Meet the cast and crew of
Titus Andronicus
Christopher Moore as Titus Andronicus
Christopher attended the John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program where he received The Pamela Montgomery Award upon graduation in 2005. Since then he has worked closely with Persephone Productions as Duff in Nick Whitbey's To the Green Fields Beyond (winner 2007 MECCA for Best Ensemble), Iago in Othello and Montjoy in HENRY V, which marked his first collaboration as a co-director with Artistic Director Gabrielle Soskin. The second being Far From The Madding Crowd coming this October. Other credits include Max in Martin Sherman's Bent (Altera Vitae), Benjamin in The Graduate (Hudson Village) and David Lewis in Haunted House (Tableau D'Hote). Titus Andronicus will be his first experience working with M.S.T.C. and thanks his lucky stars he has been given the privilege to portray and explore a character so far removed from himself.
Jessica B. Hill as Queen Tamora
Jessica is a graduate of McGill University and of Dawson College’s professional theatre program. Favorite theatre credits include Enemy of the People (Segal Centre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Village Scene Productions), Jehanne of the Witches (Tableau d’Hôte Theatre) and The Lady Smith (Black Theatre Workshop), for which she won the first Elsa Bolam award for “Outstanding Performance in an Emerging Artist”. You can catch her next in The Play’s the Thing at the Segal Centre this fall. Jessica is excited and grateful at the opportunity to portray the Queen of the Goths surrounded by such a wonderful and talented cast and crew.
David Sklar as Saturninus
David is an actor/playwright who currently resides in Montreal. He is a graduate of the Dawson College Professional Theatre Program and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. He is also set to finish off his B.F.A in theatre from Concordia University. Yes, you’re right, that is a lot of time spent in school. But while skipping class, he has toured with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. Last fall he was in Persephone Production’s of Henry V. Look for his upcoming show “Crazy Love” at the Montreal Fringe Festival this summer.
Ellie Moon as Lavinia
Ellie is delighted to be making her M.S.T.C. debut with this production. She moved to Montreal less then a year ago, from Ontario, where she worked and played for 10 years in theatre and film. Since living in Montreal, Ellie has appeared at the Rialto Theatre in "Equus". Ellie has absolutely no idea what is next for her, but, she looks forward to it. Thank you to the M.S.T.C. team, and please enjoy the show!
Jaa Smith-Johnson as Aaron
A graduate of the Dawson Professional Theatre Program (Dome 2009). Credits include: “Henry the V”(Persephone Productions), “Our Country’s Good”(Griffentown Productions) and “The Future of Comedy” (Shadowbox Productions). Aside from theatre he’s been in a couple of films like “The Will”(CMJ Productions), “Happy Slapping”(OneManBand films) and “The Point”(Seville Productions) just to name a few. With that said Jaa is more than thrilled to be apart of the M.S.T.C. production of “Titus Andronicus” where he’s had the opportunity to work with a cast of talented, dedicated and passionate actors, and has nothing but new found respect & admiration for them and the production team.
So get ready because this play is about to blow your mind. Enjoy!
So get ready because this play is about to blow your mind. Enjoy!
Alex Goldrich as Lucius Andronicus
Alex Goldrich is thrilled to be working for the first time with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company. Born in Ottawa, raised in New Brunswick, and a Montrealer since 2007, Alex has performed in such roles as Hotspur in Henry IV, pt 1 (Saint John Shakespeare Festival), Rev. Hale in The Crucible (Saint John Theatre Company), Malcolm in Macbeth (Saint John Shakespeare Festival), King Charles / Williams in Henry V (Persephone Productions), and most recently as Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Saint John Theatre Company). Thanks and love, as always, to Mom and Dad, and to Steph.
Patrick Rogers as Chiron
Patrick Rogers is a recent graduate of the Dawson College professional theatre program and a proud member of the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company's 2011 tour. He has played such roles as Leonard Ganz in Neil Simon's Rumors, John Proctor in Arthur Miller's The Crucible and Sir Toby Belch in M.S.T.C.'s production of Twelth Night. He has worked extensively with many of this year's new cast members and now has a whole new crew of fantastic actors to work with as he will be playing Chiron in this summer's production of Titus Andronicus. There could be no better way to end this first thrilling year as professional Actor.
Matt Lacas as Demetrius
Matt Lacas is a recent graduate of Dawson College's Professional Theatre Program. Since school, he has had the privilege of working at The Segal Center, Processed Theatre, and The M.S.T.C. Matt is looking forward to being part of such an amazing cast and show, and can't wait to show Montreal what The M.S.T.C have up their sleeves.
Jason McCullough as Marcus Andronicus
Jason is long time veteran of M.S.T.C. He's been with the "Shakespeare Made Easy" school tour for 9 years, and has been in many other M.S.T.C. and Purple 9 Productions. He's proud to be once again in front of the Montreal Community with a well crafted and mature piece of Shakespeare's works.
Chris Nachaj as Bassanius
Chris Nachaj has been performing in Montreal for the past 5 years. Past credits include: Quixote, Othello, Bestiary, The Importance of Being Earnest/L’Importance d’Etre Constant. This summer he is starring in Arthur C. Clarke’s How We Went To Mars at the Montreal Fringe Festival, and “Obsession: Tales from Edgar Allan Poe” for The Black Bird Productions. Chris is very excited to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Company for the first time on Titus Andronicus.
Megan Bradley as Gaia the nurse
Actor, teacher, traveler, Megan is excited to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company again, having just finished their 2010-2011 School Tour - playing Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night. A gradute of the John Abbott College's Professional Theatre program, she has enjoyed playing other roles such as Audrey (As You Like It - Repercussion Theatre), Princess Jasmine (Aladdin - Left of Center Theatre), Lynne (Stepping Out - 3 BMP) and Bernice (Luanne - 3 BMP) and Alice (You Can't Take It With You - JAC Theatre). She teaches Drama at the Dollard Center for the Arts (ages 5 - 14) and has created a program to teach French to the children in English daycares around Montreal called Beyond the Basics. She hopes you will enjoy the show.
Stephanie Von Roretz as Young Lucius
Stephanie von Roretz is a graduate student of Dawson College's Professional Theatre program and has been acting since a very young age. She is also a talented singer and writer. She has performed in productions such as The Crucible by Arthur Miller and Escape from Happiness by Canadian playwright George F. Walker. She is proud and excited to be working once more with The Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company playing the part of Young Lucius in their production of Titus Andronicus.
J.S. Elie as Martius Andronicus
A Montreal native and recent Communications Graduate from Concordia University, J.S. has rekindled a long-time love for acting over the past few years, training at I.O. Acting with Adam Kelly and at ASM with Liz Valdez. After taking on the role in the Fall of 2010 of Marc Lepine in The Anorak, based on the Polytechnique shootings, he's performed for Brave New Production's Here’s To Love and Being Earnest in the Fringe Festival. He is extremely honored to be part of M.S.T.C.'s production of Titus Andronicus as Martius. It'll be a bloody good time!
Angelo Vernucci as Quintus Andronicus
New to the Montréal
independent acting scene, Angelo has delved in theatre and film. Film and Web credits
include Living the Dream (Kes Tagney
Prod.), The Old Scratch
(Michael Trader), Montreal Hearts (Gung
Horse Prod.). Theatre credits include P4W
(Zeitgeist Theatre), Stop Kiss
(Chrysanthemum Prod.), Here’s To Love
(Brave New Prod.) and Luann: The Musical. Many thanks to Aaron and
Ace (M.S.T.C.) for the opportunity to be part of this exciting staging of
Shakespeare’s deadliest, Titus Andronicus.
Cheers and enjoy!
Aris Tyros as Mutius Andronicus
Aris has just finished his first of three years in Dawson's theatre program. You can catch him in a play (not sure which one yet) at Dawson this fall. Recent credits include: Aladdin (Left of Centre Theatre Company), Daisy and the Wonder Weeds (CETM), and Face Value, a short film made in 24 hours for the Montreal Film Race. Aris is extrememly excited to be working with this very talented cast in the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company's biggest production ever!
Zachary Amzallag as Alarabus
Zack's passion for acting began when at the tender age of 9, he was dragged to France to live with his family. It was the same year that his new bilingual school cast him as the lead in a musical production of "Jason And The Argonauts".
Zack has enrolled in NYC's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre this fall, but is thrilled to be participating in this M.S.T.C. production of Titus before taking off, and hopes the cast is not expected to clean up blood.
He lives and works in Montreal and when he is not acting, auditioning or studying the Meisner technique with reknown coach Jacqueline McClintock -- he writes and produces web-video for creative shop onesum agency.
Zack has enrolled in NYC's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre this fall, but is thrilled to be participating in this M.S.T.C. production of Titus before taking off, and hopes the cast is not expected to clean up blood.
He lives and works in Montreal and when he is not acting, auditioning or studying the Meisner technique with reknown coach Jacqueline McClintock -- he writes and produces web-video for creative shop onesum agency.
Liana Muhammad as Aemilius
Liana Muhammad is a recent graduate of the Dawson College Professional Theatre Program, class of 2010 where she was honoured with the Brian Cloutte Memorial Award for excellence in acting, and dedication to her profession. During her three years she has played a variety of supporting and leading roles in five productions. Not long after graduating, she has been fortunate enough to work with M.S.T.C on their school tour, where she played Desdemona in Othello. Working with M.S.T.C has been a wonderful experience. She is thrilled to get the opportunity to work with them again in Titus Andronicus.
Michelle Lewis as Publius
Michelle is a recent graduate of the John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program, where she was often asked by peers to *stop* talking about Shakespeare. Favourite roles include Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Cassie Cooper in Neil Simon's "Rumours", both with JAC Theatre. She is thrilled to be taking her first step into the real world with the M.S.T.C.
Julianna Kun as Caius
Julianna is a graduate of the John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program. Some of her favourite roles have been in Hair (JAC Theatre), You Can’t Take It With You (JAC Theatre), Elektra (JAC Theatre), Aladdin (Left of Centre Theatre Co.) and Henry V (Persephone Productions). She is thrilled to be embarking on a new creative journey with M.S.T.C.’s production of Titus Andronicus.
Sandra Foisy as Lucretia
Sandra grew up in the Laurentians, and moved to Montreal in 2005 to pursue her love of acting. She graduated from the Dawson College Professional Theatre Program in 2008. Some favorite performances include: Irma in The Madwoman of Chailliot, and Fanny Goodwill in Joseph Andrews. She has toured for two seasons with the M.S.T.C. in their adaptations of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet in 2010 and Othello and Twelfth Night in 2011. She is very excited to be a part of Titus Andronicus and would like to thank the M.S.T.C. for this amazing opportunity and wonderful experience.
Michaela Di Cesare as Saura
Michaela is currently completing her Master’s Degree from U of T’s Drama Centre. In Montreal she most recently appeared as Mariedl in Werner Schwab’s Holy Mothers at Theatre Ste-Catherine, the Young Woman in Mike Bartlett’s My Child at Mainline Theatre, and as Aimy Hart in the web series Miss Top 10 that she wrote and co-produced. At the DC she appeared in Ovid: Love Letters from the Empty Bed, Much Ado about Don Juan, and New Custom. Michaela wrote and performed 8 Ways my Mother was Conceived under the direction of Paula Sperdakos at U of T and is excited for its move to the 2011 St-Ambroise Montreal FRINGE Festival. This is her first time working with the M.S.T.C. and she is thrilled to have joined the wonderful Titus Andronicus team!
Tracy Allan as Aurelia
Tracy has been performing on stage since the age of six and has never looked back. She is a graduate of the Concordia Theatre Department and also trained at the Professional Theatre department of John Abbott College. Past credits include Slave of the Ring in Aladdin, Queen Penelope , Susan in Tom Jones, and Masha in The Seagull. She is extremely excited to be working with the M.S.T.C. would like to thank the entire cast and crew for this amazing opportunity.
Lia Grant as Verilia
Lia is a recent graduate of the John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program where she was awarded the Jason Panich Memorial Scholarship. Selected credits include Cookie in Rumors, The Beggar in Fiddler on the Roof, Petra in The Chrysalids, Marigold in Toad of Toad Hall and most recently, Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lia is very excited to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company on this summer’s production of Titus Andronicus.
Anne-Marie Saheb as Mira
Anne-Marie Saheb is a graduate of the Dawson College Professional Theatre Program
and has since worked in French, English and Spanish. Her most recent projects
include co-starring in the feature film Stations by Onur Karaman presented at
the Montreal World Film Festival in 2010 and playing the character of Elizabeth Morden
in Griffin Town Theatre's production of Our Country's Good. This will be her first experience with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company and a most enriching one considering
their choice of Titus Andronicus and its exceptionally large and talented cast!
and has since worked in French, English and Spanish. Her most recent projects
include co-starring in the feature film Stations by Onur Karaman presented at
the Montreal World Film Festival in 2010 and playing the character of Elizabeth Morden
in Griffin Town Theatre's production of Our Country's Good. This will be her first experience with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company and a most enriching one considering
their choice of Titus Andronicus and its exceptionally large and talented cast!
Judith Portelance as Domitia
Judith began stage-acting when she was eleven years old and it has since then been a life-long passion that she has followed with stubborn determination.
As of August 2011, Judith will be studying in Professional Theatre at Dawson College. She is very excited to be a part of the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time, a company she has had the delight to see perform in her high school days. Judith would like to thank her parents and loving boyfriend for their support over the past few years, as well as thank Ace Lopes and Aaron George for giving her this unique opportunity.
As of August 2011, Judith will be studying in Professional Theatre at Dawson College. She is very excited to be a part of the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time, a company she has had the delight to see perform in her high school days. Judith would like to thank her parents and loving boyfriend for their support over the past few years, as well as thank Ace Lopes and Aaron George for giving her this unique opportunity.
Patrick Beaulieu as Leesius
Patrick is extremely excited to be participating in such an amazing show as Titus Andronicus! Pat has been an ASM for the M.S.T.C. on its 2007 & 2008 school tours and cannot wait to be on stage with such a talented cast. He'd like to thank Ace Lopes and Aaron George for this opportunity and hopes you will enjoy the show!
Karine Kerr-Gillespie as Sentia
Karine has been studying acting since age 12. She learned the basic of stage performance at École de Théâtre du Vieux St-Eustache. She continued her training at Concordia University and I.O. Acting under Adam Kelly. She has worked both in front and behind the scenes; her credits include stage manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and production assistant for the short film Her Night. She is excited to be part of this production of Titus Andronicus by M.T.S.C. and is very thankful for this opportunity.
Jumaane Johnson as Pasaius
Jumaane Johnson is an avid movie and theatre fan. He joined the the M.T.S.C. by attending a Fundraiser back in March 2011 and won an auction for a non-spoken role in the production of Titus. Jumaane works full-time at UPS Lachine in Customer Service. He is a friend of fellow M.T.S.C. actress Megan Bradley. Jumaane also volunteers his time when needed at St Matthias Church whenever asked. He is very much looking forward to participating in this play.
Joseph Ste-Marie as Ludius
Joseph is excited to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time. He is a graduate of Vanier College’s Communications program in 2005, where he performed in two class productions (Jack And The Submission and Love None). In 2009, after a hiatus from performing, he began to attend improv classes and now performs frequently at Montreal Improv and at Theatre Ste. Catherine (Le Nouveau International). He recently wrote, produced and starred in his first production, Elevated: Pushing Buttons at this year’s St. Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival where he was the recipient of the 2011 Spirit of The Fringe award. Joseph would like to thank Ace and the entire cast & crew for giving him the opportunity to participate in this great production of Titus Andronicus.
Laura Vizbara as Satira
Laura works in film production by day, studies linguistics and Chinese at Concordia University by night, and moonlights as a performer and host at Montreal Improv Theater and Le Nouveau Theâtre International (formerly known as Theatre Ste-Catherine), where she's been studying the art of storytelling through Improv for the last two years. One of her favorite movies growing up was A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring James Cagney and Mickey Rooney. She is excited to channel her inner Bard and support the cast and crew that has warmly welcomed her aboard the production of Titus Andronicus. This is her first role in a Shakespearian play.
Harley Rose Wright as Serina
Harley is M.S.T.C.'s Executive Producer Ace Lopes's daughter and has been acting for a number of years already. Her previous credits include the Jungle Book, Twelfth Night, Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes. Harley is very excited to be working with her Dad on Titus Andronicus and can't wait for everyone to see the show.
Ace Lopes.....All Percussion / Producer
Ace co-founded the M.S.T.C. with his partner Aaron over 10 years ago and they've been like an old married couple ever since! Having come from a musical background where he performed over 700 live shows with various bands, Ace is proud to finally be able to perform with his theatre company on stage! "Can you believe that after producing and stage managing over 450 shows for the M.S.T.C. I finally get to perform on stage? Jeez what's it gonna take?!" Ace has been playing drums and percussion for over 35 years and has toured extensively.
He couldn't be prouder of the cast that he and Aaron have assembled for Titus Andronicus and if there was ever any doubt as to what the M.S.T.C. can do....just watch!!
He couldn't be prouder of the cast that he and Aaron have assembled for Titus Andronicus and if there was ever any doubt as to what the M.S.T.C. can do....just watch!!
Aaron George.....Director
Aaron has been the Artistic Director of the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company since 2001. During his tenure he’s had the privilege of directing productions of: King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Comedy of Errors, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and most recently Othello. He is super excited to be tackling this brutal tale of human revenge. Aaron would like to thank Ace, Gillian, Jordana, Genia and the wonderful cast for all their dedication and hard work. As well as his family and loved ones for their constant support and encouragement. Aaron also has three cats, he loves them.
Amy Blackmore.....Choreographer
Amy Blackmore is currently the Director of the St-Ambroise Montreal FRINGE Festival, the Artistic Director of Bouge D'ici Dance Festival, the President of Le Regroupement des événements pluridisciplinaires indépendants de Montréal and the reigning Provincial Air Guitar Champion. Amy is an award-winning choreographer having produced, directed, choreographed, performed and assisted for the work of many companies, including, MainLine Theatre & the Montreal FRINGE Festival, Just For Laughs, The Montreal Highlights Festival, Crystal Pite's Kidd Pivot, Pop Montréal, OFF-TA, Fallen Angel Productions, Bis Films, the Canadian Dance Force and RubberBanDance. Amy is thrilled to be working with the M.S.T.C. on Titus Andronicus. www.amyblackmore.com
Gillian Richards.....Stage Manager
Gillian is pleased to be joining the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time for their production of Titus Andronicus. Gillian has previously had the chance to work with the Bard’s words at the Shakespeare By the Sea festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where she stage managed the Tempest on a bluff with a permanent stage left exit. She also has multiple credits in Montreal’s independent theatre, including 3 years at the Montreal Fringe Festival and children’s theatre with Left of Center productions. She is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to do Shakespeare in Montreal and hopes to continue to be involved in local theatre where people get covered in blood.
Jordana Weiss.....Assistant Stage Manager
Jordana just graduated from McGill with a degree in English-Drama and Theatre. Past credits include various roles in Julius Caesar and Laura in The Glass Menagerie. She was the ASM for Measure for Measure, and the assistant production manager for The Alchemist. She was also the 2010-2011 Executive Director of Players’ Theatre. Jordana is thrilled to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company on Titus Andronicus, one of her favourite plays. Many thanks to her dance partner and family for the support.
Genia DeMarco.....Set & Costume Designer
Genia is a graduate of the professional theatre design program at John Abbott College. Since, she has designed for The New Wave Festival and the McGill Savoy Society. Her most recent designs include the set of Titus Andronicus with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company and both set and costumes for Tin Can People with Janus Productions which will be brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August.