About Lights Up

Hilary is originally from London, UK where she worked as a singer in Musical Theatre for over 10 years, Hilary is passionate about providing theatre opportunities to children that contribute to their growth not only in performance skills but in all areas of their lives. Running theatre programs in Vancouver since moving here on 2006, Hilary has unique experience and skills to help each student find their inner star. Hilary has produced shows for our students in some of Vancouver’s finest theatres including the Queen Elizabeth and The Orpheum.

Mike is our office superstar and spends a lot of his time keeping everything running smoothly across our programs. Originally from the UK, he moved to Canada in the mid 2000’s and started Lights Up with his wife Hilary. He also paints some beautiful sets and is prop master extraordinaire! Mike thoroughly enjoys working with children and is proud to be involved with providing these great experiences to our youth.

At the age of 5, Lisa sat in the audience of the Jubilee Theatre in Calgary, mesmerised by the production of “Cats!” playing out in front of her, and instantly knew where she wanted to be. Eventually, Lisa graduated from the Studio 58 Theatre Program at Langara College, and acted on the professional stage. Favourite roles have been in shows for young audiences; Interacting with children after the shows, she experienced first hand the power of theatre to create moments for learning and connection.

Lisa holds a B.Ed. from SFU. She has led Professional Development workshops for BC school districts, and has teamed up with teachers throughout the province to create core curricular units that incorporate drama. She is a multi-Gold Medalist RCM Speech Arts and Drama teacher. At Lights Up, Lisa leads a team of teachers in sharing our passion for the performing arts with kids all over the Lower Mainland.

Billie heads up our after school program division as well as running our Vancouver Westside schools (amongst a million other things!). She believes that students should be themselves and, when it comes to performing, always remember that the audience wants them to succeed. In high school, Billie sang for the Queen of England during one of her royal visits. If she were to randomly sing any song out loud it would be “I’m Still Standing”, by Elton John.

Billie trained in New York before returning to Vancouver to share her passion for musical theatre with young people.

Originally from Liverpool England, Rebecca grew up enjoying Musical Theatre from the age of 2 and was fortunate to study at many distinguished schools including Dolphin Dance Studios and the Elliot Clarke School of Excellence, one of the oldest schools in the world. After high school she went on to receive her National Diploma in Drama at Liverpool Community College followed by a Bachelor of Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Rebecca’s favourite performance opportunity was singing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s & Sir Tim Rice’s Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool.

After meeting her husband while traveling the world working on cruise ships Rebecca came to Vancouver and knew she wanted to share her passion for the arts by working with children. She furthered her education by obtaining her early childhood education certificate which gave her the opportunity to work with kids aged 1 – 12 years. Since joining Lights Up Rebecca has taught Starlights, Spotlights, camps and after school clubs and is the school director for our North Vancouver and Vancouver West locations.

Rebecca loves changing the colour of her hair to keep all the kids on their toes, what colour will it be next?? …

Karyn is very active in Vancouver and beyond as a singer, director, adjudicator and music instructor. She teaches voice and piano at her home studio, Vocalis Music and recently directed/music directed Shrek, Jr and Dear Edwina, Jr. At the University of British Columbia, Karyn earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance and a Master of Music in Opera. She also earned Diplomas in Musical Theatre from Grant MacEwan College and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Karyn is a proud member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and is an advanced Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher. Karyn is delighted to be a part of the Lights Up team!!

Julia is a Vancouver-based performer and educator. She received her diploma in Musical Theatre from Capilano University in 2013, and later went on to gain her Bachelor of Education from UBC. She has taught theatre for multiple community programs across the Lower Mainland as well as for Surrey, North Vancouver, and Vancouver School Districts. For Lights Up, she has taught nearly every class and discipline they offer before stepping into a managerial role. As a performer, she has taken on the iconic roles of Maria in The Sound of Music (CTF) and Elle in Legally Blonde (Align), and Katherine in Newsies! (TUTS).

Two time Leo award nominee and Vancouver based actor, producer and artistic director, Lindsay Drummond has worked in theatre, film and television for over 15 years. 

Lindsay graduated from The School Of Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University with a BFA in Performance and also earned a Diploma in Theatre at Capilano University. She is Co-founder and Co-Artistic director of TigerMilk Collective Theatre and is an executive producer with East Van Entertainment Inc. 

As an actor Lindsay can be seen in several commercials, television and independent films projects but some of her career favourites are Jessie nominated “Greenland” by Nicholas Billon produced by TigerMilk Collective, “Literally” the series produced by Boldly Creative Agency and the Leo award winning series “The Drive” produced by East Van Entertainment. 

Lindsay has worked for Lights Up Musical Theatre since 2010. She is always amazed at its creative growth and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the company. Lindsay continues to develop her career as a producer, writer and actor. 

Diana has been teaching Drama at Lights Up for a number of years. She is also a local film/ television/ voice over/ theatre actor. In 2014 she graduated from the Acting for Stage and Screen program at Capilano University. Since then, she has performed in a number of plays and commercials. From 2017 to 2019, she started a short film production company called: Pancake Laundry Monday and two of her films made it into film festivals in the U.S.!  While working at Lights Up, Diana enjoys getting the kids to share as many ideas as possible to enhance the scene or story. She also enjoys adding the odd Buffy or Friends reference wherever it fits.

Diana works extensively teaching at our after schools programs, she also is the School Director at our Vancouver Eastside location.

Ameena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from The American University in Cairo, Egypt. In the summer of 2018, she worked as a Set Painter with the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company on their productions of Othello and Two Noble Kingsmen in Thousand Oaks, California. For over four years, Ameena has been a drama instructor at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, where she has guided young actors through developmental drama. She has also performed in various plays, including Tartuffe by Moliere and These Shining Lives.

Kyla Kay Actor is originally from Melbourne, Australia, where she began performing at the age of 3. She trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Acrobatics, graduating from The Dance Factory and The National Theatre School in Melbourne. Over the years, Kyla has built an impressive stage career, performing in productions such as Into the Woods, Seussical, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and Oliver, with her favourite role being The Witch in Into the Woods.

Kyla’s skills reach beyond the stage, with several film and television credits, and she remains actively engaged in the Vancouver film industry.

With over 15 years of experience teaching musical theatre to children, Kyla is passionate about creating a space for kids to explore, play, and grow. She believes that theatre is a wonderful way to build confidence and foster a love for singing, dancing, and acting.

Kyla is thrilled to join the Lights Up team and is excited to help students develop their skills in the performing arts.

Trista is an actor, writer and comedian originally from Northern Alberta by way of Montreal. She has an extensive background in improv and sketch comedy, having performed on many
stages and in many festivals across Canada. Her love of comedy turned into a passion for the dramatic arts more generally while living in Montreal and taking classes at the National
Theatre School. Since moving to Vancouver she has shifted her focus from live performance to film and television, though theatre will always be where her heart is– you can catch her
any given weekend performing with various theatres and companies including the Spontaneous Shakespeare Company which creates fully improvised Shakespearean plays
prompted by an audience suggestion. Having grown up in a small, rural town, Trista didn’t have much access to the performance arts, and this motivates her to treat each interaction with each student as a precious opportunity to introduce them to the pure joy of acting. She encourages them to make big choices, forget perfection, and above all, to have fun.

Jennifer is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and diligent educator whose love for the performing arts and English has inspired her to utilize her skillset as an actor, singer and dancer to guide the development of children and teens. Originally from Toronto, Jennifer moved to Hong Kong when she was 5, and is happy to call the city home. Her dedication to the arts inspired her to pursue her career in the performing arts, ultimately driving her to the United Kingdom, where she trained classically at Guildford School of Acting and continued her career as an actor and drama teacher. With a decade of experience as a drama educator, Jennifer is thrilled to be stepping into a managerial position with Lights Up. Her experience living abroad has instilled in her a drive to succeed at whatever she pursues, and she would be thrilled to share this mindset with young future performers.

Originally from Alberta, Vanessa has been involved in theatre all her life and has always had a passion for both performing and teaching. Growing up in a community-based theatre, she fell in love with the arts from a very early age and her passion has only grown. Vanessa is a Capilano University graduate with a diploma in Musical Theatre and also works leading theatre classes in preschools. When not performing or teaching, Vanessa loves to partake in anything creativity-related including photography, writing, and art. She is very passionate about the potential that the arts has to facilitate change and growth in our world and is always inspired by the passion from the students at Lights Up!

Beth has been involved in musical theatre since they were 8 years old, and has had the pleasure of sharing their love of song and dance with young artists for several years.

They are a graduate of Capilano University’s Musical Theatre Program, and hope to eventually earn their Masters in performing arts. Beth loves teaching all ages, and is especially passionate about helping disabled and neurodivergent kids feel safe and supported in order to have fun and explore the art of theatre! Outside of class you might find Beth tap dancing, roller skating by the beach, or tucked at home watching cartoons!

I was originally born in Mexico, but moved to Canada at 5 years old. Since I was little, I was obsessed with storytelling, movies, and performance, and that passion has only grown as I’ve gotten older. I’m a filmmaker with a few short films under my name, and I’ve recently finished studying at Thompson Rivers University, with a major in English and minor in Theatre. Through the past few years, I’ve learnt a ton about acting and directing, both from class work, and hands on experience.

While working a summer job at Rivertown Players (a Theatre For Young Audiences theatre troupe) I discover how deeply fulfilling a job teaching theatre is! The kids were so eager to learn, play, and experience storytelling. I am eager to continue this kind of work at Lights Up, by teaching kids the joy of creativity and collaboration!

Ellie is a grade 11 student at Van Tech in the flex humanities program.

Ellie was previously a student at Lights Up from age 11 and is now in the arts Umbrella pre-professional theatre troupe.

During their time at Lights Up, Ellie was part of our summer intensive program and played roles including Carmen in Fame, Bird Lady in Mary Poppins and Cinderella in Into the Woods.

Most recently Ellie played Patchy in Sponge Bob the Musical at the Jack and Darlene Pool Theatre.

Ellie is a talented singer and was member of the Vancouver Children’s choir and is now a returning alumni. Ellie is involved in several music programs at Van Tech and has also provided vocals for Hallmark Christmas movies.

Ellie is thrilled to be returning to Lights Up as a member of the teaching team working alongside their former teachers.

Stefie Gomez is an AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy-NYC) graduate, she has a Bachelor in Contemporary Music Composition from University of Music Fermatta in Mexico City, and holds a Level 4 Diploma in Performing Arts and Performing Arts Teaching by Performing Arts Awards (Rock School of London). Some of her other studies include Royal Academy of Dance vocational graded examinations and Shakespeare studies with John Basil.

As a performer, Stefie has been part of the cast of We Will Rock You (TUTS), Verdi Ritrovato by director Phillip Von Reutter (Italy and Mexico), Air of Paris directed by Oscar Bonfiglio and  The Meeting by Hugo Luna. As a teacher, Stefie has imparted voice, musical theatre, acting and dancing lessons for more than ten years. She is the founder of Fidartes and has directed multiple shows with the company, such as Little Women the Musical, Seussical the Musical and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.

Stefie is thrilled to be part of the Lights Up family and is committed to help every student in reaching their full potential with love, passion and discipline.

Hi! I’m originally from White Rock, B.C., but I’ve just moved back to the coast after living in Kamloops, BC for the last 15 years. I grew up acting, singing, dancing – you name it. I’m a theatre kid at heart, and I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of some amazing productions over the years, one of the biggest being in Western Canada Theatres production of “Fiddler on The Roof” and in programs such as Stage One Theatre School, Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music, and most recently, independent filmmaking productions. I also put out my first singer-songwriter EP in 2021, and continue to create music on a regular basis. I attended Stage One Theatre School as a kid, which was a lot like Lights Up, as we learnt the fundamentals of acting and putting on shows. After graduating from Stage One, I joined what the alumni like to call “Stage Two”, and started on as an Assistant Director and Stage Manager for Stage One Theatre School for a few terms. I loved working with the kids to put on a Theatre Production each term: there’s nothing like building a show from scratch and
getting to perform it after weeks of hard work. Knowing this feeling, and getting to be a part of the next generation’s passion for the same art form is SO much fun. My main passion these days is film (which is what brought me back to Vancouver), and I am so grateful to be working in a job that aligns with my roots for acting and musical theatre!
Some fun facts about me! I was homeschooled for most of my life (and loved it), bears are my favorite animal, and snakes are my worst fear (sounds a little backwards I know).

Forrest had been with Lights Up since he was a kid, as a student, assistant teacher and teacher. With lights up he’s been a part of many performances and performed in some well known musicals like Fame, Thoroughly Modern Millie and West Side Story.

Forrest is a versatile performer with a dance background in Jazz and ballet, a theatre background in Shakespeare and he is a circus teacher and performer outside of lights up. Forrest is also a dancer for the local group Geekenders which puts on a variety of nerdy shows throughout the year.

Lily was born in Bulgaria and moved to the North Shore when
she was 5. Lily is an assistant teacher at Lights Up North
Vancouver. She first began working with Lights Up during the
summer of 2019 where she enjoyed teaching arts, crafts and
games to the students. We are now lucky to have Lily teaching for us in our after school programs and every Saturday, where you can find her in all of our
classrooms helping to keep the students happy and safe.

Lily is very artistic and studied Metal work and now works
making creative signs at ‘Innovative signage’.

Lily loves painting and her favourite food is Mac and Cheese.

Taylor has loved being able to bring her education and experience in film, tv, and theatre to her students at Lights Up! She graduated from a Theatre Performance and Creation program in 2014 in Alberta and moved to Vancouver to pursue her passion of performing. She has appeared in a number of theatre productions as well as short films on Amazon Prime and has even written and starred in a few shorts with her sketch comedy group, Pancake Laundry Monday that have appeared in festivals in the U.S.!

Angie McLeod discovered her love of performance arts at the ripe old age of 5, when she played Baby Jesus in her kindergarten’s Nativity play. When she grew up, she learned the art of Acting for Stage and Screen at Capilano University and embarked on a life of piracy on the high seas – I mean, of sharing her love of theatre with the world! You may recognize her from The World Famous Lumberjack Show at Grouse Mountain, or the Christmas Pantomimes at Deep Cove Stage, or when your ship was attacked by pirates. Pirates? No, I never said pirates, you made that up. Angie loves the energy and creativity that children have and it is her favourite thing in the world to help them flourish on the stage.

Justin is a multidisciplinary artist in theatre and film working primarily as an actor. He also instructs students at Vancouver Film School, Richmond Arts Center and private coaching/classes. While continuing his own study of acting by attending classes himself, Justin produces, writes, directs and acts in his own projects with accolades.

What Justin aspires for his Lights Up students to take from his classes is understanding how to meet the expectations of being a performer while being inspired creatively by how fun acting is. His favorite musical is West Side Story, is a huge fan of the Christmas season, and keeps a Power Ranger toy collection from when he was younger in a display case… well, mostly from when he was younger. www.Justin-Anthony.com

Lu Ella has been joyfully training at Lights Up since 2017 and is also currently training in the Half-Day Professional Training Program in Musical Theatre at Arts Umbrella. Lu Ella finds her greatest happiness when she is on stage and enjoys helping and supporting others to find that same freedom in performance. It brings her great pleasure to work with young children and is grateful for the opportunity to assist classes at Lights Up. Lu Ella aspires to
combine her love of musical theatre performance and working with young children and become a Musical Theatre Instructor and Early Childhood Educator.

Makenna is a passionate dance instructor with a strong foundation in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Yoga. Through creative choreography and storytelling, Makenna inspires students of all ages and skill levels to discover the artistry and fun of dance. Makenna began dancing at the age of 4, and during her training has participated in countless performances, competitions, RAD Ballet examinations, and conventions. She trained intensively as a member of North Shore Academy of Dancing’s Half-Day program from 2015 to 2017. As a teacher, Makenna aims to lead dynamic and accessible classes that will help students build confidence, strength, and discipline. Outside of Lights Up, Makenna enjoys various fitness classes including ballet and indoor cycling, fashion and sewing, and watching Gilmore Girls. Her favourite musical of all time is Matilda!

Zara was born in D.C and lived in all over South East Asia before moving to Vancouver at age 8. Shortly after moving to Vancouver, she joined Lights Up and has never looked back! In addition to teaching Lights Up, she is a certified Gymnastics and Circus coach having taught at Phoenix Gymnastics and Circus West. She has a dog named Avi who keeps her very busy in her spare time, taking her on forest adventures. Zara has a special knack for making even the shyest student feel welcome and able to participate in class. She loves seeing these students gain confidence and enjoy their time in class. 

Tristan started her musical theater journey at age 12 when, once upon a time, she was a Lights Up student. She has since received professional training in multiple theatrical disciplines and triumphantly returned as an instructor.

She is a proud member of Capilano University’s Acting for Stage and Screen program, where she continues to perform, write, and play. Tristan’s goal as a teacher is to help her students embrace their creativity and inner artists, fostering a place for safe, creative expression and fun! When not in a studio or classroom, Tristan can be found hiking through a forest, lost in a book, or baking cupcakes. 

Amelia was a student at Lights Up for 6 years and is glad to continue being part of the Lights Up community as an Assistant! Over the years she has performed in many shows with Lights Up, some of her most memorable ones being Beauty and the Beast, the Wizard of Oz and Newsies. She looks back on these shows as some of her fondest memories that helped shape her to be the performer she is today. A grade 11 student at Semiahmoo Secondary School, Amelia runs her school’s Drama and Improv clubs where she works to help build the school’s drama community and promote theatre to her peers. Amelia is also a part of community theater, performing with Fraser Valley Musical Theater. Amelia has training in dance, choir, drama and has taken private voice lessons. Amelia loved being a student at Lights Up and is happy to be able to pass on her passions and help inspire children interested in performing arts.

Violet was a student at Lights Up for 6 years, and is so excited to be back as part of the team! As a student in Lights Up, she performed in shows that shaped her as an actor, including “The Wicked Witch of the West” in The Wizard of Oz and “Veruca Salt” in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Not only did Lights Up help her gain confidence, but she made lifelong friends and memories there. Now, Violet attends Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary as a grade 10 student and is in both the school’s theatre company and senior improv team. In both school and Lights Up, her goal is to bring the theatre community together and spark a love of the art! 

Celine has been dancing since the age of four. She started her training at Centre Stage Dance in Maple Ridge, BC., focusing on jazz and tap. When Celine moved out to White Rock at the age of nine, she joined Joy of Movement Dance Studio in Crescent Beach BC. She was a part of Visions Dance Company where she trained 40+ hours a week in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Pointe, Contemporary, and Lyrical. Celine was also a part of the school tours program at JOM. 

Celine has competed in many local competitions such as Surrey Arts Festival and PACWEST and has traveled to Portland to compete at I Love Dance Competition and Los Angeles to compete at Dance Excellence as well. 

Currently, Celine is still training and teaching under Amy Hamilton at Amy Hamilton’s Dance Arts / BEZ Arts Hub in Langley BC. 

Anna is a dancer, actor, and singer who was born and raised in Vancouver! She discovered her love for the stage when she performed in her first musical, Grease, at 10 years old! She is also a recent graduate of Capilano University, holding a diploma in Musical Theatre.

Anna is incredibly grateful to the teachers in her life who saw her potential and fostered her passion, and she hopes to do the same for her students!

Jamie is a former Lights Up student who’s been with us for over 10 years. They joined us in Starlight, performing all the way through our Spotlight and Company programs. Also joining in on some intensive camps such as Beauty and the Beast, Singing in the Rain, and Mary Poppins. Jamie has a passion for teaching and supporting kids, especially with the arts. Before they started working here, they volunteered with summer camps. Jamie wants to help nurture blossoming young artists and help guide kids as they learn and grow. They can’t wait to assist your child on their musical journey!

Originally from Alberta, Katie has been immersed in the performing arts for over 20 years. Starting dance at 2 years old she has trained in various styles including Musical Theater, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hiphop, Tap, Heels and more! 

Katie feels lucky to have the arts in her life as it has taken her to many places where she has met so many wonderful people. She graduated from Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Ontario and went on to complete a pre-professional training program called The Bridge Movement in New Jersey. She currently trains at a Harbour Dance Center program in Vancouver. 

Katie strongly believes that the performing arts are an important means for people to express themselves and connect with others and that this is particularly true for children.  She is very excited to join the Lights Up Team and share her love of dance with young artists.

Shir has been in Lights Up since 2019 and has been an assistant since 2021. She has been in the performing arts since she was 3 and loves anything musical. She’s been working with kids for 5 years, plays multiple instruments, and is in 2 choirs. She realized her love for musical theatre when she was 9 and joined Lights Up soon after. Shir loves to watch the kids grow together during rehearsals, and getting to know all of them is her favorite part of the job. In her free time Shir likes to read, play music, and hang out with friends and family.

Vanessa Schaefer is an Irish/German actor, writer and director. She studied acting and theatre at the Lir Academy, graduating in 2017. Following that, she was cast in various short films, theatre pieces and feature films in Ireland. Her most prolific role was playing the lead character, Tara, in the feature film “Dive”, released in 2018 and found on Amazon Prime. She is also a writer and this year, completed an MA in screenwriting, while having a short story published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and most recently, entering into a publishing contract for her children’s book “The Magic of Mna”. She has directed two of her short scripts, “The Masterplan” and “Capable.” Vanessa has been teaching Drama and Acting since 2021 and is looking forward to continuing this in Vancouver!

Iris has been a Lights Up student since 2016 and assisting since 2021. She discovered her passion for theatre around the age of 6, when she realized she wanted to act as well as dance and sing, and she found Lights Up a year later. She is also currently enrolled in her school’s Drama, Theatre and Choir programs. She has performed in musicals such as Guys and Dolls, Frozen, and Newsies, and her favourite role she’s played was Donna in Mamma Mia. Iris feels so much joy seeing the kids find their confidence onstage and she is so grateful for the chance to connect with them individually throughout the terms. When Iris isn’t in a theatre, you can find her reading, crocheting, playing the clarinet or listening to one of her many playlists. 

Sean is a Vancouver based Actor working mostly in TV/Film. He started singing at a young age and loves to share and create a space for anyone to freely express their craft through song, dance and acting! Sean graduated from Capilano University’s Musical Theatre Program and has trained in various styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz and Tap! Sean loves to teach and wishes to inspire his students so that they can have the confidence to dream anything!

Jess is studying musical theatre at Capilano University. She attended Lights Up for 10 years and played Shrek for her final show with Lights Up as a student at the summer internsive 2023! She continues to do both film and musical theatre. She always loved to sing since a young age and when her sister started Lights Up she quickly joined and fell in love with theatre.

Natalie is an actor, creator and comedian who has returned to Vancouver after receiving her BFA in Drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Since graduating she has continued her passion for theatre, having performed in a variety of plays both in Vancouver and in New York City. Natalie co-founded the stand up comedy troupe Woman Stand Up in NYC, and continues to write comedy shorts. Natalie remembers when she was first introduced to the wonders of theatre at a very young age, and since then, had always dreamed of being a performer. She hopes she can recreate that same wonderment in her students, and inspire them to reach their goals and dreams!

Bailey has been apart of the Lights Up community since she was only eight years old, where she sparked her love for musical theatre. Since then she has been involved and has trained with other companies such as Theatre Under the Stars and Arts Umbrella, and has been in musical productions such as The Little Mermaid, Mean Girls, Guys and Dolls, and Into the Woods. Bailey’s experience goes beyond just things on stage, she has also directed, choreographed and written a handful of shows at her high school. She hopes to study musical theatre abroad post-secondary and later go into education to become a drama teacher.

Samantha fell in love with the stage at the age of five and never looked back! She is now a  theatre artist and works primarily as a performer, director, writer and arts educator. Born and  raised in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), Samantha is now based in so-called Vancouver. She has taught  for several organizations, including Arts Club Education, Théâtre La Seizième, and Presentation  House Theatre (Firefly Project). Samantha was nominated for a 2022 Jessie Richardson Award  for Outstanding Performance in a Theatre for Young Audiences piece for her work on Le  merveilleux voyage d’Inès de l’Ouest (Emilie Leclerc, Théâtre La Seizième). You may have also  seen her in the East Van Panto: Alice In Wonderland (Roe / Elliott / Testini, Theatre  Replacement), Metamorphoses (Daniela Atiencia, Studio 58), or in the most recent iteration of  her solo show, Wrecked (Raugi Yu, Vancouver Fringe Festival). She is a recent graduate from the  Acting program at Studio 58.

Valeh Ashraf has a Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies and an Advanced Diploma in Vocal Jazz from Thompson Rivers University and Humber College respectively. She has over 6 years of experience with plays and musical theatre at the Kelowna Actor’s Studio and is currently repped by Principal’s Talent for Film/TvV and Commercials. She loves Musicals and finds music is the way to build bridges that words can’t. She’s so excited to work with all the kids this term and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kiara began training at age 3 in both RAD and ISTD ballet and continuing into jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and Musical Theatre at a competitive level provincially and has received numerous awards for her dancing and choreography. Continuing her post secondary training in San Diego, Ca. Kiara majored in Musical Theatre. 

She has been blessed to perform throughout Canada and the U.S. on both stage and screen in countless lead rolls. Select credits include: BYE BYE BIRDIE with Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams and choreographed by the legend… Miss Ann Reinking, Ermengarde in HELLO DOLLY San Diego Civic Theatre, Luisa THE FANTASTIKS Old Town Theatre San Diego, Anytime Annie 42nd Street Moonlight Theatre San Diego , Consuela WEST SIDE STORY Arts Club Theatre, Rosie CABARET Arts Club Theatre, MY FAIR LADY Arts Club Theatre, Jolene DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Vancouver Playhouse, Marty GREASE TUTS, Lily St Regis ANNIE TUTS, VI FOOTLOSE TUTS.

Kiara continues to adjudicate, choreograph and educate, teaching in several styles at dance studios throughout the Lower Mainland where she can continue to create, inspire and encourage dancers in their unique callings. She is so excited to continue her pursuit of sparking creativity and greatness in every precious, little individual that crosses her path.