Katy Bowen-Roberts - Producer
Raised on Vancouver island, Katy has established herself as a performer, teacher and producer both in Canada and Europe. She trained at the University of British Columbia where she achieved a BMUS completing courses in directing and performing. Performance credits include Musetta in La Boheme (Czech Republic), Lauretta in Gianni Schicci (London, UK), Serpetta in Die Gartnerin Aus Liebe (Germany), Lead vocalist in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Norfolk, UK), Anna in The King and I (Port Theatre, Nanaimo), Yum Yum in The Mikado (Port Theatre, Nanaimo), Nancy in Oliver, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar and most recently she was seen playing Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at the Port Theatre . Katy produced the Port Theatre’s 10-year anniversary celebration show and was also the ‘Programming Coordinator and Host’ for the popular Random Acts Series. Katy owns her own voice, piano and Musical Theatre studio called Razzle Dazzle Productions in the Comox Valley. She successfully produced the inaugural Night of White event in the Comox Valley in August 2016 and is looking forward to the second annual event on August 26th, 2017. Katy is currently working towards production of the 11th annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular scheduled to be seen December 5th - 17th 2017 in Courtenay (Sid Williams Theatre), Victoria (McPherson Playhouse) and Nanaimo (Port Theatre). |
Jessica Lowry*- Director
Jessica was born in Tofino and raised in Nanaimo. She graduated with distinction from The University of Alberta’s conservatory acting program. She has since worked as an actor across Canada including three seasons with The Shaw Festival Theatre. There she was recipient of The Christopher Newtown award, that enabled her to attend One Yellow Rabbit’s performance creation Lab in Calgary. This intensive led by Governor General recipient Denise Clarke and the team at OYR explores diverse practises and tools to create innovative and impactful performances/writing/direction. Jessica most recently starred in Theatreone’s 52 Pick Up and wrote and performed Clear Cut for The Nanaimo Art Gallery’s, Silva: The Booming Grounds, Part II. She directed Talker’s Town for Western Edge Theatre, Possible Maps (Edmonton Fringe), and co-created Rhapsody with cellist Amy Laing. She wrote and performed as host of The Port Theatre’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Upcoming she will be performing the character of Flight for CloudHead Games virtual reality series Gallery: The Six Elements. Jessica teaches and trains in Iyengar yoga at Bend Over Backwards in Nanaimo. |
James Mark - Music Director & Violinist
James was born and raised in western Canada and completed his undergraduate degree in music at York University. James earned his Masters degree in violin performance and composition at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where he went on to become a faculty member teaching theory and musicianship. Currently James is the chair of the music department chair at Vancouver Island University and teaches courses in digital music notation and studio recording. James also teaches violin performance at VIU and at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. He is a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony and is continually working as an arranger and composer. Since 2007 James has been the arranger, musical director and violinist for the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. A project that recently celebrated its 10th year with sold out performances on its island tour. You can see a portfolio of James’ professional work at: www.jamesmarkmusic.com |
Nicola Jackson - Choreographer
Born and raised in England. Nicola started ballet at age three, and throughout her childhood was absorbed in Arts & Dance - performing in all local shows available! Her vocation led to three years professional Dance & Musical Theatre training in London, England. Following graduation Nicola spent 8 years performing professionally, the majority of which was as Dancer & Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Alongside her love of performing runs a passion for the creative process; choreography & teaching, working with directors, producers, musicians, lighting & sound technicians. The countless hours of preparation to create those magical moments onstage - there's nothing like it! |
Robinson Wilson - Lighting Designer
Robinson Wilson is a graduate of the Technical Theatre program at Vancouver Island University and the Film Arts Program at Langara College's Studio 58. Recent lighting design work includes 52 Pickup for Theatre One, his production of William Shakespeare's The Tempest, and A Different Moon, for VIU, while also mentoring design students through the directed studies program. He has 16 years experience in concert lighting as a venue technician and freelance designer. Since 2011, he has been the Lighting Designer in Residence for the summer Musical Theatre program at the Courtenay Youth Music Centre, where highlights include Shrek, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Les Miserables. |
Shelby Matthews - Stage Manager
After a childhood of acting in community and school theatre, Shelby pursued her love of theatre in her post-secondary education. In 2014 she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre at Vancouver Island University. It was there that Shelby got the opportunity to experience and fall in love with the technical side of theatre, and throughout her time at VIU she stage managed several one act and full length mainstage productions. After graduating, she continued to pursue the technical side, from stage managing the Vancouver Island Symphony numerous times, to doing both stage management and tech at the Harbour City Theatre. She has been involved with the Nanaimo Fringe Festival for the last five years, most recently sitting on the board of directors. She now is acting as the Event Manager of the entire festival as well as working in Youth Theatre as a Production Assistant and SM for Headliners Productions for the past 3 years. |
Paul Tedescini - Sound Design
Select sound design credits include ; I Think I’m Fallin’- The Songs Of Joni Mitchell, Moms The Word, Puttin’ On The Ritz, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike ( The Belfry Theatre ), Circle Mirror Transformation (Arts Club Theatre), 39 Steps, Noises Off (Western Canada Theatre), Fresco (Shadbolt Centre/The Cultch), Gaslight (Blue Bridge Theatre), Ring Of Fire – Project Johnny Cash, It’s A Wonderful Life, Les Miserables, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Steel Magnolias, Chickens (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Into The Woods (Canadian College of Performing Arts), The December Man ( Harbour City Theatre ) |
Raymond Knight - Video Design
Raymond Knight is a Vancouver Island based filmmaker and visual artist. He specializes is music videos and short films and has recently finished producing/directing his first feature film ‘Beyond Control’. With several short film scripts completed he hopes to bring more independent productions to Nanaimo and continue building the filmmaking community. |
Sarah MacDonald - Costume Alterations
Born in Alberta and raised in New Zealand, Sarah moved back to Canada in 2006 after apprenticing for 3 years with a dressmaker, who specialized in bridal gowns and alterations. She now works from home making Elvis costumes for a local small business, as well as making and selling children’s costumes online. |