An NAC English Theatre Revival of the Citadel Theatre Production
How did the redemptive journey of Filipino prisoners create a global phenomenon?
In 2007, a video of 1,500 inmates in a Filipino prison dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller was posted to YouTube, and quickly became one of the first viral videos on the internet. The “Dancing Inmates of Cebu” are the unlikely inspiration behind an ambitious, perspective- altering and joyous musical by...
When we embarked on this Prison Dancer journey as creators, our intent was to uplift this uniquely Filipino real-life story and highlight not only the creativity, resilience and spirit of our kababayan in our ancestral homeland, but to also showcase the abundance of high-caliber Filipino talent in our community.
Over the past 13 years, this story has evolved into a heartfelt inquiry into how even the deepest pain and addictions can be, and must be, held in community, in order to heal. Prison Dancer explores how we can find our humanity in times of hardship and limited choices. Through embodiment and dance - we can tease open the aperture of hope in our hearts, and intentionally cultivate and expand our capacity to experience joy - to balance the immensity and gravity of grief.
If you’ve never heard of the Filipino Dancing Inmates on YouTube - here’s the quick internet history lesson: in 2007, a security consultant/de facto Warden in a Philippine detention centre introduced an exercise program involving dance as a rehabilitation method. He filmed and posted these routines to the then nascent YouTube, eventually uploading the dancing inmates’ version of Michael Jackson's “Thriller“- which became one of the first videos to ever “go viral" on the internet.
Inspired by this phenomenon, the Prison Dancer: The Musical story does not glorify nor excuse the crimes or addictions of the inmates, but instead explores the humanity of the people living in this overcrowded detention centre, where inmates wait years in uncertainty before even having a hearing or a trial. These inmates are mostly victims of circumstance and poverty, often forgotten by a broken system. While the heart and spirit of the Prison Dancer story is Filipino - there is a universality to our message of the redemptive power of music, movement and community.
Prison Dancer is an award-winning transmedia experience that has been mounted in multiple media forms over the last decade: the stage musical, a YouTube web series, and a live performative cinema concert. Our commitment to evolving this story has included research with queer Filipino academics and queer community in Cebu, in-person interviews with inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where the viral phenomenon began; and multiple workshops and iterations with talented creative co-conspirators who helped shape our understanding of the emergent story you now experience today. We also honor the Black soul singers and dance artists of the 90’s and OPM artists (Original Philippine Music) who have inspired the creation of over fifty songs written over the last decade to arrive at the musical landscape of this production.
Our deep thanks to our previous creative teams, performers, producers and allies who have been part of the journey of this work, especially The Citadel Theatre and the National Arts Centre. Gratitude to our loved ones, including those who have passed, for their continuous support. And we are grateful to you, the audience, for joining us in what we hope will be a viral sensation for years to come.
Carmen Leilani De Jesus (she/her) is a 2nd generation Filipina writer, artist and culture worker whose origins in musical theatre began in the original Canadian cast of Miss Saigon in Toronto. In collaboration with Romeo Candido, Carmen co-wrote the film Ang Pamana: the Inheritance, Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical and Prison Dancer: The Musical. Carmen believes in the power of storytelling, music and movement to transform trauma, cultivate resilience and discover pathways to liberation and healing in community, and brings this to her work as an educator and executive trainer. She resides in Northern California, on Coast Miwok territory, with her loving partner M. Rako Fabionar and their son Phoenix Orison.
Carmen Leilani De Jesus (elle) est une écrivaine, interprète et travailleuse culturelle d’origine philippine de deuxième génération. Elle a débuté au théâtre musical comme interprète dans la distribution canadienne originale de Miss Saigon à Toronto. En collaboration avec Romeo Candido, elle a coscénarisé le long-métrage Ang Pamana: the Inheritance, ainsi que Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical et Prison Dancer: The Musical. En tant qu’artiste et éducatrice, Carmen croit au pouvoir de la narration, de la musique et du mouvement pour surmonter les traumatismes, cultiver la résilience et découvrir les voies de la libération et de la guérison au sein de la collectivité. Quand elle n’écrit pas, elle œuvre comme éducatrice et activiste, enseignant la cognition incarnée (embodiment), les limites, le consentement et l’équité à des particuliers et à des organisations. Elle vit actuellement dans le nord de la Californie, sur le territoire des Miwok de la côte Pacifique, avec son compagnon Rako Fabionar et leur fils Phoenix Orison.
Romeo Candido is an Emmy nominated director and Canadian Screen Award winner with experience in film, television, theatre and music. He is currently the showrunner for both the upcoming Kpop television musical series GANGNAM PROJECT and Season 9 of the wildly popular The Next Step. Directing credits include Working Moms, Popularity Papers, and the Emmy nominated Circuit Breakers. He wrote episodes for CBC’s smash comedy Son of a Critch and the sci fi epic Another Life. His CSA nominated musical series Topline, which he serves as creator, writer, director and composer currently plays on CBC GEM. He is a member of the Filipino electronic music crew A LA UNA.
Romeo Candido est scénariste, compositeur, réalisateur et auteur-producteur. Comme scénariste pour la télévision, il a collaboré aux productions Another Life (Netflix) et Son Of A Critch (CBC). En tant que réalisateur à la télévision, il a pris part aux émissions Circuit Breakers (Apple TV), Workin’ Moms (CBC), This Hour Has 22 Minutes (CBC), Popularity Papers (BBC) et Second Jen (Rogers). Comme auteur-producteur, on lui doit The Next Step (BBC) et la série musicale primée en dix volets Topline (CBC GEM), qu’il a créée et réalisée en plus d’en composer la musique. Au cinéma, il figure au générique de Lolo’s Child, Ang Pamana: The Inheritance et Prison Dancer: The Interactive Musical. Il est l’un des cofondateurs du groupe musical DATU, dont l’album intégral intitulé High Blood est disponible sur toutes les plateformes de téléchargement.
An NAC English Theatre Revival of the Citadel Theatre Production. Developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s Nation Creation Fund
In 2007, a video featuring 1,500 inmates in a Filipino prison dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller was uploaded to YouTube, quickly becoming one of the internet’s first viral videos. The “Dancing Inmates of Cebu” became the inspiration for an ambitious and joyous musical titled Prison Dancer. Created by Filipino Canadian creators Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus, this production is now set to entertain audiences at the NAC from November 23 to December 2, 2023.
The musical is a landmark production in Canada - marking the first Filipino musical ever produced in the country. Under the direction of NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Nina Lee Aquino, the all-Filipino cast premiered Prison Dancer to critical acclaim at the Citadel Theatre this past May, winning five Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards, including Outstanding Musical Production.
Paying tribute to pop, house, and R&B while unabashedly revelling in its deep love for sentimental ballads and drag, Prison Dancer reimagines the origin story of a viral sensation. This tale of resilience and hope chronicles the journey of Lola, a prisoner who instills purpose and joy in her fellow inmates. Under Lola's leadership, a community forms within the prison walls, uniting as a pangkat (a Filipino term for group) to support and look out for each other.
Glossary of Terms
All words below are Tagalog, except for Bayut* which is Bisaya in origin, our nod to the original prison in Cebu.
Araw / Day Gabi / Night Barkada / Group of friends Bayut / Queer/Gay. Alternative form of bakla. In the Philippines, this term applies to all LGBTQ+ people. Dalaw / Visit Pawis / Sweat Sabong / Cockfight Kababayan / Countrymen Kalokohan / Foolishness, antics Coño/Konyo / A person who belongs to wealthy Spanish- or English-speaking families Mahal / Love (also, expensive) Mayor/Mayora / Same definition as English mayor or female mayor Shabu/Shabs / Crystal methamphetamine Baon / Packaged food/meal Katawan / Body Sarap / Delicious Sariwa / Fresh Tigas ulo / Hard-headed, stubborn
Thank you to all the artists who participated in the development workshops of this script: Norm Alconcel, Nina Lee Aquino, Colin Asuncion, Pierre Angelo Bayuga, Rick Boynton, Dominique Brillantes, Josh Capulong, Kai Yueh Chen, Ins Choi, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Daren Dyhengco, Byron Flores, Julio Fuentes, Nicco Garcia, Ryan G. Hinds, Jeigh Madjus, Anthony Malarky, Alexander Punzalan, Kierscey Rand Regozo, Mark Selby, Adriano Sobretodo Jr.
Thank You To
Rachel Peake, Jeannie Snell, Chris Dearlove, Sarah Garton Stanley, Sarah Conn, Emily Calongcagong, Heather Moore, Jean-Paul Courtemanche, Anicée Lejeune, David Abel, Monika Seiler, Andy Lunney, Sean Fitzpatrick, Mike D'Amato, and Spike Lyne
Our families: Caroline Mangosing, Rizal Mangosing-Candido, Mark Rako Fabionar and Phoenix De Jesus-Kenefick, Priam Givord, Néo Givord-Serrano, Phil Toledano, Loulou Serrano Toledano
Tita and Tito Founding Circle of co-producers: Gail Asper, Vicenta Gaspar-Yoo, Jennifer Ouano and Jonathan Reinis
Marketing and Communication Partners: Pekoe Group and Publicis Media Canada
Romeo Candido is an Emmy nominated director and Canadian Screen Award winner with experience in film, television, theatre and music. He is currently the showrunner for both the upcoming Kpop television musical series GANGNAM PROJECT and Season 9 of the wildly popular The Next Step. Directing credits include Working Moms, Popularity Papers, and the Emmy nominated Circuit Breakers. He wrote episodes for CBC’s smash comedy Son of a Critch and the sci fi epic Another Life. His CSA nominated musical series Topline, which he serves as creator, writer, director and composer currently plays on CBC GEM. He is a member of the Filipino electronic music crew A LA UNA.
Romeo Candido est scénariste, compositeur, réalisateur et auteur-producteur. Comme scénariste pour la télévision, il a collaboré aux productions Another Life (Netflix) et Son Of A Critch (CBC). En tant que réalisateur à la télévision, il a pris part aux émissions Circuit Breakers (Apple TV), Workin’ Moms (CBC), This Hour Has 22 Minutes (CBC), Popularity Papers (BBC) et Second Jen (Rogers). Comme auteur-producteur, on lui doit The Next Step (BBC) et la série musicale primée en dix volets Topline (CBC GEM), qu’il a créée et réalisée en plus d’en composer la musique. Au cinéma, il figure au générique de Lolo’s Child, Ang Pamana: The Inheritance et Prison Dancer: The Interactive Musical. Il est l’un des cofondateurs du groupe musical DATU, dont l’album intégral intitulé High Blood est disponible sur toutes les plateformes de téléchargement.
Carmen Leilani De Jesus (she/her) is a 2nd generation Filipina writer, artist and culture worker whose origins in musical theatre began in the original Canadian cast of Miss Saigon in Toronto. In collaboration with Romeo Candido, Carmen co-wrote the film Ang Pamana: the Inheritance, Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical and Prison Dancer: The Musical. Carmen believes in the power of storytelling, music and movement to transform trauma, cultivate resilience and discover pathways to liberation and healing in community, and brings this to her work as an educator and executive trainer. She resides in Northern California, on Coast Miwok territory, with her loving partner M. Rako Fabionar and their son Phoenix Orison.
Carmen Leilani De Jesus (elle) est une écrivaine, interprète et travailleuse culturelle d’origine philippine de deuxième génération. Elle a débuté au théâtre musical comme interprète dans la distribution canadienne originale de Miss Saigon à Toronto. En collaboration avec Romeo Candido, elle a coscénarisé le long-métrage Ang Pamana: the Inheritance, ainsi que Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical et Prison Dancer: The Musical. En tant qu’artiste et éducatrice, Carmen croit au pouvoir de la narration, de la musique et du mouvement pour surmonter les traumatismes, cultiver la résilience et découvrir les voies de la libération et de la guérison au sein de la collectivité. Quand elle n’écrit pas, elle œuvre comme éducatrice et activiste, enseignant la cognition incarnée (embodiment), les limites, le consentement et l’équité à des particuliers et à des organisations. Elle vit actuellement dans le nord de la Californie, sur le territoire des Miwok de la côte Pacifique, avec son compagnon Rako Fabionar et leur fils Phoenix Orison.
Nina Lee Aquino is a renowned Filipino Canadian director, dramaturg, artistic leader, teacher, and mentor. She previously served as Artistic Director at Cahoots Theatre (2009–2012) and Factory Theatre (2012–2022). Currently, Nina is the Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre English Theatre. She edited the country’s first two-volume Asian Canadian play anthology and co-edited the award-winning inaugural book on Asian Canadian theatre. In addition, she holds an adjunct professorship at York University's Theatre Department and serves on the board of directors for the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. Her numerous accolades include the Canada Council for the Arts’ John Hirsch Prize for Directing, the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Director, the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Margo Bindhart and Rita Davies Cultural Leadership Award, and three Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Outstanding Direction.
Nina Lee Aquino est une metteuse en scène, conseillère dramaturgique, directrice artistique, pédagogue et mentore d’origine philippino-canadienne. Directrice artistique du Cahoots Theatre de 2009 à 2012 et du Factory Theatre de 2012 à 2022, elle occupe actuellement le poste de directrice artistique du Théâtre anglais du Centre national des Arts. Elle a dirigé la publication des deux tomes de la toute première anthologie de pièces canado-asiatiques et a codirigé celle d’un premier ouvrage primé sur le théâtre canado-asiatique. Elle occupe également un poste de professeure associée au Département de théâtre de l’Université York et siège au conseil d’administration de l’Association professionnelle des théâtres canadiens. Parmi les nombreuses récompenses qui lui ont été décernées, mentionnons le prix John-Hirsch de mise en scène du Conseil des arts du Canada, un Toronto Theatre Critics Award pour la meilleure mise en scène, le prix de leadership culturel Margo Binhardt et Rita Davies de la Toronto Arts Foundation ainsi que trois prix Dora Mavor Moore pour la meilleure mise en scène.
Ana Serrano is an award-winning visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience in transforming organizations and creating cutting-edge programs to strengthen innovation and skills-building in the arts and culture sector and creative industries. An award-winning creative and innovator producer of more than 140 digital projects, she became President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, in 2020. Previously, she was Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Film Centre, founder of the centre’s Media Lab and co-founder of Canada’s first digital entertainment accelerator.
Leader visionnaire primée, Ana Serrano se consacre depuis plus de 25 ans à la transformation des organisations et à la création de programmes de pointe pour stimuler l’innovation et le développement des compétences dans les secteurs des arts, de la culture et de la création. Créatrice et innovatrice réputée, elle a produit plus de 140 projets numériques. Elle est depuis 2020 la présidente et la vice-rectrice de l’Université de l’École d’art et de design de l’Ontario, la plus grande et la plus ancienne université d’art et de design du Canada. Auparavant, elle a œuvré comme directrice de la stratégie numérique au Centre canadien du film, où elle a créé le laboratoire média (Media Lab), et a cofondé le premier accélérateur de divertissement numérique au pays.
Carla Serrano is the Chief Strategy Officer of Publicis Groupe and Chief Executive Officer of Publicis New York. In her current role, she draws on her background in strategy, integration and leadership to incorporate transformative thinking in all aspects of Groupe agency operations and across all four solution hubs. In 2019, Serrano was named one of Crain’s most powerful women in New York.
Carla Serrano est chef de la stratégie du Groupe Publicis et directrice générale de Publicis New York. Dans son rôle actuel, elle s’appuie sur son expérience en matière de stratégie, d’intégration et de leadership pour intégrer la pensée transformatrice dans tous les aspects des opérations du Groupe et dans les quatre plateformes de solutions. En 2019, Crain Communications l’a incluse dans sa liste des femmes les plus influentes de New York.
Romeo Candido is an Emmy nominated director and Canadian Screen Award winner with experience in film, television, theatre and music. He is currently the showrunner for both the upcoming Kpop television musical series GANGNAM PROJECT and Season 9 of the wildly popular The Next Step. Directing credits include Working Moms, Popularity Papers, and the Emmy nominated Circuit Breakers. He wrote episodes for CBC’s smash comedy Son of a Critch and the sci fi epic Another Life. His CSA nominated musical series Topline, which he serves as creator, writer, director and composer currently plays on CBC GEM. He is a member of the Filipino electronic music crew A LA UNA.
Book byCarmen Leilani De Jesus
Carmen Leilani De Jesus (she/her) is a 2nd generation Filipina writer, artist and culture worker whose origins in musical theatre began in the original Canadian cast of Miss Saigon in Toronto. In collaboration with Romeo Candido, Carmen co-wrote the film Ang Pamana: the Inheritance, Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical and Prison Dancer: The Musical. Carmen believes in the power of storytelling, music and movement to transform trauma, cultivate resilience and discover pathways to liberation and healing in community, and brings this to her work as an educator and executive trainer. She resides in Northern California, on Coast Miwok territory, with her loving partner M. Rako Fabionar and their son Phoenix Orison.
Directed byNina Lee Aquino
Nina Lee Aquino is a renowned Filipino Canadian director, dramaturg, artistic leader, teacher, and mentor. She previously served as Artistic Director at Cahoots Theatre (2009–2012) and Factory Theatre (2012–2022). Currently, Nina is the Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre English Theatre. She edited the country’s first two-volume Asian Canadian play anthology and co-edited the award-winning inaugural book on Asian Canadian theatre. In addition, she holds an adjunct professorship at York University's Theatre Department and serves on the board of directors for the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. Her numerous accolades include the Canada Council for the Arts’ John Hirsch Prize for Directing, the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Director, the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Margo Bindhart and Rita Davies Cultural Leadership Award, and three Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Outstanding Direction.
Produced byAna Serrano
Ana Serrano is an award-winning visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience in transforming organizations and creating cutting-edge programs to strengthen innovation and skills-building in the arts and culture sector and creative industries. An award-winning creative and innovator producer of more than 140 digital projects, she became President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, in 2020. Previously, she was Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Film Centre, founder of the centre’s Media Lab and co-founder of Canada’s first digital entertainment accelerator.
Produced byCarla Serrano
Carla Serrano is the Chief Strategy Officer of Publicis Groupe and Chief Executive Officer of Publicis New York. In her current role, she draws on her background in strategy, integration and leadership to incorporate transformative thinking in all aspects of Groupe agency operations and across all four solution hubs. In 2019, Serrano was named one of Crain’s most powerful women in New York.
Norm, aka Big Norm...Where does one even start??? Norm is a Scarborough-born comedian, chef and singer amongst many other things. Unfortunately, there isn't enough format space to type all his amazing achievements. He is one of the longest standing cast members in the Prison Dancer production. His commitment and loyalty to the role and to this production is Kobe-Like. His unofficial nickname on set is the Brown Mamba. His comedy stand-up career was spawned out of the original web series adaptation of Prison Dancer. Since then, some of his credits have included: Just For Laughs Festival, Kevin Hart's LOL Network, Roast Battle Canada (CTV/Crave), Manila Fringe Festival, The Roast of Machel Montano and many many many many many many more. He humbly tours across the globe performing and producing comedy shows - Doing God's work, filling people's souls with hilarity and good vibes.
Norm Alconcel, alias Big Norm... Par où commencer? Il est, entre autres, un humoriste, chef cuisinier et chanteur né à Scarborough – mais nous n’avons pas assez d’espace ici pour évoquer l’ensemble de ses remarquables réalisations. Il est l’un des plus anciens membres de la troupe de Prison Dancer. Son engagement et sa loyauté à l’égard du rôle et de cette production sont dignes de la Mamba mentality chère au regretté Kobe Bryant. D’ailleurs, son surnom officieux sur le plateau est le Brown Mamba. Sa carrière de monologuiste est née de l’adaptation de la websérie Prison Dancer. Depuis, il a notamment participé au festival Just For Laughs : Festival Juste pour rire, au Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, à Roast Battle Canada (CTV/Crave), au festival Fringe de Manille, à The Roast of Machel Montano et bien d’autres. Il parcourt le monde pour présenter et produire des spectacles comiques, accomplissant l’œuvre divine en toute humilité en nourrissant les âmes d’hilarité et de bonnes vibrations.
Pierre was born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Ontario, Canada. Previous credits include: Milky in Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre); Dracula in Raise The Stakes (Walkerville Theatre); Angel in RENT (2nd National US Tour); Steve & others RENT (Ahmanson Theatre); Gabe in Next To Normal (Kordazone Theatre); Thuy us/Swing in Miss Saigon - Original Canadian Company (Mirvish Productions); Ensemble/Swing in Miss Saigon Germany (Stella Musicals); Lola in Prison Dancer (Workshop Elgin Theatre); Ramon in Noche Buena (Workshop Railpath Arts Centre). Film Credits: Prison Dancer: The Interactive Web Musical. Pierre is honored to be a part of this monumental production. Thank you, Romeo, Carmen and Nina. Love to the Windsor/Ottawa crew. Instagram: @pierreabayuga
Pierre Angelo Bayuga est né à Manille, aux Philippines, et a grandi au Canada, dans la province de l’Ontario. Parmi ses précédents rôles, on peut citer Milky dans Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre), Dracula dans Raise The Stakes (Walkerville Theatre), Angel dans RENT (2e tournée des États-Unis), Steve et divers personnages dans RENT (Ahmanson Theatre), Gabe dans Next To Normal (Kordazone Theatre), doublure de Thuy/remplaçant dans Miss Saigon – compagnie canadienne originale (Mirvish), Ensemble/remplaçant dans Miss Saigon Allemagne (Stella Musicals) ; Lola dans Prison Dancer (Workshop Elgin Theatre) ; Ramon dans Noche Buena (Workshop Railpath Arts Centre). À l’écran, on a pu le voir dans Prison Dancer: The Interactive Web Musical. Il s’est joint avec enthousiasme à cette monumentale production, et tient à remercier « Romeo, Carmen et Nina » ainsi que toute l’équipe de Windsor/Ottawa. Instagram : @pierreabayuga
Jonard Cervantes aka Shakespeare (Understudy The Warden)
Dominique Brillantes
Dominique, a Filipino-born actor and performer based in Toronto is excited to reprise the role of "Shakespeare" in Prison Dancer at the NAC. He started his acting career in 2017 starring in several independent feature films including "Pur Laine" in 2018 that won 12 awards in the "Singkuwento International Film Festival" in Manila. Other film credits include Le Genre Qui Tue and Portraits of a Family in 2023. Dominique would like to thank his family, friends and loved ones for their incredible support. Last but not the least, He also would like to give his thanks and gratitude to the "Prison Dancer Family" For making this one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Acteur et interprète d’origine philippine établi à Toronto, Dominique Brilliantes se réjouit de reprendre le rôle de « Shakespeare » dans Prison Dancer au CNA. Il a commencé sa carrière d’acteur en 2017 en apparaissant dans plusieurs longs-métrages indépendants, dont Pur Laine en 2018, qui a remporté douze prix au Singkuwento International Film Festival à Manille. Plus récemment, il a joué dans Le Genre Qui Tue et Portraits of a Family en 2023. Il est reconnaissant envers sa famille et ses proches pour leur formidable appui, et envers la « famille de Prison Dancer » pour lui avoir donné la chance de vivre l’une des expériences les plus gratifiantes de sa vie.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Josh has been fortunate enough to share his craft as a dancer, choreographer, and director throughout Canada, Korea, Singapore, and America, including Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. As a dancer, he has performed alongside Janet Jackson, Tsar B, Nelly, Sean Kingston, and Jabbawockeez. Some of his work as a choreographer and director includes NCT Dream (Korea), Opening acts for "Immortal Pursuit" One championship Singapore, Energy (Los Angeles), and commercials for Mattress Mattress and Ford. Josh would like to thank all of his family and friends!
Josh Capulong est né et a grandi à Edmonton, et il a eu la chance de faire connaître son art en tant que danseur, chorégraphe et metteur en scène au Canada, en Corée, à Singapour et aux États-Unis, notamment au Millennium Dance Complex de Los Angeles. Comme danseur, il s’est produit aux côtés de Janet Jackson, Tsar B, Nelly, Sean Kingston et Jabbawockeez. À titre de chorégraphe et metteur en scène, il a collaboré avec NCT Dream (Corée), les numéros d’ouverture des championnats ONE: Immortal Pursuit à Singapour, Energy (Los Angeles), Prison Dancer, et des publicités pour Mattress Mattress et Ford. Récemment, il a ouvert le Ra Stylez Dance Studio avec son partenaire d’affaires afin d’offrir un nouveau foyer aux artistes de la danse.
Diana was born in Quezon City and moved to Canada as a child with the hopes of one day performing on stage, representing her culture. She is elated to be reprising her Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award-winning role in the cast of Prison Dancer here in Ottawa. She is a BA graduate of the University of Guelph and is a GTA local. When not performing on stage, she also works as a registered massage therapist in Ontario. She’d like to give love and gratitude to her friends and family who’ve come to see the show.
Follow @dianadelrosario on Instagram
Salamat at Mabuhay!
Diana Del Rosario est née à Quezon City et a déménagé au Canada dans son enfance, caressant le rêve de se produire un jour sur scène pour représenter sa culture. C’est avec ravissement qu’elle reprend son rôle dans la distribution de Prison Dancer ici même, à Ottawa. Elle est titulaire d’un baccalauréat ès arts de l’Université de Guelph et habite dans la région du Grand Toronto. Lorsqu’elle ne se produit pas sur scène, elle œuvre comme massothérapeute agréée en Ontario. Elle tient à exprimer son amour et sa gratitude à ses proches qui viennent voir le spectacle.
Renell is excited to reprise the role of Juicy here at the National Arts Centre! He is a proud Canadian-Filipino from Winnipeg, Manitoba and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Previous Credits: Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre); Altar Boyz (Walterdale); I Wish My Life Was a Musical (Viastrat); Once Upon a Time In Graceland (Jubilations); The Little Mermaid (Stageworks); Forbidden Broadway (Winnipeg Studio Theatre); Cabaret (Crosswalk Players); and Cannibal (MPMM Productions). You may have also seen Renell in CTV’s Cross Country Cake Off S01! Sending love to Cam, Niko, family and friends. Also, thank YOU for being here!
C’est avec enthousiasme que Renell Doneza reprend le rôle de Juicy ici même, au Centre national des Arts. Canadien originaire des Philippines établi à Winnipeg, au Manitoba, il s’affiche fièrement comme membre des communautés 2ELGBTQIA+. Parmi les productions auxquelles il a précédemment pris part, mentionnons Prison Dancer (Citadel), Altar Boyz (Walterdale), I Wish My Life Was a Musical (Viastrat), Once Upon a Time In Graceland (Jubilations), The Little Mermaid (Stageworks), Forbidden Broadway (Winnipeg Studio Theatre), Cabaret (Crosswalk Players) et Cannibal (MPMM). On a aussi pu le voir dans la saison 1 de Cross Country Cake Off sur les ondes de CTV. Il tient à exprimer son affection pour « Cam, Niko », sa famille et ses proches, et sa gratitude envers VOUS, le public.
After three years of hiatus and pursuing a totally different career, Daren is excited to make his return in theatre. He started singing at a very young age and joined multiple showcases and competitions. He has competed in various singing competitions in the United States of America. He's also made his debut concert in Manila, Philippines last December 2019. Aside from being a singer, Daren is also an actor, his previous credits include: Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre); A Million Little Things (ABC); Elf: The Musical (Western Canada Theatre); Next to Normal and Spring Awakening (Phantom Moon Collective); The Day before Christmas (Arts Club Theatre Company) and Hairspray and Westside Story (Theatre Under the Stars). He would like to thank the undying support of his friends and family! Enjoy the show! Follow more of Daren's journey on his instagram @daren.dyhengco
Après un hiatus de trois ans pour poursuivre une carrière totalement différente, Daren Dyhengco revient avec bonheur au théâtre. Il a commencé à chanter à un âge précoce, prenant part à de nombreux spectacles et concours. Il a participé à plusieurs compétitions de chant aux États-Unis. Il a également donné son premier concert à Manille, aux Philippines, en décembre 2019. En plus de chanter, il est également acteur : on a pu le voir, notamment, dans Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre), A Million Little Things (ABC), Elf: The Musical (Western Canada Theatre), Next to Normal et Spring Awakening (Phantom Moon Collective), The Day before Christmas (Arts Club Theatre Company), et Hairspray et Westside Story (Theatre Under the Stars). Il tient à remercier sa famille et ses proches pour leur indéfectible appui, et à souhaiter un excellent spectacle au public. Pour suivre son parcours, consultez sa page Instagram à l’adresse @daren.dyhengco.
Chariz (She/They/Siya) is a Filipinx-Canadian multi-disciplinary performer based in amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton. They are ecstatic to be making their NAC debut with this very special story alongside an assembly of extraordinary individuals! Recent Credits include Shakespeare In The Park (Freewill Shakespeare Festival); Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre); Joni Mitchell's Songs Of A Prairie Girl (Theatre Network/Wild Side Productions); Mamma Mia (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Catch them next: Almost A Full Moon with Hawksley Workman and Friends, She Loves You: An all women tribute To The Beatles (Citadel Theatre|House Series). GREASE (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Chariz shares their gratitude to their loved ones who encourage and uplift them everyday, as well as the special ones who guide her in spirit.
Mabuhay, babyy!
Chariz Faulmino (elle/iel/siya) est une artiste de scène multidisciplinaire d’origine canado-philippine établie à amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton. C’est avec grand bonheur que Chariz fait ses débuts au CNA dans cette histoire hors du commun, entourée d’un groupe de personnes extraordinaires. Récemment, l’artiste a pris part aux productions Shakespeare In The Park (Freewill Shakespeare Festival), Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre), Joni Mitchell’s Songs Of A Prairie Girl (Theatre Network/Wild Side Productions), et Mamma Mia (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Prochainement, Chariz apparaîtra dans Almost A Full Moon avec Hawksley Workman and Friends, She Loves You: An all women tribute To The Beatles (Citadel Theatre|House Series) et GREASE (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Elle exprime en ces termes sa gratitude envers ses proches qui l’encouragent et la soutiennent jour après jour, ainsi qu’envers les personnes spéciales qui la guident en esprit : Mabuhay, babyy!
From Edmonton, Byron is excited and extremely grateful to be performing in Ottawa and at the National Arts Centre. For 8 years, and majority of his performing career, he was a lead singer and dancer on Holland America, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Byron is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program and MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program. Previous credits include Gypsy (Mayfield); Caesar and Cleopatra (Citadel Theatre). Byron would like to thank his family, spouse, and close friends for their continuous love and encouragement, wherever in the world he may be, on his performing journey.
Originaire d’Edmonton, Byron Flores est enthousiaste et extrêmement reconnaissant à la perspective de se produire à Ottawa, au Centre national des Arts. Pendant huit ans, et la majeure partie de sa carrière artistique, il a œuvré comme chanteur soliste et danseur sur les lignes de croisière Holland America, Carnival et Norwegian. Il est diplômé du programme de baccalauréat en musique et en interprétation théâtrale du collège Sheridan, et du programme d’arts dramatiques de l’Université MacEwan. Au théâtre, on a pu le voir dans Gypsy (Mayfield) et Caesar and Cleopatra (Citadel Theatre). Il exprime sa gratitude envers sa famille, son épouse et ses proches pour l’amour et les encouragements qu’ils lui témoignent, où qu’il se trouve dans le monde, au fil de son parcours artistique.
Julio Fuentes, originally from Manila, is a performer and creative in theatre, tv, and film. He is currently based in Toronto and Vancouver.
Theatre choreography / movement direction credits: Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club); Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre- Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award Outstanding Lead Performance and Outstanding Choreography); Guest Movement Director (Shaw Festival 2021 season), Gypsy (Shaw Festival 2020 - associate choreographer).
Select theatre performing credits: Mamma Mia (Citadel Theatre/Arts Club/Stage West); Matilda (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre/ Citadel Theatre/Arts Club); The Little Prince - World Premiere (Theatre Calgary); In The Heights, Beauty & The Beast, Mary Poppins (Arts Club); Upcoming: Into The Woods (Talk Is Free Theatre).
TV and film: Schmigadoon! seasons 1 and 2 (AppleTV+); Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures - assistant choreographer).
Follow @juliofuentes on Instagram.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino!
Originaire de Manille, Julio Fuentes est un interprète et un créateur qui œuvre au théâtre, à la télévision et au cinéma. Il se partage actuellement entre Toronto et Vancouver.
En tant que chorégraphe et directeur de mouvement au théâtre, il a notamment pris part aux productions Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club), Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre) et Gypsy (Festival Shaw 2020 – chorégraphe associé), en plus d’œuvrer comme directeur du mouvement invité dans le cadre de la saison 2021 du Festival Shaw. En tant qu’acteur au théâtre, on a pu le voir, entre autres, dans Mamma Mia (Citadel, Arts Club, Stage West), Matilda (RMTC, Citadel, Arts Club), The Little Prince - World Premiere (Theatre Calgary), In The Heights, Beauty & The Beast et Mary Poppins (Arts Club). Prochainement, il jouera dans Into The Woods (Talk Is Free Theatre). À l’écran, il a participé l’émission Schmigadoon!, saisons 1 et 2 (AppleTV+), et au film Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures – assistant chorégraphe). On peut le suivre sur Instagram : @juliofuentes.
Jovanni Sy 施崇梵 is a Montreal-based performer, playwright, and director. He last appeared at the NAC in King of the Yees.
Acting credits: Mr. Miyagi in the pre-Broadway tryout of The Karate Kid, the Musical (Stages St. Louis); Forgiveness (Theatre Calgary); Noises Off (Arts Club).
Playwriting credits: A Taste of Empire, The Five Vengeances, Nine Dragons (Jessie Richardson Award), The Tao of the World (PGC Comedy Award), and Kowloon Bay (PGC Drama Award).
Directing credits: The Orchard (After Chekhov),《食盡天下》(Vancouver); Murder on the Orient Express (Calgary); Stitch (Toronto); Blackbird, Antigone, God of Carnage (Hong Kong).
Jovanni co-wrote the play Salesman in China with Leanna Brodie. He will direct its World Premiere at the Stratford Festival in August 2024.
Jovanni Sy 施崇梵 est un interprète, dramaturge et metteur en scène montréalais. La dernière fois qu'il s'est produit au CNA c'était dans King of the Yees.
Comme acteur, Jovanni Sy est apparu dans The Karate Kid, the Musical, dans le rôle de Monsieur Miyagi (STAGES St Louis), ainsi que dans Forgiveness (Theatre Calgary), Noises Off (Arts Club).
En tant que dramaturge, on lui doit les pièces The Five Vengeances (Affair of Honor), Nine Dragons (Vertigo – prix Jessie), et A Taste of Empire (Cahoots). Ancien membre du Citadel Playwrights Lab, il y développe la production The Tao of the World, récemment couronnée du PGC Comedy Award et Kowloon Bay.
À titre de metteur en scène, il a dirigé The Orchard (After Chekhov), 食盡天下》(Vancouver), Murder on the Orient Express (Vertigo Theatre), Stitch (Toronto), God of Carnage, Antigone, Blackbird (Theatre du Pif).
Jovanni Sy a coécrit la pièce Salesman in China avec Leanna Brodie. Il signe la mise en scène de la première mondiale, qui aura lieu au Festival de Stratford en août 2024.
Stephen is an actor and singer-songwriter living in Vancouver thrilled to be making his debut at the NAC. Previous Credits Include: Million Dollar Quartet, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club) OZ (Carousel Theatre/Kaleidoscope Theatre) A Tiny Christmas Carol, The 39 Steps, The Fiancée (Chemainus Theatre) The Voices of Canada, The Dreamcatchers (The Charlottetown Festival); Stephen would like to thank the creative team for this opportunity as well as his family, friends and fiancée for their unending love and support as he pursues his passion.
Stephen Thakkar est un acteur et un auteur-compositeur-interprète qui vit à Vancouver, et il se réjouit de faire ses débuts au CNA dans cette production. Auparavant, il a notamment joué dans Million Dollar Quartet et Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club), OZ (Carousel Theatre/Kaleidoscope Theatre), A Tiny Christmas Carol et The 39 Steps, The Fiancée (Chemainus Theatre), The Voices of Canada et The Dreamcatchers (Festival de Charlottetown). Il tient à remercier l’équipe de création de lui offrir cette possibilité, ainsi que sa famille et ses proches pour leur amour et leur soutien indéfectibles dans la poursuite de sa passion.
Kierscey is a Toronto born artist, composer and producer. He is making his theatre debut in Prison Dancer as a Musical Director. Previous credits include: K’naan (Musical Director), Jessie Reyez (Keyboard), Nelly Furtado (Keyboard), Damian Marley (Keyboard), Nas (Keyboard) and many more. TV and film credits: Hello (Again) - Web series (composer), One Delicious Christmas - Film (composer) and Take Note - TV series (songwriter/composer). Kierscey would like to thank his wife Kay and his extended family for their love and support.
Kierscey Rand Regozo est un artiste, compositeur et producteur né à Toronto. Il fait ses débuts au théâtre dans Prison Dancer à titre de directeur musical. Il a notamment collaboré avec K’naan (direction musicale), Jessie Reyez (claviers), Nelly Furtado (claviers), Damian Marley (claviers), Nas (claviers) et beaucoup d’autres. À l’écran, il a collaboré à la websérie Hello (Again) et au film One Delicious Christmas en tant que compositeur, de même qu’à la série télé Take Note comme compositeur et auteur de chansons. Il est reconnaissant envers son épouse, Kay, et sa famille élargie pour leur amour et leur soutien.
Jeremie Gutierrez is a Canadian bass player living in Edmonton, Alberta. Playful yet introspective, his rhythmic/improvisational playing style reflects his versatile playing in different genres of music. Born in Manila, Phillippines and immigrated to Canada at a young age, Jeremie’s passion for playing the bass was kindled by listening to Snarky Puppy, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, The Miles Davis Quintet, and Weather Report. Jeremie’s musical influences come from listening to bass players like Christian Mcbride, Rich Brown, and Marcus Miller. Currently, Jeremie has been playing in a passion project band called “Altamar,” where his musical styles blend genres, drawing from rich flavours in South and North American traditional music.
Jeremie Gutierrez est un bassiste canadien qui vit à Edmonton, en Alberta. Enjoué et néanmoins introspectif, son style de jeu rythmique et improvisé reflète sa polyvalence qui embrasse plusieurs genres musicaux. Né à Manille, aux Philippines, et immigré au Canada en bas âge, sa passion pour la basse lui a été inoculée par l’écoute des enregistrements de Snarky Puppy, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, The Miles Davis Quintet et Weather Report. Ses principales influences musicales sont les bassistes Christian McBride, Rich Brown et Marcus Miller. Actuellement, le projet qui le passionne est un groupe nommé Altamar où ses styles musicaux mélangent les genres, puisant dans les riches saveurs des musiques traditionnelles d’Amérique du Sud et d’Amérique du Nord.
José García is a Canadian award-winning drummer, composer, and educator living in Ottawa, ON. In 2016, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in performance from Humber College in Toronto. Throughout his time at Humber, Jose studied with Mark Kelso, Larnell Lewis, Barry Romberg, and Kirk MacDonald amongst others. José's versatility has enabled him to work with many artists from diverse genres including Michelle Treacy, Anjali Ranadive, Sreerama Chandra, JUNO award winner Kellylee Evans, Miguel de Armas, Roddy Ellias, Marc Copland, Ryan Devlin and many more. In the fall of 2023, following a summer of playing festivals and touring, Primary Colours, a musical trio co-founded by Jose, released their debut album, 'All Love'.
José García est un percussionniste, compositeur et formateur canadien primé vivant à Ottawa (Ontario). En 2016, il a décroché un baccalauréat en interprétation musicale au Collège Humber, à Toronto, où il a étudié auprès de Mark Kelso, Larnell Lewis, Barry Romberg et Kirk MacDonald, entre autres. Sa polyvalence l’a amené à travailler avec de multiples artistes aux styles variés, dont Michelle Treacy, Anjali Ranadive, Sreerama Chandra, Kellylee Evans (lauréate d’un prix JUNO), Miguel de Armas, Roddy Ellias, Marc Copland, ou encore Ryan Devlin. À l’automne 2023, après avoir passé l’été à se produire dans les festivals et en tournée, il lance avec son trio Primary Colours un premier album intitulé All Love.
Leighton is a multi-instrumentalist, educator and music producer. His sounds ebb and flow between the genres of Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Soul and Reggae. He is also the founder and musical director for the Ottawa jazz trio SoundProof, a mainstay in the Jazz community; locally and abroad. Leighton is also an active music clinician in the Gospel & Jazz scene, providing insight on his unique approach to both genres of music to individuals and groups alike.
Leighton Rodney est multi-instrumentiste, éducateur et producteur de musique. Ses sonorités oscillent entre le jazz, le gospel, le blues, la soul et le reggae. Il est aussi le fondateur et directeur musical du trio local SoundProof, un pilier de la scène du jazz d’Ottawa, qui rayonne également à l’international. De plus, il anime des cliniques musicales sur la scène du gospel et du jazz, offrant ses perspectives uniques sur ces deux genres musicaux à des particuliers et à des groupes.
Joyce Padua is a Toronto-based set and costume designer. A BFA graduate of York University, her work as a designer and assistant has been featured in several productions including shows with the Shaw Festival, the Stratford Festival, and Factory Theatre. In 2021, Joyce was nominated as a Siminovitch Prize Protegée under designer Gillian Gallow. Previous theatre credits include: Withrow Park (Tarragon Theatre), Topdog/Underdog (Canadian Stage), Intimate Apparel (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Vierge (Factory Theatre), Fall On Your Knees (NAC/Canadian Stage/Neptune Theatre/Grand Theatre), Too True to Be Good (Shaw Festival), Year of the Rat (Factory Theatre), Desire Under the Elms (Shaw Festival), Back in ’59 (Thousand Islands Playhouse).
Joyce Padua est une conceptrice de décors et de costumes établie à Toronto. Titulaire d’un baccalauréat ès arts de l’Université York, elle a collaboré à de nombreux spectacles à titre de conceptrice ou d’assistante, notamment pour le Festival Shaw, le Festival de Stratford et le Factory Theatre. En 2021, elle a été nommée « protégée » du prix Siminovitch sous le mentorat de la conceptrice Gillian Gallow. Au théâtre, elle a pris part aux productions Withrow Park (Tarragon Theatre), Topdog/Underdog (Canadian Stage), Intimate Apparel (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Vierge (Factory Theatre), Fall Your Knees (Canadian Stage), Too True to Be Good (Festival Shaw), Year of the Rat (Factory Theatre), Desire Under the Elms (Festival Shaw) et Back in ‘59 (Thousand Islands Playhouse).
Michelle Ramsay is an award-winning lighting designer for dance, theatre and opera. Previous designs include: Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall (Tarragon Theatre); Women of the Fur Trade (Stratford Festival); Bed and Breakfast (Capitol Theatre); Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre/National Arts Centre); Beautiful (Arts Club); Redbone Coonhound (Tarragon Theatre/Imago Theatre); Martyr (ARC); The First Stone (New Harlem); The Doctors Dilemma (Shaw Festival); The Tempest (Theatre Rusticle).
Michelle has received eight Dora Awards, a SATAward, the 2008 Pauline McGibbon Award, and was a finalist for the 2021 Siminovitch Prize. She is on the Board of the Associated Designers of Canada.
Michelle Ramsay est une conceptrice d’éclairages primée qui œuvre dans les domaines de la danse, du théâtre et de l’opéra. Parmi les productions auxquelles elle a pris part, mentionnons Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall (Tarragon Theatre), Women of the Fur Trade (Festival de Stratford), Bed and Breakfast (Capitol Theatre), Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre/Centre national des Arts), Beautiful (Arts Club), Redbone Coonhound (Tarragon Theatre/Imago Theatre), Martyr (ARC), The First Stone (New Harlem), The Doctors Dilemma (Festival Shaw) et The Tempest (Theatre Rusticle).
Elle a reçu huit prix Dora, un prix SATAward et le prix Pauline McGibbon 2008, et elle a été finaliste pour le prix Siminovitch en 2021. Elle fait partie du conseil d’administration de l’Association des designers canadiens.
Joanna is an award-winning set and costume designer, having designed over 100 productions; over half of which have been World Premieres. She's designed for the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, Mirvish, Soulpepper, Canadian Stage, Canadian Opera Company, Arts Club, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Grand, Neptune, Theatre New Brunswick, Factory Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Buddies in Bad Times, Obsidian, fu-Gen, Cahoots, Theatre Centre, Young People’s Theatre, Tarragon, and many others. Joanna proudly sits on the board of the Associated Designers of Canada (ADC659) www.joannayudesign.com.
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Joanna Yu (elle)
Joanna Yu est une conceptrice de décors et de costumes primée qui a pris part à plus de 100 productions, dont plus de la moitié étaient des premières mondiales. Elle a œuvré pour le Festival de Stratford, le Festival Shaw, Mirvish Productions, le Soulpepper Theatre, la Canadian Stage Company, la Compagnie d’opéra canadienne, l’Arts Club, le Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, le Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, le Grand Theatre, le Neptune Theatre, Theatre New Brunswick, le Factory Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Buddies in Bad Times, l’Obsidian Theatre Company, le fu-Gen Theatre, Cahoots Theatre Projects, le Theatre Centre, le Young People’s Theatre, le Tarragon Theatre et beaucoup d’autres. Elle est membre du conseil d’administration de l’Association des designers canadiens (ADC659). www.joannayudesign.com
Kierscey is a Toronto born artist, composer and producer. He is making his theatre debut in Prison Dancer as a Musical Director. Previous credits include: K’naan (Musical Director), Jessie Reyez (Keyboard), Nelly Furtado (Keyboard), Damian Marley (Keyboard), Nas (Keyboard) and many more. TV and film credits: Hello (Again) - Web series (composer), One Delicious Christmas - Film (composer) and Take Note - TV series (songwriter/composer). Kierscey would like to thank his wife Kay and his extended family for their love and support.
Kierscey Rand Regozo est un artiste, compositeur et producteur né à Toronto. Il fait ses débuts au théâtre dans Prison Dancer à titre de directeur musical. Il a notamment collaboré avec K’naan (direction musicale), Jessie Reyez (claviers), Nelly Furtado (claviers), Damian Marley (claviers), Nas (claviers) et beaucoup d’autres. À l’écran, il a collaboré à la websérie Hello (Again) et au film One Delicious Christmas en tant que compositeur, de même qu’à la série télé Take Note comme compositeur et auteur de chansons. Il est reconnaissant envers son épouse, Kay, et sa famille élargie pour leur amour et leur soutien.
Owen is a graduate of the Theatre Production program at Grant MacEwan University, and has been nominated for three Sterling awards for his production and design work. Selected design credits include: Arcadia, Make Mine Love, Million Dollar Quartet, 9-5 The Musical and Almost a Full Moon (Citadel Theatre), as well as The Drowsy Chaperone (Citadel Theatre/National Arts Centre). Operation credits include out of town tryouts of Broadway hits Hadestown and Six. Owen currently holds the position of principle audio operator at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Owen lives in Edmonton with his wife Christy and sons Theo and Amos.
Diplômé du programme de production théâtrale de l’université Grant MacEwan, Owen Hutchinson a été mis en nomination pour trois prix Sterling pour son travail en production et en conception. Il a notamment assuré la conception sonore des productions Arcadia, Make Mine Love, Million Dollar Quartet, 9-5 The Musical et Almost a Full Moon (Citadel Theatre), ainsi que The Drowsy Chaperone (Citadel Theatre/Centre national des Arts). Comme opérateur du son, il a pris part à des essais en-dehors de la ville pour les succès de Broadway Hadestown et Six. Il occupe actuellement le poste d’opérateur du son principal au Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Il vit à Edmonton avec son épouse, Christy, et leurs fils Theo et Amos.
Richard Lee is an award winning theatre artist and film maker. His work has garnered him multiple Dora Mavor Moore nominations out of which he has received three. His play Monday Nights (an interactive and immersive basketball show), has recently toured to PuSH International Performing Arts Festival, after a successful run at Toronto’s Luminato Festival. Richard is an advocate of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the arts and works tireless for a better more thoughtful tomorrow.
Richard Lee est un artiste de théâtre et cinéaste primé. Il a obtenu de nombreuses nominations aux prix Dora Mavor Moore et en a remporté trois. Sa pièce Monday Nights (un spectacle interactif et immersif autour du basketball) a récemment pris l’affiche au PuSH International Performing Arts Festival, après avoir été présentée avec succès au Festival Luminato de Toronto. Défenseur de l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion dans les arts, il œuvre sans relâche à l’avènement d’un monde meilleur et plus attentionné.
Julio Fuentes, originally from Manila, is a performer and creative in theatre, tv, and film. He is currently based in Toronto and Vancouver.
Theatre choreography / movement direction credits: Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club); Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre- Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award Outstanding Lead Performance and Outstanding Choreography); Guest Movement Director (Shaw Festival 2021 season), Gypsy (Shaw Festival 2020 - associate choreographer).
Select theatre performing credits: Mamma Mia (Citadel Theatre/Arts Club/Stage West); Matilda (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre/ Citadel Theatre/Arts Club); The Little Prince - World Premiere (Theatre Calgary); In The Heights, Beauty & The Beast, Mary Poppins (Arts Club); Upcoming: Into The Woods (Talk Is Free Theatre).
TV and film: Schmigadoon! seasons 1 and 2 (AppleTV+); Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures - assistant choreographer).
Follow @juliofuentes on Instagram.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino!
Originaire de Manille, Julio Fuentes est un interprète et un créateur qui œuvre au théâtre, à la télévision et au cinéma. Il se partage actuellement entre Toronto et Vancouver.
En tant que chorégraphe et directeur de mouvement au théâtre, il a notamment pris part aux productions Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club), Prison Dancer (Citadel Theatre) et Gypsy (Festival Shaw 2020 – chorégraphe associé), en plus d’œuvrer comme directeur du mouvement invité dans le cadre de la saison 2021 du Festival Shaw. En tant qu’acteur au théâtre, on a pu le voir, entre autres, dans Mamma Mia (Citadel, Arts Club, Stage West), Matilda (RMTC, Citadel, Arts Club), The Little Prince - World Premiere (Theatre Calgary), In The Heights, Beauty & The Beast et Mary Poppins (Arts Club). Prochainement, il jouera dans Into The Woods (Talk Is Free Theatre). À l’écran, il a participé l’émission Schmigadoon!, saisons 1 et 2 (AppleTV+), et au film Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures – assistant chorégraphe). On peut le suivre sur Instagram : @juliofuentes.
Keiran is a Wainwright AB, raised choreographer and dancer who now resides in Vancouver BC. His works have spanned from stage to film, across multiple dance genres. Currently Keiran is a member of a contemporary dance company, Radical System Art, which has seen stages across the globe. He is beyond ecstatic to be back with the PrisonDancer family. The privilege of working along side this talented cast and crew has him feeling so lucky.
Previous Theatre Credits: Peter Pan, Oliver!, Prison Dancer (Citadel); Dancer: A Musical In Ten Furlongs (Ginger Cat Productions); Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club); Newsies (Drayton Entertainment).
Keiran Bohay est un chorégraphe et danseur qui a grandi à Wainwright, en Alberta, et qui réside maintenant à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique. Son parcours l’a mené de la scène au cinéma, en passant par de multiples genres de danse. Il fait actuellement partie de la compagnie de danse contemporaine Radical System Art, qui s’est produite sur les scènes du monde entier. C’est avec enthousiasme qu’il renoue avec la famille de PrisonDancer, ressentant comme un privilège de pouvoir collaborer avec une distribution et une équipe si talentueuses. Auparavant, sur la scène théâtrale, il a pris part aux productions Peter Pan, Oliver! et Prison Dancer (Citadel), Dancer: A Musical In Ten Furlongs (Ginger Cat Productions), Mary Poppins et Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club), et Newsies (Drayton Entertainment).
Born and raised in Edmonton, Josh has been fortunate enough to share his craft as a dancer, choreographer, and director throughout Canada, Korea, Singapore, and America, including Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. As a dancer, he has performed alongside Janet Jackson, Tsar B, Nelly, Sean Kingston, and Jabbawockeez. Some of his work as a choreographer and director includes NCT Dream (Korea), Opening acts for "Immortal Pursuit" One championship Singapore, Energy (Los Angeles), and commercials for Mattress Mattress and Ford. Josh would like to thank all of his family and friends!
Josh Capulong est né et a grandi à Edmonton, et il a eu la chance de faire connaître son art en tant que danseur, chorégraphe et metteur en scène au Canada, en Corée, à Singapour et aux États-Unis, notamment au Millennium Dance Complex de Los Angeles. Comme danseur, il s’est produit aux côtés de Janet Jackson, Tsar B, Nelly, Sean Kingston et Jabbawockeez. À titre de chorégraphe et metteur en scène, il a collaboré avec NCT Dream (Corée), les numéros d’ouverture des championnats ONE: Immortal Pursuit à Singapour, Energy (Los Angeles), Prison Dancer, et des publicités pour Mattress Mattress et Ford. Récemment, il a ouvert le Ra Stylez Dance Studio avec son partenaire d’affaires afin d’offrir un nouveau foyer aux artistes de la danse.
RICK BOYNTON is the Creative Producer at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and a Tony Awards Nominating Committee member. CST premieres and credits include: The Notebook (Broadway February 2024), SIX (Broadway, ART, Citadel, Ordway), It Came From Outer Space (TheatreSquared), The Book of Joseph (Everyman, Off Broadway), Ride the Cyclone (MCC, 5th Avenue/ACT, Alliance), Sense and Sensibility (Old Globe), Othello: The Remix (London, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Off Broadway), Funk It Up About Nothin’ (Edinburgh, Australia, London), Cadre – co-director (Johannesburg, Edinburgh, Vancouver), Murder for Two (Off Broadway). Previous roles include artistic director of the Marriott Theatre, casting director at Jane Alderman Casting, board president of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.
Rick Boynton est le producteur du contenu créatif au Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) et est membre du comité de nomination des prix Tony. Pour le CST, il a notamment pris part aux productions The Notebook (Broadway, février 2024), SIX (Broadway, ART, Citadel, Ordway), It Came From Outer Space (TheatreSquared), The Book of Joseph (Everyman, Off Broadway), Ride the Cyclone (MCC Theatre, 5th Avenue/ACT, Alliance), Sense and Sensibility (Old Globe), Othello: The Remix (Londres, Allemagne, Corée du Sud, Émirats arabes unis, Off Broadway), Funk It Up About Nothin’ (Édimbourg, Australie, Londres), Cadre – co-metteur en scène (Johannesburg, Édimbourg, Vancouver), Murder for Two (Off Broadway). Auparavant, il a œuvré comme directeur artistique du Marriott Theatre, directeur de casting pour l’agence Jane Alderman Casting, et président du conseil d’administration de la National Alliance for Musical Theatre.
Selected Theatre Credits: Heaven (National Arts Centre); The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time (National Arts Centre/Neptune Theatre); The Man That Got Away (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre).
Upcoming: Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White (Canadian Opera Company); Prison Dancer (NAC).
Other: Wayne has been involved in technical entertainment for over 30 years and has worked on many music, theatrical and television productions over that time. Other credits include Broadcast Music Mixer for TV productions such as the Legacy Awards (Insight Productions), the Gala Trille Or (APCM) and Canada Day from Parliament Hill (CBC). Wayne is a Music Producer and has been working with artists such as Liam Sean Kelly and ActiveMirror. As an educator, Wayne is also a Professor in the Music Industry Arts program at Algonquin College.
Au théâtre : Heaven (Centre national des Arts); The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time (Neptune Theatre); The Man That Got Away (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre).
À venir : Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White (Compagnie d'opéra canadienne), Prison Dancer (NAC).
Autres : En plus de 30 ans de carrière, Wayne Hawthorne a assuré la production sonore de nombreux événements théâtraux, télévisuels et musicaux. Il a également été mixeur d’enregistrements musicaux pour des productions télévisuelles, notamment Legacy Awards (Insight Productions), le Gala Trille Or (APCM) et les célébrations de la fête du Canada sur la Colline du Parlement (CBC). Aussi producteur de musique, Wayne Hawthorne a travaillé avec des artistes comme Liam Sean Kelly et ActiveMirror. Il enseigne également au programme sur l’industrie de la musique du Collège Algonquin.
Morgan works as a fight director, actor, arts educator, and Co-Artistic Producer of Azimuth Theatre. Her work focuses on physical based theatre, and new work development. She is so grateful to have been a part of the Prison Dancer team!
Recent credits include Fight Director for Cinderella (AMTC), Deathtrap (Teatro Live), Prison Dancer, Jersey Boys, Clue, 9 to 5 (Citadel Theatre). Actor - Glory (Chemainus Theatre Festival, National Tour & Original Cast), Pride and Prejudice, Delay - The Horizon Lab, Peter and The Starcatcher (Citadel Theatre), GIANT (Ghost River Theatre). Almost a Full Moon (Citadel Theatre) - Assistant Director. For more info: www.morganyamada.com.
Dans son travail de chorégraphe de combat, d’actrice, de formatrice en arts et de coproductrice artistique à l’Azimuth Theatre, Morgan Yamada s’intéresse particulièrement au théâtre physique et à la création d’œuvres originales. Elle est très reconnaissante d’avoir pu faire partie de l’équipe Prison Dancer.
Récemment, elle a été chorégraphe de combat pour Cinderella (AMTC), Deathtrap (Teatro Live), Prison Dancer, Jersey Boys, Clueet 9 to 5 (Citadel Theatre); actrice dans Glory (Chemainus Theatre Festival, tournée nationale et distribution originale), Pride and Prejudice, Delay – The Horizon Lab, Peter and The Starcatcher (Citadel Theatre) et GIANT (Ghost River Theatre); et assistante à la mise en scène pour Almost a Full Moon (Citadel Theatre). Pour en savoir plus : www.morganyamada.com (en anglais seulement).
Gina is a proud Filipino-Canadian based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan on land referred to as Treaty 6 colonially known as Edmonton Alberta. She is always trying to expand the relation space on the Venn diagram of Community, Workers’ Rights, Arts Practice,Social Justice, and Basic Life Needs. Currently, Gina is the Artistic Director and Program Coordinator for the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre’s, WORK PLAYS SCHOOLS PROGRAM which brings the important message of Workplace Safety and Workers’ Rights wrapped in professionally sculpted live theatre productions and presented to students and new workers.
It has been 18yrs since Gina has sat in the stage manager’s chair at the NAC and she is delighted to return with Prison Dancer, a show very close to her heart. “What an honour and privilege it has been to come back to the PNDC with all of these wonderful inmates. Enjoy the show and DANCE!”
Gina Puntil est une Canadienne d’origine philippine qui vit à Amiskwacîwâskahikan, sur le territoire du Traité no 6, une ville connue sous le nom colonial d’Edmonton (Alberta). Elle s’efforce toujours d’élargir, dans le diagramme de Venn, l’intersection de la collectivité, des droits des travailleuses et travailleurs, de la pratique artistique, de la justice sociale et des besoins vitaux. Elle assure actuellement la direction artistique et la coordination du programme WORK PLAYS SCHOOLS de l’Alberta Workers’ Health Centre, qui transmet le message important de la sécurité au travail et des droits des travailleuses et travailleurs dans des productions théâtrales professionnelles improvisées à l’intention des jeunes qui sont encore aux études ou qui entrent sur le marché du travail. Dix-huit années se sont écoulées depuis sa dernière présence à la régie au CNA, et c’est avec joie qu’elle y revient avec Prison Dancer, un spectacle qui lui tient particulièrement à cœur. « C’est un honneur et un privilège de revenir au [centre de détention du] PNDC en compagnie de ces formidables codétenu·es. Profitez bien du spectacle et DANSEZ! »
NAC Debut. Elsewhere:Things I Know To Be True (The Company Theatre/Mirvish); Trojan Girls and the Outhouse of Atreus (Factory Theatre/Outside the March); The Rez Sisters (Stratford); Copy That, Orestes, Orphan Song (Tarragon Theatre); The Seagull, Copenhagen, (Soulpepper); The Mountaintop, Venus in Fur (Theatre Kingston); The Flick (Single Thread Theatre Company); Two Pianos Four Hands, Shirley Valentine, BOOM X, Perfect Wedding, Jersey Boys, Baskerville (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Orpheus and Eurydice (Opera Atelier); Richard III (Shakespeare in the Ruff).
Other: Alysse currently lives in Toronto with her cat Rick.
Alysse Szatkowski fait ses débuts au CNA dans cette production. Auparavant, elle a pris part aux productions Things I Know To Be True (The Company Theatre/Mirvish), Trojan Girls and the Outhouse of Atreus (Factory Theatre/Outside the March), The Rez Sisters (Stratford); Copy That, Orestes et Orphan Song (Tarragon Theatre), The Seagull et Copenhagen (Soulpepper), The Mountaintop et Venus in Fur (Theatre Kingston), The Flick (Single Thread Theatre Company), Two Pianos Four Hands, Shirley Valentine, BOOM X, Perfect Wedding, Jersey Boys et Baskerville (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Orpheus and Eurydice (Opera Atelier), et Richard III (Shakespeare in the Ruff). Elle vit actuellement à Toronto avec son chat, Rick.
Angela Mae Bago is a first generation Filipino-Canadian woman and this is her first time, as an emerging artist, to work in the Ottawa theatre arts scene. She hopes to reconnect with her Filipino culture in the future and share it with the rest of the theatre industry. She has been very fortunate to come across this amazing cast and crew and wishes them all the best.
OTHER THEATRE (selected credits): Canoe (Unsettled Scores); Alice In Wonderland, Salt Water-Moon (Guild Festival Theatre); Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Thousand Islands Playhouse); The Seagull, Draw Me Close (Soulpepper); 15 Dogs (Crow's Theatre); Carmen (COC); Little Women (Stratford Festival).
UPCOMING THEATRE: Guilt (Tarragon Theatre); Mary's Wedding (Thousand Islands Playhouse).
Angela Mae Bago est une Canadienne d’origine philippine de première génération, et c’est la première fois, en tant qu’artiste émergente, qu’elle travaille sur la scène théâtrale d’Ottawa. Elle espère renouer avec sa culture philippine à l’avenir et la partager avec le reste du milieu du théâtre. Elle se réjouit d’être tombée sur cette distribution et cette équipe extraordinaires, à qui elle ne souhaite que le meilleur. Auparavant, au théâtre, elle a notamment pris part aux productions Canoe (Unsettled Scores), Alice In Wonderland et Salt Water-Moon (Guild Festival Theatre), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Thousand Islands Playhouse), The Seagull et Draw Me Close (Soulpepper), 15 Dogs (Crow’s Theatre), Carmen (Compagnie d’opéra canadienne) et Little Women (Festival de Stratford). Prochainement, toujours au théâtre, elle participera à Guilt (Tarragon Theatre) et Mary’s Wedding (Thousand Islands Playhouse).
The National Arts Centre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
Projectionists, Wardrobe Mistresses, Masters and Attendants are members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 471.
Associate Producer, Artistic Programming and Environmental Projects
Judi Pearl
Company Manager
Samira Rose
Administrative Coordinator
Monika Seiler
NAC’S NATIONAL CREATION FUND
The National Creation Fund’s investment of $135,000 allowed the artists to invest in research phases – including a research trip to Cebu City, Philippines -- and additional creation workshops that integrated designers and design concepts. This enhanced development set the stage for the Filipino Canadian-majority Prison Dancer team to collaborate in entirely new way, with space for the risk-taking and innovation necessary to create a brand-new large-scale musical.
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
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