Singers:
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Rachel Park - Soprano
Rachel Park is a native of small town Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, and a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia. She received her Bachelors degree in Opera Performance and has performed and trained both nationally and internationally. Park spent the most recent summer at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria as a recipient of the Johann Strauss Memorial Scholarship from UBC. She has toured England and Ireland performing and competing with the University of British Columbia Usingers, representing Canada in the Cork international Choral Competition in 2017 placing 3rd overall. In addition to her vocal training, Park has been an avid dancer from the age of three, and has been trained in ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and musical theatre. She has choreographed for UBC Opera’s productions of Orfeo ed Euridice (2017) and Die Zauberflote (2019), as well as performed as a member of the UBC opera ensemble over the course of her degree. Martha Ansfield-Scrase - Alto Martha usually sings through the winter months whilst roving the streets as a caroller or heralding in Christmas with the Motet or Gallery Singers choirs. Having recently performed in heart-wrenching social commentary productions Jerusalem at United Players, Vancouver and Mrs Warren’s Profession at Chemainus Theatre; Martha is delighted to inject some glitter and sparkle into the next few weeks and invoke the Christmas spirit in style! Martha will return to seriousness in April with Smoking Gun Collective’s Look Back in Anger. She hopes your days will be merry and bright Conor Murphy - Tenor
Conor grew up singing and playing piano in St Anns, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (Opera) from the University of Toronto, where he studied under the tutelage of Elizabeth McDonald. He has spent the past year performing in the Toronto musical theatre scene and touring Europe as an opera tenor. Conor is thrilled to join the cast of YPCS, and is grateful as always for the opportunity to share his passion and his gift with others. Love and thanks to my growing family and my incredibly supportive wife. Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @conormurphytenor |
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Peter Monaghan* - Vocal Captain/Baritone "The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors' Equity Association under the provisions of the DanceOperaTheatre Policy (DOT)".
Peter is overwhelmed with excitement to join the Razzle Dazzle cast again this year! Peter has performed across Canada, overseas in Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Cuba, and China. Peter is also a graduate of the Yulanda M. Faris young artist program with Vancouver Opera. Some of his most recent performance credits are: Mamma Mia (Theatre Under the Stars); La Traviata; Gianni Schicchi (Pacific Opera Victoria) The Merry Widow; Turandot; Eugene Onegin; Le nozze di Figaro (Vancouver Opera); Carmen (Opera Kelowna); Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Under the Stars); Company (United Players); Acis and Galatea (Re:Naissance Opera); La Boheme(Opera Kelowna). When not on stage Peter enjoys, board games, the occasional video game and spending quality time with his wife. He would not be here if it weren't for her unending love and support. Merry Christmas! |
Dancers:
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Jacq Smith - Dance Captain & Dancer
Jacq is thrilled to return to YPCS for a fourth season. Performance has been an integral part of Jacq’s life since the age of 4. She has studied numerous artistic disciplines and is a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet's professional program. She is consistently training in the arts, recently completing three summers at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, participating in dance and choreography residencies. Select credits include: Broadway Melody Soloist in Singin’ in the Rain (RCMT), Crazy For You (Gateway), Workspace III (the response.), West Side Story (TUTS) and Choreographer/Dancer for Small Stage (Movement Enterprises Society). Jacq has performed, instructed and choreographed throughout North America and shares her love of dance with everyone she encounters. www.jacqsmith.co Kyla Couper - Dancer Kyla is overjoyed to join the YPCS cast for her second season! Kyla started dancing at Surrey Dance Centre where she competed and won various awards and scholarships including the Junior 2 Cecchetti Award, and the Intermediate Stage Representative at Surrey Festival of Dance. Kyla has a certificate in dance from the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, where she spent four years dancing lead roles in Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Serenade, Don Quixote, Nutcracker and Le Corsaire. She has performed with Royal City Youth Ballet, Ballet Kelowna, and Coastal City Ballet. Kyla teaches dance throughout the lower mainland and loves passing on the magical feeling of performing on stage! Nicola Jackson - Dancer
Nicola is delighted to be returning to YPCS this year! Originally from England, Nicola began dance at age 3, she went on to train extensively in numerous styles of dance, graduating Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in London, UK, with a Diploma in Dance & Musical Theatre. Nicola is passionate about the Arts and has performed professionally in Theatres across Europe & North America, aboard Princess, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Nicola now teaches, choreographs and dances for local projects, and is on the faculty at Tempo Dance Academy. She lives in beautiful Nanaimo with her husband and two energetic little boys! Makayla Moore - Dancer "The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors' Equity Association under the provisions of the DanceOperaTheatre Policy (DOT)". Makayla is thrilled to be joining the cast of the YCS this holiday season! She is a graduate from the Musical Theatre program at Capilano University. Recent theatre credits include: Shout! The Mod Musical (Magnus Theatre), Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot (The Arts Club), Grease, Footloose (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Crazy For You (Citadel/Theatre Calgary), Ross Petty Panto (The Elgin), Evita (Vancouver Opera), James and the Giant Peach (CTYP). Makayla was also an NBA dancer with the Toronto Raptors and has performed as a featured dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She would like to thank her family and the TH gang for their constant support! Kailley Roesler - Dancer Kailley is over the moon with excitement to be joining the Yellowpoint family. She is a graduate of the Capilano University Musical Theatre program and resides in Vancouver where she performs, choreographs, and creates shows. When she’s offstage, she spends her time painting, exploring, and tending to her plant babies. Recent credits include: Ensemble in Mamma Mia! (TUTS), Violet Newstead in 9 to 5: The Musical and Mrs. Pye in Anne of Green Gables (CapU Theatre.) Endless thanks to Katy, Lindsay, and James, as well as Shelley Stewart Hunt and Peter Monaghan for this magical experience. |
Musicians
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Patrick Courtin - Piano
Patrick Courtin is delighted to return to the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular! Patrick is a Vancouver Island based pianist, music director, multi-instrumentalist and arranger. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in jazz piano from VIU and Royal Conservatory grade 10. He has played and arranged for professional ensembles in many genres, especially jazz and musical theatre. Selected favourite gig experience includes: three seasons as musical director/pianist/actor with the Theatre Royal in Barkerville Historic Town, regular touring, recording and arranging for tenor Ken Lavigne, and pianist/accompanist for the Vancouver Arts Club and Chemainus Theatre Festival. |
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David Baird - Double Bass & Electric Bass
Dave studied jazz up at VIU. Since then he has performed with dozens of projects in a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from cruise ship lounge bands to touring with rock bands. His latest venture had him performing three shows with Theatre Newfoundland all summer long. Including his debut as an actor where he played the role of Captain English in The sinking of the SS Ethie, for the Gros Morne theatre festival. He teaches bass privately, and is an avid bird watcher in his spare time. |
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Steve Jones - Guitar & Saxophone
Steve is a music teacher with 43 years of experience at every level from elementary to university. He has extensive performance experience and leads Decadence, a ten-piece jazz/funk band for which he composes, arranges and plays sax. Steve has performed and taught at jazz camps and workshops in western Canada and Yukon and has adjudicated at many festivals and competitions including Musicfest Canada and the West Coast Jazz Festival. He has recorded a CD called Chester s Waltz and in 2011 received the City of Nanaimo s Excellence in Culture Award. He has performed in the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular for many years and is pleased and excited to be involved again. |
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Adam Robertson - Drums
Born and raised in Powell River, BC, Adam Robertson is a versatile drummer and percussionist with strong West Coast roots. Throughout his adolescence Adam discovered a deep passion for music, and in 2016 relocated to Nanaimo to study music at Vancouver Island University. While attending VIU Adam has worked under drums faculty Hans Verhoeven to develop a unique and adaptable voice on his instrument. During his brief time on Vancouver Island he has enjoyed a wide variety of performance opportunities spanning genres including rock, jazz, classical, and folk. Set to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in 2020, Adam is looking forward to further exploring his passions for both playing and teaching music. |
Back-stage
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Shelby McCoy - Stage Manager & Lighting Technician Shelby is excited to be joining the YCS family this year. She is Vancouver Island born and raised and attended the Technical Theatre program at Vancouver Island University. Shelby had the pleasure of continuing her education by apprenticing in Stage Management at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. She also has credits with Western Edge Theatre, Company of Rogues, and Atomic Vaudeville. Now living in Victoria BC after a year abroad with Princess Cruise Lines entertainment department, she is happy to be back on land and celebrating her favorite holiday with all of you. Giselle Bedier- Costume alterations
Giselle is excited to be having her first year with Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. Giselle has over 20 years of sewing and design experience and is a graduate of LCC’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program. Originally from Saskatchewan, Giselle has sewn costumes for Globe Theatre in Regina, provided sewing services for designers in the area, as well as running her own sewing and design business. Giselle has been in Nanaimo for two years and currently sews costumes for Pro Elvis Jumpsuits. She also has her own line of vintage upcycled clothing and accessories. Connect with Giselle on IG and FB: @giselleclothingdesign |
