Ivona, Princess of Burgundy

Back for her umpteenth outing with the Third Year Reps, Sarah is delighted to work with this remarkable class, as well as to dive back into Young Centre madness with some old friends here on Tank House Lane. Comparatively recent past credits include Why It’s imPossible (Sweet&Fab Collective/Great Canadian Theatre Company), Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson--Apt 2B (Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre), and Spring Showcase 2024 (National Ballet School).  Sarah also recently taught Dance Stage Management at TMU, and filled in backstage for a few days at YPT for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is back with the Ballet School this spring before heading back out to Nova Scotia for the summer.

As ever, for those who got me here-- another outing with the Bard, Dad!

Jackie has worked as a set and costume designer on over 250 productions and her work has toured internationally.  In addition, she is a production designer and art director for film and television.  Selected theatre design credits include: Electric Messiah (Soundstreams), The Hours That Remain, Serving Elizabeth, The Gig (Theatre Aquarius), Almighty Voice and His Wife, HUFF (NEPA), Antigone Insurgency, Talking Masks, (One Little Goat), Gas Girls, The First Stone (New Harlem Productions), Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Nights Dream (High Park/Can Stage), Zadie's Shoes, Lady Sunrise, Wildfire, The Waltz (Factory Theatre), Brown Balls (Fu-Gen), Moment, Dissidents, Oil, Gloria, Martyr, Rockabye (ARC Theatre), Cowboy Versus Samurai, 39 Steps, Oraltorio (Soulpepper) and The Komagata Maru Incident (Stratford Festival), Dragon’s Tale (Tapestry Opera/Luminato), As I Must Live It (Theatre Passe Muraille), 4 minutes 12 seconds (Studio 180).  Jackie was named in NOW magazine's Top 10 Theatre Artists of 2009, nominated for 3 Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design, nominated for a Saskatoon Area Theatre (SAT) award, 2 Broadway World awards and has received 10 Dora nominations for outstanding set and costume design. She has taught Theatrical Design at the University of Toronto and is currently teaching Design for Performance at York University. Jackie has had the pleasure of set designing the GB reps shows for the past 18 years.

Maria Kofman is a Toronto-based costume designer and technician. She studied Fine Art at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (New York, NY) where she was introduced to garment construction and design. She has worked on a variety of costume projects for theatre, film, dance, circus, and video installation. She has assisted costume designers for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet X, Ephrat Asherie Dance, and Tiger Princess Dance Projects. She has designed costumes for Cora Dance Inc, Head Over Wheels Circus, Calder White, Yiming Cai, Raheleh Saneie and Orchesis Dance Company. She has been the costume coordinator for the George Brown Theater Company’s Period Study for the past three years.

Scott is a freelance production manager, technical director, and sound designer in the GTA and around the country. After graduating from the University of Waterloo with an Honours BA in technical theatre, he has traveled around the country and the world, pursuing his love of theatre and live performance.  

Scott is happy to be returning to George Brown College’s Theatre School for his now 9th season with the school, and he is honoured to help these emerging theatre artists bring their shows to life. 

Hannah (she/her) is an actor, harpist, writer, and storyteller from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She moved to Toronto to attend the University of Toronto where she discovered a love for acting through a clown class taught by Leah Cherniak. She is now in her final year at George Brown Theatre School and has most enjoyed playing the roles of Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals, Brigid in Carnival of Munsch, and Ernestine in The Anger of Ernest and Ernestine. Hannah is particularly inspired by how art can serve as a way for people and places to connect spiritually in a secular world. When not on stage, you can find her amongst the old-growth trees and/or dreaming of being a mermaid.

Madelyn (she/her) is a Toronto-based actor from Los Angeles, California with passion for the visual arts and theatre. It wasn’t until 2021 that she found a love for acting and decided to attend George Brown Theatre School. Her credits include: Letitia Hardy in The Belle’s Stratagem (George Brown Theatre School/Period Study), Paulet in Mary Stuart (George Brown Theatre School/Period Study), and Pocket in Carnival of Munsch (George Brown Theatre School). Along with attending George Brown, Madelyn is finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at York University. She hopes that the combination of both studies will help her in achieving her goal of curating captivating performances in her career.

Cameron Cope (He/Him) is a student in George Brown’s Theatre Program. While he always enjoyed performing and acting growing up, his passion for Theatre as a career truly began in his High School productions of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons as Frank and Thornton Wilder’s Our Town as Stage Manager (Etobicoke Collegiate Institute). Other credits include Jim Hutton in Phillip Barry’s Paris Bound (GB Scene Study), Jonathan in George Brown’s Carnival of Munsch, Faulkland in Richard B. Sheridan’s The Rivals (GB Period Study), The Grand Inquisitor in Friedrich von Schiller’s Don Carlos (GB Period Study), Simon in Michel Marc Bouchard’s Countess de Tilly in Lilies (GB Scene Study), and more. No matter how difficult the work can get, what always keeps him going is just how much fun he always has on the stage. All his anxiety and fear washes away because he knows in his heart that this is what he truly wants to be a part of.

ValYa Budko (She/They) is an actor, singer, dancer, improviser, and creator of Ukrainian and French-Canadian descent. Passionate about the stories of the universe, ValYa loves to connect to audiences through any medium of art, be it acting, clowning, crafting, or working with youth. She hopes to share her love of humanity through a uniquely empathetic and cultural lens.

In their hometown of Ottawa, ValYa has had the opportunity to perform live on stage and in film. Favourite Ottawa theatre credits include Rita in Educating Rita, Myra Bennett in Tempting Providence, and Jane in Tarzan the Musical.

ValYa would like to thank all the teachers and directors at George Brown for sharing their knowledge over the past three years. She is incredibly proud of her classmates and the growth they’ve had as an ensemble. Enjoy the wackiness and heart of this ensemble in these final rep shows!

John is a Canadian actor known for his role as Rory in the Netflix Limited Series, Wayward, as well as Simon MacDonald-Venturi in Life with Luca (Family Channel), Donald Dukay in The Hardy Boys (Hulu), and Aaron in the indie feature Lucky Weekend. Theatre credits include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Theatre Orangeville) and as a performer and co-creator of the 2023 Toronto Fringe show Frankenstein(esque), winner of the Patrons Pick Award, and the My Entertainment World Fan Favourite Award. John has also helmed a few short films Sidekicks, and Call Time as a writer/director/producer.

Diana Eremeeva (she/they) is a queer artist and performer based in Toronto. Passionate about theatre as a dynamic, ever evolving art form, Diana loves exploring its capacity to blend various styles, traditions, and mediums.

Diana has trained at UTM and Sheridan in the Theatre & Drama Studies joint program, studied Dramaturgy and Creative Writing at UTM, and found her way back to George Brown Theatre School last year. Diana has yet to graduate from any of these esteemed establishments, but believes that between the three institutions, she has accumulated something akin to a full(ish) degree.

Drawn to stories that center characters at the fringes of society, Diana is captivated by figures who are off kilter, bold, unapologetically expressive, and often misunderstood. Whether it’s experimental, contemporary, or classical theatre, they revel in portraying characters that defy expectations. This fascination with the unconventional is at the heart of their creative work.

Juan-Carlos Figueroa (he/him) A Venezuelan-Canadian actor, scholar, and fool. As a child, Juan-Carlos said that he wanted to be either a clown or an Amish astronaut. Born and raised in Niagara, Juan-Carlos moved to Toronto to pursue his passion for Classical Theatre Performance and is now in his final year at George Brown Theatre School. Select Credits include Don Carlos (Don Carlos), and Head Clown (Carnival of Munsch). He has enjoyed being challenged in theatre school to be both a better artist and person. Juan-Carlos is happiest when sharing his passion for stories with all the other dreamers and fools.

Aaron Ford (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist from Hamilton Ontario. Before becoming an individual, he was first a creator. In his spare time Aaron enjoys painting, singing, making tunes and sounds. He is excited to share the stage with so many talented people. Selected works include Saville in The Belle’s Stratagem (George Brown Theatre School), Suessical (Theatre Ancaster), Matilda (Artsmart), Cabaret (Curtain Call Theatre).

Andi García (she/her) is a Mexican artist from Torreón Coahuila, México. She practiced competitive gymnastics for 11 years and developed a joy for performance. She was part of her high school’s choir where her love for music grew, and started performing in musical theatre productions such as High School Musical (2019), Mamma Mia! (2022) and other school performances. In 2022 she moved to Toronto to pursue her passion for acting at George Brown Theatre School. George Brown credits include: Princess Eboli in Don Carlos; David in The Rivals (period study); Sylvia in The Women; Maria in Twelfth Night (scene study). You can sometimes catch her playing music gigs with her friend and schoolmate Julie Pearson at local Toronto bars and restaurants. When she’s not at school, she’s usually taking inspiration from movies, and playing guitar for her cat Rio.

James is a Toronto-based actor and singer, currently in his final year studying Theatre Performance at George Brown Theatre School. Born and raised in Kingston, ON, James previously studied performance at the University of Toronto, and has studied voice privately for many years. James is particularly passionate about breathing new life into classics in the fields of theatre, musical theatre, and opera. Notable credits include: Acting Stage: Priest/Ensemble in Anna Karenina (George Brown Theatre), Ring Announcer/Soloist in Carnival of Munsch (George Brown Theatre), Stevie in Suburban Motel (UofT Drama), Roger Debris in The Producers, Frankie Epps in Parade, George in The Drowsy Chaperone (BCPT/Kingston’s Grand Theatre). Film/TV: Gary in Body So Fluorescent (InsideOut, 2020). 

Upcoming at George Brown Theatre: Prince Phillip in Ivona, Princess of Burgundy, and Friar John in Romeo and Juliet. 

“It’s not the work, it’s the stairs.” - Elaine Stritch 

Parsa Hassanzadeh is an Iranian-Canadian actor born in Iran and raised in Canada since he was eleven. During elementary and middle school his love for performing flourished and over the past years at George Brown Theatre School, he had the opportunity to grow as an artist. He also developed a passion for Clown, physical theatre, and Shakespeare during his time at George Brown. Credits: Elias in Far Flung Peoples (Fringe 2024); King Philip in Don Carlos and Sir Lucius O'Trigger in The Rivals (GBTS Period Study); Carnival of Munsch (GBTS); Jim Hutton in Paris Bound (GBTS Scene Study), Angelo in Measure for Measure (GBTS Shakespeare Scene Study); Ensemble in 9428: The Monster I Learned To Love (Fringe 2022); Narrator in The Only Possible Way ( Canadian Stage/ Nowadays Theatre Company 2019).

Charles Hunte (he/him) was born and raised in Barbados. He holds an Associate Degree of Theatre Arts from Barbados Community College (BCC). In 2022, he travelled to Toronto to continue studying theatre and is currently studying at George Brown Theatre School (GBTS). His passion came from seeing pantomimes and large dance ensembles at a young age. Charles is a professional actor, model, and singer, and also wishes to become a producer and director in the film and TV industry. His most notable performances are BCC’s 2021 Portfolio “Fellow Barbadians”, and the 2022 Portfolio “Behind The Wire”, and “Carnival of Munsch” in 2023 at GBTS. Charles looks forward to the GBTS of "Anna Karenina" directed by Stewart Arnott, "The Amazing Cordobas & The War of Clowns" directed by Sue Miner, "Ivona, Princess of Burgundy" directed by Nicole Wilson, and "Romeo and Juliet" directed by Julia Nish-Lapidus and James Wallis.

Kieran Jensen (he/him) is an actor from Sudbury, Ontario. Kieran grew up among Sudbury’s vibrant theatre community, having worked on countless productions in roles big and small. Credits include: Doricourt in The Belle’s Stratagem; Davison in Mary Stuart (GBTS Period Study), The Case of the Missing A.Y. Jackson by Judi Straughan; Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; A Christmas Story (Sudbury Theatre Centre); apprentice director on Romeo and Juliet (YES Theatre); and a virtual reading of New Normal by Matthew Heiti (PlaySmelter). Upcoming: Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (YES Theatre). He also narrated the audiobook for Surviving Stutthof, a biography of his grandfather’s experiences in a concentration camp, written by his mother Liisa Kovala.

GianPaolo Lattanzio is an Italian-Canadian actor, singer, dancer, and creator born in Peterborough, Ontario and raised all over the world. He is a theatre, film, and voice actor. 

GianPaolo is most known for his portrayal of the role of Stiva (Anna Karenina/ George Brown Theatre School), Andrew (Carnival of Munsch/ GBTS), Tarzan (Tarzan – The Musical / Kanata Theatre), and Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors / Belleville Theatre Guild). 

GianPaolo aspires to one day become a teacher and coach so that he can help creatives develop themselves into flourishing, confident artists – the same way that his teachers have done for him. 

In his free time, he enjoys origami, brushing up his character voices and imitations, and playing board games with his mum and niece.  

GianPaolo wants to spark the flames of passion within you that also lie within him. He believes that everyone has a story that they are drawn to, and he hopes to be there when you find yours.  

Emmet Logue (he/him) is a bilingual theatre artist hailing from Ottawa. His passion for theatre has led him to perform across the country (three whole cities in two different provinces!). After spending time on the high seas as a pirate (Pirate Life theatre) he decided to abandon his life of crime to do some recent credits, which include Jacob in Corporate Finch (Port Albert Productions — Edmonton Fringe) and Rainbow Fish in Rainbow Fish (TYT Theatre). Emmet is intrigued by any art that makes someone say “I’m not entirely sure what that was”. He believes theatre’s beauty lies in its ability to weird people out and see their faces in real-time.

Julia (she/her) is an emerging artist born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Though both of her parents are science majors, Julia quickly found that theatre was her passion and joy; in particular, she loves the richness of Shakespeare and the articulation of physical theatre.

Julia is grateful that she has had the opportunity to grow as an artist, and person, at George Brown. Julia is eager to jump into an ever-changing industry where she can explore, play, take risks and challenge herself.

During her time at George Brown, Julia has had the opportunity to play roles such as Lady Antonia in The Rivals directed by Matt Pilipiak, Count Cordua in Don Carlos directed by Jeannette Lambermont-Morey, and was part of the ensemble in Carnival of Munsch directed by Christel Bartelse.

In her spare time, Julia loves to swing dance and canoe – of course, at different times!

Julie Pearson (she/her) is a Toronto-based actor, musician, singer/songwriter, and music teacher. Having grown up with two music teachers for parents and an obsession with old musicals (especially The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain), Julie has always felt quite drawn to the arts. Over the years, she has taken part in theatre and dance camps, music lessons, dance lessons, and drama classes offered by her schools. She now finds herself quite passionate about acting, writing, directing, and creating her own music.

Throughout her studies at GBTS, Julie has enjoyed playing a variety of characters such as Harper in Angels in America, directed by Nicole Wilson, Julia Melville in The Rivals, directed by Matt Pilipiak, and Zoe in Bright Lights, directed by Ryan G. Hinds. She has also worked as a cosongwriter and ensemble member in the company’s second-year production of Carnival of Munsch, directed by Christel Bartelse.

Iza Rincón (she/her) is an actor and singer born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. She moved to Toronto in 2022 to realize her dream to perform and create art across borders. She is currently in her last year of Theatre Performance at George Brown Theatre School. Upon graduating, Iza looks forward to exploring playwriting, classical theatre and getting her stage combat certifications. She is grateful on having the opportunity to work with some of Canada’s distinguished theatre professionals such as Stewart Arnott, Jeannette Lambermont-Morey, Matt Pilipiak, and Nicole Wilson in her time at George Brown.

Notable credits include: Anna Karenina in Anna Karenina and Ms. Gomez in Carnival of Munsch (George Brown Theatre School), Mads in The Last Mammoth (Good Old Neon), Mary Stuart in Mary Stuart (George Brown Theatre School/Period Study), Rose in Oliver Twist (Camafeo Theatre) and Bruja in Velum (Short Film, Fugitiva Productions). Iza is passionate about using magical realism to bridge the border between Mexican and Canadian theatre in order to blend the depth of the former with the richness of the latter.

When not performing, you can find Iza sitting on a patio watching dogs pass by. She is thankful for the people that helped her along the way to be able to perform here today.

Morgan (she/her) is a Toronto based actor born and raised in Ottawa. She found her love for performing at the age of 11 before attending Canterbury High School for the Arts. Through her four years in their Drama program she cultivated her passion for performance and her skills in acting. After high school she came straight to George Brown Theatre School to continue her acting education. It is here that she has gained better skill and confidence in her performances and has been given the incredible honour of working with amazing instructors and colleagues. She has performed in such shows as Painting by Numbers (Fresh Palette Theatre Company) at Toronto Fringe this past summer; as well as Carnival of Munsch, The Rivals, and Don Carlos here at George Brown. She is so excited to be a part of bringing this incredible season to life.

Mila Trichilo (she/her) is an actor and dancer from Ontario. Mila’s passion for performing stemmed from her years in competitive dance where she trained in a wide variety of genres; her favourites being Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Jazz. Her love for acting started as a child doing musical theatre and commercial work. Mila enjoys any opportunity to be a storyteller, whether it be through acting or dance. She loves to collaborate with peers and create her own work. In the future she hopes to become a choreographer and teacher herself along with continuing her acting journey in the world of film, tv and musical theatre. She is excited to start working on all the plays this season and looks forward to furthering her growth in her remaining time at George Brown. Her love for this craft is endless and she can’t wait to see what the future holds. 

Kate Truong is an actor, singer, and creator in both theatre and film. She is a Toronto native with a passion for storytelling and acting. Her time at York University allowed her to explore the film industry, but her journey truly began at the Straeon Acting Studio, where her love for storytelling ignited her desire to act. Kate is also an alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts summer program. With a background in student films and numerous non-union projects, she is currently honing her craft at George Brown College, studying theatre. Kate is eager to tell stories that aren't being told to give people a voice that otherwise wouldn't have one.

Gaby (she/her) is a Toronto based artist whose love for the stage began as a dancer in her home country (Bogotá, Colombia) where she trained in multiple styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary and commercial dance; and performed in multiple productions including The Lion King (Ballet Danzastudio, 2019) and a stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman (Ballet Danzastudio, 2022). At age 17, fresh after high school, she moved to Canada to join George Brown Theatre School, where she is set perform in their 2024-2025 season of plays. When she is not daydreaming about conquering stages by acting, dancing, or singing, you can find her playing with makeup, creating everything from weird to beautiful creatures, or exploring new places with a cup of coffee in her hand.