CAST & CREATIVE
Alysia Charbonneau (Dancer)
Originally from North Bay, Ontario, Alysia has been competitively dancing since she can remember. In high school she expanded her repertoire and began taking acting and vocal classes at the competitive level as well. She moved to Toronto to study at George Brown College in the Commercial Dance program, where she graduated with honours in August of 2017. Upon graduation, she co-founded Nonstop Dance Collective, a contemporary dance company. In November 2017 she also played the role of Voytek Frykowski in Echo Production's "Charlie: Son of Man", a dance theatre show about the life of Charles Manson. This is Alysia's first time performing in a Fringe show, and she is very excited to be sharing the stage with such talented performers.
Originally from North Bay, Ontario, Alysia has been competitively dancing since she can remember. In high school she expanded her repertoire and began taking acting and vocal classes at the competitive level as well. She moved to Toronto to study at George Brown College in the Commercial Dance program, where she graduated with honours in August of 2017. Upon graduation, she co-founded Nonstop Dance Collective, a contemporary dance company. In November 2017 she also played the role of Voytek Frykowski in Echo Production's "Charlie: Son of Man", a dance theatre show about the life of Charles Manson. This is Alysia's first time performing in a Fringe show, and she is very excited to be sharing the stage with such talented performers.
Raine Kearns (Dancer)
Raine Kearns is an independent dance artist, choreographer and teacher. She is a graduate of The University of Calgary’s Dance program, where she received a BA and concentration in Performance and Choreography. After graduating she apprenticed with WM Physical theatre in Calgary under direction of Melissa Monteros and Wojtek Mochniej. She has/performs for artists such as Decidedly Jazz founder Michele Moss, Tania Alvarado, Laida Aldaz Arrieta, Peggy Baker, Hanna Kiel, Helen Husak and Good Womens Kate Stashko. Raine has always been interested in expanding her movement horizon and her research has lead her to study in places such as The Place, London; ImPulstanz, Vienna; Tanz Festival, Berlin; Henny Jurriens Foundation, Amsterdam and Transformations Dance, Montreal. Now, living in Toronto, Raine is the Co-Founder of Gal Pal Productions and co-hosts a weekly podcast titled “Being an Artist is F**king Killing me”. Recently she co-created a dance film , Let Her Out, that will be showcased at international festivals.
Raine Kearns is an independent dance artist, choreographer and teacher. She is a graduate of The University of Calgary’s Dance program, where she received a BA and concentration in Performance and Choreography. After graduating she apprenticed with WM Physical theatre in Calgary under direction of Melissa Monteros and Wojtek Mochniej. She has/performs for artists such as Decidedly Jazz founder Michele Moss, Tania Alvarado, Laida Aldaz Arrieta, Peggy Baker, Hanna Kiel, Helen Husak and Good Womens Kate Stashko. Raine has always been interested in expanding her movement horizon and her research has lead her to study in places such as The Place, London; ImPulstanz, Vienna; Tanz Festival, Berlin; Henny Jurriens Foundation, Amsterdam and Transformations Dance, Montreal. Now, living in Toronto, Raine is the Co-Founder of Gal Pal Productions and co-hosts a weekly podcast titled “Being an Artist is F**king Killing me”. Recently she co-created a dance film , Let Her Out, that will be showcased at international festivals.
Zoë Kenneally (Dancer)
Zoë Kenneally is an emerging performer and choreographer based out of Toronto. She is a graduate of the Performance Dance program at Ryerson University where she studied under the direction of Vicki St.Denys and performed in shows such as Choreographic Works, Ryerson Dances and the New Voices Festival. Zoë has traveled across North America for dance and most recently, to the San Francisco Conservatory where she learned repertoire from Robert Moses’ Kin and worked on new creations with Alessio Silvestrin and Alex Ketley. In Toronto, Zoë has worked with artists such as Louis Laberge-Côté, Alysa Pires, Alyssa Martin, Lauren Runions, Peggy Baker and James Kudelka. Since graduating, Zoë has performed in the Toronto Fringe Festival and Summerworks Festival and has danced with Line9 Collective, The Garage, and Company B. She is very interested in interdisciplinary work and enjoys creating and collaborating with other artists.
Zoë Kenneally is an emerging performer and choreographer based out of Toronto. She is a graduate of the Performance Dance program at Ryerson University where she studied under the direction of Vicki St.Denys and performed in shows such as Choreographic Works, Ryerson Dances and the New Voices Festival. Zoë has traveled across North America for dance and most recently, to the San Francisco Conservatory where she learned repertoire from Robert Moses’ Kin and worked on new creations with Alessio Silvestrin and Alex Ketley. In Toronto, Zoë has worked with artists such as Louis Laberge-Côté, Alysa Pires, Alyssa Martin, Lauren Runions, Peggy Baker and James Kudelka. Since graduating, Zoë has performed in the Toronto Fringe Festival and Summerworks Festival and has danced with Line9 Collective, The Garage, and Company B. She is very interested in interdisciplinary work and enjoys creating and collaborating with other artists.
Sarah McLennan (Dancer)
Sarah McLennan is a recent graduate of the performance dance program at Ryerson University. Throughout her time at Ryerson, Sarah had the privilege to work with many esteemed artists from the Toronto community including: Alysa Pires, James Kudelka, and Heidi Strauss. Sarah’s own choreography was featured in two shows at Ryerson, and later independently produced as part of RE:Move (Toronto, 2017). Beyond Ryerson, Sarah is fortunate to have trained with Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Northwest Dance Project, the Movement Invention Project, and Pro Arte Danza through various summer programs. Most recently, Sarah performed with GADFLY as part of their UNBXBL II Program in May. Sarah is very much looking forwards to performing in her first Fringe Festival in Toronto!
Sarah McLennan is a recent graduate of the performance dance program at Ryerson University. Throughout her time at Ryerson, Sarah had the privilege to work with many esteemed artists from the Toronto community including: Alysa Pires, James Kudelka, and Heidi Strauss. Sarah’s own choreography was featured in two shows at Ryerson, and later independently produced as part of RE:Move (Toronto, 2017). Beyond Ryerson, Sarah is fortunate to have trained with Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Northwest Dance Project, the Movement Invention Project, and Pro Arte Danza through various summer programs. Most recently, Sarah performed with GADFLY as part of their UNBXBL II Program in May. Sarah is very much looking forwards to performing in her first Fringe Festival in Toronto!
Genny Stevens (Dancer)
Genevieve, born and raised in the GTA, started dancing at the age of three and has had a passion for dance every since. After attending and graduating from Ryerson University she found her way onto Disney Cruise Lines where she spent two years performing on the main stage as well as the deck stage. Currently, Genevieve is back on land and recently finished working with the Lower Ossington Theatre as a swing in Beauty and the Beast. Genevieve is really looking forward to performing with Pepper Dance Projects and being in her first Fringe Festival.
Genevieve, born and raised in the GTA, started dancing at the age of three and has had a passion for dance every since. After attending and graduating from Ryerson University she found her way onto Disney Cruise Lines where she spent two years performing on the main stage as well as the deck stage. Currently, Genevieve is back on land and recently finished working with the Lower Ossington Theatre as a swing in Beauty and the Beast. Genevieve is really looking forward to performing with Pepper Dance Projects and being in her first Fringe Festival.
Nomi Wiersma (Dancer)
Nomi Wiersma is a dance artist making her Toronto performance debut in the Fringe Festival after five years training and working abroad. She attended Bird College for the Performing Arts in London, England, as well as the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and Los Angeles, where she graduated with her BFA (Hons) in Dance Theatre. NYC Credits: Baker’s Wife (The Gallery Players), NY We Love You (Duplex Cabaret), SumBody (Ailey Extension/ Chor. Max Stone), 6 Degrees…Process (Dir. Cecly Placenti). Kitchener credits: Nowhere Ontario and Kitchener; Ich Liebe Dich (Backyard Theatre). Choreography credits include NY We Love You (Duplex Cabaret), 6 Degrees…Process (Dir. Cecly Placenti), Kitchener; Ich Liebe Dich (Backyard Theatre). IG: @nomiwiersma
Nomi Wiersma is a dance artist making her Toronto performance debut in the Fringe Festival after five years training and working abroad. She attended Bird College for the Performing Arts in London, England, as well as the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and Los Angeles, where she graduated with her BFA (Hons) in Dance Theatre. NYC Credits: Baker’s Wife (The Gallery Players), NY We Love You (Duplex Cabaret), SumBody (Ailey Extension/ Chor. Max Stone), 6 Degrees…Process (Dir. Cecly Placenti). Kitchener credits: Nowhere Ontario and Kitchener; Ich Liebe Dich (Backyard Theatre). Choreography credits include NY We Love You (Duplex Cabaret), 6 Degrees…Process (Dir. Cecly Placenti), Kitchener; Ich Liebe Dich (Backyard Theatre). IG: @nomiwiersma
Kristen Pepper (Choreographer/Producer/Dancer)
Kristen is thrilled to be producing, choreographing and performing in Pepper Dance Projects’ inaugural production ‘Hooked’. She is a Toronto-based dancer, singer, actor, choreographer and a graduate of York University’s BFA Dance program with Specialized Honours, concentrating on performance and choreography. As a choreographer and director, her works include: contemporary pieces premena and Going Through the Motions, Villains: An 80s Musical Cabaret with Small but Mighty Productions, Cabaret and two seasons of Show Choir with Vanier College Productions (York University) and pieces for the corporate entertainment company Tropicana Queens. She recently had the honour of directing There Is No Maybe, a play about sex and consent, at her alma mater that was performed for 6000 incoming students.
As a performer, Kristen’s technical background consists of Contemporary, Modern, Broadway, Graham and Limon techniques, Classical Ballet (Cecchetti), Tap, African, Jazz, Salsa, Burlesque, Bollywood, Heels, Persian, Latin, Improvisation, Brazilian Samba, Jazz Funk and Hip Hop. Previous credits: Soloist/Ensemble in White Light Follies with High Society Cabaret, Dancer/Magician’s Assistant for the national tours of Seeing is Believing and The Magic of Christmas, Ensemble in DJAA in Fall For Dance North at the Sony Centre of Performing Arts with Lua Shayenne Dance Company, Kite Dancer in Illuminite with Creativiva, Ensemble in Rhythm and Movement with Dance Immersion and Lua Shayenne Dance Company, and as a dancer for musical artists Fancy and La Revolucion Musical.
Kristen also frequently works in musical theatre and film. Selected credits: Featured Dancer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Deputy in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Fritzie in Cabaret, Alice in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Featured Dancer in The Producers and Reefer Madness. Some of her latest film works include: the role of Kim in James Franco's film Blood Theatre, Featured Dancer in David Record's music video Closer, Bellydancer in the short film Could Be, Brazilian Samba Dancer in the 2015 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony with Cirque du Soleil and Featured Dancer in commercials for Toyota and Sonica. Website: www.kristenpepper.com | Instagram: @k.pepps
Kristen is thrilled to be producing, choreographing and performing in Pepper Dance Projects’ inaugural production ‘Hooked’. She is a Toronto-based dancer, singer, actor, choreographer and a graduate of York University’s BFA Dance program with Specialized Honours, concentrating on performance and choreography. As a choreographer and director, her works include: contemporary pieces premena and Going Through the Motions, Villains: An 80s Musical Cabaret with Small but Mighty Productions, Cabaret and two seasons of Show Choir with Vanier College Productions (York University) and pieces for the corporate entertainment company Tropicana Queens. She recently had the honour of directing There Is No Maybe, a play about sex and consent, at her alma mater that was performed for 6000 incoming students.
As a performer, Kristen’s technical background consists of Contemporary, Modern, Broadway, Graham and Limon techniques, Classical Ballet (Cecchetti), Tap, African, Jazz, Salsa, Burlesque, Bollywood, Heels, Persian, Latin, Improvisation, Brazilian Samba, Jazz Funk and Hip Hop. Previous credits: Soloist/Ensemble in White Light Follies with High Society Cabaret, Dancer/Magician’s Assistant for the national tours of Seeing is Believing and The Magic of Christmas, Ensemble in DJAA in Fall For Dance North at the Sony Centre of Performing Arts with Lua Shayenne Dance Company, Kite Dancer in Illuminite with Creativiva, Ensemble in Rhythm and Movement with Dance Immersion and Lua Shayenne Dance Company, and as a dancer for musical artists Fancy and La Revolucion Musical.
Kristen also frequently works in musical theatre and film. Selected credits: Featured Dancer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Deputy in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Fritzie in Cabaret, Alice in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Featured Dancer in The Producers and Reefer Madness. Some of her latest film works include: the role of Kim in James Franco's film Blood Theatre, Featured Dancer in David Record's music video Closer, Bellydancer in the short film Could Be, Brazilian Samba Dancer in the 2015 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony with Cirque du Soleil and Featured Dancer in commercials for Toyota and Sonica. Website: www.kristenpepper.com | Instagram: @k.pepps
Emma Monet (Stage Manager)
Emma Monet began her theatre career onstage at Canterbury Arts High School in Ottawa, but quickly succumbed to the allure of the backstage tech crew, transitioning from acting to production with no looking back. For the past five years she has worked at the University of Toronto’s iconic Hart House theatre and event space as an A/V technician. Emma was also the assistant stage manager for the 2018 world premiere of For Both Resting and Breeding with Talk is Free Theatre and has stage managed and produced a diverse range of events including photoshoots, concerts and fashion shows. Emma is thrilled to be involved in this year’s Toronto Fringe and for the opportunity to be a part of the 'Hooked' team. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible. Have a wonderful Fringe!
Emma Monet began her theatre career onstage at Canterbury Arts High School in Ottawa, but quickly succumbed to the allure of the backstage tech crew, transitioning from acting to production with no looking back. For the past five years she has worked at the University of Toronto’s iconic Hart House theatre and event space as an A/V technician. Emma was also the assistant stage manager for the 2018 world premiere of For Both Resting and Breeding with Talk is Free Theatre and has stage managed and produced a diverse range of events including photoshoots, concerts and fashion shows. Emma is thrilled to be involved in this year’s Toronto Fringe and for the opportunity to be a part of the 'Hooked' team. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible. Have a wonderful Fringe!
Dayna Chernoff (Associate Stage Manager)
Dayna has been an active member of the local theatre community for many years, and is happy to once again be participating in the Toronto Fringe Festival. Dayna has previously performed in a number of Fringe productions including ...Of Enigmatic Things, The Last Rock 'n Roll Show, and Love Is A Poverty You Can Sell. Previous SM credits include Bad Date: a cautionary tale (Goldenberg Productions/Fringe), Aftershock (Theatre on the Verge/Summerworks), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune (Apuka Theatre), The Last Five Years, [Title of Show] and Altar Boyz (Angelwalk Theatre), the latter of which she was also Production Manager.
Dayna has been an active member of the local theatre community for many years, and is happy to once again be participating in the Toronto Fringe Festival. Dayna has previously performed in a number of Fringe productions including ...Of Enigmatic Things, The Last Rock 'n Roll Show, and Love Is A Poverty You Can Sell. Previous SM credits include Bad Date: a cautionary tale (Goldenberg Productions/Fringe), Aftershock (Theatre on the Verge/Summerworks), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune (Apuka Theatre), The Last Five Years, [Title of Show] and Altar Boyz (Angelwalk Theatre), the latter of which she was also Production Manager.
Jeff Jones (Technical Director)
Jeff is excited to be back at the FRINGE this summer! As a multi-skilled Theatre Practitioner, Jeff has performed many tasks on many shows at the FRINGE since 2007. Some highlights include writing and performing an acclaimed one-man show, "This is the Thing" in 2009, playing guitar in "Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl" in 2014 and Producing and Audio Engineering for last year's smash, "Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party". He's also been a director, lighting and sound designer, stagehand, composer and promoter for shows in the festival. Despite continuing to expand his work elsewhere, Jeff will always enjoy coming home to the FRINGE each July.
Jeff is excited to be back at the FRINGE this summer! As a multi-skilled Theatre Practitioner, Jeff has performed many tasks on many shows at the FRINGE since 2007. Some highlights include writing and performing an acclaimed one-man show, "This is the Thing" in 2009, playing guitar in "Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl" in 2014 and Producing and Audio Engineering for last year's smash, "Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party". He's also been a director, lighting and sound designer, stagehand, composer and promoter for shows in the festival. Despite continuing to expand his work elsewhere, Jeff will always enjoy coming home to the FRINGE each July.
Brian Goldenberg (Producer)
Brian is an experienced theatre producer and a two-time graduate of York University (BFA in Music, Schulich MBA specializing in Arts & Media Management). Brian has worked as Assistant Producer at Acting Up Stage Company, Executive Director for Theatre 20, and founding Artistic & Executive Director for Angelwalk Theatre, a musical theatre company that has produced 17 musicals with 11 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. Brian's original musical, Seven of Us made its Toronto debut in the 2010 Toronto Fringe Festival and he conceived the 2017 original musical Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party (nominated for Outstanding New Work, My Entertainment World). In 2017, Brian produced three hit Toronto Fringe Festival productions that all received 4Ns in NOW, including Jay & Shilo's Sibling Revelry, Bad Date: a cautionary tale, and Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party. Brian is a recipient of three SINGular Sensation BackDoora Awards for contributions to the Toronto theatre community.
Brian is an experienced theatre producer and a two-time graduate of York University (BFA in Music, Schulich MBA specializing in Arts & Media Management). Brian has worked as Assistant Producer at Acting Up Stage Company, Executive Director for Theatre 20, and founding Artistic & Executive Director for Angelwalk Theatre, a musical theatre company that has produced 17 musicals with 11 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. Brian's original musical, Seven of Us made its Toronto debut in the 2010 Toronto Fringe Festival and he conceived the 2017 original musical Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party (nominated for Outstanding New Work, My Entertainment World). In 2017, Brian produced three hit Toronto Fringe Festival productions that all received 4Ns in NOW, including Jay & Shilo's Sibling Revelry, Bad Date: a cautionary tale, and Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party. Brian is a recipient of three SINGular Sensation BackDoora Awards for contributions to the Toronto theatre community.
Linda Ge (Production Assistant)
Linda is excited to be a part of her first FRINGE festival experience and to work behind the scenes of producing a show. She studied Acting at York University starring as Rick in "Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave", and Bleeding in "If We Were Birds". She starred as Ganymede in Wexford's "As You Like It". She has a huge passion for health and fitness and aspires to be a lifestyle coach traveling the world on her yoga mat while youtubing the experience. Linda is a seasoned yogi, runner, and holistic wellness guru.
If you see her, give her a hug because hugs are great and release oxytocin. Namaste. Youtube: @thefitty | Instagram: @thefitty | Website: www.thefitty.com
Linda is excited to be a part of her first FRINGE festival experience and to work behind the scenes of producing a show. She studied Acting at York University starring as Rick in "Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave", and Bleeding in "If We Were Birds". She starred as Ganymede in Wexford's "As You Like It". She has a huge passion for health and fitness and aspires to be a lifestyle coach traveling the world on her yoga mat while youtubing the experience. Linda is a seasoned yogi, runner, and holistic wellness guru.
If you see her, give her a hug because hugs are great and release oxytocin. Namaste. Youtube: @thefitty | Instagram: @thefitty | Website: www.thefitty.com