TICKETS

A Christmas Carol

Sylvan Lake Theatre’s holiday hit is back by popular demand!

Dec 11-13 in Sylvan Lake

Experience the joy of Bridget Ryan's unforgettable musical adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic—a celebration of family, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas. Recommended for ages 12+, it's the perfect holiday outing to share with family and friends.

Last season, more than 1,000 audience members were captivated by this heartwarming production, and the demand for its return was overwhelming. Even Sylvan Lake Mayor Hanson declared, "Please, please make this show an annual tradition!"

Don't miss your chance to experience the musical everyone is talking about. Get your tickets to A Christmas Carol today and make this inspiring holiday tradition part of your season!

Shows are at; H.J. Cody High School Theatre, Sylvan Lake 4520-50 Street (Main Street)

PROGRAMME

SETTING;

1843 (past, present and future)

London, England

CAST

Click on down arrows for biographies

Tom Bradshaw holds an MFA (Acting) degree and Postgraduate (Voice & Speech Education) from York University, Toronto and studied at the ProActors Lab. He has taught at York University, Red Deer Polytech and the Canadian National Voice Intensive. Today Tom holds the position of Culture Coordinator for the Town of Sylvan Lake and hosts the Workcookie Podcast for SEBOC, USA.
He was last seen on stage in Sylvan Lake Theatre’s Theatre Trail as Alphonse in Don't Talk to Strangers.

Starlise is delighted to be part of A Christmas Carol and hopes its magic warms your soul this season. She’s thrilled to be working with this wonderful cast and team again after last year’s fantastic run. Starlise is an actor, acting coach, and Presence and Voice teacher. Recent theatre credits include The Lady Doth Protest and Constellations, with recent film work in Cowgirls and A Doll’s House. Starlise thanks the cast, crew, CAT, SLT, her Mom and Dad, and the love of her life, Dustin, for his constant support—even through four months of Christmas caroling!

A graduate of the Red Deer College theatre and film programs, Richard is very committed to supporting the creative arts throughout Alberta and has been busy doing exactly that! Recent activities include the Sylvan Lake Theatre Trail in September, Conversation With Cows (Riverbend Theatre) in October, remounting A Christmas Carol for an extended run in November & December (Sylvan Lake Theatre) as well as performing improv throughout Alberta with Bullskit Comedy and Smash Improv. Thank you all for attending A Christmas Carol and for supporting the local arts.

Suzanne (she/her/elle) first performed Christmas carols for a crowd at age four and she hasn’t stopped since. She completed the Theatre Studies program at Red Deer College, then graduated with Honours from Sheridan College's Bachelors of Musical Theatre Performance Program. This is the third show with Sylvan Lake Theatre having been hired for The Three, and last year’s A Christmas Carol. She also volunteers for community theatre and supports all creative arts. Suzanne is a Certified Travel Advisor with Shelley’s Sun and Sand Travel, exploring the world and helping others do the same. Churches, castles, museums, festivals, and family restaurants are her favourite discoveries abroad.

Robyn has been focused on storytelling all her life. After drama classes in middle and high school, she graduated from Red Deer College’s Theatre Performance & Creation and Motion Picture Arts programs with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She has a passion and expertise in working with kids, whether it be teaching or performing. She loves musicals and singing on stage, so she's thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol again this year, especially since she has also performed as Edwin Drood in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She's collecting Charles Dickens stories! Which one is next?

Jerry is a dynamic storyteller and performer, known for his novel IronBlood—Book 1 of the Subisolation series, which explores divine hubris and industrial oppression. He holds a film certification from Red Deer Polytechnic. On stage, he has acted in the Sylvan Lake Theatre Trail, A Christmas Carol (SLT) and Book Club (CAT), where his wild expressions and quirky enthusiasm shine. His directorial debut, And Then There Were None, marks a new chapter. He brings passion to every creative pursuit.

Brock is a local actor and writer who graduated from Red Deer College’s theatre and film programs, and since then, he has been entertaining and dazzling audiences with his artistic passion and comedic flair, with a hint of dynamic presence onstage. Brock has been in comedies and dramas across Alberta and BC, performing on stages both indoors and outdoors, wowing audiences in regional festivals and is ready for more holiday season antics. He has appeared in a variety of productions, including The Boor, Dracula, The Gentleman Clothier, and The Lonely Diner. He is pleased to be back with Sylvan Lake Theatre reprising his roles in A Christmas Carol.

CREATIVE TEAM

Tanya is the founder of Sylvan Lake Theatre and its Theatre School and loves creating opportunities for people to discover the power of theatre. Since launching SLT four years ago, she has directed Fully Committed, The Birds and the Bees, The Three-A Monster of a Musical, 52 Pick-Up, A Christmas Carol (twice!) and five plays for the Theatre Trail. Tanya is especially passionate about encouraging new writers and bringing new stories to the stage. She has helped develop and produce 26 original one-act plays through SLT’s two New-Play Festivals and award-winning Theatre Trail. The Theatre School offers directing, acting and playwriting for adults, plus summer drama camps for children ages 8–14. Prior to SLT, Tanya spent 29 seasons teaching theatre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

A Christmas Carol is Kerry’s second season with Sylvan Lake Theatre. Having had this production performed last year, she is delighted to return to work with such dedicated and talented volunteers who bring the magic to life. Kerry Heisler has been a dedicated music educator since 1997, teaching students from kindergarten through grade 6, as well as leading concert band, choir, and guitar programs. She was honored to conduct the All-State Children’s Choir at the 2023 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. Kerry has served as Music Director for numerous theatrical productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Godspell, and Grease. She also conducts two community adult choirs: Sylvan Lake Sacred Massed Choir and Jubilare. Kerry holds a Vocal Performance Diploma, a BA in Cultural Arts Administration, a Bachelor of Music Education, and a Master’s in music education from Acadia University. Kerry is also the author of the Eddie and Emily, the Eighth Notes children's book series.

Carrie holds an MFA in Theatre Design. As Resident Designer and instructor for the Red Deer College Theatre program for over 20 years Carrie created set, costumes, and lighting designs for more than 40 theatre productions. She has designed professionally throughout Alberta, and has been an instructor at Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts, The Citadel Theatre, and the U of A. Whenever possible she feeds her passion by traveling extensively to the world’s cultural centres including Prague, Italy, New York, London, Stratford upon Avon, and the Shaw Festival. A Christmas Carol is her second production design for Sylvan Lake Theatre. In 2024 she also designed The Birds and the Bees.

Lacey is a life-long theatre lover. She began her formal training at 11 years old and has been working professionally in the craft for over 25 years.  She loves a “period piece” so when she was given the opportunity to do a play with both Victorian and Regency styles, she said yes! She hopes you enjoy the talents of everyone involved who dedicated themselves to this production. It was a collaborative labor of love from many amazing artists. May your season be merry, loving and bright!

Reina is returning as the stage manager for this year's The Christmas Carol. She is excited to be a part of this show again. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and as per Tiny Tim, "God bless us everyone!".

Dave is a graduate of Red Deer College’s Theatre Technology and Grant MacEwan College’s Arts & Cultural Management programs. An award-winning photographer and writer, Dave runs the board game review website, TheRatHole.ca, as well as being the host of the YouTube programs The Legend of the Traveling TARDIS, Happiness Patrol, and Horses on Film. This is his second time working with the Sylvan Lake Theatre company, but still only his first show with them.

What an honour it is to return this season and remount A Christmas Carol. The building of this show proved to be a creative challenge, pulling from previous show creations allowing for a more immersive experience for the audience. As a graduate of the RDC music program, Jordan was able to draw from his proficiency in guitar, piano and drums in layering that musical soundscape.

Barbara Jean taught drama, musical theatre and theatre tech in Red Deer for over 30 years, directed and designed 8 musicals, over 50 One Acts, and over 200 collective creations, and designed and decorated sets for a variety of shows. Her most recent directing credits are Stag and Doe (CAT) Change, Until We Meet Again, Still Waters (Sylvan Lake Theatre) The Kiss (Riverbend Theatre Company). Acting credits are long and varied from community to professional theatre. It is an absolute treat to work with Sylvan Lake Theatre on A Christmas Carol.

Eva joined Sylvan Lake Theatre last season as a sound operator for A Christmas Carol, though her theatrical experience and interests include directing, acting, and technical roles in many musicals and one-acts. She would like to thank Tanya for welcoming her onto SLT’s amazing team, Reina for her expert coordination, and every wonderful actor and technician she has had the pleasure of working with! She is excited to play a new role in bringing a little Christmas magic to the stage and hopes you enjoy the show!