Our Bard Debut Series highlights some of the staff, Company members, and volunteers joining us for their first Season at Bard. If you missed our last instalments of the Bard Debut series, read them here.

With the end of our 34th Season, we wanted to turn the spotlight onto some of the incredible individuals in our Site and Production Crew working behind the scenes to keep our Festival running day after day. In this Bard Blog, learn about Lucy Jeffery, Stefanie Grimaldi, and Caylen Braun, who have just wrapped up their first Season under the tents!

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Lucy Jeffery 

Photo of Lucy.

What has your first Bard experience been like so far? 
Working for Bard this past summer has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. I had many people supporting me going in, however, I was still nervous since I had never worked on site before and am a femme presenting person. I was worried that I might not be taken seriously or given the same opportunities as my male peers, however that was not at all the case. Everybody was incredibly kind and gave me the space to learn how to do everything in a safe and supportive way. I was taught early that I shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes and that it is sometimes the best way to learn, because then we can go about fixing them – and in the process learn more. I have had an incredible time with all sorts of fun and amazing people and I can’t wait to go back next year!

When you aren’t working as part of our Production team, what do you like to do in the summer? 
I like to spend my summers getting outside and connecting with the nature around us as much as I can. I have grown up on the territories of the Coast Salish People and think that the land that I get to explore has made me who I am today. My favourite place to go camping, high-lining, and adventuring is on the back logging roads by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish). Being outside with the world around me makes me feel at peace and tranquil in this busy lifestyle we have all adapted to. I also spend a lot of time playing various instruments and writing songs. My favourite things to play right now are the cello and guitar, and I would like to learn some more banjo!

Stefanie Grimaldi

Photo of Stefanie.

What has your first Bard experience been like so far? 
It has been a magical experience! I felt embraced by the team, amazed by the project, and really appreciated for my work. Theatre production is an intense endeavour, but I really felt supported by everyone at Bard!

When you aren’t working as part of our Production team, what do you like to do in the summer? 
When I’m not working with production at Bard, I love enjoying Vancouver! We are so privileged to be able to live in this city, and there are so many great things to explore, like parks, festivals, and the beautiful beaches.

Caylen Braun 

Photo of Caylen. 

What has your first Bard experience been like so far? 
Bard is a blast! My first day I felt very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, and as a neurodiverse artist, I was worried about feeling like an outcast, but boy was I wrong. What I found at Bard was a wonderful and welcoming community full of incredible humans from all walks of life. The supervisors were always willing to teach me a new skill with compassion, care, and patience. Plus, I made some incredible connections and kept up with a few old ones as well!

When you aren’t working as part of our Production team, what do you like to do in the summer?
I work lots in the summer. As a creative I like to challenge myself beyond acting by working in other facets of theatre including lighting, sound, directing, stage management, etc. When I have free time, I like to hang out with my friends. We play games, watch movies, have drinks/dinner, enjoy Vancouver’s local art scene, or even just sit in silence and enjoy each other’s company. When my friends are busy, I like to hang with my cat Beckett (named after the playwright). Beckett tells me all the woes of being a cat and contributes nothing to my rent payments.

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Thanks so much to Lucy, Stefanie, and Caylen for sharing their experiences with us – and for all your work this summer!