MULCAHY - Set Designer

Sean received his formal training at York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, honours, and several awards marking his contributions to the Fine Arts Theatre Department, including the redevelopment of the Joseph G. Green Studio seating structure. Sean continued his training, mentoring at the Canadian Stage Company (two seasons), and The Stratford Shakespeare Festival (six seasons), under some of North America's most prominent theatre designers, including Philip Silver, Danielle Levesque and Santo Loquasto. Selected credits include: Heat Wave, The Melville Boys, The Attic the Pearls and Three Fine Girls (Sudbury Theatre Centre); Here on the Flight Path (Prairie Theatre Exchange); Narnia, Forever Plaid, (Theatre New Brunswick); Quit (premiere), Relatively Harmless (premiere), There is a Land of Pure Delight (premiere), (Live Bait Theatre); The Crucible, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Les Belles Seours, de Sade, (The Randolph Academy); 'Night Mother (Eclectic Theatre/Art Word Theatre). Sean has been awarded both a Guthrie and Tom Patterson award from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Recent Work: Narnia, (Theatre New Brunswick) Set Design, There is a Land of Pure Delight, (Live Bait Theatre) Set and Costume Design.

JONATHAN ROOKE - Production Manager

Jonathan Rooke is thrilled to be back for a fourth fun-filled season with Resurgence in this beautiful setting. He has production managed for many companies over the years, most recently for Humber College's Theatre Program. He has been with Theatre Passe Muraille for four years as Technical Director and five as Production Manager. Other production management credits include: 36 Views (Actors Repertory Theatre); Science Fiction (River/Marquis); Muscle Memory (Theatre Viscera); Simon Heath’s 1002 Nights (The Shed Co.); one fantastic season at the Regent Theatre in Picton, Ontario.

NICOLAS VAN BUREK - Fight Director

Nicolas has been working as an actor for twenty-five years in Toronto, Stratford and Montreal, both in French and English. After ten years of working at the Stratford Festival, he has also gained a considerable amount of experience as a stage combatant and fight captain and, as well as teaching stage combat, is now pursuing his dream of being a fight director. This production of Romeo and Juliet marks his third official contract in that capacity and he is thrilled to be able to work with this talented cast to bring an extra element of danger to this production. Special thanks go to John Stead, Kara Wooten and Steve Wiltshire for their continued help and support.

JULIA VANDERGRAAF - Lighting Designer

Selected lighting design credits include: The Kiltartan Comedies, Love Among the Russians (The Shaw Festival); The Marilyn Tapes, Collected Stories (Neptune Theatre); Chairmaker, the Musical (Theatre New Brunswick); Merlin, Les Portes Tournantes (The Atlantic Ballet Theatre); The Tempest, Henry IV, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Measure for Measure, As You Like It, Richard III (Bard on the Beach). Julia has also designed productions for George Brown College, Theatre Direct, The Charlottetown Festival, and Theatre Under the Stars. She has worked as an Assistant Lighting Designer for the Shaw Festival, the Stratford Festival, the Vancouver Opera Company, and the Charlottetown Festival. She now spends most of her time working as an Architectural Lighting Designer.

ADRIENNE VRANCKAERT - Costume Designer

Adrienne is happy to be back at Fairy Lake for another summer with Resurgence Theatre Company. Originally from British Columbia, Adrienne has been designing across Canada for the past seven years. Her recent theatre credits include: Costume Designer for Twelfth Night and The Secret Garden (Resurgence Theatre Company); Set and Costume Designer for Extremities (Surface Underground Theatre); Assistant Costume Designer for Aladdin Jr. (Silvermist Productions), Crazy for You and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Drayton Entertainment). Film and television credits include: Art Direction for A Taste Of Shakespeare: Othello (Eugenia Educational Foundation); Back in ’93 (Polenta Productions, BravoFact short film); Costume Designer for How Does Your Garden Grow?, The Phone Company Man and Love, Mom (CFC); Assistant Costume Designer for the T.V. series Urban Legends and Paradise Lost (Nextfilm).

2009 SEASON