Actors
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Or Festival runs on the Equity Festival Policy thereby enabling equity and non-equity actors to perform together in a festival run on a profit-share basis. This policy was obtained through the incredible love an actor expressed for the work of one of the playwrights in the Or Festival 1. We are so thankful for the unique and dynamic environment in the rehearsal spaces, sparked by ongoing dialogues occurring between professional, emerging and new actors.
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Landon Krentz
Actor
Landon Krentz is a Deaf performing artist from Saskatchewan, Canada. He discovered his love for theatrelater in life when he learned sign language. He quickly became a prominent figure in Canadian arts, trying out different forms like ASL opera, visual stories with music, and plays in both ASL and English.
Krentz is known for his unique performances that combine physicality, visual language, and sign language. He wanted to go beyond just relying on ASL interpretation, which often gives only a partial experience.
As a Deaf artist who’s fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, Krentz is the Artistic Director and an ASL performer for theatre. He’s all about bringing Deaf and hearing audiences together in his art.
His efforts were recognized when he received the Award of Merit for Inclusion and Access in 2018 from the Western Institute of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, now Wavefront Communication Access Centre.
In 2018, Krentz teamed up with Deaf West Theatre to create “Awakening Deaf Theatre in Canada.” This project aimed to bring Deaf artists from across the country together to work on an ASL musical based on “Spring Awakening,” a Broadway show. The project united Deaf artists from almost all provinces.
Krentz has worked on a Deaf-led ASL Opera based in Vancouver, BC. He’s both the playwright and performer, and the opera explores Deaf culture, queerness, and the human experience using sign language’s rhythmic beauty.
Krentz‘s accomplishments also include his play “100 Years of Darkness.” This play, produced by Inside Out Theatre, tells the story of Deaf students in the 1880s who were subjected to cruel experiments trying to erase their language and culture. The play sheds light on the effects of banning sign language.
He’s not stopping there. Krentz is currently developing two more projects: “The Confidence of a Deaf Queer Human,” created with the Soulpepper Academy, and an adaptation of “The Little Prince” for Deaf theatre. His journey continues to shape the arts and bring Deaf experiences to the forefront.
Taryn Plater
TARYN PLATER
Actor/Opera Singer
Taryn Plater is a versatile performer and creator invested in the future of arts outreach. Recognized for her “dramatic and vocal thrust” (Opera Canada), the Vancouver-based mezzo-soprano was a 2021–2022 RBC Artist Fellow with the Association for Opera in Canada. Taryn’s portfolio focuses on Ukrainian art song, new works, and the intersection of jazz and classical music, driven by an interest in opera’s relationship to different genres and mediums. She created the digital artist statement First Steps with Against the Grain’s 2021 National Opera Intensive exploring her cultural heritage through Ukrainian art song, and in 2022, received a Ukraine – Heritage, Spirit and Future award in recognition of her artistic focus on Ukrainian art song. In addition to her performance endeavours, Taryn is a mentor with Opera InReach and the founding Artistic Director of Opera Unbound.
BRENDA-LEE BOUBARD
BRENDA-LEE BOUBARD
Actor
Brenda-Lee Boubard (She/Her) is a Mètis (Cree/Ojibwa) Artist. She was born in Winnipeg, MB then moved to Calgary, AB then to Vancouver, BC. She is currently writing a graphic novel titled Apocalypse/fantastic. Brenda attended the Youth Canada Tournament for the Deaf (YCTD) in 2013 and 2017, The Flying Hands in 2016 and more. She loves drama and stories. Her dream is to see her graphic Novel/ comic adapted into a TV series one day. She wants to make this dream come true.
JADE FOX
JADE FOX
Actor
Jade Fox is an actor. She was born and raised in Vancouver. She is passionate for acting in ASL-led performances, and she is interested in becoming a storyteller one day. This is Jade’s second year at the Or festival. She is thrilled to perform again this year!
Clovis bernard
CLOVIS BERNARD
Actor
I am a small ‘d’ deaf/Hard of Hearing person born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver. I have been interested in storytelling since a young age and had been involved in creative writing, improv, and public speaking for hobbies, including five years at Toastmasters culminating with Advanced Communicator Gold. My deafness has influenced how I perceive and interact with the audiocentric world around me, and I want to explore that.
Currently I am a student at Vancouver Community College’s ASL and Deaf Studies program after the pandemic lockdown caused me to explore what communication and access means to me.
With eyes on trying out a different medium of storytelling in American Sign Language, I am grateful for the opportunity to perform on the stage after dreaming about it for so long!
ROBERTO JOSE ESPINOZA
ROBERTO JOSE ESPINOZA
Actor
Roberto Jose Espinoza is a deaf Canadian from BC, whose journey from hearing to deafness has been a transformative one. Despite his challenges, Roberto is a dreamer and a creative storyteller, often weaving tales about a Mystery boy while exploring mountains around the globe. When not hiking, you can find him streaming live on Twitch, indulging in horror and puzzle games, or dominating in Call of Duty MW and Valorant. His love for storytelling extends to movies and TV shows like Coda, A Quiet Place, Marvel’s Echo, and Dancing with the Stars featuring Daniel Durant. Roberto aspires to work as an actor, aiming for roles in productions by Disney, Netflix, and Paramount. He’s eagerly anticipating his upcoming performance at Or Festival 5, where he’ll showcase his talents in a 10-minute play, with his sights set on advancing to the next stage or landing roles in Marvel movies.
MAIA MICHAELS
MAIA MICHAELS
Actor
Maia Michaels is an award winning actor who has been working internationally for over 13 years (US, Canada, Australia). She’s honoured to be collaborating with Shane and Jessica on this timely and turbulent story, which gives voice to a fresh queer character and shines a light on addiction and mental health. An advocate for safe artistic spaces, Maia started her company East Van Coaching in 2021, an inclusive acting studio that celebrates diverse and emerging artists of all abilities. Maia’s recent projects include “Cowboy Mouth” (Cavale), “Olympia” (Netflix), “Love in Glacier National Park” (Hallmark), and upcoming feature “Worth the Wait” (with Lana Condor and Ross Butler).
CADENCE RUSH QUIBELL
CADENCE RUSH QUIBELL
Actor
Cadence Rush Quibell (they/she) is relatively new to the theatre world, having done their first two shows last year – Teenage Dick (Arts Club Theatre Company), and The Prom (Theatre Under the Stars). They grew up doing junior theatre productions, but took about a decade off from theatre for medical reasons. They are forever grateful to Realwheels Theatre for getting them started when the Realwheels Acting Academy for disabled actors launched in Fall 2021, and is excited to be working with their cohort on their first devised work. Cadence is passionate about bringing authentic representation to the stage; specifically Queer, disabled, neurodivergent, and/or Jewish themes, and is jazzed to be working with the Or Festival for the first time! Cadence lives in Langley with their very supportive wife, Jenn, and their two cute but indifferent cats.
BRIAN LUNEZA
BRIAN LUNEZA
Actor
Brian Luneza is an actor based in Vancouver, BC. Beginning in 2020 he has been a student of Haven Acting Studio, The Actor’s Awakening and On the Mic Voice Over. Since then he has been apart of many diverse and interesting projects, including several student and independent films, “The Schoolmistress” online virtual theatre production by Theatre in the Country, “Iris” audio drama podcast by Wunderdog Theatre, “Island Baby” music video by local Vancouver artists Manila Grey, “In Camera” by Reelwheels Theatre, and “Healthy Minds/Healthy Campuses” campaign by The BC Ministry of Health in partnership with several post-secondary campuses. Brian is currently a proud member of the Improv Conservatory group at Tightrope Theatre.
AMANDA WONG
AMANDA WONG
Actor
Amanda Wong is a Meisner and improv trained actor based in Vancouver, BC. She was nominated for Best Acting Performance at the 2023 Portland Comedy Film Festival for her lead role in the short film “Don’t Pick Up.” She also performed “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes)” at the Vancouver Fringe Festival with Bramble Theatre Co. Amanda studied Meisner with Christiane Hirt of Rogues West Actors Studio and she studied improv under Graeme Duffy at the Improv Comedy Institute in Granville Island. In recent years, she has participated in short film competitions and film festivals, with credits in the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, the Run N Gun: Vancouver’s 48 Hour Film Competition, and the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon. In the last 3 years, she has performed short plays at UBC’s Brave New Play Rites Festival. This is Amanda’s first time participating in the OR festival and she is elated to be here!
KEREN BURKETT
KEREN BURKETT
Actor
Kerën Burkett is a talented actress known for her impressive range and captivating performances on both stage and screen. She was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and from a young age, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the arts.
After completing high school, Kerën enrolled at Humber College, where she pursued a degree in Acting. During her time at Humber, she was a dedicated and hardworking student, and she graduated with honors, earning recognition for her outstanding academic achievements.
Following her graduation from Humber College, Kerën began to make a name for herself in the acting world. She quickly established herself as a versatile and skilled performer, with a talent for bringing complex characters to life on stage and screen.
Throughout her career, Kerën has appeared in a wide range of productions, including plays, television shows, and movies. She has worked with some of the most respected directors and actors in the industry. Kerën continues to challenge herself with new roles, projects, and writing for her production company.
SARA RABEY
SARA RABEY
Actor
Sara Rabey is a Canadian actress known for her portrayal of Janis Joplin in DC Legends of Tomorrow (2018). Studying classical and modern theatre under Antony Stamboulieh, Sara has acquired her ATCL through Trinity College. She has also performed in various Indy films over the years – most noteworthy, starring as the lead actor in the International feature film Hells Tomb (2008). Sara specializes in accents and continues to expand her performing career, branching out into voice-over and singing. When she is not performing, she is furthering her education. Sara holds an additional Diploma in Journalism through Langara College and a Bachelor’s in Sociology through Thompson Rivers University.
KENNETH TYNAN
KENNETH TYNAN
Actor
Kenneth Tynan is an artist based in the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples or colloquially known as Vancouver. Some select acting credits include Netflix’s Zero Chill, Charmed, The Magicians, and more recently he played Perseus in Direct Theatre’s Fringe show Monster, nominated for best new musical at the Ovation Awards. As a writer, Kenneth had his short play Qi Pao go up at the Or Festival last year, Moon Cakes which will be going up for Fabulist Theatre’s The Dim Sum Diaries: Second Helping later in March and Valhalla, a viking epic, set to be workshopped at UBC’s Brave New Playrites, also in March. He is very excited to be acting in Talking to the Dead and cannot wait for audiences to feel a chill.
ALEXA MCKEE
ALEXA MCKEE
Actor
Originally from Saskatchewan, Alexa (she/her) is a theatre artist based in Vancouver. In 2022, she graduated from UBC with a B.A. in Geography and Theatre and is currently studying Marketing Management at BCIT. Beyond theatre, Alexa releases music under the name Astra Not and works as a freelance content creator and social media marketer. Past theatre credits include: Head Over Heels (UBC Players Club), Vascular Necrosis (Bramble Theatre Company), 30 Neo-Futurist Plays (Bramble Theatre Company), Lifecycle (Festival Dionysia – UBC Players Club), Chicago (UBC MTT), and Legally Blonde (UBC MTT), and Heathers (UBC MTT).
YAN, KA WING (MO)
YAN, KA WING (MO)
Actor
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Mo moved to Vancouver in 2022 and Or Festival 5 will mark her debut in local English theatre. She has worked with various companies back in Hong Kong and participated in plays and musicals. Outside the theatre Mo is a student studying Business IT management, specializing in Artificial Intelligence in BCIT and a keyboardist with a strong sense of pitch.
TARA WEBSTER
TARA WEBSTER
Actor
Tara is an actress and producer living in Vancouver, BC. A powerful presence on stage she deftly maneuvers from character to character. She looks forward to bringing new and interesting theatre pieces to Vancouver’s independent theatre scene. “The artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like the bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)”
ASA O’CONNOR-JAECKEL
ASA O’CONNOR-JAECKEL
Actor
Asa O’Connor-Jaeckel (they/he) is an emerging actor and performance creator based in Vancouver, BC. Over the past several years, they have on numerous occasions been spotted around the theatre community of their hometown of Victoria, working with companies including Iuvenis Productions, Bema Productions, and the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. Asa is currently in the process of completing a BFA in Acting and Theatre at the University of British Columbia. When not on stage, they can often be found making friends with strangers’ dogs, or pinning terrible poetry to the trees in the Forest of Arden. Asa is thrilled to be a part of the OR Festival’s fifth season this spring, working on the brilliant playlet Mother Pin by Ashley Chodat! They would like to thank the entire OR Festival Team for their talent and dedication.
Heidi is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and proud prairie girl hailing from Mohkintsis in Treaty 7 Territory. Her first ever role was Crocodile in her junior high production of Peter Pan and she’s been hooked ever since. Select acting credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bard on the Beach), Mustard (The Arts Club/Belfry) and New Canadian Kid (Green Thumb Theatre). She is also currently working on a commission from Nightswimming Theatre for their 5×25 Initiative. She is a graduate of UBC Theatre, an FDC Intermediate Actor-Combatant, a Wesbrook Scholar, and a recipient of the HSBC Undergraduate Award and Stephen Woodhouse Memorial Prize.
claire DeBruyn
CLAIRE DEBRUYN
Actor
Claire deBruyn (she/her) is a Vancouver based actor, dancer, and musical-theatre performer. Select credits include Bog Body (Foolish Productions), 30 Neo-Futurist Plays (Bramble Theatre Collective), Amphitruo (United Players), and I, Claudia (The Guild Hall). Claire is a co-founder of Bramble Theatre Collective, recently completed a counselling degree, and can often be found petting other people’s dogs. She is delighted to be a part of Or Festival and hopes you enjoy the show!
ABRIELLE DUMANSKY
ABRIELLE DUMANSKY
Actor
Abrielle Sarah Dumansky is a Douglas College Theatre graduate, and has been acting for ten years. She has been in many theatrical productions over the last few years and has played many notable roles, including Snow White in “Snow White and the 8 Dwarves Panto” (White Rock Player’s Club), Lydia Bennet/Lady Catherine in “Pride and Prejudice” (White Rock Player’s Club), Clarice in “The Servant of Two Masters” (Beach House Theatre Society), Sissy in “Unity 1918” (Douglas College Theatre), and Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan” (Place Des Arts). She is also a singer-songwriter, and has done some film work as well. This is Abrielle’s first time being a part of the Or Theatre Festival, and she is super excited to play the role of Gina in “Dissected.” She would like to thank her director Caylee Watrin for casting her in this wonderful project, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
CAMRYN CHEW
CAMRYN CHEW
Actor
Camryn (she/they) is an actor and educator living and working on the unceded lands of the Sc̓əwaθən Məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She is a 2020 graduate of Capilano University’s Acting for Stage and Screen program, where she played Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. She most recently appeared as an actor/collaborator in Delta Stageworks’ newly devised show Heirlooms & Baggage (My Mother’s Story). Camryn’s original play Sometimes I Feel Like I’m Not Even Me has been performed in Vancouver, San Diego, and Jersey City. Her new original one-act play Can’t Cope recently debuted as a reading at the Arts Club’s LEAP
Festival. Camryn works as a teaching artist at Carousel Theatre and Bard on the Beach, as well as at various schools across the Lower Mainland.
LAURA LYALL
LAURA LYALL
Actor
Laura Lyall (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Or Festival Theatre debut. Laura is a Vancouver-based film/theatre actor. Previous credits include “A Million Little Things” (ABC Studios), “Navigating Christmas” (Hallmark Channel), “The Attraction Test” (Reel One Entertainment), as well as “Learned Ladies” and “Sense and Sensibility” (CapU Theatre). When not acting, Laura enjoys singing, guitar, knitting, and hanging out with her cat. She hopes you enjoy our little story about the importance of friendship.
BLAKE BUKSA
BLAKE BUKSA
Actor
Blake Buksa (he/him) is a Vancouver-based actor, singer, dancer, and producer raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Blake is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s BFA in Acting program and prior to, trained at Victoria School of the Arts. Blake embraced his love of the arts when he began his performance career with Ukrainian dancing at age 3. Recent credits include: What the Buddha Never Taught Musical (WTBNT Productions), Euripides, Phaethon (Barefaced Greek), Oil (UBC), Machinal (UBC), and Gruesome Playground Injuries (self produced). He is currently represented by The Characters Agency in Vancouver and is looking forward to growing his craft.
ADAM FOX
ADAM FOX
Actor
Adam Fox is an actor, writer, and director living in Vancouver, Canada. Adam graduated from
the New York University Tisch BFA Drama Program with a minor in psychology, and a
well-rounded skill set enriched by classes in playwriting, screenwriting, performance
studies, and the business of entertainment at NYU proper.
Adam has performed, directed, and worked behind the scenes in over a dozen studio and
independent projects. Most recently, Adam took on the recurring guest-star role of Austin in
CBS Studios’ upcoming 5-episode Christmas comedy, “The Holiday Shift”, which will debut
on Roku on November 17th. He has also completed filming two seasons of the OutTV
original series “Sugar Highs” where he plays the lead role of Bud. The first season is
currently available for streaming on OutTV, and the second season is due for release in the
imminent future. “Sugar Highs” can also be viewed with the OutTV add-on available on
Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Roku.
As a bilingual performer, Adam was excited to take on his first French project this year in a
guest star capacity for the CBC/Radio Canada show, “Le Monde de Gabrielle Roy, Season 2”
which will be released in December. Lastly, Adam produced his own self-written and
directed short film, “#StillGotIt?!” which is being distributed by the CFMDC (Canadian
Filmmakers Distribution Centre) and is continuing on its festival run. Adam hopes to work more
on his own projects and to leverage his current success into more opportunities in the new year.
Ultimately, as both an actor and as a writer, Adam seeks to empower and give a voice to
people and communities that are often diminished and pushed aside while also creating
stories that are engaging, dynamic, and compelling.
Adam Fox is an actor, writer, and director living in Vancouver, Canada. Adam graduated from
the New York University Tisch BFA Drama Program with a minor in psychology, and a
well-rounded skill set enriched by classes in playwriting, screenwriting, performance
studies, and the business of entertainment at NYU proper.
Adam has performed, directed, and worked behind the scenes in over a dozen studio and
independent projects. Most recently, Adam took on the recurring guest-star role of Austin in
CBS Studios’ upcoming 5-episode Christmas comedy, “The Holiday Shift”, which will debut
on Roku on November 17th. He has also completed filming two seasons of the OutTV
original series “Sugar Highs” where he plays the lead role of Bud. The first season is
currently available for streaming on OutTV, and the second season is due for release in the
imminent future. “Sugar Highs” can also be viewed with the OutTV add-on available on
Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Roku.
Gabrielle marcolin
GABRIELLE MARCOLIN
Actor
Gabrielle Marcolin is a Canadian Actor from Vancouver, BC. She is a 2023 graduate of the Acting for Stage and Screen diploma program from Capilano University. Recent work includes; #25, ‘The Wolves’ (CapU, Chilton Crane), Jackie, ‘TBH’ (CapU, Stephen Atkins), Marmee, ‘Little Women’ (CapU, Gillian Barber), Duckling, ‘Our Country’s Good’ (VIU, Ross Desprez), Mrs. Horton Hollis/Jean/Sally, ‘Departures and Arrivals’, (VIU, Ross Desprez), and Jean, ‘August; Osage County’ (SLP, Alex Gallacher).
ANICA ZIALCITA
ANICA ZIALCITA
Actor
Anica Zialcita (she/her) has had a special place for theatre ever since she was a kid. She started doing musical theatre when she was 10 and earned a Performing Arts Diploma in high school. She was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Canada to pursue better education and career opportunities. She is currently studying at UBC in her second undergrad year and aside from acting, she’s interested in creative writing and film and aims to major in the Fine Arts program. Her recent credits are Head Over Heels (Players Club), and Festival Dionysia and she previously worked in Brave New Play Rights in 2023.
PENNY HANDFORD
PENNY HANDFORD
Born in the northern town of Stretford, England, Penny came to Canada in her twenties. After a successful and varied career working on social justice issues, raising two children and becoming a grandmother, Penny discovered acting and fell passionately in love with the craft. She is deeply grateful for the support of her coaches Raugi Yu and Alana Hawley-Purvis; the Arts Club Bill Millerd Artist Fund; the Two Way Mentoring Program (Ground Floor Team); the many teaching artists who have educated and inspired her; and her family and friends. Selected acting credits include: Hedda Gabler (United Players) Hamlet (Harlequin Theatre); Emilia (United Players); Much Ado About Nothing (Theatre in the Country); Lear Inc (1001 Steps Theatre); video for Northern River (Ruby Haunt) and Edwin (Pumpkin Carriage – Award Winner, Run N Gun). Penny is delighted to be bringing Diana Maratas’ insightful script to life, to be directed by the astute and collaborative Jennifer Burgmann and to play with such a great group of actors. Thank you Fabulist Theatre, Olivia Etey, and all the wonderful people involved in creating and producing the amazing Or Festival each year.
HANNAH MITCHELL
HANNAH MITCHELL
Hannah Mitchell is a Vancouver-born actor and recent graduate of the UofT/Sheridan College Theatre and Drama Studies program. She has played Lady Macbeth in The Scottish Slay’s production of Macbeth and participated in a workshop adaptation of The Löwensköld Ring. Past credits include Tartuffe in Tartuffe, Death in Everybody and The Dog in The Witch of Edmonton with Theatre Erindale. She hopes you enjoy the show!
TEANA-MARIE SMITH
TEANA-MARIE SMITH
Teana-Marie Smith (Producer/Actor) is from Toronto, Ontario and of Jamaican heritage. She has worked in the Vancouver film industry for over 16 years. Having studied in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto, she has been credited on locally filmed series including, The Good Doctor (ABC), Riverdale (CW) Altered Carbon (NETFLIX) and several others. She produced her first independent feature in 2019, which played at the London Film Festival in 2020. Most recently, she produced a short film for The Crazy8s film festival in 2023. She is also a 2022 Leo Award Winning producer for the short film, The Blactor. This will be Teana-Marie’s first-time directing and she is absolutely elated to have this opportunity and grateful to do it with the Or Festival.
MARTA BILOUS
MARTA BILOUS
Marta Bilous is thrilled to be playing Isobel in The Poet and The One Who Worshipped Her. After graduating from the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts Film & TV program, she made her professional debut in the premiere of Rise at the Vancouver Playhouse. Other credits include The Other Woman, The Red Coat, and Deliver Me at The Jericho Arts Centre. As well as, Clean Freak and Pet Roulette with Uncle Cinema Productions. Marta is passionate about Vancouver’s Arts community and is so thankful for the opportunity to connect with an audience of like-minded artists and share in the telling of authentic stories.
ALYSSA FORMOSA
ALYSSA FORMOSA
Alyssa Formosa (she/they) is a queer Maltese-Canadian theatre creator living on the traditional and stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Her passions for theatre and humanity fuel the work that she does. Alyssa works as Artistic Associate for Playwrights Theatre Centre (PTC) and is currently part of frank theatre’s Telling It Bent. As a playwright and dramaturg, Alyssa’s work has been involved with the Or Festival, IGNITE! Youth Festival, Festival Dionysia and NTS Drama Festival, as well as developed through LEAP (Arts Club), Block A (PTC), Creatryx 3.0 (Nightwood Theatre) and Dreaming Climate Consciousness (Major Matt Mason Collective). As an actor, Alyssa has performed in the Neverland Night Circus (Geekenders) and is honoured to bring Alexis Hope’s beautiful story, The Poet and The One Who Worshiped Her, to life at this year’s Or Festival. Alyssa strives to build community through her work and encourages others to share the important stories that only they can tell.
EMSEMBLE ACTORS
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NICOLAS Olney-Rainville
NICOLAS OLNEY-RAINVILLE
Actor – Ensemble
Nicolas is a 23 year old UBC BFA graduate, musician/actor/composer/writer, lead singer and co-founder of Flint & Smoke, a local rock n’ roll indie band. He was born and raised across the Atlantic, in France, and his theatrical debut started in Geneva with Simply Theatre: Comedy of Errors (Aegean), The Wizard of Oz (The Wizard), The Canterbury Tales, and Macbeth (Malcolm). At UBC, he appeared in: Commedia Del Arte, The Greeks, Machinal, and Oil. He has appeared in a few short films, such as: Incognito (w/First Floor Collective) Kinder Tillers (w/UBC BFA) and most recently Encore (w/First Floor Collective). He has also been in a few Musicals: Broadway Bound (w/ Simply Theatre), 13 The Musical (w/Simply Theatre & UBC MTT), and Legally Blonde (w/UBC MTT). He released his first album with Flint & Smoke in 2021, and they are currently working on their first studio album as we speak. Their music is available on all streaming platforms. Nicolas would like to invite the audience in enjoying the performances, and “after the show, allow yourself to ponder and wonder over the stories you have witnessed.”
ANDRES COLLANTES
ANDRES COLLANTES
Actor – Ensemble
Andres Collantes, an Ecuadorian-born artist, has cultivated a diverse career in acting, writing, and directing since moving from New Jersey to Canada. Over the past decade, he’s taken roles across film, television, and theatre, including notable performances as Jorge Sanchez in Amazon’s “Reacher” and Ken in the Fringe’s “RED.” Collantes is currently set to return to the stage in the ensemble of “Dissected.”
SILVIA PIRAINO
SILVIA PIRAINO
Actor – Ensemble
Brian Luneza is an actor based in Vancouver, BC. As an acting student beginning in 2020 he has attended many schools including Haven Acting Studio, The Actor’s Awakening and On the Mic Voice Over. Since then he has been apart of many diverse and interesting projects in the short time since he has started, including several student and independent films, “The Schoolmistress” online virtual theatre production by Theatre in the Country, “Iris” audio drama podcast by Wunderdog Theatre, “Island Baby” music video by local vancouver artists Manila Grey, “In Camera” by Reelwheels Theatre, and “Healthy Minds/Healthy Campuses” campaign produced in partnership with several post-secondary campuses and the BC Ministry of Health. He’s currently a proud member of the Improv Conservatory group at Tightrope Theatre.
ADAM SCAMVOUGERAS
ADAM SCAMVOUGERAS
Actor – Ensemble
Adam Scamvougeras is thrilled to play the role of Brian (Jason’s Friend) in the ribbeting one-act play, “Dissected”. He would like to thank everyone involved for making his experience at the OR Festival truly special. When Adam is not acting, he is busy cooking up a batch of his world-renowned frog legs. Here’s the recipe if you’d like to give it a go:
- Rinse frog legs and pat dry. Combine flour, cornmeal, saltine cracker crumbs, pepper, salt, and onion in a large ziplock bag; shake well to mix.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- Heat vegetable oil and peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be approximately 1/2 inch deep.
- Dip legs into egg mixture in batches, then press into cornmeal mixture until evenly coated. Place the breaded legs, unstacked, onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining legs.
- Lower breaded legs carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining legs.
- Serve with fresh lemon slices. Hoppy eating!
ROXI DIMARUCOT
ROXI DIMARUCOT
Actor – Ensemble
Roxi Dimarucot is a multifaceted artist, a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art + Design, she is delighted to have her theatre debut at the Or Festival with Dissected. She started acting in 2020 with a few industry credits and is proud to be on stage after spending many years as a dancer, painter, illustrator, and educator.
KELLY ZHOU
KELLY ZHOU
Actor – Ensemble
Kelly Zhou (she/her) is an actor, theatre maker, and teaching artist. Select acting credits include: Louise Overbee and Meg in LOVE/SICK (Douglas College), Judith in The Ash Girl (Douglas College), Amelia Hansen in Bog Body (Foolish Productions), Tina Tim and Head Cheerleader in A Christmas Carol in Gay Apparel (The Leaping Thespians), and Ermengarde Vandergelder in The Matchmaker (Theatre in the Country). Kelly also performed in a devised show at Bard on the Beach titled Come Away: A Shakesperiment as part of the 2023 Riotous Youth Internship where she and others in the cohort intertwined elements of their own culture into the piece. As a BIPOC artist and creator, Kelly is an advocate for uplifting the voices of underrepresented individuals and embracing diversity in her work. She is a graduate of the Theatre Performance Program at Douglas College.
ZAINAB SAEED
ZAINAB SAEED
Actor – Ensemble
Zainab is a budding writer and actress from Karachi, Pakistan. She is excited to be a part of Dissected, and has worked on set for The Upside. Her talents include jazz singing and contemporary dance. Outside of the theatre she is a trained chef and tech professional.
KAITLYN CIELO
KAITLYN CIELO
Actor – Ensemble
Kaitlyn Cielo is excited to return to her theatre roots! Starting in musical theatre as a child formed her love for play and creativity early, traits she has carried with her as she ventures into the Film/TV world. You may recognize her as Darlene from FOX’s hit TV show Animal Control or various other commercials streaming right now. Keep an eye out! She is excited to return to this medium as Gina’s Friend/ Ensemble in an incredibly touching script written by Sydney Marino and directed by Caylee Watrin. When not performing on stage or on set, Kaitlyn can be found dancing and training her new skills at StudioNorth, Harbour or various other studios around town! Or you can catch her at the University of British Columbia, where she is currently studying for her bachelor’s degree in Global Resources Systems. And, as always she would like to send love and thanks to her Mom, Dad, and her supportive team right here in the heart of Vancouver. She could not do it without any of them<3
JILIAN TOLZMANN
JILIAN TOLZMANN
Actor – Ensemble
A true Jil of all trades, Jilian Tolzmann is a multidisciplinary artist in the film and theatre industries. Her plethora of credits (in addition to acting, directing, writing and producing) range anywhere from costumes to art direction. As a performer, Jilian has enjoyed an abundance of unique collaborations, such as with TheCultch for the IGNITE! Youth Festival and Deb Williams for Carousel Theatre’s “The Family Flame”. One of her directorial highlights, which received a best youth team nomination, was her 2023 RunNGun 48 Hour Film Festival, —a true example of her adventurous and creative nature.
Sarah kelen
SARAH KELEN
Actor – Ensemble
Sarah is an emerging theatre artist from East Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.* Sarah is thrilled to be part of Dissected and The Or Festival! Her recent credits include assistant directing Tragedy, Slander, & Wine (Promethean Theatre), directing The Treadmill (IGNITE! Youth Festival), co-writing and assistant directing One of a Kind (Deb Williams/Vancouver International Children’s Festival), and acting in Bacchamania (programsound.fm), Chai Time (Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria), and Budding, The Rocky Horror Show, and Everybody (Studio 58). Outside of her artistic practice, Sarah enjoys collecting eclectic loungewear. Sarah is a graduate of Studio 58.
*Sarah encourages everyone to engage in decolonizing efforts outside of land acknowledgements – a great start is by supporting Indigenous artists, and finding out who’s land you’re on at https://native-land.ca/