The Directors and Cast of THIS
Bill Dow - Director
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Bill received his interdisciplinary PhD in classical mythology and theatre, and is an award-winning actor and director in theatre, film, and television, with scores of credits over a long and varied career. He has directed for several theatres across Canada including the Vancouver Playhouse where he was Artistic Associate for many years; in addition, he was Associate Artistic Director at the Blyth Festival and the Belfry Theatre, and resident dramaturg at the Banff Playwrights Colony.
Well known as Dr. Lee on Stargate, and Mayor Hathaway on DaVinci’s Inquest, Dow has also performed recurring and guest star roles on many diverse episodic series.
Loretta Walsh - playing 'Jane'
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Loretta is a classically trained actor, acting teacher and theatre producer.
She has worked on tv, in films and on stage and is most well known for the role of Florence Blakeley in "When Calls the Heart" for Hallmark.
She teaches acting at Haven Studio.
Loretta is the dedicated and passionate producer of THIS.
A special thank you to the entire THIS team who have worked so tirelessly and creatively to bring you THIS. Thank you to our audience for supporting us and enjoy the show!
Benjamin Ratner - playing 'Alan'
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Benjamin Ratner is a multiple-award winning actor, writer, director, and producer. His own films include Down River and Ganjy, and he’s played lead roles in features such as Last Wedding, 19 Months, and Fathers & Sons. He was recently seen in the hit film Wonder and will next be recurring on Netflix’s Travelers.
Theatre highlights include Dinner with Friends, Italian American Reconciliation, and American Buffalo, for which he received a Jessie Nomination.
Respect and gratitude to our whole team, my students at Haven Studio, my wife Jen, and especially Loretta Walsh for putting it all on the line to make THIS happen.
Karen Holness - playing 'Marrell'
Karen is thrilled to join the cast of THIS. Of her many film, television and theatre credits, some of Karen’s recent favourites are working on the television shows The Crossing, Arrow, Once Upon a Time, Lucifer, Motive, Fringe and Cashing In. Some of her feature film credits include Chicago, Corner Gas Feature, Big Fat Liar 2, Secret Millionaire and Donovan’S Echo with Danny Glover. She was also pleased to work with Danny Glover a second time on the Christmas Train which also includes names such as Joan Cusack and Dermot Mulroney. Karen has played in many of the “A” House Theatres across Canada in such productions as Dreamgirls, RENT, Gershwin’s Crazy for you and The Underground Railroad.
Zak Santiago - playing 'Jean Pierre'
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A modern day renaissance man, Zak is a Golden Gloves winning boxer, popular radio and nightclub DJ, classically trained musician and dancer, and an award winning actor. In film and television he has worked closely with actors such as Mark Wahlberg, John Voigt, Kathy Bates, Michael B. Jordan, Elijah Wood, Sandra Oh and Isabella Rossellini. His recent Series Regular or Recurring roles include Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (BBCAmerica), X-files (Fox), Shut Eye (Hulu), Signed Sealed and Delivered (Hallmark), and Ghost Wars (SYFY).
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Brad Dryborough - playing 'Tom'
Brad is an actor, writer, director and restaurant worker who lives in Vancouver. His
most recent stage work as a performer includes Ramifications of a Particular Crash
and Positive Life Affirming Entertainment by Kris Elgstrand. He has had some very
good roles in local independent films and he has also been on TV quite a bit although
generally not for very long. If you’re interested IMDB him. It’s easier than reading it
here.
Barbara Pollard - Artistic Associate
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Barbara is a classically trained actor/writer/director instructor with a five
year engagement at the Stratford Festival under the genius of Robin Phillips
at the start of her career. From there she moved to the west coast where
she started teaching and directing (Studio 58, 6 yrs. 9 shows) but is most
known for her creation and performing in the Moms the Word, trilogy of plays
both across Canada and in London (West End) Scotland, Ireland and Australia
(Melbourne Intn’l Comedy Festival) Starting in July, Ms. Pollard will be touring
Moms the Word: Nest 1/2 Empty for the next year, returning to the Arts Club’s
Granville Is. stage for summer 2019.
