This Season, we were delighted to welcome Lucas Gnoato, Yi Ming Liu, Tai Leathem, and Azeen Zare to the Company as our very first Apprentice Actor cohort!
Designed to support recent theatre graduates in their transition to working professionally, the Apprentice Actor program provides an opportunity for emerging actors to join our Company and gain hands-on experience in classical text and performance.
As our 2026 Season comes to a close, we had the chance to catch up with Lucas, Yi Ming, Tai, and Azeen as they reflect on their summer under the tents—and the lessons they’ll take with them as they move forward in their careers.
Lucas Gnoato
The Merry Wives of Windsor: Ensemble and Understudy for Fenton, Pistol, and Rugby
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first discovered acting?
My name is Lucas, and I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC! From a young age, I was always drawn to playing sports, specifically soccer and basketball. That’s what I spent all my time on throughout my childhood and teenage years, with the goal of playing professionally. I didn’t discover acting until I graduated high school. There was one occasion as a child that I got to do background in a TV series, and that experience stuck with me. I never thought about pursuing it until I had no idea what to do after high school. I took a gap year to work, do social media, and get an idea of what I wanted to do. In that time, I found my way into part-time acting classes and immediately fell in love. The craft of acting reminds me a lot of my time with sports, which is why I continue to fall more in love with it.
How has your experience as an Apprentice Actor been so far?
My experience has been so amazing! It has been a privilege to learn from and act alongside so many amazing performers. During this process, I’ve paid really close attention to how people work, so I can find new ways to grow as an actor. On top of being the best at what they do, everyone in this Company has been so welcoming and lovely to spend time with. I could not have asked for a better way to transition from theatre school into the professional industry!
Lucas Gnoata as Ensemble in The Merry Wives of Windsor (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
In addition to your ensemble role in The Merry Wives of Windsor, you’re also understudying Fenton, Pistol, and Rugby. How has that process been for you?
It has been a very fun challenge. I’ve never understudied before so it’s a learning curve for me. It hasn’t been much different in the way I approach the work, but not getting up on my feet in the rehearsals definitely feels different. Watching Cameron Grant (Fenton) and Jacob Leonard (Pistol/Rugby) discover these characters throughout the process has been very fun to watch. Seeing their work has made my understanding of these characters grow immensely and has helped the work embed in my system. They have also been very, very helpful with keeping me in the loop when new things are implemented for their characters and have been amazing humans to work with.
Is there one lesson or moment from the Season so far that you hope to take with you after the summer is over?
I think a big takeaway I’ve had from this Season is to be prepared for a long run. Being an Apprentice Actor, I haven’t had as much work to balance as the other actors, but I’m starting to understand how taxing it can be. This has taught me the importance of always keeping a great warm-up routine and staying physically well. If I get the chance to work here again, those things will definitely be applied to keep me on my A-game.
When you’re not under the tents at Bard, how do you like to spend your time?
I try to spend as much time as I can with my girlfriend, friends, and family. Although I don’t play soccer competitively anymore, the World Cup got me playing a lot again with my friends. Tennis is something I love playing in the summer as well. Besides quality time with my loved ones and sports, I enjoy playing guitar, watching films, and going to the gym.
Yi Ming Liu
The Merry Wives of Windsor: Ensemble and Understudy for Hostess
Can you tell us about yourself and how you first discovered acting?
I’ve always been fascinated by the play-pretend people in my TV as a kid, but I was dead set on becoming the next great painter of my generation, so it wasn’t until one day in Grade 5 when my teacher assigned us to make a short skit showcasing good and bad examples of sportsmanship that acting clicked with me. Improv wasn’t in my vocabulary at the time, but it was essentially what I ended up doing. I took my role as referee in this hypothetical soccer game (Yes, I know, insane full circle—soccer tends to follow me) so very seriously. I was going off-script riffin’ it up, and I can say that that day, I experienced the drug of attention acting and improv and the People’s Laughter™. That same summer I watched my best friend perform at Gateway Theatre, and next thing I knew, I was signing myself up for musical theatre camp… then the Mainstage at my high school… then an acting degree at UBC, and now I’m Ball on the Beach.
The Company of The Merry Wives of Windsor (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
How has your experience as an Apprentice Actor been so far?
It’s been the most incredible experience. I’m filled with gratitude every day to be surrounded by truly some of the kindest and most talented people. It’s such a rare opportunity to be in the rehearsal room and just be able to observe and soak up the process without the pressure. Having the opportunity to watch these pros at work being so playful and generous in their process from day one was really awe-inspiring. I’ve learned so much by simply watching. Rehearsals really did feel like an improv summer camp thanks to our fearless director, Rebecca Northan, who was the coolest camp leader you could ask for. Being at the tents is such a unique experience too. I’ll never forget moving to site and stepping into the BMO Mainstage for the first time, utterly struck by the sheer scale of everything and just how much work is involved in every aspect of bringing Bard to the beach.
In addition to your ensemble role in The Merry Wives of Windsor, you’re also understudying for the Hostess. How has that process been for you?
It was an absolute joy watching the incredible Yoshie Bancroft discover Hostess (aka Myrtle) in the rehearsal room. It’s my first time doing an understudy track and I had no idea what to expect going into it. Understudying itself seems like such a daunting concept with the uncertainties of when you’ll need to go on at the drop of a hat. I’ve joked that stepping in as an understudy must feel a bit like skydiving: no doubts, full commitment, and trust that the prep is a good enough parachute. Thankfully I had the best support I could ask for in Yoshie and the brilliant Kate Besworth, who is understudying three of the biggest tracks in the show (insane). The understudy rehearsals were a blast to be a part of—you just had to be there.
Is there one lesson or moment from the season so far that you hope to take with you after the summer is over?
A lesson I’m taking with me from this summer is that there is no such thing as being in a perfect condition/state/time/health to do one’s “best” work, or conversely, one’s always in the perfect condition to do one’s “best” work. It’s a crucial mindset shift for me. Especially as an artist dealing with chronic illness, I must believe that the things I cannot control are also not the things in my way. And as I move through what I hope is an obnoxiously long career, I’m moving through life all the same and I must embrace all that comes with it—that forces I may feel are working against me are the very forces I get to work with. Another equally important lesson: MOO is a bad Codenames hint for mosCOW (apparently). I’m also taking with me all the beautiful sunsets enjoyed from Jennifer Lines’ luscious garden and the unforgettably unhinged moments with the slime bay (where slime is made)—shout out to Dressing Bay 5.
When you’re not at the tents at Bard, how do you like to spend your time?
I’ve been spending a lot of time birdwatching this summer ever since I won the birding lottery when a ruby-throated hummingbird and a barn swallow both chose to nest right outside my house. Birding is a 10/10 pastime, and I can’t recommend it enough. Other than that, I spend much of my time at my desk sculpting, sketching, and making half-finished things over on my art Instagram, @crea_tique.
Tai Leathem
Macbeth: Donalbain, Murderer, Soldier, and Understudy for Malcolm and Citizen
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first discovered acting?
My name is Tai Leathem. I’m 22 years old and grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. I always wanted to be an actor growing up. I had all this compressed energy spewing out of me all the time, and I had no idea where to put it, so I put it in gymnastics. It wasn’t until Grade 12 that I had to face the question, “What are your plans after high school?” My brain said join the RCMP or take up psychology, but my heart burned with passion for something else, and my gut convinced me it was so.
I fell in love with acting through movies. As a kid, I’d disappear under the covers with a DVD player and a stack of movies, completely absorbed in the performances. Those stories helped me escape, understand myself, and see the world differently.
In Grade 11, I filmed my first monologue for an online drama course. I spent all my savings on lights and equipment, and while it was a huge learning curve, it taught me something important: acting is a craft that demands dedication. Ever since, I’ve wanted to create performances that move people the way those films moved me growing up.
How has your experience as an Apprentice Actor been so far?
It’s been incredible. I’m so grateful to be part of Bard on the Beach’s Apprentice Actor program. The best part has been working alongside such passionate artists who genuinely love what they do. I’ve felt welcomed from day one, and it’s an environment where I feel safe to take risks, collaborate, and grow. I’ve made great friends and learned so much from everyone here; Bard really feels like a home.
Tai Leathem as Donalbain and Sara Vickruck as Malcolm in Macbeth (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
In addition to your role as Donalbain in Macbeth, you’re also understudying Malcolm. How has that process been for you?
It’s been a real privilege. Playing Donalbain has given me the chance to contribute my own ideas while learning from the cast, director, fight director, and backstage team. Understudying Malcolm has been equally rewarding. It’s a challenge balancing two characters and their journeys, but it’s easier if they’re brothers. The amount of work that goes into preparing a role you may never perform is inspiring. You still have to do the work, stay ready, and honour the character. Getting to craft Malcolm on the Bard stage has been a dream come true.
Is there one lesson or moment from the Season so far that you hope to take with you after the summer is over?
One lesson I’ll carry with me is the importance of preparation. The more prepared you are, the more you can contribute to the creative process. Come in with ideas, but also be willing to let them go if something better serves the story.
One moment I’ll never forget was the cast circle that Tess Degenstein organized before the Opening Night of Macbeth. The team acknowledged my Bard on the Beach debut. We took a moment to breathe together, share words of encouragement, and celebrate. It reminded me that the people are what make this place so special, and that being a good friend is just as important as being a good actor.
When you’re not under the tents at Bard, how do you like to spend your time?
I love writing, singing, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, going to the gym, and shooting photography. I also enjoy catching a movie or seeing other theatre productions around the city and making the most of Vancouver’s summer. Below is a photo I took of Munish Sharma backstage. I was inspired to try and make a poster of him, this is how it turned out. The next photo is my friend Kyla Ward posing in a fun shoot we did together.
Azeen Zare
Antigone: Chorus and Understudy for Antigone and Ismene
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first discovered acting?
I was born in South Shields, England, and my connection to acting started when I was very young. I was a kid who loved the arts and was constantly creating, whether that meant talking to myself, imagining characters, or acting out stories. I always had this love for performing, but growing up, the town I lived in wasn’t always the most accepting of singing or acting. People would often make fun of each other for doing those things, and because I was quite shy, it made it difficult to fully pursue something I loved.
I moved to Vancouver in 2017 and continued exploring my passion for the arts. I officially began my acting journey when I studied at Capilano University, where I discovered how much I loved the process of creating stories and bringing characters to life. That feeling only grew stronger the more I trained and performed, and I realized acting was where I felt most connected and inspired. And sharing the stories of those who can’t is something I always aspire to do.
How has your experience as an Apprentice Actor been so far?
My experience as an Apprentice Actor has been incredibly rewarding. Bard has been such a unique environment because you’re surrounded by artists who are constantly learning, experimenting, and supporting each other. I love being part of a Company where everyone brings their own ideas and perspectives into the room. It feels very freeing and supportive.
I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talented and inspiring actors. I look up to all of them, and watching how they approach their work, prepare, and build their characters has taught me so much.
The Company of Antigone (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
In addition to your ensemble role in Antigone, you’re also understudying Antigone and Ismene. How has that process been for you?
Understudying Antigone and Ismene has been an incredible challenge and opportunity. Preparing two characters who have such different relationships with the world around them has pushed me to explore different sides of my acting and find new ways of approaching the material. A huge part of this process has been learning from my amazing castmates, Kate [Besworth] and Yoshie [Bancroft]. Watching how they approach their characters, how they deliver certain words, and how they bring their own experiences into the roles has been incredibly valuable. They have both been so supportive and kind, always open to answering my questions and sharing their experiences with me. Their generosity has made me feel comfortable, grateful, and excited to keep learning.
Is there one lesson or moment from the Season so far that you hope to take with you after the summer is over?
One lesson I hope to carry with me is to be kinder and more trusting of myself. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that showing up, sharing your ideas, and bringing what you naturally have to the room is enough. The character and the movement will come through the process. I also want to take with me the sense of community that comes from making theatre. Being surrounded by people who care deeply about storytelling and who challenge you to grow is something I hope to continue seeking throughout my career.
When you’re not under the tents at Bard, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not at Bard, I’m usually working at my other jobs, but when I get a moment to rest, one of my favourite things to do is spend time with my roommates. We love exploring Vancouver together, whether that’s going out around the city or taking hikes near our home during sunrise or sunset. Even when we only have a little bit of free time, we try to find something we can all enjoy and create memories together. Those small moments, whether it’s a simple outing or just spending time together at home, are some of my favourite parts of life outside of theatre.
Photo by Azeen Zare
A huge thank you to Lucas, Yi Ming, Tai, and Azeen for taking the time to chat with us! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Our 2026 Season closes on September 19, and there are still a limited number of seats available for our Closing Nights. For tickets, visit our Season Schedule.
Bard on the Beach’s Apprenticeship Program is generously sponsored by:
