Each year, Bard on the Beach welcomes almost a hundred new and returning Company members to our rehearsal halls and stages. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be rolling out a Blog series introducing you to some of the artists in our Company who are new to Bard this Season.
We’re thrilled to be kicking off the series this week with our amazing Acting Company. Learn more about some of the artists who are making their debuts under the tents this summer!
Henry Beasley
As You Like It: William / Jacques de Boys / Assassin / Forest Lord / Musician
Julius Caesar: Cinna the Poet / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Henry Beasley
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
It’s been challenging in the best possible way! Between character work, music and understudy material, my brain has never been this full. The schedule, especially in tech week (month?), demands focus, determination and a lot of kindness. Thankfully, the Bard community is incredibly supportive, and there’s a lot of opportunity to learn, both from the Bard veterans and the newcomers!
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
Cooking. Lots and lots of cooking. Other than that, I like to get out to the beaches and parks with my friends – I love a good swim. It’s great to be back in Vancouver for the summer, because I get to reconnect with people who I haven’t seen in years. And of course, I’m getting so much family time!
Chelsea Rose
As You Like It: Rosalind
Julius Caesar: Portia / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Chelsea Rose
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
Wonderful, whimsical, welcoming. We work tirelessly at Bard to give audiences beautiful, polished performances, and I love that. The team has been incredibly gracious and supportive throughout the entire process. I would love to be asked back for another Season.
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
I make sure to get outside every day, and I walk to work along the seawall. The rest of my spare time is spent creating music with my band, watching baseball with my partner or reading a book.
Evan Rein
As You Like It: Amiens / Hymen / Assassin / Forest Lord / Guitar
Julius Caesar: Lucius / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Evan Rein
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
It’s been a wild ride! It feels a bit like being called up to play in the big leagues. So grateful for the love and community and support that’s made it all possible.
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
On the off time I love going to the movies, practicing my Spanish and catching the odd Canadians ballgame.
Marlee Griffiths
Henry V: Troupe Member 9 (Katharine)
Photo of Marlee Griffiths
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
My first experience here has been so special. I feel really lucky to be working in such a small group for my first Bard show. The Henry V company and team is a bright and talented group of individuals who, on the first day, welcomed me into the space with open arms. As a company, there’s been a great sense of trust that we’ve formed that we get to bring on stage with us every night. It’s been a ton of fun and hard work. I am over the moon.
When you aren’t performing on our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
Climb trees. Also, I’m not from Vancouver, so it has been really interesting to explore every inch of this city during my free time. I have been trying to swim and hike when I can as well as read and write.
Matthew Ip Shaw
As You Like It: Understudy for Oliver / Charles / Assassin
Julius Caesar: Understudy for Decius Brutus / Octavius Caesar / Citizen / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Matthew Ip Shaw
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
My first Bard experience has been a blast! Everyone is so engaged in the creative work and it has been inspiring to be part of the process. It’s such a supportive environment and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
There’s nothing I love more than playing soccer, making films and lounging around in the sun like a lizard. We just got paddleboards, so I’ve been trying to take every chance I can to get out onto remote and unexplored lakes.
Alexandra Lainfiesta
As You Like It: Phoebe / Eleanor Rigby
Julius Caesar: Trebonius / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Alexandra Lainfiesta
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
The company of actors and the backstage crew truly feel like a family. BBQs, games, theatre, time in the sun and sharing the stage with artists I absolutely adore. Both shows are a lot of fun to do in their own unique way. As You Like It is an absolute delight and warms my heart to spread the love and fun! It is a show that brings joy and we certainly need that in the world right now! Julius Caesar is such a masterclass in outstanding and clear storytelling. I adore watching the work of my colleagues whom I consider some of Vancouver’s most exceptional actors.
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
I adore cooking! Always exploring and making dishes from scratch. Also sitting and enjoying great conversations at a park or the beach with people I love. Writing outside is something I do a lot in the summer and of course, hiking in this beautiful city and gardening!
Oscar Derkx
As You Like It: Orlando de Boys
Julius Caesar: Octavius Caesar / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Oscar Derkx
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
I was pretty nervous about this contract. Having been in As You Like It before as a guitarist, I knew how challenging this show would be. Also, I live in Edmonton, so I didn’t know very many of the artists involved in this project. All those nerves melted away after the first day. The cast has been incredibly kind, the entire company has been so very welcoming, and spending the summer in Vancouver isn’t nearly as awful as people told me it would be (jokes). The first day that we moved down to the tents I went for a long walk along the shoreline to situate myself. I really can’t imagine a more beautiful place to work. And on top of all that, the Bard audiences have been so much fun to perform for. Now that we’re done rehearsals, I’m looking forward to spending my days exploring more of the city.
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
One of my favorite things about visiting Vancouver is the food. I am especially obsessed with dumplings and noodles. My wife and I love going down to Richmond and finding new places to eat. When I am not stuffing my face (rare), I’m most likely biking, at a yoga class or reading a book.
Marco Walker-Ng
As You Like It: Charles the Wrestler / Forest Lord
Julius Caesar: Citizen / Octavius’s Lieutenant
Photo of Marco Walker-Ng
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
It has been challenging, joyful and full of wonder. One of my favourite experiences is acting alongside people I’ve admired since I first began this journey into the acting world. For example, I share my dressing station with Scott Bellis, someone I used to do mock auditions for when I was in theatre school! Also, beating up my friends/getting beat up on stage is incredibly satisfying!
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
Aside from resuming my personal training work, I’ve been spending time with friends exploring the city, swimming in beautiful places and going crabbing! Also, inspired by Matt MacDonald-Bain and Jennifer Lines, I might try to make a garden! Who knows!
Matthew MacDonald-Bain
As You Like It: Oliver de Boys
Julius Caesar: Metellus / Citizen / Soldier
Photo of Matthew MacDonald-Bain
What has your first Bard experience been like so far?
It has been very rewarding being a part of this Season’s Company. The last time I performed Shakespeare was back in 2010, so to jump right into two shows was intimidating. But it’s such a supportive group of people that it’s made this experience extremely enjoyable. It’s also made me realize my brain can hold a lot more than I thought it could!
When you aren’t performing on one of our stages, what do you like to do in the summer?
I like to get all the tasks and projects done that I’ve put off the entire rehearsal process! And I like reading at the beach with my wife or looking after my plants on our patio.
Thank you to the Acting Company for chatting with us today! It’s been a joy to celebrate all your incredible achievements. If you haven’t already, be sure to see the work of these incredible artists on stage. Our 34th Season runs to September 30 – visit our Season Schedule here.