Q.E. Tuesday

It's Sam Bayne! Not only is he a hilarious stand-up comedian and improviser, he also has a fantastic podcast called "Confused as Usual" (listen at your own risk, if you do so at work you may disturb coworkers with your laughter!) Ok ok, cheesy intro aside, Sam is an extremely smart person who knows a ton about the history and technicalities of comedy, and I learned so much from speaking with him. Check him out at Rapid Fire Theatre, Grindstone Theatre, The Comedy Strip, and more! Sam's Instagram PageSam's TikTok PageSam's Podcast - Confused as UsualSam's Restaurant Recommendations:Next ActMeatCampio BrewingOther Shows Mentioned in this episode:Teatro Live! – The 39 Steps – Nov 14-30Metro Cinema – The 39 Steps Hitchcock film – Nov 16Vertigo Theatre – Peril in the Alps – Nov 15-Dec 14Untold Stories Theatre –Charlie & the Chocolate Factory – Nov21-Dec 6Paper Crown Theatre – The Castle Spectre –Nov 21-30Storybook Theatre – Miracle on 34th Street– Nov 21-Dec 30ATP & Forte Musical Theatre Guild – The Wizard of Oz – Nov 25-Jan 4CUFF – 13th Doc Film Festival – Globe Cinema – Nov 19-23Giraf Festival of Independent Animation - Nov 13-16 & Online Nov 17-23How Patty & Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance -Lunchbox Theatre – Nov 25-Dec 1-Northern Light Theatre – Nov 28-Dec 13Leduc Drama Society – Christmas in Rosewood – Nov 27-Dec 6Central Alberta Theatre & Sylvan Lake Theatre – A Christmas Carol – Nov 21-Dec 14Rosebud Theatre– Miracle on 34th Street – Nov 7-Dec 23- Jacob Marley’s Christmas – Nov 28-Dec20

Wowzers this is a big one; talking to Naomi Snieckus and Matt Baram about Big Stuff, their new show coming to the Citadel from October 18 to November 9. These comedic legends are Second City Alumni and have been all over the world performing and creating on-screen and on-stage magic. It is such an inspiration to talk to them about their creative process, the hard work that led them to where they are today, and about the incredible people (their parents) who inspired their show. I am very grateful to have spoken with them about Big Stuff and can't wait to see it!For tickets please visit:Big Stuff at the CitadelFor more information on Baram & Snieckus please visit:Baram and SnieckusFor Naomi's podcast and more info on the Firecracker Department please visit:Firecracker DepartmentBaram & Snieckus' restaurant recommendations:SorrentinosHigh Level DinerHaps Hungry HouseNext ActOther shows/films mentioned in this episode:Morningside Road - Shadow Theatre - Oct 15-Nov 2Cycle - Thou Art Here Theatre - Oct 15-26⁠Lewis and Tolkien - Fire Exit Theatre/Hit & Myth Productions - Oct 15-Oct 26Beyond the Sea - Lunchbox Theatre - Oct 14-Nov 2Romeo & Juliet - Shakespeare So/Calgary Young People’s Theatre - Oct 17-Nov 1⁠Edmonton Short Film Festival - Oct 18-19The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Alberta Theatre Projects/Old Trout Puppet Workshop - Oct 22-Nov 9Wild cat - Workshop West Playwrights Theatre⁠ - Oct 22-Nov 9Calgary Justice Film Festival - Nov 6-8

This week Ben Rowe, Programming Coordinator at Calgary Cinematheque, spoke to me about the upcoming season which is packed with interesting screenings and special events. First up is Final Frames; a selection of the final films from important directors. Next, they will be hosting a screening of Phantom of the Opera with a live score performed during the show! He also speaks on his own personal history with film and his thoughts on the future of production in Alberta. If you want to hear about how the original Godzilla, Conan the Barbarian and cinerama influenced filmmaking, stay tuned!Calgary Cinematheque WebsiteAlso, Ben has a horror movie Podcast!Scream Scene PodcastBen's restaurant recommendation:Fuji Ramen Other shows/events mentioned in this episode:The Greenhouse - Rosebud - Sept 19-Oct 25The Cottage - Keyano Theatre - Sept 26-Oct 4Brothers Paranormal - Vertigo Theatre - Sept 27-Oct 26There Goes the Bride - Morpheus Theatre - Oct 3-11 According to the Chorus - Walterdale Theatre - October 8-18Edmonton International Film Festival - Sept 25-Oct 4Alberta Musical Theatre Company - Pinocchio - October 3-12Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre - New Season 2025-2026Script Salon - Babblers - Leslea Kroll - October 5

It's so exciting to be back chatting with amazing people involved in the arts! To start off Season Two, I spoke with Sarah, the brains behind the popular yegtheaterfan account. Coming off seeing sixty shows at this year's Fringe, Sarah spoke about where her passion for theatre started and how she is able to juggle so many shows at once. Sarah also talks about what she is excited for this upcoming Edmonton theatre season, and what she notices may be lacking in our scene. A true patron of the arts, Sarah has been such a support to so many companies in this city. What a truly giving and genuine person! Check out her Instagram and follow for more recommendations:yegtheaterfanAs well, here are all the shows and companies she mentioned in the episode:Josephine: A Musical Cabaret by Tymisha HarrisWalterdale TheatreVarscona TheatreRapid Fire TheatreGrindstone TheatreFoote in the Door ProductionsEdmonton Fringe FestivalSpotlight CabaretRestaurant Recommendations:Spotlight CabaretGuruNext ActOther shows mentioned in this episode:Life of Pi - Citadel – Sept 13-5The Pink Unicorn Northern Light Theatre – Sept 26-Oct 11Banana Musik - Common Ground - Sept 16-26Lunchbox Stage Two Festival Sept 17-19The F Word – Sept 26-Oct 4The Brothers Paranormal - Vertigo - Sept 26-oct 4Clue - New West Theatre - Sept 5-207 Stories - Grand Prairie Live Theatre Sept 18-Oct 4APN 40th Anniversary Celebration - Sept 27Calgary International Film Festival - Sept 18-28

It's Cody Porter! A fantastic actor on stage and screen, Cody has so much great advice for anyone working in the arts. Catch him every week in Die-Nasty at the Varscona Theatre, and this summer for Freewill Shakespeare in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park: Cody Porter Die-Nasty - A Live Improvised Soap OperaFreewill Shakespeare - As You Like ItOpenings/Events this week⁠Surrealist Experimental Hallucinatory⁠Geriactors & Friends - Facing the DayVerb Theatre - Every Brilliant Thing⁠Marv n' Berry - 10 Year Anniversary Shows⁠⁠Stage Struck! ⁠Morpheus Theatre - Guys and Dolls⁠Quest Theatre - Most Imaginary Worlds⁠⁠Loose Moose - Charm Offensive with Lindsay MullenGrindstone Theatre 7th Birthday Party!National Canadian Film Day Screening - Universal LanguageLinks to the articles mentioned:Teatro Live! New Artistic Director Announcement"West End Attendance Data for 2024 Released"New York Times Attendance ArticleEpisode Music:You and Me on Cloud High - Andreas DahlbackVelvet Disco - FLYIN

I am so grateful to speak with Anishinaabe playwright, producer, educator, actor and published author Josh Languedoc. For more information on Josh please visit:Josh's WebsiteThank you Josh!Other links to people, places and entertainment mentioned:Shout Outs Lunchbox Theatre - Please Return to Empire VideoCommon Ground Arts SocietyOpeningsTheatre Calgary 2025-2026 SeasonVertigo 2025-2026 SeasonTaproot Edmonton Interview with Edmonton Screen CEOSurrealist Experimental HallucinatoryAndrew PhungMetro Cinema - Canadian Screen AwardsRosebud - The ForeignerCentral Alberta Theatre One Act Play FestivalCalgary Region One Act Play FestivalStage Struck! Quest Theatre - Most Imaginary WorldsVerb Theatre - Every Brilliant ThingImagine Theatre - The Horse and His BoyForte Musical Theatre Guild - AustentatiousMiles from Broadway - Next to NormalTheatre Network - JupiterMarv n' Berry - 10 Year Anniversary ShowsSpotlight Cabaret - Romeo and Juliet's Notebook

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read a review of a show that is unbiased (as it can be!), honest, informed and from someone who is not being paid, but paying to see the show? Well look no further than calgarytheatrereview.com, an anonymous person whose reviews extends beyond the set decorating and acting and delves into the societal norms and psychological effects of shows. Their reviews are very smart and so informative. I got to talk to them about their history in theatre, what we could use more of in Alberta theatre, and how arts criticism has changed over time. Their name will not be revealed but a whole lot about theatre will be!Check them out at:https://www.calgarytheatrereview.com/or@calgarytheatrereview on InstagramTheir restaurant recommendation is:Cloud NaanOther shows/companies mentioned in this episode:Women of the Fur Trade - U of C School of Creative and Performing Arts - Nov 1-7⁠Northern Nights: A Musical Murder Mystery - Express Entertainers - Red Deer & LethbridgeCafe Intrigue - Moxy B studio - Nov 6-Nov 8⁠Le Palier - L’Uniteatre - Nov 6-Nov 9⁠Ridge - Lunchbox Theatre - Nov 6-Nov 16Vinyl Cafe: The Musical - Citadel Theatre - Nov 8-Dec 7Halfway There - Manluk Theatre - Nov 14-Nov 23The 39 Steps - Teatro Live! - Nov 14-30Peril in the Alps - Vertigo Theatre - Nov 15-Dec 14Celestial Being - Concrete Theatre - Nov 17-Nov 28

It's the season finale! For this special occasion I got to speak with Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks, an actor, writer, choreographer and educator who already has an incredible career under her belt. Whether it is flying through the air at Stratford, creating disco dance moves for Shakespeare's Puck, or becoming a wizard on Broadway (yes she's performed on Broadway!), Cynthia's incredible work ethic and talent really shows and she is very honest when talking about the highs and lows of working as an actor, self-confidence, and how much perseverance is required to be an artist. I learned so much from speaking to her and I'm so grateful she took the time (and thanks to Cam her husband for introducing us!).For more information on Cynthia and C4 Creatives please check out:Cynthia's WebsiteC4 CreativesArtstrek Tickets - Come From AwayCynthia's Restaurant Recommendations:Churro KingRoma Pizza and DonairOther Openings/Events Mentioned in this Episode:Calgary Fringe Festival - August 1-9Edmonton Fringe Festival - August 14-24Grindstone Comedy Festival - July 2-6Riverona - Primestock Theatre - June 26-July 5Legally Blonde - Citadel Theatre - July 5-August 3As You Like It - Freewill Shakespeare Festival - June 27-July 20The Odd Couple - Teatro Live! - July 11-27Amelie - Elope Musical Theatre - June 26-July 5Globe Theatre - Films all summer long!Metro Cinema - Films all summer long!Plaza Theatre - Films all summer long!DGC / ACTRA - What's Shooting in Alberta

Sometimes fighting can be an awesome activity....when it's choreographed by Morgan Yamada! I got to speak to her about what drew her to swinging swords, whipping whips and finessing slaps. As well, she talks about the benefits of being an arts administrator, what directors and producers should know before hiring a fight/intimacy choreographer, and self-belief. I loved how she described fight choreography as more of a dance. Morgan is an extremely kind and vibrant person and I really enjoyed talking with her. For more information on her work and her upcoming workshops you can visit:Morgan Yamada WebsiteAzimuth WebsiteAzimuth PodcastFight Directors of Canada WebsiteOther Events/Shows Mentioned:Betty Mitchell AwardsSterling AwardsFLC Seniors Acting Club - A Friend of A FriendWomen's Script Writing Circle ShowcaseFull Circle Theatre/Shakespeare Co. - Much Ado About NothingNuova Vocal Arts - Once Upon A MatressCitadel Theatre - Collider Festival Rapid Fire Theatre - ImprovaganzaHere For Fear Collective - Hyena's TrailTop Bunk Tonight!- Sketch ShowDownstage Theatre - Stage It ProgramAMPIA Podcast

This week I got to speak with Anthony Goertz about his film "Apocalypse Book Club" which I saw at the North West Film Fest. Anthony talks about his love for film, the process of shooting such an ambitious project, and how he was able to adapt a short story into a visual medium. As well, Kaeley Jade stars in this wonderful short film about new love and the process of removing the masks we wear in relationships. Also check out Anthony's website to see some of the other amazing art he has created. Anthony GoertzApocalypse Book Club TrailerFAVA EdmontonCSIF CalgaryAnthony's Restaurant Recommendation:Little Wolf EdmontonOther Shows/Events on this Week:The Heathers - Untold Stories TheatreSprouts 2025 - Concrete TheatreOn the Banks of the Nut - Teatro Live!Legally Blonde - Theatre CalgaryCalgary Theatre Critics AwardsToy Story 30th Anniversary - The Plaza Calgary

This week the Ignite! Festival starts in Calgary and NextFest starts in Edmonton (June 5-15), so I wanted to speak to an emerging artist. I found out my fellow Grindstone Improviser Aldrick Dugarte is currently doing the BFA program at the U of A, and he very generously agreed to talk to me about his hopes for his future career, his experience at University and path to becoming a performer. Aldrick is a very smart and funny person and I'm excited to see his Fringe show and where his career goes! Aldrick's Instagram Page No tickets yet for Fringe, but when they come out check out Aldrick's show !Grindstone Theatre - King of the Hill Improv CompetitionAldrick's Restaurant Recommendations:Panini's Italian CucinaMalina BakeryAmean Pizza and DonairOther Shows/Events Mentioned:Lunchbox Theatre: Stage One Festival of New Canadian WorkSprouts 2025 by Concrete TheatreDream: A New Canadian Musical by Rosebud TheatreOpening Night by Peak Theatre PlayersHow to Get Ahead in Advertising - Metro Cinema

I went to see Horse Play by Kole Durnford this past week and was struck by how the set was both playful, simple, functional, and beautiful, and so I was lucky enough to speak with Beyata Hackborn about her design and her process. She also gets into how modern times and technologies are changing how she designs and her literary inspirations. Beyata also has many great restaurant recommendations. Check out her website to see more of her incredible work, or you can also see it at Legally Blonde at Theatre Calgary!Beyata's Website:Beyata HackbornRestaurant Recommendations:Menya Mori RamenLuna Mexican Shanghai 456La Petite IzaOliaOther Shows/Events Mentioned in this Episode:Theatre Alberta And Morpheus Theatre Workshop with Jessica EckstadtLunchbox Theatre: Stage One Festival of New WorksNextFest - Festival of Emerging ArtistsTeatro Theatre - On the Banks of the NutGeriActors - Facing the DayMean Streets Improv - at Grindstone TheatreAMPIA New Board Chair and Board of Directors

Two of the best people a gal could ask for spoke to me over the phone from Calgary this week; Keshia Cheesman and Bianca Miranda! Keshia is an arts educator who works for Quest Theatre and Bianca is a producer at Downstage Theatre. They have also written, produced and acted in a show called "The F Word" that went up in 2023 and is getting new legs this year. They talk about their writing process, the challenges of working in Alberta and as always their restaurant recommendations. They are a total delight and always make me laugh. Congratulations to them for all of the amazing things they have been up to!Keshia can be found at:Quest TheatreBianca can be found at:Downstage TheatreThe F Word Show Instagram for show updates!The F WordArticle on The F Word quoted in this episode:Avenue CalgaryRestaurant Recommendations:Pathway Burgers & MomosMot To VietnameseOther Shows / Events Mentioned in this episode:A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - Grindstone TheatreOn the Banks of the Nut - Teatro TheatreHam presents SketchupSass and Sweetgrass - IndigE-girl ComedyLegally Blonde the Musical - Theatre CalgaryCalgary Black Film Festival Once on this Island - Storybook Theatre Sweeny Todd - Front Row Centre

Woohoo I got to meet up with Brianne Jang! After seeing 'BB Collective' on all sorts of promotional shots for shows, I wanted to speak with the person behind all the magic. Brianne is a photographer (and co-founder of BB Collective, her photography company), the managing director of SkirtsAfire and co-founder of Poiema Productions. She talks about what it takes to photograph live theatre, as well as what audiences are looking for and advice she would (or wouldn't!) give her younger self. Brianne touches on the upcoming Riser Festival and the show Ms. Pat's Kitchen by Jameela McNeil which will also be at SkirtsAfire next year for their 14th season.If you are in need of headshots, photos of your production, or even family or business photography, Brianne is the one to call! (Check out all the links above).Brianne's Restaurant Recommendations:Otto Food and Drink in EdmontonFlavours of Montreal in AirdrieOther shows/events mentioned in this episode:Riser Festival by Common Ground Arts - May 15-18Le Malade Imaginaire - May 15-17North West Film Fest - Until May 15Horse Play - Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre - May 14-June 1Some Kind of Sign - Incendiary Festival - May 17-18From Cradle to Stage - Walterdale Theatre - May 20-25Improv Night In Canada -Rapid Fire TheatreFreewill Shakespeare - Donations

I am very excited to say I got to speak with the Assistant Director of ATP's Liars at a Funeral, Filsan Dualeh! Aside from helping direct this show, she is also an actor and writer. Filsan speaks about what it was like directing a comedy, the place of new technology in theatre and what it's like to work in Alberta. She also touches on the tough but essential subject of diversity in theatre, and her words gave me alot to think about and are crucial for all people involved in this industry. There may still be tickets left for Liars at a Funeral , and if so you can find them here: (it would make for a great Mother's Day outing!) ATP Website - Liars at a Funeral Also, here is Chromatic Theatre's website where you can catch Filsan next:Chromatic TheatreFilsan's Restaurant Recommendation:Dairy Lane CalgaryOther Events/Openings Mentioned in this episode:Hamlet (solo) - The Shakespeare CompanyThe Da Vinci Code - Vertigo TheatreNorth West Film Fest - Metro Cinema EdmontonScript Salon - Josh Languedoc Elon MuskratRiser Festival - Common Ground ArtsShadow Theatre Season 2025-2026 Announcement

Spring is here and love is in the air! I got to talk to three amazing artists this week, who need no introduction but I will do so anyway. Helen Knight and Owen Chan are a real life couple and also talented performers on stage! Owen is an improviser and co-founder of the Kinkonauts in Calgary and Helen is a two time Betty Mitchell award winning actor who is currently starring in Alberta Theatre Projects show Liars at a Funeral (click on the link for tickets, hopefully there are some left for you!)Also in this episode is Five Questions with Scott Westby!Scott Westby is a filmmaker and founder of Pluto Productions, a full service video production agency in Calgary which "tells stories with heart"! He has worked on videos for the likes of Travel Alberta, Siksika Nation, ATCO energy and more. He has several incredible projects in the works including a documentary, so check out his website for the latest. Here is a playlist of his Travel Alberta "One Perfect Meal" series.Owen and Helen Interview is at 1:14Five Questions with Scott Westby is at 21:10Owen and Helen restaurant recommendations:Maven in CalgaryBusiness and Pleasure in CalgaryScott restaurant recommendation:Ten Foot Henry in Calgary

When people think of improv, usually Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady and Drew Carey come to mind, but did you know alot of short form improv was fostered right here in Alberta?This week I got to speak with Mat Mailandt who is a comedian, improviser, and teacher who grew up in Alberta and has since made his success in Ontario. He talks about how improv can change a person's life for the better, improve language skills, as well as a bit about the history of improv and what shows he has coming up. Mat is also a chef, so his restaurant recommendations are ones to visit for sure!Mat's WebsiteKinkonauts Improvised Macbeth TicketsMat's restaurant recommendations:Ten Foot HenryBoogies BurgersLulu Bar1st Street MarketLonely MouthOther Shows/Events Mentioned in this Episode:Where You Are - Shadow TheatreHam to Go - Ham Sketch ATP Season AnnouncementRadiant Vermin - Northern Light Theatre

This week I am very honored to speak with Kaeley Jade, who is an award winning singer, songwriter, actor and multidisciplinary artist. She has a BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta, composed a show for Northern Light Theatre, and so much more! Kaeley is currently on tour, and you can catch her concert special on CBC Gem. I had no idea how much work and dedication it takes to be a musician, and so I appreciate her taking time out of her busy schedule for this episode! Kaeley Jade Website/Tour datesKaeley Jade SpotifyKaeley Jade InstagramKaeley Jade CBC Concert The Sensory Restaurant in CanmoreOther Show Openings/Workshops Mentioned:Liars at A Funeral - ATPImprovised Macbeth - KinkonautsMary Stuart - Sage TheatreFooling Around⁠ - Full Circle Theatre Spider Boy the Musical - Jubilation's Dinner TheatreWomen Filmmakers - Edmonton Short Film FestivalDesign Workshop with Narda McCarrollAuditioning Workshop with Bronwyn Steinberg

Happy Easter and Happy start of Calgary Underground Film Festival! I got to talk to Matt McKinney who is a director, cinematographer, producer, actor (for stage and screen) and 48 Hour Movie Making Challenge participant (Check out his short Real Butter at the screening on April 27th!). He talks about his recent projects, the benefits and challenges of adding video into theatre productions, the best way to watch movies and much more!Check out his website and find him on stage at Vertigo Theatre in The Da Vinci Code from May 10-June8. Matt McKinney WebsiteThe Da Vinci Code at Vertigo TheatreCalgary Underground Film Festival Tickets/Showtimes48 Hour Movie Making Challenge

Anne of Green Gables once said “Which would you rather be if you had the choice--divinely beautiful or dazzlingly clever or angelically good (at sketch)!?”Well these guys are all three!Marv n' Berry were very generous to speak to me before their Athabasca 10 year show. They share so many great insights into comedy and also some hilarious memories. Check them out coming up at the Edmonton Fringe and also at:Marv n' Berry WebsiteMarv n' Berry YoutubeMarv n' Berry InstagramAnd their Favourite Restaurants:Caesars Steakhouse Calgary Odd Company Brewing EdmontonVegan Street TacosRange Road EdmontonOther News and Upcoming Openings/Workshops:Calgary Olympic Plaza Edmonton Parking Downtown83 Ave & Gateway Blvd Parking Lot ChangesCalgary Underground Film FestivalGrey-ish Anatomy at Rapid Fire TheatreRadiant Vermin at Northern Light TheatreBull Skit Workshop with Mat MailandtLiars at a Funeral at Alberta Theatre Projects