2023 Cast
Singers
Rachel Park
Soprano
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Martha Ansfield-Scrase
Alto
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Gabriel Macdonald
Tenor
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Peter Monaghan*
Bass Baritone
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Dancers
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Singers:
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Rachel Park - Soprano
Rachel is so excited to once again join the cast of the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular to bring some holiday cheer! Originally from Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Rachel holds a BMus from UBC and has performed and trained internationally at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria as a recipient of the Johann Strauss Memorial Scholarship. Select credits include Bertha in the premiere of Antony Knight’s “Oh Alfred”, Sweeney Todd (Snapshots Collective), Concert soloist (VSO Traditional Christmas Concerts), Zerlina and First Spirit in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Die Zauberflöte respectively (U/S, UBC). Many thanks to Katy and the rest of the team! Martha Ansfield-Scrase - Alto
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for Martha! She is overjoyed to be back for a third season with Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular and for the privilege of sharing the stage and backstage with such a talented and passionate group of artists & elves. Martha is a classically trained theatre actor & singer originally from Brighton, England. Recent credits include originating the role of Athene in the new musical 'Monster' with Direct Theatre Collective, & 'Troika' with Smoking Gun Collective. Love always to Christopher, her favourite humbug! Gabriel Macdonald - Tenor
Gabriel is a Toronto based performer. He grew up in Nelson B.C. where his passion for music and performing began at a very early age. He is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, where he received the “Founders Award” for achievement in musical theatre performance. He has since played lead roles in shows such as Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, and Rocky Horror. As a vocal soloist, Gabriel has toured internationally, performed the baritone role in Carmina Burana and has shared the stage with artists such as David Foster, Rajaton and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. |
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Peter Monaghan* - Baritone "The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors' Equity Association under the provisions of the DanceOperaTheatre Policy (DOT)".
After a 3 year hiatus, Peter is excited to be back with the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular family! Originally from lethbridge, Alberta, Peter has performed professionally for musical theater and opera companies all across Canada, as well as overseas in Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Cuba and China. He has sung as a soloist with symphonies such as; Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and the Okanagan. Some of his most recent credits; Massetto in Don Giovanni (Edmonton Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria), Colline, La Bohème (POV) and as Snug in Vancouver Opera’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Next you’ll find him on Pacific Opera Victoria’s stage for Le nozze di Figaro this spring. |
Dancers:
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Jacq Smith - Dance Captain & Dancer Jacq (she/her) is thrilled to return to YPCS for a fifth season! Jacq is a Vancouver-based artist whose dynamic performance ability, and versatile background, inform her work in dance, theatre, and choreography. Originally from Edmonton, and a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet’s professional program, Jacq has studied numerous artistic disciplines throughout her life. Jacq has worked across Canada on both large and small-scale productions, in a variety of disciplines, from contemporary dance to musical theatre, and film. Select credits: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC), Broadway Melody Soloist in Singin in the Rain (RCMT), Crazy For You (Gateway), Workspace III (the response.), Anything Goes (RCMT), West Side Story (TUTS), and Artist-in-Residence with Small Stage (Movement Enterprises Society). www.jacqsmith.com Kyla Couper-Cruickshank - Dancer
Kyla started dancing at the age of four, and her love of dance took her to New York City at age 15 to train for four years at the Joffrey Ballet School. Since graduating with a Certificate in Dance, Kyla has performed with DansArts et al., Ballet Kelowna, Coastal City Ballet, CollabArt Creations, and her own performing company, Coupé Dance & Co. Kyla holds a Bachelor’s Degree of General Studies in Education from Simon Fraser University, has been teaching dance for six years, and just opened her own dance studio in Richmond, BC. Kyla is excited to be back in the YellowPoint Christmas Spectacular for a fourth season! Nicola Jackson - Dancer
Nicola is delighted to be returning to YPCS for her fourth season! A graduate of Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in London, UK, Nicola holds a Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre, along with a Level 5 Dance Teaching Diploma (bbodance). After performing professionally in Theatres across Europe and North America, aboard Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Nicola moved to Nanaimo where she continues to dance, teach, create and choreograph. Nicola lives in beautiful Nanaimo with her husband and their two young boys. Thank you so much to all who make it possible! Hannah Bateman - Dancer
Hannah Bateman calls Chilliwack BC her home. She is filled with excitement about her return to the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. Noteworthy highlights from her on-camera journey include roles in The J Team, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Riverdale, Snow Day, Monster High 2, and the Crazy, Stupid Silly Love music video. Hannah has also toured as a Maximum Velocity Artist with the Velocity Dance Convention and pursued intensive summer training in Los Angeles and Portland. Completing her certificate training at Vancouver's Harbour Dance Center's Intensive Training Program. Hannah's passion for performing never wanes, she always hopes to leave her audiences filled with a sense of inspiration and joy. Jaime Grace Butler - Dancer
Jaime is beyond excited to be back again for her second season of YPCS! Jaime is a Vancouver based, multi-disciplinary performing artist originally from Sechelt, BC. By the age of 18, Jaime completed a three-year, pre-professional dance program and received her ISTD Associate in Modern Theatre. Her love of musical theatre led her to Victoria to study at the Canadian College of Performing Arts, where she earned two performing arts diplomas. Jaime also enjoys teaching dance and musical theatre. A few of her favorite credits include: The Nutcracker (CATS), West Side Story (CCPA), If/Then (CCPA), and Electric Fire (PNE). |
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 retired career music teacher with 44 years of experience at every level from elementary to university. He leads Decadence, a ten-piece jazz/funk band for which he composes 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. He has recorded a CD called Chester s Waltz and has 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, percussionist and composer with strong West Coast roots. In 2020 he completed his Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University and remains an active member of the island music scene as both a performer and educator. Adam can be heard in venues across the island with an eclectic mix of artists and ensembles including Keanu Ienco, Andrew Homzy’s NOLA Nighthawks, free-jazz-noise-rock trio Dry Goods, and modern R&B group Mahogany. Adam is thrilled for the long-awaited return of the YPCS! |
Back-stage
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Shelby Matthews - Stage Manager & Lighting Technician Shelby has lived on Vancouver Island all her life and graduated in 2013 from Vancouver Island University with a degree in Theatre. After graduation she continued to work in the Nanaimo arts community, stage managing for the Vancouver Island Symphony, The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, youth theatre, as well as event manager and board member for The Nanaimo Fringe Festival. Shelby first worked with Razzle Dazzle Productions in 2017 on Nanaimo’s historical show Blackstone’s & Bathtubs and is excited to be back working with them on this years Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. She hopes you enjoy the show! |
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Joanne Swain - Costume alterations
Joanne is please to be joining this years Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular as Her past experiences have been in the wardrobe department at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and has filled in as properties co-coordinator at Chemainus Theatre. She is currently volunteering as Head of Wardrobe at the Nanaimo Theatre Group where she oversees the costumes and contributes to various productions. After watching the previous Christmas Spectaculars, she’s excited to get up close and to work on the fabulous outfits you see today. |