The Amazing Cordobas / War of the Clowns

Hannah MacMillan is an Equity Stage Manager based in Toronto Ontario. When Hannah is not stage managing she loves board games, ultimate frisbee and eating great food!

Selected Credits:

Stage Manager: Stage Manager: Rapunzel a Merry Hairy Holiday Panto (Capitol Theatre) Assistant Stage Manager: Rosmersholm (Crows Theatre), Assistant Stage Manager: Rockabye, Gloria and Martyr (ARC), Assistant Stage Manager: A Wrinkle In Time (Stratford Festival), Assistant Stage Manager: Little Shop of Horrors, 9-5 The Musical (Capitol Theatre) Stage Manager: Carnival of Munsch and New World (George Brown Theatre School), Stage Manager: Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Punk Rock (Howland Company/Crows Theatre), Stage Manager: Storybook Search Workshop (Bad Hats Theatre), Stage Manager: The Antipodes (Coal Mine Theatre), Production Stage Manager: Matilda (Mainstage Theatre Company), Apprentice Stage Manager: Reprint (Musical Stage Company)

Glenn is happy to be back at George Brown, after designing the set for Carnival of Munsch last year.
Recent credits include Les Filles de Roi for Theatre Francais de Toronto, A Girl Who Loved Her Horses for the Centre for Indigenous Theatre and Staircases for Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. His work as a set and lighting designer has garnered him 2 Dora Mavor Moore awards, the Pauline McGibbon award and a Harold award. Upcoming projects include Feu M. Feydeaux for Theatre Francais de Toronto and The Amazing Cordobas/War of the Clowns for George Brown.

Ina is delighted to be working alongside the talented class of 2025 and director Sue Miner designing costumes for “The Amazing Cordobas” and “War of the Clowns”.

Ina is educated in both Fashion Design through TMU and Costume Cutting through Red Deer College in Alberta. After owning her own business in Fashion, Ina began working as a cutter and stitcher in theatre wardrobe in 1999. She has worked with The Banff Centre, The Citadel Theatre, Mirvish Productions, The National Ballet Company, the Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper Theatre Company, The Canadian Stage Company and Young People’s Theatre Company.
Ina joined the George Brown Theatre School in the Fall of 2013 as the Head of Wardrobe and for the last 5 years has been designing costumes whenever she has the opportunity.

Alia is a Toronto-based lighting designer originally from Vancouver, and is thrilled to be joining George Brown for the first time for some circus-y thrills. Some credits include: Lighting Design for White Muscle Daddy (Buddies in Bad Times), Something Rotten (Sheridan College), TH'OWXIYA (University of Waterloo), Crazy for You, Urinetown, Guys & Dolls (Randolph College), Alternative Routes (NDCWales); Stiles & Drewe’s Anything Can Happen, Falstaff (Richard Burton Co); PROUD, People Like Us (Firehall Arts Centre); Supernatural Noir, Secret Service (Fugue Theatre); Assistant Lighting Design with the Stratford Festival, among others.

Alia has an MA in Lighting Design from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from UBC and diploma in Technical Theatre from Capilano University.

www.aliastephen.com

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.

War of the Clowns includes two of ValYa’s favourite things - history and clowns. She cannot wait to bring this story of life, war, and buffoonery to the stage. Just remember - it’s a revolution! All are welcome here… unless your name is “Butcher”. Otherwise, welcome!

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, including the original play The Case of the Missing A.Y. Jackson by Judi Straughan (Sudbury Theatre Centre), and a virtual reading of New Normal by playwright and novelist Matthew Heiti (PlaySmelter). Other credits: Doricourt in The Belle’s Stratagem; Davison in Mary Stuart; Carnival of Munsch (GBTS), Countess de Tilly in Lilies; God the Father in Paradise Lost; Johnny Case in Holiday (GBTS scene study), Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; A Christmas Story (Sudbury Theatre Centre). He also served as an apprentice director on Romeo & Juliet, directed by James Wallis and Julia Nish-Lapidus for YES Theatre, and 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.