Meet the 2023 Riotous Youth

Riotous Youth is a paid, post-secondary internship, designed for young people either beginning or considering a career in theatre. The program combines training and experience in teaching artistry, Shakespeare performance, and involvement in special events at our Festival.

2023 Riotous Youth

Kiyomi Hoover

Kiyomi is an emerging actor and 2023 graduate of the Douglas College Theatre program. Her past credits include Florina and Housepainter in Mad Forest directed by Kathleen Duborg (Douglas College) and the titular character in Orlando directed by Thrasso Petras (Douglas College). She is passionate about physical theatre and dance and is eager to explore devising her own pieces. Kiyomi is thrilled to deepen her knowledge of teaching, artistic collaboration, and Shakespeare. She is grateful to be working with the team at Bard and her Riotous Youth ensemble this summer.

Loughran MacLeod

Loughran MacLeod (he/they) is an emerging actor, singer, and educator. He graduated from CapU’s Acting for Stage and Screen program in 2021, amid the COVID pandemic. He’s had a unique experience transitioning from pre- to post-pandemic in an educational institution and has now begun to find his footing in the artistic world. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, he gained theatre experience throughout his teenage years, playing roles such as Bert (Mary Poppins), Chorus/Iago/Romeo/Ghost (Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet), and Jason/Tyrone (Hand to God), amongst others. Since moving down south, they’ve appeared as Michael (7 Stories) and Fred (Present Laughter) and a variety of short student films. They used to teach children in their hometown at The Heart of Riverdale, assisting visual arts camps and writing/directing children’s theatre for acting camps, as well as teaching an afterschool vaudeville program for young kids. He is also a private vocal coach, teaching his students how to effectively use their full body to support their voice through strong connection with their bodies and minds. In his spare time, he runs a creative writing club with a few friends, where each month explores a different style and/or genre. He’s incredibly excited to be working with the other Riotous Youth! He looks forward to collaborating on creative endeavours with them and others, all while refining his skillset as a continuous learner, actor, and creative.

Samriddhi Singh

Samriddhi Singh is a Vancouver based actress, writer, violence prevention facilitator, pageant coach, and self-love advocate. She's gotten the chance to play various different characters throughout theatre and film/television. Her most recent roles include playing Sue in Netflix's Firefly Lane Season 2, and playing the villainous role of Winnie in The Key to Christmas indie feature. Samriddhi is represented by KC Talent Agency and is part of the UBCP/ACTRA union. She has recently graduated with her acting diploma from the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the last 6 years, she has been an active member of the Canadian pageant industry as a delegate and a coach, with a focus on creating a more accepting environment for women of all body types. Samriddhi has won provincial and national pageants, and just last year represented Canada internationally in Ecuador. As a writer and self-love advocate, Samriddhi writes a quarterly Confidence Boost column in a local Zine. She also hosts self-love workshops in elementary schools and on online platforms. When Samriddhi is not acting, she works as a facilitator for Safeteen to teach violence prevention to youth aged 11-16. Samriddhi is so excited to create theater this summer with her fellow Riotous Youth cohort, and to expand on her performance skills!

Kelly Zhou

Kelly (she/her) is an emerging actor, teaching artist, and theatre maker. She graduated from Douglas College in 2022 with a Theatre Performance Diploma and has had the pleasure to work in various departments with companies such as Gateway Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre Company, and now, Bard on the Beach! Some of her acting credits include Louise Overbee and Meg in LOVE/SICK as well as Judith in The Ash Girl (Douglas College). When she is not onstage, she can be seen working in front or back of house for productions across the lower mainland. Kelly is dedicated to embracing diversity and inclusion, working to make theatre as accessible for everyone as possible. She hopes to inspire others through the dramatic arts by creating emotionally driven pieces and a safe space. Kelly is absolutely thrilled to be spending the summer with Bard and is excited to learn about leadership, teaching artistry, and teamwork while performing alongside other wonderful artists!