Crew Spotlight: Emily Dix

Emily Dix is the Artistic Executive Director of Bygone Theatre, and is directing, stage managing, designing and producing His Girl Friday. Emily has produced all of Bygone’s shows and directed 5 of the 6, with this now being her 7th.

Bio: Emily Dix is a Toronto based theatre artist, a “jack of all trades” who has worked as a director, producer, stage manager, set & costume designer and performer. In 2008 she moved to the city to attend UofT and quickly became involved with companies on campus, like Victoria College Drama, the UC Follies, St. Mike’s Drama and Hart House Theatre. In 2012, she founded Bygone Theatre, a company which she still runs today as the Artistic Executive Director. Emily has worked as a producer for Theatre 20 and as the assistant producer at Tarragon Theatre, as well as a production assistant for Poculi Ludique Societas, the PR Manager for the Social Capital Theatre, and numerous other freelance positions. In addition to her work in theatre, Emily is a vintage lover and avid collector. She owns an Etsy shop, Tucked Away Antiques, that specializes in small vintage items and digital downloads. Emily has also dabbled in design, making web sites and posters for local artists. For past credits and more information, visit her website, www.emilydix.com.

What made you want to mount His Girl Friday?

While not a conscious decision, I realized that all of the shows Bygone had mounted so far were either dramas, or at the very least rather dark comedies. I never intended for us to stick to style like that so when I was planning our 2016/17 season I knew I wanted a comedy. I had a list of several that had caught my eye, but one day I stumbled across a list of films that were currently in the public domain, and couldn’t believe His Girl Friday was one of them! I was going to write the adaptation myself, but my uncle, Craig Dix, had recently sent me a radio of script of his he’d done, so I asked him if he’d like to do it, and the answer was an enthusiastic “yes”. It’s a great story, with a large and diverse cast, strong female lead AND in the public domain – how could I not want to put it on?

What do you love about the show?

It really is very funny. I love the fast-paced dialogue and the opportunity for cheesy, over-the-top humour. While there are certainly complications with having such a large cast, I did want to be able to include a lot of people, so the size of it appeals to me as well. Plus, I love stories that include a great romance, without it being the central part of the story. It keeps things endearing but not sappy, and makes for a plot everyone can enjoy.

Which role – director, producer, designer, stage manger – have you found most challenging? Why?

I think with this one, I’d have to say director, simply because of the size of the cast. While I did the first round of auditions very early December, it took a very long time to get everything cast; I’m glad I held out for the right actors, but it has been stressful not having the whole group. As producer, it’s always stressful because there is a lot of money on the line, but I feel like I’ve done it enough by now that I have a pretty solid idea of what it takes, and just look at past show reports to calm myself when I start worrying about whether we’ll be able to make rent.

What has been the most rewarding part of the process so far?

Seeing the advances the cast has made. Like I said, big show, lots of fast-talking dialogue, it’s not an easy play. It’s exhausting, especially for the leads. But I’ve got an amazingly talented cast, and every rehearsal they’re leaps and bounds above where they were before, so it’s super fun and rewarding to see them get comfortable in their roles and play with a lot of the silliness that is there in the script. It’s going to be a funny show.

Why should people come and see the show?

It’s so much fun. Fast-paced, goofy, it’ll have you laughing and on the edge of your seat. Not to mention we’ve got a huge cast, so if you’re in the local theatre scene, chances are you know someone involved! Come out and support Toronto Theatre.

Anything else we should know?

Sadly, it’s a very limited engagement, just one weekend. So there are only 5 chances for the public to come and see the show; Thursday March 2, 8:00pm; Friday March 3, 8:00pm; Saturday March 4, 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Sunday March 5, 2:00pm. We encourage you to buy your tickets in advance, which can be done through the Native Earth box office, at www.nativeearth.ca/hisgirlfriday. Hope to see you there!

Cast Spotlight: Cass Van Wyck

Cass Van Wyck plays “newspaper man” Hildy Johnson in our upcoming production of His Girl Friday; this is Cass’ first show with Bygone.

Bio: Cass Van Wyck is a Toronto based actress who splits her time between her online sketch comedy group ‘Cookie Biscuits’ and her role as volunteer coordinator at The Storefront Theatre. In addition to her BA in performance from Brock University, Cass has worked with many notable directors including Soheil Parsa, Sonia Norris & Daniel MacIvor. Her latest credits include Mercy Lewis in ‘The Crucible’ (The Kindling Collective) and Bridget in Broken Soil Theatre’s ‘#dirtygirl’ (Audience Choice Award winner at the Hamilton Fringe Festival). Originally from the small town of Fenwick, Ontario, Cass currently lives in Toronto and can normally be found baking chocolate chip cookies and cheering on the jays. She is so excited to be working with the Bygone Theatre team can’t wait to share the work with everyone!

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

I had worked with the fabulous Sean Jacklin previously and he reached out and mentioned that Bygone Theatre was looking to cast the iconic role of Hildy Johnson in His Girl Friday. 

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

Bygone Theatre has a reputation for producing amazing work and when I heard there was an opportunity to audition for them, it was a no-brainer. Hildy Johnson is such an amazing character who’s gusto and wit tops most of the male characters which is incredibly refreshing, especially for the 1940s. She is unapologetically vibrant and such a treat to play. 

What’s your favourite old movie?

Wizard of Oz.

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

I’ve never done a show like this before. Recently I’ve been doing a lot more contemporary theatre including Hamilton Fringe Festival 2016 Audience Choice Award winning production of “#dirtygirl” director by Michael Kras. 

Why should people come and see the show?

As fast paced screwball comedy, His Girl Friday is an absolutely hoot with crazy characters who find them selves in crazier situations – just good ol fashion fun! 

Anything else you want us to know?

I’m so excited for people to see the amazing work this group of talented artists are doing! Going to be a good time!

See Cass live onstage March 2-5, 2017 at the Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum.
Buy your tickets today.

Cast Spotlight: Guifré Bantjes-Ràfols

Guifré Bantjes-Ràfols plays cop-killer Earl Williams in our upcoming production of His Girl Friday; this is his first show with Bygone.

Bio: Guifré Bantjes-Ràfols is an emerging international artist who has worked on productions in Toronto, Barcelona, and Saskatoon, and is thrilled to be joining Bygone Theatre as Earl Williams. Most recently he has appeared as Jacob Mercer in Salt-Water Moon (Quarter Century Theatre), Lazarus in Lazarus and his Beloved (Broken Hill Theatre), Cheever in The Crucible (Kindling Collective), and Nelson in the feature film Sebastian (Bonpland Pictures). He recently graduated from George Brown College’s Theatre Arts program where, in addition to playing roles such as Alexander Kalabushkin (The Suicide), and Joe (The Crackwalker), he produced and directed trailers and other promotional materials for the graduating season in 2015-16.

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

I first heard about Bygone Theatre a couple of years ago when they were taking their production of Kill, Sister, Kill!, to the New York Fringe.  The show sounded really interesting so when my wonderful friend Sean Jacklin, who is playing the role of Walter Burns, was kind enough to tell me they were casting for His Girl Friday, I jumped at the opportunity. 

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and fun characters when I read the script. All the characters offer so much room for play and depth. Even though there is a central narrative, and characters, that drives through the play, you really get a sense of everyone’s quirks and idiosyncrasies.

What’s your favourite old movie?

Probably Singin’ in the Rain. (Or perhaps Lion in Winter)

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

No, I can’t say I’ve ever been in a show quite like this before. It’ll be interesting to bring that film style to the stage.

In January, I played Jacob Mercer in Quarter Century Theatre’s production of Salt-Water Moon. But it was in Collingwood so… Unless you have a car, I won’t hold it against you if you didn’t make it out :p Before that, I played Cheever in The Crucible with Kindling Collective.

Why should people come and see the show?

Because it’s going to be great! Do you like wit? Do you like it with a touch of slapstick? Do you like to have a great story to tie it all together? (and do you like it to have a vintage film flavour?) Then you’ll love it. You’ll have a great time! What better reason to go to the theatre!?

Anything else you want us to know?

Not really.. 🙂 Most of my life is up in the air most of the time and I’m never really sure what I’ll be working on next. Hopefully something as cool and fun as this.

Get your tickets to His Girl Friday online now.

Cast Spotlight: Jessica Danov

Jessica Danov plays secretary Maisie, and blonde bombshell Jeannie in the upcoming production of His Girl Friday; this is her first show with Bygone.

Bio: Jessica is thrilled to be making her debut with Bygone Theatre in ‘His Girl Friday’! A graduate of George Brown and Fanshawe College, Jessica has continued studying and working steadily. Some of her favourite roles include Lisa in Wine, Women, and Song (LIVEact Theatre), Tyler in Some Girl (s) (Tarragon Extra Space), and Natalie in Jenny’s House of Joy (Scarborough Players). Recent film and television credits include The Miracle of People, A Very Candid Game (Bronze Remi-award winner at the WorldFest-Houston Film Festival), and Haunted Case Files, where Jessica portrays real life paranormal investigator Marie Yates. She is currently producing and acting in her first original short film ‘Bad Vegan’ slated for release this fall.

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?  
A friend saw the posting and knew it’d be right up my alley so they passed it along to me. 

What made you want to be involved? What do you love about the story?                            

I’m a big fan of the classics.  Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong era!  What’s not to love about the story? It has everything! Madcap humour, romance, and a sprinkling of suspense and drama.  It’s great fun.

What’s your favourite old movie?                                                                                            

I have to pick just one? Alright, I’ll have to go with ‘Bringing up Baby’ with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. It’s a fantastic, fast-paced, screwball comedy.  I grew up watching old movies with my grandmother and her favourites were with Katharine Hepburn. She always wanted to see me play Katherine.  Though that opportunity hasn’t arisen (yet!), I think she would’ve really loved this play.

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?  

I’ve never done anything like this up until this point, which is why I’m so thrilled to be getting the chance now!  The last play I did was called ‘Wine, Women, and Song’, a fun comedy where my character was described as a cross between Jessica Rabbit and Cruella DeVille! As far as film and television go, I’ve recently played a recurring role on the series ‘Haunted Case Files’ and am filming a short called ‘Bad Vegan’ slated for release in the fall.

Why should people come and see the show?                                                                              

With a stellar cast and classic laughter-inducing story full of heart, it’s guaranteed to be a great night out!          

His Girl Friday runs March 2-5 at the Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum, Toronto. Buy tickets here.

Cast Spotlight: Elizabeth Rose Morris

Elizabeth Rose Morriss plays uptight Gertrude Baldwin in His Girl Friday. You may remember Liz from her role as Miss Kentley in Rope and as a performer in our Vaudeville Revue, as well as numerous Retro Radio Hours. She is also currently on the Bygone Theatre Board of Directors.

Bio: Elizabeth Rose Morriss most recently performed as Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music (Confidential Musical Theatre Project), as Adella in The Little Mermaid (Lower Ossington Theatre), and as Margot Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (Plain Stage Theatre Company). Previous Bygone Theatre roles include Miss Kentley in Rope, singer in the Vaudeville Revue, and a regular performer in their Retro Radio Hour shows.
She has degrees in Music Theatre (Acadia University) and Education (Nipissing University), is currently on the Board of Directors of Bygone Theatre, and does Marketing for the Toronto Confidential Musical Theatre Project. Keep up with Elizabeth online: Twitter and Instagram @lizrosemorriss, and facebook.com/elizabethrosemorriss.

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

Emily Dix directed a play I was in with Newborn Theatre, and I’ve been happy to be involved since the beginning of Bygone Theatre! I’m currently on the Board of Directors, and was intrigued from the first time Emily announced His Girl Friday as the next mainstage play.

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

I love the snappy, very stylized 1940s dialogue. The whole script is so witty and fast-paced, it’s a lot of fun!

What’s your favourite old movie?

I love a lot of old movies, mostly musicals, but my favourite has to be Singin’ in the Rain.

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

Ian McGarret as Mr. Kentley and Elizabeth Rose Morriss as Miss Kentley in Rope, 2014.

In 2014, I played Miss Kentley in Bygone Theatre’s production of Rope—different decade and not a comedy, but also a period piece, and also a play with a classic movie version. Most recently I played Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music (Confidential Musical Theatre Project), Adella in The Little Mermaid (Lower Ossington Theatre), and was a singer in Bygone’s Vaudeville Revue.

Why should people come and see the show?

For fun, entertaining vintage comedy!

See Liz live onstage this March in His Girl Friday – tickets available online.

Cheque, please!

Our director (and production designer) Emily Dix quickly walks you through the process for making a faux cheque for theatre.

Till Next We Trod The Boards

I get a kick out of little details in things, which is why I often spend too much time on small prop details that likely won’t be noticed by anyone but myself. Today’s example? The certified cheque prop needed for Bygone Theatre’s upcoming production of His Girl Friday.

Really, it’s a pretty simple one, and since we’re seeing the cheque before it’s cashed, I’m not going to the trouble of embossing it, I did however want something from around the right date, and double-sided.

Since this show will be on a real stage, and not something that requires the same accuracy as was needed for shows like Rope, which practically happened in the audience’s lap, I just searched for 1930s or 1940s certified cheques and settled on one from 1933;

I found this through a memorabilia site – it works great as it doesn’t have a big distracting…

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Cast Spotlight: Steve Hobbs

Comedian Steve Hobbs plays sweet but bland insurance salesman, Bruce Baldwin, in His Girl Friday; this is his first production with Bygone Theatre.

Bio: Steve Hobbs is an actor/comedian and a long-time Toronto improviser. A graduate of the Second City Conservatory sketch and Long-form programs, he’s known for his stage performances in hit Toronto Fringe shows like “Behold the Barfly!” (2016, 5N’s – Now Magazine) and performed, co-wrote and produced in “Everything Is Fine” (2014, 4N’s – Now Magazine, 4.5 stars – The Torontoist). In improv, he plays monthly in the James Bond-themed “Double Oh!” show, previously headlined Impatient Theatre Co. comedy nights with “El Fantoma”, and has been featured internationally in various comedy festivals (Detroit Improv Festival, North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, NYC’s Del Close Marathon). Off-stage, he’s been a writer for The Second City Network, CBC Punchline and the Beaverton, as well as co-wrote the 48 hour film project 2016 finalist “Fumbled”. When he’s not performing, he’s coaching and teaching as part of the Second City Toronto faculty.

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

I heard about the production through Emily Dix herself at Bygone, but she also close ties to a director/producer team that I go way back with to past Fringe successes and beyond. They kind of recommended me and played match maker a little bit, which was nice. Small world!

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

The theme of professional versions of ourselves clashing with our romantic ideals is something that I not only identify with personally, but it’s also pretty trendy these days (have you SEEN La La Land??). His Girl Friday nails the frustrating balancing act for me, and grabbed me as a lighter, more fun exploration of that same dichotomy and realities.

What’s your favourite old movie?

Uh oh. I know I should probably say “Casablanca” or something, but honestly, its probably more like that 60’s Adam West batman film. Bombs, sharks…it’s basically Casablanca.

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

I haven’t been in a production set in this particular era before, but I’ve been in multiple successful Fringe shows (“Behold, the Barfly!”, “Everything is Fine”) and make TV/youtube/stage appearances fairly often. I play in a monthly James Bond themed improv show as well, and guest as a comedian when I can.

Why should people come and see the show?

This show has a stellar cast, fast talking drama and comedy, and my character goes to jail a lot. It’s a winner, come watch!

Anything else you want us to know?

It’s my first time working with Bygone, and I’m PUMPED.

See Steve onstage this March in His Girl Friday – tickets available online. 

Cast Spotlight: Sean Jacklin

Sean Jacklin plays hardboiled newspaper editor Walter Burns (Cary Grant in the film) in our upcoming production of His Girl Friday; this is Sean’s first production with Bygone Theatre.

Bio: Sean is a graduate of both George Brown College and the University of Guelph’s theatre training programs. While not acting, Sean also fancies himself a playwright, theatre technician, director and musician. Sean will be appearing shortly alongside Epigraph Collective in their show Don’t Look Back and as part of the Mercury Song series in Bright Lights, City Nights. Recent credits include: Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible (Kindling Collective), Eric Birling in An Inspector Calls and Harry Pepper in Barefoot in the Park (The Classic Theatre Festival), The Inspector in The Enchanted, Foigard in The Beaux’ Stratagem, Aristarch in The Suicide, and Augustus Lorton in Lady Windermere’s Fan (George Brown College)

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

I actually heard about Bygone theatre last year when they were putting up Wait Until Dark. I had finished a run of that show the summer before and knew someone in it as well. This production (His Girl Friday) I learned about from Alex Clay. He messaged me saying the show needed another actor and I remember thoroughly enjoying the movie (and always loved Cary Grant) so I joined up!

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

The show is so witty and quick that I had to jump on the opportunity to play Burns. So much of the humour is influenced by the old vaudevillians (The Marx Bros., The Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy etc.) and I was practically raised on that so it felt pretty natural to say yes to the show. 

What’s your favourite old movie?

Duck Soup. Hands down the best Marx Bros. film and one that leaves me in stitches every time I watch it. It’s also interesting to note when it was made. 1933, the same year a certain sad wannabe dictator was made chancellor of Germany. The whole movie is a send up of militarism and idiotic diplomacy. A movie well suited to our times as well I’d say (sadly).

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

I’ve worked with the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth, ON for the past 8 years or so on and of, both on stage and off and their mandate is to do the golden hits of Broadway and the West End so there is some overlap between their shows and Bygone theatre’s show. Most recently with them I played Eric in An Inspector Calls and Harry Pepper in Barefoot in the Park. More locally I played Deputy Governor Danforth in The Kindling Collective’s production of The Crucible  back in October and graduated from George Brown College’s theatre program last April, where I performed in Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Suicide, The Beaux’ Stratagem, and The Enchanted.

Why should people come and see the show?

If you love comedy, come to the show. If you want to see a show that stands out above some of its contemporaries when it comes to gender dynamics it is also an interesting piece. Most of all it’s gonna be a fast paced barrel of fun, and nobody should miss out on that.

Anything else you want us to know?

If you are looking for something completely different come to the Mercury Cafe on Queen E. March 10 and 11 for Bright Lights, City Nights. It’s a song series/play that myself and some of my George Brown colleagues have crafted about life in the city and all that entails. It’s a low-key but fun kinda thing. Alternatively I am also working with Epigraph Collective on Don’t Look Back, a verbatim theatre piece centred on the millennial generation and it’s struggles with life, love, and the baby boomers. It’s been incredibly eye opening interviewing different people to get material for the show and seeing how many different perspectives there are on certain issues and also how many similarities in opinions there are.

Tickets are on sale now for His Girl Friday – buy before Feb. 15th to take advantage of our Earlybird Discount.

Cast Spotlight: Chris Peterson

Bio: I’m originally from the U.S. and have been in Canada for almost 5 years. I’ve gone away and come back to acting a few times in my life, including studying at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC and performing in theatre/film projects there before taking a 10-year break to have a “real” job, etc., including 8 years as a Digital Producer (among other things) at Nickelodeon/MTV. After being laid off 2.5 years ago for my second time since moving to TO and my fourth time overall, I decided to return once again to my first love of acting and never leave again. Since then, performances have included August: Osage County (Alumnae), Four Hours (Alumnae New Ideas Festival), Sorry, Wrong Number/The Hitchhiker (Plain Stage), and Alone Together (Scarborough Players).  Starting Thursday after HGF closes, I will also be part of David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Proof at the Red Sandcastle Theatre. In addition to theatre/film/tv projects, I’m also a puppeteer with The Concerned Kids charity (so if you’ve got kids, book us to perform at their school!). More at chrispeterson.me and facebook/chrispetersonactor.

How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

Much of the last couple of years has been spent immersing myself in the TO performing scene and I am always learning about new (to me) theatre companies, etc. Last year I learned about Bygone from the audition listing for their production of Wait Until Dark, but I was involved with the amazing August: Osage County at Alumnae so wasn’t able to submit. This time I happily was.

What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

I hadn’t seen the original film, but I’m a definite fan of films from that era and the fast-paced action and humour. I also love the sound and rhythms of the dialogue and transatlantic accent. Even the characters who seem maybe not-so-great in this story are completely lovable, plus any reason to think about Cary Grant is a good reason.

What’s your favourite old movie?

There are still plenty I need to see, but off the top of my head – Singing in the Rain, Funny Face, and Casablanca.

Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

Last May I was in a double bill of The Hitchhiker and Sorry, Wrong Number with Plain Stage Theatre, both originally part of Orson Welles’ radio program. Most recently, I was part of Unit 102’s Operation 24 this past December – 6 plays cast, written, directed, learned, and performed in 24 hours – which was crazy and amazing.s

Why should people come and see the show?

It’s funny and maybe even more important lots of fun, it’s got a great (and huge) cast and production team, and these older stories/films are called classics for a reason. Bring your parents/grandparents.

Anything else you want us to know?

Come see the show, and then go see Proof (it won a Pulitzer for a reason, and I get the feels at every rehearsal) either of the following two weekends, and then please keep on supporting local theatre and comedy and dance and art! Also, keep an eye/ear out for the new serial podcast Frequency which should be launching this month.

See Chris onstage March 2-5, and help support him and the show by making a donation through FWYC.

Cast Spotlight: Ryan Kotack

You may remember Ryan Kotack from past Retro Radio Hours, or from his role as a Policeman in Wait Until Dark.

Bio: Originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ryan Christopher Kotack studied professional theatre at University of Guelph to then pursue a film/ TV career in Toronto. You may have seen him in shows such as the medieval drama REIGN & science fiction thriller DEFIANCE. His selected film credits include; IN THE HOUSE OF FLIES, ANTISOCIAL 2 & AGAPE. He stars as ASIM in the award-winning short film BOSNIAK, currently screened by AIR CANADA.

 How did you hear about Bygone Theatre and this production of His Girl Friday?

After enduring many auditions of mine, Emily finally caved in last spring and offered me a small role in Bygone Theatre’s WAIT UNTIL DARK. Clearly, she does not learn from her mistakes. Here I am once again.

Ryan Kotack in Wait Until Dark

2. What made you want to be involved?/ what do you love about the story?

The pace. The comedy. The characters!

3. What’s your favourite old movie?

King Kong. One of the greatest love stories ever told about a monkey.

4. Have you been in a show like this before? What else might people have seen you in recently?

I love period pieces. I minored in history in University. My fourth year graduating theatre class produced a war-era collective creation called Sincerely Yours. The story focused on broken relationships in Hollywood, during the United States involvement in WWII, while propaganda movies began to shape America.

Recently, I played a Scottish Military Advisor to the Regent of Scotland in the television show REIGN. They gave me a sword, we had an amazing dialect coach on set. It was such a privilege and I loved it all.   

Ryan Kotack (far left) in Reign.

5. Why should people come and see the show?

You get a chance to travel to the era of Cary Grant and it is a guaranteed laugh! On a more serious note, the show is very relevant in portraying the power of the press. How does the media shape our reality? Have we progressed or regressed from WWII? 

6. Anything else you want us to know?

I am currently studying the Advanced Meisner Technique under Adrian Griffins. This man studied at the Neighbourhood Playhouse in New York City with Sanford Meisner. 

Help support Bygone Theatre by making a donation through our FWYC campaign – all proceeds go towards this great show with a large & talented cast!