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Hello everyone! It's time for Episode 2 of Season 3 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! My guest this week is the incomparable Jeff Ho. Jeff Ho is a theatre artist, originally from Hong Kong. As an actor, he has toured as Ophelia in Why Not Theatre’s Prince Hamlet across Canada and the United States over five years. As a playwright Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho), his works include cockroach, Iphigenia and the Furies (On Taurian Land), Antigone: 方, and trace. His plays are published by Playwrights Canada Press. Jeff is grateful to have been honoured with a LAMBDA Award for Best LGBTQ+ Drama, the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best New Canadian Play; the Jon Kaplan Legacy Fund Award for a Young Canadian Playwright; finalist for the Playwright’s Guild of Canada’s Drama award; finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award; nominated for four Dora Awards. He is a graduate of the National Theatre School and holds an MFA from York University. Jeff is also currently Associate Artistic Director at Tarragon Theatre. If you'd like to read Jeff's Before You Go! questions, and help support the podcast, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone! It's time for SEASON 3 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! I'm so excited to have Carolyn Fe and Tanisha Taitt on the podcast with me today to talk about Carolyn's play "Aye Caesar" Carolyn Fe is a Filipino-Canadian multi-hyphenated creative, recognized for her diverse talents. A Dora-nominated and Betty nominated multilingual actress, she is also an award-winning singer and lyricist. She has a background as a contemporary dancer-choreographer and operated a Science and Technology Human Resources Firm. Carolyn's artistic evolution includes being a published writer and later-in-life emerging playwright. Some of her theatre credits include The Brothers Paranormal (Calgary's Vertigo Theatre), Uncle Vanya (Crow’s Theatre), Three Women of Swatow (Tarragon Theatre), Calpurnia (Nightwood Theatre). On TV, she plays Lola in the Emmy Awarded “Blue’s Clues & You!”, Madame Z in the award-winning French series “Meilleur Avant” and voices on various animated series such as PBS Kids’ “Work It Out Wombats”. Tanisha is a Toronto-born, bred and based theatre and audiobook director, educator, published playwright, performer, sometimes dramaturg, and accidental essayist who somehow survived three years as a preschool arts teacher in a past life.  In this one, she is a two-time YWCA Woman of Distinction nominee for her commitment to artistic excellence & social justice. Tanisha is the 2023 recipient of the Gina Wilkinson Prize, honouring women theatre-makers recognized by their peers for artistic achievement, community-mindedness, and impactful leadership.   A singer & songsmith since the age of 15, Tanisha is a recipient of the Canadian Music Publishers Association Songwriters Scholarship for exceptionality in songcraft.  She brought her passion for musical and lyrical storytelling to five years as a sessional professor with Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program, where she taught Acting Through Song.  Tanisha is the former Artistic Director of Cahoots Theatre, where she served in the role for 7 years, and has been twice nominated for the Dora Award for Outstanding Direction.  She been part-time faculty with George Brown Theatre School since 2018, where she teaches Contemporary Scene Study. If you'd like to hear their Before You Go! Episode, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello there! It's Episode 27 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! It's been another fantastic season of fun and interesting interviews, and I'm so thankful for all of the guests who have joined me this season! My final guest of the season is Madelaine Rose! Madelaine Rose (she/they) is a Toronto-based multi-hyphenated internationally recognized award-winning theatre creator and filmmaker. She is an actor, producer and director with experience and training in both film and theater. As a fem presenting person and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community their mandate as a creator is to create the type of art they wish to see in the world, art which creates space for more leading, and diverse roles for women, gender non-conforming, and queer artists. She has been named co-chair of OutACTRAto, the 2SLGBTQIA+ committee for ACTRA performers, and inaugural chair of the ACTRA National Progress Pride committee. Their work has been showcased and recognized across Canada and internationally, and most recent credits include Olivia in The Perfect Bite (Netflix/ Secret City Adventures), The Matriarch in The Menagerie (Mayfly Creative Productions), and Persephone in Passed Down (Sigh No More Productions) which will be touring to the Halifax Fringe Festival later this year. You can find her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rose.madelaine/ If you'd like to hear Madelaine's Before You Go! Episode, you can join my Patreon at: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone! Welcome to Episode 26 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast. I am so happy to have my friend and colleague Rebecca Lashmar on the show today! Becky's going to talk to us about Intimacy Coordination/Direction and why it's so important in the entertainment industry. Rebecca Lashmar is an actor, writer, and intimacy director and coordinator currently working all over Southern Ontario. She holds an MA at the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Toronto with a research interest in how moments of intimacy are written and depicted on stage and screen. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Honours Acting from the University of Windsor, a diploma in Art Administration and Leadership from Queen’s University and is in training to be a Mental Health Coordinator. With a focus on consent-based and trauma-informed practices, Rebecca has a love for unapologetic storytelling, collaboration and text analysis. Rebecca spoke at the first-ever Intimacy Conference for Intimacy Coordination in Berlin, Germany as well as giving workshops at The Great Canadian Playwright Showcase, and The Playwrights Guild of Canada Conference. When not in the theatre or on set, Rebecca enjoys horror films, reading, and baking. You can find her online at: https://www.rebeccalashmar.com/ If you want to hear Rebecca's "Before You Go!" episode, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 25 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! It's hard to believe that Season 2 of the podcast is coming to a close! But there's still lots of great stuff to talk about and plenty of great theatre to still check out this month before regular seasons get into full swing in September! One of those shows is "The Pavilion" at Pine Farms Orchard from King Theatre Company! Today I'm talking to KTC's Artistic Director Chloë Rose Flowers! A tenacious leader and passionate artist, she is deeply committed to creating work that brings people together. She is the founder and Artistic Director of King Theatre Company. Under her leadership, the company has quickly become an ambitious and respected voice in the GTA theatre scene, earning recognition for both artistic excellence and community impact. Critics have described her as “a force,” with direction that is “intensely and intently moving, grounded in truth.” ​ Chloë has worked with theatre companies across Ontario, including Theatre by the Bay, Mirvish Productions, and Shakespeare in Action. She holds an Honours degree in Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies from the University of Toronto where she was recognized with the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse Award and the Pia Kleber Scholarship. She continues to pursue ongoing training in acting, voice, and movement, dedicated to refining her craft across stage and screen. ​ She has been passionate about performing for as long as she can remember, and is in her happy place on stage. She loves to approach her work with her full heart. Favourite roles have included Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Brutus in Julius Caesar, and Doralee in 9 to 5: The Musical. ​ Chloë is also passionate about teaching youth through KTC. She believes theatre skills are life skills and takes pride in nurturing the next generation of performers. ​ Outside of theatre, she enjoys spending time with her horses and family. You can find King Theatre Company on social media at: @kingtheatrecompany If you'd like to hear Chloë's Before You Go! Episode, you can join my Patreon here: ttps://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello there! Welcome to Episode 24 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast. It's my favourite time of the year: Canadian Stage's "Dream in High Park"!! I got to interview Caroline Toal who stars as Voila in this year's production of "Twelfth Night". Caroline Toal is an award-winning actor based in Toronto. She has originated numerous roles in new Canadian theatre productions and has been nominated for seven awards, winning two Dora Mavor Moore awards. Caroline was also the recipient of The Stratford Festival’s 2025 Mary Savidge Award for outstanding development and dedication in the craft of a young actress. Most recently, Caroline originated the role of Anne Shirley in Stratford Festival’s world premiere of the smash hit, Anne of Green Gables, by Kat Sandler. If you'd like to hear Caroline's "Before You Go!" episode, you can join my Patreon here: patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Happy Toronto Fringe-mas everyone! And welcome to Episode 23 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast. I've got my final Fringe podcast of the year, featuring Anesti Danelis of "Artificially Intelligent 2.0" Anesti Danelis is a Greek/Canadian comedian, writer, and musician best known for his viral comedy songs and satirical cultural sketches which have amassed over 1 million followers and 500 million views across social media. You can find Anesti and his work online: https://www.instagram.com/anestidanelis https://www.tiktok.com/@anestidanelis https://www.youtube.com/user/DanelisAnesti https://www.facebook.com/anestidanelis And if you'd like to support the podcast, and hear Anesti's Before You Go Episode, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone! We have a whole bunch of 2's going on today! 2 guests from "2% of Condoms" It's Episode 22 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast AND it's June 22nd! Which also means that the Toronto Fringe Festival is just 9 days away! Do you have your tickets yet? My guests this week are Nikki Bon and Claire Cavalheiro. Nikki is an LA based stand-up comedian. Originally from Toronto. And she is back in town for her two woman show that will be premiering in the Toronto fringe. She was just recently featured on comics unleashed. Claire is an actor, writer and producer from Toronto. She can most recently be seen starring in the feature film, Plan C, across Vivica A. Fox. You can find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/2percenttheplay/ https://www.instagram.com/nikkibon/ https://www.instagram.com/iamclairecavalheiro/ And if you'd like to hear their Before You Go! Episode, and to support me and the podcast, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's time for the Toronto Fringe Festival! Once again this year, my June and my first July podcast episodes are dedicated to some of the artists in this year's Fringe! Today I get to talk to Rymn Wadwha, the writer and director of "Assembly Sϋggested". Rymn Wadhwa is a writer and director based in Toronto. Assembly Süggested is her debut theatrical work, premiering at the Toronto Fringe Festival. You can find out more about the show at: https://assemblysuggested.com/ If you'd like to hear Rymn's Before You Go! episode, you can become one of my patrons on Patreon at: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello Everyone! Welcome to episode 20 of season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! This week my guest is Steve Skybell, who's currently on stage as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish" at the Elgin Theatre. Steven Skybell is a veteran actor who most recently starred as Herr Schultz in the Broadway revival of CABARET, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. Skybell won the 2019 Lortel Award for best performance by a lead actor in a musical for his portrayal of Tevye in the New York production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF IN YIDDISH, directed by Joel Grey. Other Broadway credits include WICKED, PAL JOEY, FIDDLER, THE FULL MONTY, LOVE VALOUR COMPASSION, CAFÉ CROWN, and AH, WILDERNESS. You can find the show on social media here: https://hgjewishtheatre.com/2025-2026-Fiddler-on-the-Roof.html https://www.instagram.com/hgjewishtheatre/ https://www.facebook.com/HGJewishTheatre/

Hello everyone! Welcome to Episode 19 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! Today, my guest is Ash Knight, who is the Artistic Executive Director of Pleiades Theatre! Ash moved to London, England at the age of 20 to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for 3 years on a scholarship. He graduated with a RADA Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Acting from the University of London. He’s been part of numerous new play productions and development workshops at every theatre in Toronto, regularly works with the Stratford Festival on directing/teaching Shakespeare workshops, and recently completed The Michael Langham Workshop for Classical Directing. In 2023 he became the AED at Pleiades Theatre. You can find Pleiades Theatre on Social Media here: https://www.facebook.com/pleiadestheatre/# ; https://www.instagram.com/pleiadestheatre/ ; https://x.com/pleiadestheatre If you want to hear Ash's Before You Go! Episode, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone and welcome to Episode 18 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! I am incredibly honoured to have Sara Farb on the podcast with me today! Sara is a multi-award-winning performer and writer living in Toronto. This year, she makes her Shaw Festival debut as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. On Broadway, she played Delphi Diggory Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2, and reprised her role in the original Canadian company. Sara has appeared in seven seasons at The Stratford Festival of Canada, where she played Shakespeare’s Rosalind, Juliet, Cordelia, and Jessica, as well as many other roles including Anne Frank, and Petra in A Little Night Music. She played Medium Alison in Fun Home (Musical Stage/Mirvish, Dora nominee, TTCA winner); Brigid in The Humans (Canadian premiere at Citadel/Canadian Stage); and has performed all across Canada in productions at Soulpepper, Theatre Calgary, Tarragon, Theatre Passe Muraille, Segal Centre, YPT, and others. Sara and Britta Johnson's original musical Kelly v. Kelly made its world premiere in Toronto with Musical Stage and Canadian Stage, where it was nominated for many Dora Awards and won the Tom Hendry award for Outstanding New Musical. Sara and Britta's short musical, He Is Coming (Musical Stage/AGO) received a Dora nomination for best new musical. This year, two of her shows will premiere: Way Out There, an original musical with Anton Lipovetsky (music and lyrics) at YES! Theatre in Sudbury, and Love Us Most, a new play, at Here For Now Theatre in Stratford. If you'd like to hear Sara's Before You Go! episode, you can join my Patreon at: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone! Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, this week's episode is a bit shorter, but I got to speak to the incredible Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg of Opera Atelier. Jeanette Lajeunesse Zingg has choreographed and performed in major theatres internationally. She received her training in London, Copenhagen and Paris, where she undertook in-depth studies of Baroque dancing from original source material. She credits her teachers (including her most important teacher/mentors—John Marshall and Florentina Lojekova) with instilling in her a love for dance history. Ms. Zingg has received the prestigious Toronto Arts Award, the Opera Canada Ruby Award for outstanding achievement in the field of opera in Canada and was named by TIME Magazine as one of Canada’s most influential artists in Classical music. She has collaborated with conductors Marc Minkowski, Hervé Niquet, Christopher Hogwood, Andrew Parrott, David Fallis and Stefano Montanari and choreographed for dancers from the National Ballet of Canada, The Scapino Ballet, The Dutch National Ballet, La Scala Ballet, and Opera Atelier. Marshall Pynkoski’s fascination with music, theatre and dance of the 17th and 18th centuries began in classes with the late Leonard Crainford and John Marshall, respectively Chairman and Major Examiner, Royal Academy of Dancing in London. His further studies with Florentina Lojekova (Master Artist of the Czech Republic) and David Moroni (the Royal Winnipeg Ballet) were pivotal in his decision to pursue a career as a dancer and director. Early in Mr. Pynkoski’s professional career, he had the opportunity to undertake in-depth studies of baroque opera and ballet in Paris. His studies continued with renowned baroque dramaturge Professor Dene Barnett at Flinders University in South Australia. In 1985 he founded Opera Atelier with his partner Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg and he has since directed a wide range of period productions of baroque and early classical opera and ballet in close collaboration with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. He has acted as a guest instructor at the Centre for Baroque Studies, Versailles under conductor Marc Minkowski and has collaborated with many of the finest artists in the world of early music. You can find Opera Atelier on socials at: https://www.facebook.com/OperaAtelier https://www.instagram.com/operaatelier/ If you'd like to hear Marshall and Jeanette's Before You Go! episode, you can join my Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello everyone and welcome to Episode 16 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast! Spring has sprung which means some great new theatre coming up along with the warmer weather! Today, I get to talk to Heeyun Park 박희윤 who's playing the Moor Hen as part of Riot King TO's "The Moors". Heeyun Park 박희윤 is an actor, singer and creator based in Toronto, raised in Edmonton and born in South Korea. She won both the Dora Mavor Moore Award and the Toronto Critic's Choice Award as Princess Mary in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Mirvish; Crow’s and MSC). Select Credits: WITCH (Soulpepper Theatre), Into the Woods (Koerner Hall), MONEY (WYRD), I Was Unbecoming Then (NextStage), Rosamund (Toronto Fringe), La Bête (Talk is Free Theatre). Heeyun is the composer and co-lyricist for Ye Xian: A Musical Retelling (Bad New Ideas 2024). Training: Acting at National Theatre School of Canada, Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at University of Alberta. You can follow Heeyun on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/park.heeyun/ If you'd like to hear Heeyun's Before You Go! episode, you can join my Patreon at: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Hello Everyone! Welcome to Episode 15 of Season 2 of A View from the Box - The Podcast. I'm so excited to have the father/daughter creative team behind "Kathryn: A Life Almosting" on the podcast today! Andrew Faiz (Book, Lyrics, Producer) has worked in television and radio, at newspapers and magazines, in documentary film and once was a hotel manager. He has been a public speaker, a lecturer, and a lay minister. Also a janitor and a short order cook. He is an award-winning poet, photographer, journalist, humourist, editor and columnist. Andrew has done a lot of different things for decades. He once had a theatre company. That’s when he first met Kathryn Albertson, in 1989. In between being a journalist, editor and news producer, Andrew wrote and directed the National Film Board documentary, Flemingdon Park: A Global Village. He did a profile of Kathryn Albertson for CBC Radio, which he then turned into a theatre script. Kathryn: As Herself, At Last. It played in Toronto and Winnipeg. Aromas, another one-woman play appeared on Toronto stages a decade ago. Zahra Faiz is an award-winning musician who has been making and writing music as long as she can remember. In high school, she created and lead a brass quartet. She won awards at the provincial level for brass quartet and solo trombone. Zahra studied piano, composition, and theory at the Royal Conservatory. She did a minor in music at university. No stranger to theatre, Zahra created and performed with McGill Student Improv. She co-founded an all-women’s comedy troupe and was on the founding creative team of the McGill Students Comedy Club. Zahra is thrilled to make her debut as composer for the stage with Kathryn: A Life Almosting. She is also the music director. Upcoming projects include an original show for which she is the book writer, lyricist and composer. You can find out more about the show and purchase tickets at: https://kathrynthemusical.com/ If you'd like to hear their Before You Go! episode, you can become one of my Patron on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox