Meet The Cast – Toronto
Our team of diverse and talented artists and actors spans every part of Canada. Check out their biographies below.
Joel Hechter
Toronto, ON
(English)
Joel Hechter has many years of training and facilitation experience in a variety of corporate and classroom settings. A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, he has performed across the country, for theatres from The Shaw Festival (Six Characters in Search of an Author and Lord of the Flies), The National Arts Centre, and The Manitoba Theatre Centre (Picasso at the Lapin Agile), to cutting edge independent companies such as The End Co-op (Samuel Beckett's Play and Catastrophe), and Red Red Rose (Salome). He served as co-producer for Theatre Voce on three productions which were nominated for a total of ten Dora Mavor Moore awards. He is currently waist-deep in the study of law at University of Toronto.
Alicia Payne
Toronto, ON
(English)
After a brief séjour in Paris, then working in merchant and customer service in Toronto's financial sector, Alicia reignited her passion for the performing arts. Her acting credits encompass theatre, film, television and radio. She has worked in schools, shelters and companies as a performer and facilitator of forum theatre, an interactive tool for social change. Alicia's published writing credits include Horrorscope (a syndicated cartoon), two short plays for youth and a column in the Los Angeles-based trade publication Black Talent News. She was heard weekly on Where Am I?, a contest she created for Metro Morning (CBC Radio) and she produced Sara's Cave, a Holocaust drama at the Heritage Theatre. Alicia also sings in the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, which is dedicated to building bridges of understanding using all styles of Afrocentric music.
Mary Giardina
Toronto, ON
(English & Italian)
Mary Giardina has been active in theatre for over 20 years, performing in and writing plays since the age of seven. Today, Mary is a facilitator and adult learning consultant, designing and delivering leadership and front line training programs, blending her love of theatre and education every chance she gets! She is currently completing her Master of Adult Education at St. Francis Xavier University, in Nova Scotia, researching the transfer of learning. A regular performer with Focus Management Group, Mary is a leader and provocateur in character simulations, working in the banking, insurance and government sectors. Her theatre experience includes the role of Catherine in, A View from the Bridge, FonaMia, part of the Toronto International Caravan and producing The Sound of Music. In her first comedic role, Mary performed in Norm Foster's Office Hours.
Kris Ryan
Toronto, ON
(English)
Since graduating from the Humber theatre program with honours, Kris has amassed a long list of theatre credits, primarily as a comedic actor, occasionally as a farceur, and in recent years, romantic lead. Ah, it's taken a while to get the girl, but better late than never! Some stage productions include The Affections of May, ART, The Foreigner and The Love List. You may recognize his face from numerous commercials as well as TV and Film roles that include appearances in The Pete Rose Story, Sue Thomas F.B.EYE, Monk and a gruesome victim in the horror movie Heartstopper! With playsthatwork, Kris has worked extensively as a simulator over the past six years with organizations like ScotiaMcLeod, Scotiabank, AT&T and Humber College, just to name a few.
Susan North
Ingersoll (Toronto), ON
(English)
After being a stay-at-home mom to two children, Susan entered the theatrical arena and has performed in over 20 stage productions. Favourite roles include Susie (Wait Until Dark), Madeleine (Albertine in Five Times) and Truvy (Steel Magnolias). Not only does she play in many client engagements across the country, Susan is involved in the casting and training of playsthatwork actors in many of Canada's 10 provinces. As a simulator, she works with police, veterinarians, medical professionals, etc. and she trains actors and delivers feedback workshops at University of Western Ontario. Recently, she entered a whole new world, casting and directing film under the banner of her own company - MOXROC productions. Susan thrives on challenges!
Mark Prince
Toronto, ON
(English)
Mark gained a Bachelor Degree in Theatre from the University of Windsor in Ontario. He trained as a member of the Acting Company and Young Company at the Stratford Festival of Canada for two seasons. In the UK, Mark worked on the London fringe and mainly in the development of new writing for theatres including Theatre Royal Stratford East and in modern classics such as Of Mice and Men at one of London's most treasured fringe theatres, the Southwark Playhouse. In Europe, Mark performed with Munich-based TNT Theatre Britain, a movement and music integrated theatre company offering English theatre to numerous countries around the world. During a break from theatre, Mark has worked as a voice over artist providing various voices for educational audio programs for countries all over Europe and the rest of the non-English speaking world.
Jennifer Taillefer
Toronto, ON
(English)
Jennifer makes her living pursuing her passions in acting, production management, event production & design and teaching yoga. In addition to all of her theatre work, Jennifer owns and manages a Moksha Yoga Studio in downtown Toronto (see www.mokshayogadanforth.com). As an actor she has worked with companies such as Theatre Collingwood, Sunshine Festival, Showboat Festival, Gateway Theatre, and Story Theatre. With playsthatwork, she has performed many characters with UHN, St Michael's Hospital, Scotiabank & Scotia Wealth, AT&T Canada, AstraZeneca and Rotman School of Management, to name just a few. Jennifer trained in performance and production at the University of Victoria and the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. She recently completed her MA in Performance at the University of East Anglia, England.
Geoff Kolomayz
Toronto, ON
(English)
Geoff is proud to be part of the Focus Management Team. He finds the work both rewarding and stimulating as it facilitates people's personal growth while at the same time providing an environment for his acting talents. Outside of his work with Focus Management, Geoff works to express himself on both stage and screen. He is the co-creator, writer, producer and director of Ready, Set, Life! which featured his one man show This is the Rest of Your Life! Some of his favorite roles include: Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Paris in Romeo and Juliet and Templeton Rat in Charlotte's Web; on film, he enjoyed playing Kip Mickey/Marble Jesus in The Untitled Puppet Project and The Barkeep in Six Reasons Why. For more information on Geoff Kolomayz, visit his website at www.geoffkolomayz.info
Geoffrey Whynot
Toronto, ON
(English)
Geoff has been a Canadian theatre professional for twenty years. As an actor, he's worked from east to west in Canada and at the Charlottetown, Shaw and Stratford Festivals. A Dora-nominated actor, Geoff has also produced original Canadian plays with his company Shaking Ground Productions and with that company, he toured his one-man show to Poland and Ukraine as a guest of the Canadian government. Since 2000, he has been enjoying an emerging career as a director and teacher, working frequently in Regina at the renowned Globe Theatre. He also has extensive training and experience as a simulator in various environments including working with new medical doctors and pharmacists. He has been with playsthatwork since 2005.
Samuel Owen Rosenthal
Toronto, ON
(English)
Sam is the Artistic Director of the City Playhouse Theatre in Vaughan Ontario. He recently completed his first 11 show All Canadian Season. Sam is also an actor and some selected credits include Skin Flick (Theatre New Brunswick), Forever Plaid (Canadian Tour), The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Tour), Confessions Of A Dirty Blonde (Victoria Playhouse), The Last Resort (The Red Barn), and the World Premiere of The Foursome (Theatre On-The Grand). Sam has done extensive corporate work with Supporting Roles, and the London Police Academy as well as the Standardized Patient Program with the University of Toronto. He is a casting director on the current Discovery Network programs Curious and Unusual Deaths and Inventions That Shaped The World.
Sam takes great joy in working with playsthatwork and is excited by the potential for growth with each new client he works. Sam is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School (Acting) and has a B.F.A. from the Directing Program at York University.
Camille James
Toronto, ON
(English)
Camille was born on Dalhousie campus in Halifax and grew-up in Dartmouth & Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia. Since University Avenue was the place of her birth, she decided to return to Dal for her education and earned her Bachelor's Degree in theatre. Now based in Toronto, Camille has worked extensively in theatre (The Shaw Festival and Stratford among others), film (In Too Deep, Don't Say a Word), TV (Runaway, White Lies) and voice-over (Corduroy the Bear, George & Martha). In addition to playsthatwork, she also works with other simulation trainers such as e-roleplay and University Health Network. Her newest role is the most fulfilling; motherhood!
Caroline Azar
Toronto, ON
(English)
Caroline works in different performance mediums as a story editor, dramaturge, speechwriter, performance coach and director in all things broadcasted, corporate and theatrical. She has coached and facilitated over 75 corporations as well as government and non-governmental organizations. She has the following designations: Canadian Securities Certification, Adult Education, Instructional Course Design and by October, 2010 will have her Canadian and American Human Resource Professional designations. She has had the pleasure of working for classical and sports media while also consulting numerous arts collectives. Some interesting past affiliations include working for the Toronto District School Board, the Dove Beauty Campaign and renowned playwright Judith Thompson.
Drew Carnwath
Toronto, ON
(English)
Drew is an actor, screenwriter and consultant/coach. Upon graduating from Queen's University, Drew continued to train at The American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York; followed by three seasons with The Masterclass Company at The Banff Centre. Some of his favourite roles include the title role in The Buddy Holly Story; Mitch in Tuesdays With Morrie and Chris Brasher in the film 4 MINUTES. Drew's plays have all been produced across the country. In 1996, he was a member of Tarragon Theatre's Playwrights' Unit, and in 1998, both Johnnyville and Total Body Washout were published by Playwrights Canada Press. More recently, Drew has worked as a producer, writer and story editor for CBC (Venture, Living in Toronto), The Life Network (U8TV: The Lofters and the Gemini-Award winning Skin Deep), and the History Channel (Crime Stories; Masterminds).
Michelle Piller
Toronto, ON
(English)
With over twenty years of experience on the stage, Michelle also brings her creative expression into Canada's corporate and professional venues. She works with people in the banking industry, with lawyers, doctors, nurses and a myriad of other health care professionals by strengthening their communication and coaching abilities through simulation and feedback. Believing passionately that live theatre is always happening, even in our mundane lives, Michelle thrives on highlighting crucial moments in any conversation. That's where the real drama is! An avid singer as well, some of her memorable theatre credits include I Do, I Do; Side by Side by Sondheim; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Assassins; Hair; Nunsense; Dads and The Last Resort. Finally, if you're as curious about the stars and planets as Michelle has always been, learn more at her website: www.starstruckastrology.org.
Françoise Balthazar
Toronto, ON
(English & French)
Françoise is an honours graduate from Ryerson Theatre School, a member of the Dean's list and is a two time recipient of the Robert Christie best actor award. Recently, she played the title role in an all female cast of Richard III, and the lead role of Lucrezia Borgia in Bella Donna, both featured at the Toronto Fringe Festival and for both she was named outstanding performer by NOW magazine. Other roles include: Alcandre in The Illusion (Stratford Festival); the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet (Minack theatre, England) and the Marquise in Dangerous Liaisons. Film credits include: Calphurnia in Julius Caesar (Bravo) and the lead in The Unstrung Ear (Montreal Film Festival). With (playsthatwork), she has performed many roles for Rotman School of Management, ScotiaMcLeod and Scotiabank. Also, she performs ongoing simulation work for e-roleplay.
Janet Gigliotti
Toronto, ON & Vancouver, BC
(English)
Janet made her career plans when she was six. Her first decision was to be a teacher; at seven, she ammended this goal to 'actor'. After completing her undergratuate degree in Speech Sciences, Janet realized her first dream and became a high school teacher specializing in Special Education. Many fulfilling years passed and, after completing her MA in Administration and Leadership, Janet left education for the full time pursuit of her second dream, acting. Janet has performed across the country on shows such as Mamma Mia!, My Way, South Pacific, and The Rainmaker. When not performing, Janet works as the office manager for her husband Sean's multi-media production company, Sensory Overload Productions.
Terry Barna
Waterloo, ON
(English)
From the moment he taped his father's dress socks to his head and played "Snoopy" in his Grade one production of Charlie Brown's Christmas, Terry has dreamed of entertaining people and making them laugh. With an internal simmering for the stage and screen in his belly, he spent 15 years in Corporate Canada, heading up market research and database analysis departments for Angus Reid Group, Investors Group and Clarica. Now, "chasing the dream" is a mission he jumped into in 2001 and has been fortunate enough to perform in over 30 shows since then, sharing the big screen with Ben Affleck and Diane Lane in Hollywoodland. Terry regularly calls upon his years of dealing with a wide variety of customers and colleagues to create the simulations he so enjoys doing with playsthatwork.
Melinda Little
Toronto, ON
(English)
Melinda lives in lovely High Park with her writer husband and two children. She studied theatre at York University in Toronto and received her certification in Laban Movement Analysis through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York. Melinda is passionate about movement and communication and has taught at the University of Essex in England, Ryerson University and the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts in Toronto. As an actor, Melinda has enjoyed touring across Canada, the States and Europe. She loves working on new Canadian plays (The League of Nathans, Equity Rules, Wish, Wonderful Dancer) and has written two plays herself: Pictures From Home and Shiksas Sit Shiva. Melinda enjoys working with people and brings her experience as an actor, teacher and former administrative assistant to playsthatwork.
Jeff White
Toronto, ON
(English)
Jeff wanted to be Elvis when he grew up. That didn't work out. So he became a lifeguard. And then worked at a bank. And then attended the University of Western Ontario – where he majored in frustration. (Physiology/Psychology double major). He studied acting in Toronto, and has performed at the Stratford Festival. In May 2008, Jeff will be playing the title role in Romeo & Juliet, at the Shakespeare Link Festival in Wales. This production will incorporate both deaf and hearing actors on stage. Jeff really enjoys corporate training – and has worked extensively with over 20 companies across Canada and the U.S. Currently, Jeff lives in Vancouver and is sometimes called, 'Rottweiler'. Jeff is mostly water.
Wolfgang Vachon BFA, M.Ed.
Toronto, ON
(English)
Wolfgang has used theatre as a tool to educate people for close to twenty years. During the late 1980s, he began employing interactive theatre processes to explore issues of health choices with young adults. Wolfgang has continued to develop his creative skills by writing, directing, and performing in dozens of productions through North America, Europe and Africa. Most recently Wolfgang founded Connect To Youth (C2Y) Connect to Youth C2Y employs youth who have experienced the social-service system in Ontario. With their unique experience and perspective, the C2Y Youth Trainers deliver educational workshops to a variety of adult learners including social service providers, businesses and parents. Working with playsthatwork, Wolfgang has trained people in finance, pharmaceuticals, and directors of private sector boards. In April 2007, Wolfgang was recognized in the House of Commons for his community work.