The Bard on Bower Festival                                                            is produced by Prime Stock Theatre

A message from our Artistic Director- Richard Beaune

 

On behalf of Prime Stock Theatre, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024 Bard on Bower Festival. 

The Merry Wives of Windsor

July 18 - 28 on the Bower Ponds Stage

Directed by Piper Rempel

 

In this Shakespearian sitcom, the disreputable Sir John Falstaff pursues two housewives, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, who outwit and humiliate him as he attempts to earn their love, trust, and funds. Meanwhile, three suitors seek the hand of Anne Page, Mistress Page’s daughter. Mischief and merriment abound in this play about friendship, trust, and love. It’s a romantic comedy filled with miscommunication, heartwarming friendships, and gives us as an audience the chance to look around at who and what we hold most important at the end of each long, silly day.

Henry IV Part 2

July 26 - Aug 4 at Scott Block Theatre

Directed by Allison Weninger

 

For new and returning fans of Shakespeare’s Henriad, Henry IV Pt 2 is a tale of growing up, growing old, and the search for truth amidst swirling rumour. Unsure of the future, England’s ageing heroes and rascals grapple to secure their legacies as new players rise to take their place. Severely wounded, the rebel faction plans a last stand to right wrongs decades in the making. On the edge of crumbling, the kingdom hangs in the balance as Prince Hal must decide which path to take: that of his ailing father who once seized the crown, the distant King Henry IV; or that of an old knight taken to elaborate lies, the clownish Sir John Falstaff.

Halina Anderson

The Merry Wives of Windsor - Alice Ford

Henry IV Part 2 - Clarence/York/Kate Percy/Mouldy

 

Halina has been on stage since the age of four, and her love for acting has only grown since then. Her previous itinerary includes primarily Shakespeare work, but in recent years she's branched out into more contemporary pieces. Having been the wardrobe assistant for the Bard on Bower shows last year, and cast in them the year prior to that, she is excited to be back with Prime Stock Theater this season. Playing the Archbishop of York, Kate Percy, Mouldy, and Thomas of Clarence in Henry IV part 2 and Alice Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, she hopes to gain some laughs throughout the journey of both plays. Catch her in the upcoming CAT performance of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, as Miss Bennet. Finally, she leaves you with this poem, “By star and moonlight, by shield and sword, someone take that cowboy hat away from Francis Ford.”

Kimberly Beaune

Bard On Bower Festival - Festival Producer

 

Kimbery has been producing live events for more than 30 years, and added live theatre to the mix when Richard came into her life about 27 years ago. Most of her theatre work has been behind the scenes as a Producer, Designer, Stage Manager, Director and General Manager. She has worked with Simple Truth Theatre, Keystone Theatre, The Oakville Players, Theatresports Toronto (now Bad Dog), Oakville Improv and for the last three years Prime Stock Theatre. She is a trained theatrical clown and improviser and occasionally can be seen on stage with Bull Skit Comedy when she has the time. She is excited that this year's Bard on Bower Festival will provide audiences the opportunity for two completely different experiences; traditional Shakespeare in the Park outdoors at Bower Ponds and a more intimate theatrical setting, indoors at Scott Block Theatre...a fabulous space that Kimberly's company Creative Twist Inc. manages. 

Richard Beaune

The Merry Wives of Windsor - Understudy - Falstaff

Henry IV Part 2Falstaff / King Henry IV / Consulting Director

Bard On Bower FestivalArtistic Director / Festival Producer

 

Richard Beaune has been creating theatre across Canada for nearly 40 years as an actor, director and most of all a collaborator. He trained at Toronto Metropolitan University, George Brown College, The Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium (in Ohio) and received his MFA in Theatre (acting and directing) from York University. He was the Artistic Director of Simple Truth Theatre, Keystone Theatre, and Prime Stock Theatre, and is currently the Artistic Producer for The Shakespeare Company. He has performed in every province and territory in both English and French and his shows have garnered rave reviews and multiple awards including a Dora Mavor Moore Award and a Canadian Comedy Award. He has worked in a wide variety of styles in venues ranging from Canada's largest festivals (Stratford and Shaw) to parks and unexpected found spaces. He loves to defy expectations, but ultimately his goal in life is to make you smile.

Anja Darien

The Merry Wives of WindsorHugh Evans/Fenton

Henry IV Part 2Bardolph/Lord Bardolph

Bard on Bower Festival - Fight Captain

 

Darien is a multidisciplinary actor who is always up for a game or challenge! Anja is a queer, emerging artist with a drive towards excellence in all areas of acting, musicality and performance. Anja graduated from Rosebud Theatre School of the Arts, and currently lives in Rosebud with their spouse, playing D&D with friends and building up their new recording studio. Favourite acting credits: Something Rotten (storybook theatre co/pro The Shakespeare Company) Almost Maine, A Christmas Story, The Kite (Rosebud Theatre) Richard II/A Midsummer Night's Dream (Prime Stock Theatre)

Everett Dool

The Merry Wives of WindsorFrank Ford/Peter Simple

Henry IV Part 2Gloucester/Doll/Mowbray/Bullcalf

 

Everett is a local Central Alberta Actor who is excited to be back for his 3rd year with the Bard on Bower Festival! This year he will be portraying Francis Ford and Peter Simple in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Lord Mowbray, Humphrey of Gloucester, Bullcalf, and Doll Tearsheet in Henry 4 Part II. With training from RDP’s film and theatre program as well as University of Lethbridge, he is excited for you to see the wonderful work he and his other performers have in store for you. When not working in theatre Everett can be found working on film, rolling dice with friends, or getting stuck on a bar chord with a guitar.

Sebastian Edwards-Collins

Bard On Bower FestivalLighting Design

 

Sebastian is thrilled to be working with such a great team. They are typically at the Mayfield Dinner theater in Edmonton, selected credits include Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, and Nashville Outlaws. They are very grateful for this opportunity to explore the world of lighting design and they hope you enjoy the show!

Lexi Fatum

Bard On Bower FestivalProps Master

 

This is Lexi's first time working for bard on bower but she has done props for school productions for three years now.

Jasmine Filiatrault

The Merry Wives of WindsorAnne Page/John Rugby Robin

Henry IV Part 2Poins/Lancaster

 

Jasmine Filiatrault is enjoying her summer back in Red Deer after completing her first year in the BFA Acting program at the University of Alberta. Within her first year, she has further developed her skills in acting, singing, and dance, and discovered a new passion for stage managing during the University’s New Works Festival. Jasmine appears as Anne Page, John Rugby, and Robin in Merry Wives of Windsor, as well as Lancaster and Poins in Henry IV Part 2. She is thrilled to be bringing these stories to life with Prime Stock's wonderful creative team!

Dustin Funk

The Merry Wives of WindsorRobert Shallow/Bardolph/Robert

Henry IV Part 2Pistol/Morton/Colville

Bard on Bower Festival - Armourer

 

Dustin is no stranger to the acting scene. After attending Red Deer College for acting in both theatre and film, he has performed in many local shows with Central Alberta Theatre, Innisfail Town Theatre, and Primestock Theatre. He has appeared in several short films and has done some background acting for both film and television. This year proves to be keeping him busy as he has many upcoming gigs lined up for later on this year including a short film that he himself wrote. Dustin has been a part of prior years’ Bard on Bower productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2022, and Henry IV: Part 1 and As You Like It in 2023. In this year’s productions, Dustin will be taking on the roles of Morton, Pistol, and Colville in Henry IV: Part 2, and the rolls of Robert Shallow and Bardolph in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Braden Guido

Bard On Bower FestivalProduction Stage Manager

 

Braden has been stage managing since 2016 and has worked on a variety of productions, from black box shows, to Shakespeare, to puppet shows live-streamed to kids across Canada. He also works as Technical Director of Tree House Youth Theatre helping kids aged 9-17 to devise and create their own shows while teaching them the fundamentals of technical theatre and stage management. The Merry Wives of Windsor will be the second show he has been lucky enough to work on with his partner Piper, after they’re production of Blood Relations with Central Alberta Theatre. This is his third season with Bard on Bower; previously working the 2017 run of Antony and Cleopatra and Two Gentlemen of Verona as well as the 2022 run of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Richard the II. He is very excited to be back once again and hopes everyone enjoys this year's festival.

Amina Kahn

Bard on Bower FestivalApprentice Wardrobe Assistant

 

This is Amina’s first summer working with Prime Stock Theatre as an apprentice costume assistant. She has had previous experience in the theatre community as a costume designer for Hunting Hills High School Theatre Production. The productions she has worked on, before Prime Stock, include Mamma Mia, Chicago, and Ranked. She plans to always keep theatre as a part of her life in the future. She hopes you love the show as much as she has loved working on it, and she wants to give a special thanks to the amazing cast and crew that helped bring this show to life!

Rick Knievel

Bard On Bower FestivalHead Carpenter/Builder

 

Rick returns this season to once again construct the set for Bard on Bower having previously built the set in 2021/2022/2023 and serving as Technical Director for Bard on Bower in 2015. Rick was the resident Technical Director at Red Deer College before the program folded. During his time at RDC (now RDP), Rick managed the scenic shop and provided strong mentorship to upcoming stage technicians. Before his time at RDC he taught for many years at Notre Dame High School. Rick’s past experience also includes Stage Carpenter for the Badlands Passion Play and for Theatre Calgary. 

Eloheeka Lumeka

Bard on Bower FestivalAssistant Stage Manager

 

Eloheeka "Ellie" Lumeka is an almost grade eleven student, this being her second year working with Prime Stock Theatre's Bard and Bower on the stage management team. Ellie actively participates in theatre at school, previously enrolled in Improv 9 and 15, Disney's The Little Mermaid in Musical 15, and Drama classes at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. By tapping into other parts of theatre around Red Deer, she hopes to broaden her experience not just in acting but through the technical side of theatre. Ellie would like to thank Allison Weninger, Brandon Guido, Richard Beaune, and the many other actors and technicians who created a safe space within the rehearsal hall to learn and play. Ellie hopes you enjoy the show!

Sara Mattsson

The Merry Wives of WindsorMistress Quickly/Nym

Henry IV Part 2Mistress Quickly/Warwick/ Hastings

 

Sara Mattsson is a Swedish born artist and outdoor adventurer, happy to be joining The Bard on Bower for the first time. She is honoured to be part of this talented and welcoming cast and crew. Sara is playing the following characters; The Merry Wives Of Windsor – Mistress Quickly, Nym. Henry IV Part 2 – Hostess Quickly, Warwick, Hastings.Select theatre credits include: Hana's Suitcase (Storybook Theatre), Stupid F***ing Bird (Theatre Disponibilité), A Streetcar Named Desire (Pine Tree Players) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Fenix Theatre Association). You can catch Sara on the screen in shows like Heartland, Western and Hug-O-Gram. Sara is also the co-creator and host of the chilling podcast "The Ghost Next Door". Sara would like to thank Tjarda and Rob for providing a roof over her head in Red Deer, and all of you for your continuing support for The Bard on Bower!

Lacey Oleson

Bard On Bower FestivalSet Designer

 

Lacey Oleson-Rinehart is thrilled to be designing for Bard on Bower for the first time this year.  A true lover of Shakespeare since her 7th grade performance of R&J and Othello, this season has Lacey very excited to help bring to life this delightful story of the Merry Wives and the tragic tale of King Henry.  She hopes you love the look and are transported through time at our different locations this year at Bower Ponds and the Scott Block theatre. Enjoy the show!

Alexa Park

Bard On Bower FestivalProduction Manager

 

Alexa is a lover of all things art, particularly theatre and live performances.  For Prime Stock Theatre: PowWow Ochiwin + Remarkable Red Deer (Stage Manager), Macbeth + The Tempest (Stage Manager), A Midsummer Night’s Dream + The Comedy of Errors (Touring Stage Manager), Romeo & Juliet + Henry V (Stage Manager). Other credits include : IGNITE! Festival (Sage Theatre), Bull Skit Comedy (Technician), Bumble’s Big Christmas Adventure (DIY Theatre) as well as freelancing with PEAk Technologies and Patman Productions. Alexa would like to give a big thank you to Kim and Richard Beaune for their incredible undertaking of Bard and Prime Stock Theatre. They hope you enjoy a wonderful season of Shakespeare!

Carly Pettitt

The Merry Wives of Windsor Margaret Page/Costume Sourcing

Bard on Bower FestivalWardrobe Assistant

 

Carly is an Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) based actor and is ecstatic to be making her Prime Stock debut. She is a proud U of A Alumni, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Drama, and Bachelor of Education in French. Her previous credits include Head Over Heels (Leduc Drama Society), Ten Minute Musicals (Bears With Knives), Disney's Freaky Friday (Leduc Drama Society), Elf the Musical, and Oklahoma! (Festival Players). You can catch her in Evil Dead the Musical at Edmonton's Fringe Festival in August. Carly would like to thank her Husband and parents for putting up with her budding Jersey accent, and for running lines they may not fully understand with her. She would also like to say a special thank you to Piper Rempel for letting Carly live her dreams of working and living with her best friend. Thank you for supporting actors and the arts in Alberta! 

Piper Rempel

The Merry Wives of WindsorDirector

 

Piper Rempel has been learning, teaching, designing, creating, and directing in Central Alberta for the better part of 10 years. She is excited to be bringing her directing skills to the Primestock crew, and has been so blessed to work her pals this summer; these talented, passionate artists. 

 

Piper has the absolute joy of working as the theatre production director and drama teacher at Hunting Hills High School, and serves on the board of the Alberta High School Drama Festival Association. She'd like to thank you all for coming out to support the Bard on Bower Festival, and hopes that these stories we're sharing bring some joy, thoughtfulness, and love into your lives. Piper would like to thank her family, this ensemble, and her wonderful Braden for their help on stage and off to make this show come to life.

 

Recent credits include; Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Ranked (HHHS) Blood Relations (CAT) The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Antony and Cleopatra (Prime Stock), Les Belles Soeurs (Unitheatre).

Sarain Soonias

The Merry Wives of WindsorDr. Caius/Pistol

Henry IV Part 2Westmoreland/ Silence

 

Sarain is very excited to be a part of Bard On Bower. He has enjoyed learning a great deal from the cast and crew. He hopes that his beginner mindset and tall stature will contribute to what should be a terrific run. In the future he would love to continue performing in theatre.

Claire Tetley

Bard on Bower FestivalAssistant Stage Manager

 

Claire is a student who holds quite the passion for theatre, and is excited to be acting as the Assistant Stage Manager for the Bard on Bower Festival. Starting her theatre career, she acted in four productions during her Grade Seven and Grade Eight years (‘21-’23) at Eastview Middle School, during which she also managed tech, wrote and directed. In her Grade Eight year, she joined Tree House Youth Theatre (and remains there), uncovering a wondrous community, and her passion for stage management. There she has taken part in four productions. With HHHS, she was a part of the musical ‘Ranked’, in addition to the Drama 9 class and the One-Act festival. This is her first foray into the realms of careers with Bard On Bower, and, ergo, she is ever-so-excited to have you all sit back, relax and enjoy the show! 

Allison Weninger

Henry IV Part 2 - Director

 

Directorial debut. Allison is a theatre artist who was raised and practices on Treaty 6 and 7 land. A heartfelt thank you to Richard, Braden, Piper, and the cast and production teams for their incredible talents and enthusiastic trust and support in carrying this uneasy crown to the stage. For Prime Stock Theatre: Henry IV Part 1 (assistant director,) Richard II, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors, Much Ado About Nothing (actor.) Production credits include: Celexia (SM, Citizen Theatre Productions); Date Night (SM, Sunflower Collective Theatre); Stage One Festival (PM), Cottagers and Indians, Countries Shaped Like Stars, Home for the Holidays (Assistant PM, Lunchbox Theatre); Misery (Production Apprentice, Vertigo Theatre.)

Ethan Weninger

The Merry Wives of Windsor - Slender/Host/John

Henry IV Part 2 - Lord Chief Justice/Feeble

 

Ethan is an emerging artist born and raised in Red Deer, debuting as an actor at Tree House Youth Theatre and later learning and performing at Lindsay Thurber Highschool. During the year he studies acting at The University of Lethbridge, and he is thrilled to have his arguably first professional acting job be with a company who’s shows he has been watching and enjoying for years. Furthermore, he is proud and humbled to be onstage with his fellow actors, whose varied skills and talents are great as they are numerous. He hopes his burgeoning career will see him surrounded with more of such wonderful and funny people.

Haley Weninger

Henry IV Part 2Costume Sourcing

Bard On Bower FestivalWardrobe Assistant

Johnathan Widdifield

The Merry Wives of Windsor - George Page

Henry IV Part 2 - Hal/Shadow

 

This is Jonas' second season performing with Prime Stock's Bard on Bower. Born in Red Deer, and proud graduate of both Notre Dame High school and the former RDC Acting Performance Program, Jonas has spent 20+ years since working as an actor both on stage and film across Canada and the US. "It's good to be back making theatre and telling stories in the home that first inspired me to be the artist I am. Enjoy the Show."

 

Layne Zazalak

The Merry Wives of WindsorFalstaff

Henry IV Part 2Northumberland/GowerShallow

 

Layne is an actor local to Central Alberta. He's been playing, clowning and laughing across this province for over a decade and is so excited to share his passion for the stage with anyone who will listen. Along with being an actor Layne is an aspiring novelist and regular member of the RPG live play group Anotherworld Tabletop on twitch. This August you can catch him at the Edmonton Fringe Festival in “The Spark of Justice” and this fall, down in Calgary in The Shakespeare Company's productions of “Twelfth Night” and “A Comedy of Errors.” He would like to thank you for attending this year's Bard on Bower Festival made possible by the fine folks of Red Deer and our generous donors. (Coud b3 u?!?)

Sponsors & Funders (click the links):

 

Special Thanks To:

Morgan McKee, Annette Eby, Corey Cote, Nicole and Darcy Blair, Scott Block Theatre, CAT, Gwen McCagg, Brenda Bowness Bower Ponds Recreation and all of our amazing volunteers.

 

Prime Stock Theatre Leadership

Artistic Director - Richard Beaune

General Manager - Kimberly Beaune

Incoming Co-Artistic Directors: Starlise Waschuk & Johnathan Widdifield

Artistic Director Emeritus - Thomas Usher

 

Board of Directors:

President - Stephan Weninger

Secretary - Julie Thompson

Treasurer - Danae Brousson

Member at Large - Rebecca Derwantz

Member at Large - Brendan Harvey

Member at Large - Dustin Lawrence

 

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