Louise Large
Director/Dramaturge
Louise Large is an Edmonton based director, performer, and Artistic Director of new work based Defiance Theatre. A proud graduate of Fort McMurray's Keyano College Drama program in 2007, her recent credits this season include performing as Claire in Cowardly Kiss Theatre's production of Jean Genet's "The Maids", and as a member of 'The Dead' in the premiere of Jennifer Roberts' "The Carrying" at Walterdale Theatre. She is delighted to be working with Poiema Productions on Middleton: a folk musical, and feels priveledged to be working with such a talented and ambitious group of artists such as Danielle, the boys in the cast, and the gals from the Poiema universe. Up next for Louise will be the launch of Defiance Events this fall, a monthly event series producing "date nights" for Edmonton couples and food and wine lovers alike, as well as the development of a new work for production next year. She hopes that you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting local theatre.
Brianne Jang
Co-writer/Laura Lee
Co-Founder of Poiema Productions
Brianne is co-founder of Poiema Productions and has been involved in musical theatre around Edmonton since she was 8 years old. The company and it’s extremely creative environment has allowed Brianne to grow and learn not only as an actor, but writer and producer as well. A Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts graduate, Brianne has found a true love for writing and creating new work. She hopes to continue to grow in all areas of performance art and is currently enrolled in classes for film and photography.
Sara Vickruck
Co-writer/Mrs. Doucette
Co-Founder of Poiema Productions
Sara Vickruck is blessed to be part of a company who set themselves apart through their hard work, but more importantly through the way they care for and treat one another. "Middleton: a folk musical" is the third Poiema Production, which marks Sara's fourth writing credit along with her solo show at this summer's fringe called Aletheia. After graduating from Grant MacEwan and working with established Edmonton companies such as RibbitREpublic and Concrete Theatre, Sara now resides in Vancouver, BC, where she is studying film, ensemble acting, and realism at Seacoast Theatre Centre. As well as playwrighting and acting, Sara is also passionate about songwriting and singing, and her newest endeavor involves busking on the streets for local Vancouverites!
Danielle Knibbe & Marilla
Music & Lyrics
Marilla is a local Edmonton Folk group that has been playing together since late 2010. Originally Danielle and the Deadbeats, Marilla is an acoustic sound consisting of tight harmonies, hand drumming and folk guitar styles. They are known for their energetic, passionate and captivating performances that leave the audience always wanting more. They perform around the city and have opened for such artists as Juno Award winner, Meaghan Smith, and New Country Rehab. Marilla released their full length debut album "Alright, here goes..." on May 2nd, 2012.
For more info on Marilla, click here.
For more info on Marilla, click here.
Candice Fiorentino
Co-Designer/Jonie
Co-Founder of Poiema Productions
Candice is co-founder of Poiema Productions and has been in the acting industry for the past eight years. Starting off on the Wild Horse Theatre Stage in Fort Steele, B.C., Candice moved to Edmonton to pursue her career by enrolling in the Theatre Arts Program at Grant Macewan University. Since then she has been a part of the creative process of new works including Ribbit RePublic's "Grimmer Than Grimm", "Grimmer than Grimmer than Grimm", "Passages", Mummers Collective, and work from Poiema Productions.
As well as acting, Candice has a passion for film on and off the camera. Whether it be on stage, in film, or in the editing room, Candice is excited to create new work and meet other artists who share her passion along the way.
As well as acting, Candice has a passion for film on and off the camera. Whether it be on stage, in film, or in the editing room, Candice is excited to create new work and meet other artists who share her passion along the way.
Melissa Heagy
Co-Designer/Katherine
Co-Founder of Poiema Productions
Melissa is a local Edmonton actor and not only has a passion for theatre, but also for film and creating new works. Melissa is a Theater Arts graduate from Grant MacEwan University where she met Brianne, Sara, and Candice and where Poiema Productions was birthed. She has been involved in either creating shows or acting in the Edmonton Fringe Festival for the past 5 years. Other than her busy summers with the Fringe, Melissa has been teaching acting classes and directing musicals for the past two years at Stageworks Academy for Performing Arts. She has also been working on various film projects. Melissa is excited for more great shows to come from Poiema!
Trent Wilkie
Stanley
Trent Wilkie is a writer/performer in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. Trent has written for CBC Radio (The Irrelevant Show) as well as several plays including "Gargamel", "Aachen" and "Book on Tape". Trent is also a member of Mostly Water Theatre , a multi-media sketch comedy troupe that has been dubbed as ”a perfect mix of boneheadedness and sophistication” and has performed in the last seven Edmonton Fringe Festivals. He has also been a wilderness canoe guide for close to ten years and considers the deep dark woods a therapy that only comes at the cost of comfort. When not being overwhelmingly stuffed into various projects, Trent likes to relax while watching horror movies or trying to invent the perfect three chord song.
Brennan Campbell
Morley
Brennan is an actor, dancer, and writer who enjoys creating physical and collaborative theatre. Recent credits include: "Preach_2012" (Magpie Productions), "An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein" (Watch Me Productions), "Horace Porridge Goes To Work" (Blue Sky Theatre), and "Night Time" (Cowardly Kiss Theatre). Since 2009, Brennan has served as Co-Artistic Director of No Snowcones (a company that creates and tours theatre for the Candian Fringe Circuit). Brennan holds a diploma in Theatre Arts from Grant MacEwan University and has studied with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre in Australia. He once managed to run himself over with a bike he happened to be riding at the time.
Corben Kushneryk
Officer Young/Mr. Doucette
Corben is a recent graduate of MacEwan Theatre Arts and is very happy to be 'fringing' with Poeima Productions. Some recent credits include the Canadian premieres of "Thebans", "Vernon God Little", and "Xanadu", along with playing Franklin Shepard in "Merrily We Roll Along" (MacEwan). This past June, he was seen 'puppeting-up' as Nicky/Trekkie in "Avenue Q" (TOWTTB Productions) and this Fringe, you can also catch him in RIBBITrePUBLIC's "Passages" playing at La Cité Francophone.
Erik Reuter
Dunkin
Erik Reuter is thrilled to join Poiema Productions for his first fringe show ever. Erik recently graduated from Grant MacEwan where he performed in such shows as "Vernon God Little", "Merrily We Roll Along", "Thebans", and his favourite role as Sonny Malone in the Canadian Premiere of "Xanadu". Since school, Erik also gave an extremely German performance in the Walterdale Playhouse’s production of "Nine".
Afton Rentz
Fight Coordinator
Since completing the Theatre Arts program at MacEwan University, Afton has recently been exploring the dangerous and hilarious world that is stage combat. She recently certified with Fight Directors Canada and is now officially an Intermediate Actor-Combatant. She feels so privileged to have been given the opportunity to choreograph these amazing people, and wishes you a great show!
Cover photography by Candice Fiorentino.