Where bold ideas take the stage and the future of the arts ignites.
About IGNITE!
Welcome to the IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists!
Produced by Sage Theatre, IGNITE! is a multi‑disciplinary festival dedicated to supporting emerging artists by providing professional presentation opportunities, meaningful development support and direct connection with audiences.
June 3 – 6, 2026
Pumphouse Theatre
2026 IGNITE poster art by Danielle Rania Rourke
Explore our shows
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
A therapist dreams up ways to enact revenge toward the villains in her client’s lives. Along the way she is confronted by her own demons that hide in the shadows of her past. A darkly funny and intimate exploration of the troubling thoughts that shape our lives and impulses, and how they can offer comfort in the face of injustice.
Is it possible to cross the line from civility to madness, even if it is just in our minds? Is it ok to wish harm in the face of atrocities, even if it’s just a passing thought? How far is too far when all we have is our imagination?
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Andrea is a playwright, actor and psychotherapist living in British Columbia Canada. Never one for traditional theatre, Andrea focuses on original and modern creation, inspired by personal stories, events, and the eccentric wanderings of the human mind. She finds the space between personal story, contemporary theatre and psychology to be the most exciting and dynamic gathering place to explore and play. Andrea studied acting at Vancouver Island University and Studio 58. She holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology with a specialization in drama therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, California and a BFA in Theatre and Development and Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, QC.
LALO & LOLA’S CLOWN CABARET
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Adania is a Queer Mexican re-emerging artist based in Calgary, AB. In 2005, they received the Ulua National Award for “Best Character Actress” in Mexico. From 2006 to 2010 they joined the “As Teatro” company, where they began learning clown, puppetry, and mask. In 2022 in Calgary, they performed as Alice in “Alice in Wonder Airlines” for the First Spanish Theatre Festival in Calgary, later that year, they performed as Nerv-Osita in “Una Pastorela” for Casa Mexico. In March 2026 they performed as Turtle in “We Are Animals”, for the Elevator Project. Adania is currently a first-year drama undergrad student. Adania loves singing, performing burlesque, as well as spending time playing board games with family and friends, while cooking big hearty meals.
Ahona Sanyal is an emerging artist with a deep love for storytelling. Recently earning her BFA from the University of Lethbridge, Ahona spent a majority of her time studying puppetry, clown, and Theatre for Young Audiences. She loves to move, be silly, and create theatre with her community, for her community.
Ali Miller is an emerging artist born and raised in Calgary. They are a director, playwright and clown. Previous work includes their play The Rabbit, the Water and the Worms which was produced in the Ignite Festival in 2023.
Iván Guevara García is a Mexican-Canadian artist studying Drama & Communications at the University of Calgary. He is constantly exploring culture and breaking language barriers through the universal language of movement. He loves that theatre shows are called “plays” in English because they capture the essence of his work so perfectly. The more we play the more we discover! His dreams are to become a DJ, teaching artist and Lalo the Clown Master!
His adaptation of La Danza de Los Viejitos has toured Calgary since 2024, received a CADA grant and has been awarded “Outstanding Production” at the Calgary Region One-Act Festival 2026. Iván has also Produced and Co-Directed Esperanza, performed at the Festival of Animated Objects 2025 & 2026.
Joyce Kabengele is an emerging performer whose journey into acting began through a love of anime and the imaginative worlds it created. Drawn to storytelling that is expressive, physical, and emotionally honest, she is excited to explore clown for the first time after being told there is a natural clown within her. She is interested in clowning as a way to continue pushing herself into new spaces, taking creative risks, and building worlds that invite connection, play, and vulnerability. Through performance, she hopes to keep discovering new ways of creating meaningful and imaginative experiences for others.
Kyle’s an emerging artist currently in the BFA Drama program at the University of Calgary. They’ve worked on Shakespeare in Love (University of Calgary – SCPA 2023) , Good As Gold (FlipSide Theatre Collective 2024), Our Town (University of Calgary – SCPA 2025), ESPERANZA! (Festival of Animated Objects 2025), Every Waking Second… (Common Grounds Festival 2025), and 7 Stories (University of Calgary – SCPA 2026). Their main interests are to improve their skills in their craft and is extremely exited to step on stage with all their clownliness.
Mariza (she/her) is a Mexican/Canadian artist in making! Although she is proud to count on 5 years of University, and Indie experience, she feels as though she’s only getting started! Mariza’s artistic pleasure relies on pleasure, whether it’s the lack thereof, or the extreme sensation of it. She hopes to engage the audiences that witnesses her work to at least one moment of curiosity. Mariza siente una inmensa sensación de agradecimiento y fortuna con su familia y seres queridos que la apoyan.
Oli Khubyar (they/them) is a 5th year Drama Education student at the University. Previous stage management credits include: Grease! The Musical. Some onstage credits include: We Are Animals, Our Town, Shakespeare in Love, Much Ado About Nothing. Oli has also had an original play produced by Nickle and Dime theatre at the University, and performed in Verb Theatre’s Queer and Trans playwright program. Oli is a passionate theatre artist, hoping to extend that passion towards educating students about the art. Outside of the rehearsal hall, Oli spends most of their time doodling countless, unfinished masterpieces in the margins of their notebooks and playing minesweeper instead of finishing assignments. Oli hopes you enjoy the show, and they thank you for supporting the art form that they love so much!
For University of Calgary, SCPA: The Elevator Project, Women of the Fur Trade, Girl on Parade, Our Town, The Wolves, (Magnetic Bodies, In collaboration with: Alchemy Festival & Downstage) Lights Out, Shakespeare in Love, and The Little Forest(Wagonstage). Other Projects: Where Have All the Witches Gone? (Scorched Women Collective-Calgary Fringe Festival), 2024 Student Showcase (Festival of Animated Objects), HOME, Absence, The Container, Green Key (Saeid Asgarian-Roommate Art Company and Ignite Festival)
Sophia is over the moon, excited to be apart of this project. Throughout their journey as an artist, they have been told several times to dial their inner clown down… But now all they ask, is for the audience to sit back and get ready to watch a clown unleashed.
With a love for many aspects of theatre, Soph enjoys directing, acting and scenic carpentry when causing chaos as a clown isn’t an option. Art has always been an essential part of Soph’s life, with a passion for all things odd, experimental and full of energy, and hopes that this comes through on stage. When not working on theatre, you can find Soph birdwatching, listening to music or finding a cat to pet.
Sylviane Allard (they/he) is entering their fourth year in the BFA Drama program at the University of Calgary. Although they first discovered their passion for theatre while playing Juliet in their high school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, Sylviane has expanded their passion beyond acting. Recently they produced The Elevator Project (March 2026) and designed lights for La Danza De Los Viejitos, which won Outstanding Production at the Calgary Region One Act Festival (April 2026). Currently Sylviane has a newfound love for clown after studying with Jacqueline Russel at the University of Calgary and is excited to publicly debut their clown Sal at this year’s IGNITE! Festival.
RESPONSE TO BEAUTY
Resurrected from figments of memory and code, Echo awakens and redefines what it means to be human. A body, mind, and soul gently nurtured back to working order is the work of the observant yet uncertain of his own purpose, Inkwell.
These two souls in android bodies rediscover what life once was, where they lingered, and where they were forgotten, but by trusting one another, the human responds once more to beauty.
Presented with Teach Me How To Fall.
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Andrea is a Colombian artist based in Calgary. She has completed her BA in Psychology with a minor in Drama. She is on the Creative Team at Urban Stories Theatre where she has had opportunities to work on many projects as actor, director, stage manager and co-producer. Her next project is directing Happy Hour in FLC’s Seniors Acting Club Cabaret Showcase II that runs from June 16-20. She is excited to be working on Response to Beauty and hopes you enjoy the show!
Emerging artist in Response to Beauty.
Emerging Artist in Response to Beauty.
Sleman Aldib is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Arab Canadian Theatre, Kawalease ACT. An accomplished actor, writer, performer, and director, he also serves as a board member of The Calgary Arab Arts & Cultural Society. He is a recipient of the Canadian Arab Institute’s “30 Under 30” Initiative Award. Sleman’s creative portfolio includes four original productions: “Jasmine,” “Snatched from the Back,” “Fight or Flight,” and “The Opposite.” His production “The Opposite” is a thought-provoking piece that explores the hypothetical scenario of Canadians experiencing war and seeking refuge. Recently, he directed and produced “Interrogation” at the Engineered Air Theatre. Beyond theatre, Sleman’s passion for storytelling extends to photography, where he captures moments that often speak louder than words. This passion has led him to become a professional photographer, dedicated to unfolding the untold through his lens.
RETURN
“Good evening civilians of the planet Arse, Pisces constellation, one of the many closest to the asteroid belt, perfectly located for some mini Galaxy golf. As usual, I’d like to embellish some wisdom to the people, who might be looking back to this tape as my final goodbye”
After a cataclysmic event forced the people on earth to relocate the planet Mars, Return follows the first crew to journey back to earth in pursuit of normalcy. As the characters to struggle with identity and power, a question posed for everyone to ponder emerges: What does it actually mean to go back to normal?
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Chris “the Hat Guy” Mosimann (He/Him) is an aspiring teacher and director. His previous work as a director includes “But What Is Natural” (Alchemy Festival, Ignite Festival), “So What’s the Vibe” (ND Theatre) and “How to Eat Buttered Crabs” (U of C, Elevator Project). As a theatre practitioner/watcher he is drawn to character development, and stories that bring people together. His hobbies include going for long walks and watching cartoons with his cat. He is incredibly grateful to his friends and family who have helped him pursue continued opportunities in theatre and education.
Daniel Sanguinetti, originally from Venezuela, is a musician, actor, and filmmaker active in Calgary. He studied Music and Drama at the University of Calgary, focusing on guitar, acting, and singing.
Previous show credits include RENT (The Honest Collective), Lights Out (University of Calgary) Mamma Mia! (Front Row Centre Players), and Legally Blonde (MTUCalgary). He has also performed extensively in various music ensembles and communities such as the Youth Singers of Calgary, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, and Schulich Soundstage.
Daniel is currently an Associate Producer at NUTV, where he created the docu-series “SPOTLiGHT”, which is available to watch on NUTV’s YouTube channel.
Deborah Olubaju (she/her) is a 2nd year British-Nigerian drama student at the University of Calgary. Her interest in theatre first manifested in middle school when she first discovered the Pandora’s box that was Hamilton. Since then, she has been involved in multiple productions as both an actor and backstage crew. Some of her theatre work include The Lion King Jr as ensemble and scenic painter, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon as the Actor, an original production of The Nativity as the playwright, as well as a production of We Are Animals with the University of Calgary as Boar. Outside of theatre, Deborah spends much of her time reading comic books, complaining about comic books, spending time with friends, playing guitar, and daydreaming. Deborah thanks you for coming to see the show and hopes you enjoy it!
Ethan Hugel-Ouellette: Carmen in Return, has worked in SCPA projects at the university of Calgary’s acting program, Our town and We are animals. Other projects include, Poetry cabaret with One yellow Rabbits beautiful young artists collective and Festival of animated objects mask and mine showcase. He is thrilled to take part in this production as a longtime sci-fi fan and is excited for his first appearance at Ignite festival. Ethan would also like to thank family and friends for their continued support.
Isabel Liscano (she/her) is a second year at the University of Calgary, seeking a BFA in Drama. As an aspiring actor, she is looking to expand her experience on stage and explore new opportunities by learning from new people who aren’t afraid to “express their weird”, as an old instructor of hers would say. Her hobbies include creative writing, video editing, singing, and (very reluctantly), dancing. With a tendency of tentativeness, she strives to push forward, and is learning to take charge of what she’s passionate about.
Mariza (she/her) is a Mexican/Canadian artist in making! Although she is proud to count on 5 years of University, and Indie experience, she feels as though she’s only getting started! Mariza’s artistic pleasure relies on pleasure, whether it’s the lack thereof, or the extreme sensation of it. She hopes to engage the audiences that witnesses her work to at least one moment of curiosity. Mariza siente una inmensa sensación de agradecimiento y fortuna con su familia y seres queridos que la apoyan.
Nicole Pearce (she/her) is a student at the University of Calgary and is majoring in psychology. She has a great passion for theater, especially stage management. She did theater throughout all four years of high school and has done stage management for over 18 productions. She is so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to be the Stage Manager for “Return” and can’t wait for everyone to see the show!
Nikhat Saheb (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Treaty 7. Nikhat’s passion for theatre comes from her love of community building and storytelling. As a biracial artist, she strives to connect her creativity with her Fijian and Filipino roots. With her background in dance, Nikhat enjoys experimenting with movement, collaborating with new people, and pushing her creativity. On a day off she enjoys lying in bed with mint chocolate ice cream and her cat Coco to binge watch Forensic Files. Nikhat is grateful to be given the opportunity to create and collaborate with Medley Entertainment Studio & Stories to learn new skills and dive into the world of storytelling!
Nikki Orana Rvachew (she/her) is an artist born in Tkaronto, currently living in Mohkinstsis. She has been acting from an early age, participating in theatre in her community and school. Her latest roles include Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love (2023) with the University of Calgary, Idalia in Dulcinea del Toboso (2024) with IGNITE! and Bitelle in La Cage aux Folles with Front Row Center (2025). In 2025, she worked with Incendiary Festival as a playwright.
She is so excited to be working with Medley Entertainment Studio and IGNITE! Festival on this piece!
SUGAR
SUGAR is an interdisciplinary solo performance that explores addiction, survival, and recovery through Indigenous storytelling, theatre, and movement.
While addiction is the entry point, the work expands to address gaps in mental health care, systemic barriers within health systems, and the ongoing impact of violence in Indigenous communities. It is grounded in lived experience, but it is not only personal. It asks how trauma lives in the body, and what it means to take accountability, reconnect, and rebuild.
The piece moves through multiple states using text and physical performance. It shifts between vulnerability, harm, memory, and moments of awareness. At its core, SUGAR is about survival and the process of finding a way forward.
Created with support from the Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Artist in Residence Program.
SUGAR:
Emerging artist in SUGAR.
Emerging artist in SUGAR
Randy Plain Eagle is a Two-Spirit Blackfoot artist from the Piikani Nation whose work moves between theatre, dance, and storytelling. His practice is grounded in using art, education, and culture as tools for healing and connection.
He trained at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in Toronto, completing a conservatory-style program focused on acting, movement, voice, and Indigenous performance practices. He also studied musical theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Prince Edward Island.
His performance work includes touring nationally in the musical The Dream Catchers and performing in My Hundred Years of Solitude at the Vanguardia Dance Festival in Toronto alongside Alejandro Ronceria. He has also worked closely with Trickster Theatre and appeared in the music video Hallucination Suplex, which received national recognition.
He recently completed an artist residency with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, where he began developing his solo work SUGAR.
Randy is currently studying Arts and Cultural Management at MacEwan University. His work is shaped by lived experience and centers identity, recovery, and resilience, with a focus on creating honest and culturally grounded performance.
Emerging artist in SUGAR
TEA TEA
TEA TEA follows the ebbs and flows of Bollywood and blends them together with HipHop elements to create a high-energy, cross-cultural experience. Inspired by the first generation South Asian experience, this piece represents identity in its ever changing form.
Presented with Journey of My Eagle.
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Emerging artist in TEA TEA.
Nyny is a Calgary and London-based choreographer with a passion for exploring and blending diverse dance styles. When she’s not in the studio, she spends her time writing, drinking matcha, and watching hockey.
Emerging Artist in TEA TEA.
Emerging artist in TEA TEA.
Dancer • Badminton enjoyer • Makeup lover
I study different styles, but hip hop is home. I’m obsessed with learning, documenting my progress, and building a version of myself that’s both disciplined and expressive whether that’s personally oriented and dancing! 🙂 I’m a group-choreo typa girl, the structure, the timing, the pressure to match everyone makes me feel most alive, when I’m synchronized- that’s where the beats hits the same for the rest of us and it looks tuff!!
I’m a passionate and versatile dancer who uses movement as a way to express emotion, confidence, and individuality.
TEACH ME HOW TO FALL
Presented with Response to Beauty.
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Hanna Ferrow is an Eritrean Canadian student studying drama at the University of Calgary. Her interests are in the fields of tech, design and stage management. Besides school and theatre, Hanna enjoys reading, gaming, hanging out and laughing with friends, being on radio, watching a ton of YouTube and being with her sister and cat. Past projects Hanna has done are Our Town (SCPA; lighting operator), Heathers: the musical (Untold Stories; lighting operator), Teach
Me How To Fall (ND Playfest; stage manager), So, What’s the Vibe (ND 2025; stage manager) and How To Eat Butter Crabs (SCPA; lighting designer) and Possible worlds (ND 2026; lighting designer). Hanna is excited to be working on this amazing project under Medley with all these lovely people!!
Kyle’s an emerging artist currently in the BFA Drama program at the University of Calgary. They’ve worked on Shakespeare in Love (University of Calgary – SCPA 2023) , Good As Gold (FlipSide Theatre Collective 2024), Our Town (University of Calgary – SCPA 2025), ESPERANZA! (Festival of Animated Objects 2025), Every Waking Second… (Common Grounds Festival 2025), and 7 Stories (University of Calgary – SCPA 2026). Their main interests are to improve their skills in their craft but are still open to learning other aspects of theatre. This is their first time directing and they are extremely grateful for the amount of opportunities presented to them so far and thankful for the guidance of both their mentors and fellow peers.
Maverick (he/they) is a queer and Métis visual and performance artist currently pursuing his BFa at the University of Calgary. Recently performing in The Elevator Project’s We Are Animals, his acting experience primarily consists of student-driven projects and devised theatre creation. Beyond theatre, you can find Maverick behind the camera as a photographer, attending local shows, reading vampire books, and enjoying nature!
Nikhat Saheb (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Treaty 7. Nikhat’s passion for theatre comes from her love of community building and storytelling. As a biracial artist, she strives to connect her creativity with her Fijian and Filipino roots. With her background in dance, Nikhat enjoys experimenting with movement, collaborating with new people, and pushing her creativity. On a day off she enjoys lying in bed with mint chocolate ice cream and her cat Coco to binge watch Forensic Files. Nikhat is grateful to be given the opportunity to create and collaborate with Medley Entertainment Studio & Stories to learn new skills and dive into the world of storytelling!
Sarah Innes (she/her) is an emerging performer, stage manager, and writer. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Drama, a BA in English, and a Certificate in Creative Writing at the University of Calgary. University of Calgary SCPA projects include Seven Stories, Women of the Fur Trade, The Wolves, But What Is Natural (Alchemy Festival), and the Student Mask Showcase (in Collaboration with the Festival of Animated Objects). Other Projects include Every Waking Second (Common Ground Festival), Esperanza (Festival of Animated Objects, The Interview Play (Levity Theatre, Calgary Fringe Festival), But What Is Natural (Ignite Festival), and Tea Parties with Friends (Ignite Festival). When not in the theatre, you can find Sarah with a book and a large cup of coffee.
Sylviane (Sylvie) Allard is a genderqueer artist who is entering their fourth year in the BFA Drama program at the University of Calgary. Although they first discovered their passion for theatre while playing Juliet in their high school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, Sylviane has expanded his passion beyond acting. Recently he produced The Elevator Project (March 2026) and designed lights for La Danza De Los Viejitos, which won Outstanding Production at the Calgary Region One Act Festival (April 2026). Now Sylviane is excited to return to directing, this time as a co-director with Kyle Pacheco, for the show, Teach Me How To Fall.
THE DISILLUSION OF THE 1950s HOUSEWIFE
A picture-perfect 1950s housewife prepares an ideal dinner for her family, but all is not as perfect as it seems, and the true nature of her reality reveals itself through this short solo performance.
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El Spring is an Arts Education student at the University of Calgary. Originally from Fort McMurray, AB, El began acting with Keyano Theatre’s Drama Force and the Holy Trinity Theatre Academy before transitioning to directing in their final years up north. Since relocating to Calgary, El has worked as a stage manager and designer on University productions and has continued directing with ND Student Theatre. Outside of theatre, El is a dedicated advocate for education and inclusion, fighting to make both the classroom and the stage a welcoming place for all.
Sarah Innes (she/her) is an emerging performer, stage manager, and writer. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Drama, a BA in English, and a Certificate in Creative Writing at the University of Calgary. University of Calgary SCPA projects include Seven Stories, Women of the Fur Trade, The Wolves, But What Is Natural (Alchemy Festival), and the Student Mask Showcase (in Collaboration with the Festival of Animated Objects). Other Projects include Every Waking Second (Common Ground Festival), Esperanza (Festival of Animated Objects, The Interview Play (Levity Theatre, Calgary Fringe Festival), But What Is Natural (Ignite Festival), and Tea Parties with Friends (Ignite Festival). When not in the theatre, you can find Sarah with a book and a large cup of coffee.
THE JOURNEY OF MY EAGLE
“The Journey of My Eagle” is a solo interdisciplinary theatre performance that combines voice, movement, ritual, and storytelling to explore emotional disconnection, body image, resilience, and self-reconnection. The work follows a woman in her fifties who feels overwhelmed by disconnection from herself and the world until her internal Eagle — a symbol of survival instinct, transformation, and freedom — emerges as a force guiding her toward renewal.
Presented with TEA TEA.
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Geraldine Fuenmayor is a Calgary-based theatre creator, performer, playwright, and director with nearly 12 years of artistic experience. Her work explores migration, queer identity, and Latinx cultural narratives through bilingual storytelling, music, and movement. She creates original theatre that blends acting, voice, and physical performance to tell intimate and socially relevant stories.
THE WORMS, THE RABBIT & THE ROSE
“The Worms, the Rabbit and the Rose” follows an abusive man as he faces the inner epithets of his child, wife and lover in order to prevent his own death. This domestic drama turned absurdist death journey explores masculinity, abuse and how we can end generational cycles.
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Ale is an emerging Calgary-based actress with a background in musical theatre. After making her stage debut in *Hairspray*, she is excited to continue growing as a performer in her second production, *The Worms, the Rabbit, and the Rose*. In this production, she portrays the Rose, a character symbolizing a lover. As a newcomer to Calgary’s theatre community, Ale is passionate about storytelling, creative collaboration, and developing her craft through new and meaningful performance opportunities.
Committed to meaningful storytelling both onstage and onscreen, Andressa continues to develop original projects while contributing to diverse productions across CanadaAndressa Estér is a Brazilian-Canadian actor, writer, and producer with experience across more than 70 stage and screen productions. Based between Calgary and Vancouver, she has built a dynamic career grounded in both classical and contemporary performance.
A few of her theatre credits include A Streetcar Named Desire, ‘The Vagina Monologues’, ‘The Shoebox Philosopher’, ’27 Wagons Full of Cotton’, and Julius Caesar. Known for her versatility and strong stage presence, Andressa is passionate about character-driven storytelling and collaborative creative work.
Andressa continued refining her craft through training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in the UK. Her creative work has since expanded beyond acting into writing, directing, and producing original projects.
In 2024, Andressa founded Emerald Star Entertainment and is currently in pre-production on ‘My Father’s Daughter’, her debut short film as a writer and director, produced in association with PGS Films. With a focus on strong, authentic female stories, she continues to work across diverse productions throughout Canada.
Brylle (Gian) Dayrit, is the Stage-Manager of ‘The Worms, The Rabbit, and The Rose’. He has worked as an assistant Stage-Manager on the SCPA’s production of 7 Stories, and will be continuing his work in stage-management with Acorn Cap Production’s Fringe show: ‘How to Save the World from a Bus to Thunder Bay’, this summer. This year he is focusing on applying himself towards the production-side of theater, but is no stranger to the world of acting. He has a keen interest in breaking onto the voice-acting scene in Calgary; having earned a degree from ‘On-The-Mic Voiceover Training’, (Toronto’s premier voiceover school), and continues to hone his skills with classes at Six Degrees Performance. Expect to see more of Gian, as he graduates from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama, and moves to make theatre his working career on either side of the rehearsal hall’s production table.
Jessica Ramisch is a recent graduate of Ambrose University’s diploma in acting, where she deepened her understanding of acting, movement, voice and beyond to who she is as an artist. Select credits; Where is Home? With Flying Tree, In The Water with Incendiary Festival, Twelfth Night & The Comedy of Errors (in Rep.) with The Shakespeare Company, Silent Sky with Fire Exit Theatre and Cry Baby the Musical with Leduc Drama Society. Jessica is passionate about creating work that challenges audiences to think, grow in perspective, and feel through shared human experiences, using storytelling as the catalyst for connection and empathy.
Mark Edwards is a Calgary-based actor and playwright. Most recently he appeared in Emma with Workshop Theatre, and Guards! Guards! with Scorpio Theatre. His one-act play, The Weight of a Dog, appeared at the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival, and also won first prize at the Ottawa Little Theatre.
Emerging artist in The Worms, The Rabbit and The Rose.
TRIPPING ON GRIEF
A comedy/ sci-fi that delves into the difficult topic of death, and how we relate to it as humans. Elvira has lost her mother, but is having difficulty engaging with those feelings. She is visited by two aliens who have taken the form of drag performers, full of sass, but also confused about the grieving process. With a sense of both comedy and sincerity, the play works through Elvira’s loss.
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Anna Matronic (@annamatronicdrag) is an upcoming drag diva who is sassy, scandalous, and stunningly sparkly!
Cheer loud and groove in your seats- now get ready for this queen to rock the stage!
Boden is ecstatic to perform alongside the wonderful cast of Tripping On Grief. A performer, musician, and composer, he delights in live performance. Favourite credits include guest vocalist for Calgary Philharmonic’s Kiesza + Orchestra, featured ensemble in Calgary Opera’s Don Pasquale, and Clopin Trouillefou in Carriage House Theatre’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Boden studied vocal performance at the University of Lethbridge, plays keys for the band Major Arcana, and is completing a goth rock fantasy album. He hopes you enjoy Tripping On Grief as much as he’s enjoyed being a part of it.
Emerging artist in Tripping on Grief.
Sarah is a multifaceted theatre artist with over a decade of performing experience. She started in show choir with the Youth Singers of Calgary at the age of 10 and never looked back, now possessing a BFA in Theatre from the University of Lethbridge. Trained in acting, movement, singing, clown, mask, puppetry, physical theatre, Shakespeare, Theatre for Young Audiences, and scare acting. Sarah utilizes all these skills to bring wonderful world of theatre to people of all ages in the Calgary community. Recently you may have seen Sarah onstage in In the Water (Incendiary Festival), Porcelain Dolls (FCT), Twelfth Night (LSPS), and The Little Prince (UofL). She can also be found in backstage roles too, including directing, stage management, scriptwriting, sound, props, sets, and theatre education. With credits including directing a staged reading of SHE for the Playwrights Initiative (Incendiary Festival), assistant directing/production support for Elf: The Musical (New West Theatre) and being a Theatre Camp Instructor with Calgary Young People’s Theatre.
For Sage Theatre: Exsanguinate Me! (IGNITE! Festival 2025), Any Kind of Change (IGNITE! Festival 2025), Dulcinea del Toboso And Other Illusory Women (IGNITE! Festival 2024).
Siena is currently a student at the University of Calgary and is very passionate about the performing arts. She loves to sing, model, dance (ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, acro, and lyrical), and can play various instruments (piano and zither). Her most notable theatre credits include: A Christmas Carol (Theatre Calgary from 2015-2018) and Billy Elliot, The Musical (Theatre Calgary), Good as Gold, The Musical (Flipside Theatre Collective), Sightlessly Connected (The University of Calgary’s Alchemy Festival), and The Fog Experiments (The University of Calgary’s Alchemy Festival). Her most notable film and tv credits include: The Maiden, Where We Landed, Junior Achievement Canada, Calgary Olympic Bid Commercial, Roughneck’s Commercial, East Village Video Series Campaign, Daggerheart Advertisement, With Pomme & Circumstance, Promethion, The History Wrangler Show (Season 2), NUTV (Vampire Hunter Society and upcoming Odd Country episodes) and Robb Nash’s music video (This is War). Siena is so grateful to be a part of Tripping on Grief with such a talented cast and phenomenal crew. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support. Instagram: @ms.sienayee
WILDFIRE READINGS
The Wildfire National Playwriting Competition is a free opportunity for young Canadian playwrights hosted by Major Matt Mason. IGNITE! hosts various script readings from Wildfire every year.
Saturn Return (written and performed by Ciaran Volke) &
Split Rite/Half Made (conceived by Max Hanic and Ane Zapirain – excert performed by Max)
Show times:
Hold Me Under (by Autumn Storm)&
Naked Frankenstein (by Jackson Lee Thompson)
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Festival schedule
Wednesday
7 PM
- Tripping on Grief
8:15 PM
- The Disillusion of the 1950’s Housewife
- SUGAR
9:30 PM
- Intrusive Thoughts
- Lalo & Lola’s Clown Cabaret
Thursday
7 PM
- Return
8:15 PM
- TEA TEA & Journey of my Eagle
- SUGAR
9:30 PM
- Teach Me How To Fall & Response to Beauty
- The Worms, The Rabbit & The Rose
Friday
7 PM
- WILDFIRE: Saturn Return & Split Rite/Half Made
- Intrusive Thoughts
8:15 PM
- Tripping on Grief
- The Disillusion of the 1950s Housewife
9:30 PM
- Teach Me How To Fall & Response to Beauty
Saturday
7 PM
- Journey of my Eagle
- WILDFIRE: Hold Me Under & Naked Frankenstein
8:15 PM
- Lalo & Lola’s Clown Cabaret
- The Worms, The Rabbit & The Rose
9:30 PM
- Return
About the Pumphouse Theatre
For nearly 50 years, the Pumphouse Theatre has been a home for Calgary’s performing arts community, hosting more than a dozen companies and over 35 productions each year from established organizations and emerging artist collectives. Its mission is to enrich the cultural life of the community by providing affordable, accessible facilities, diverse programming, and meaningful learning opportunities for youth.
Accessibility information about Pumphouse Theatre
Mobility access
- Both performance spaces at the Pumphouse Theatres are wheelchair accessible.
- An accessible entrance is available at the side of the building.
- Wheelchair‑accessible seating can be arranged; please notify the box office or front‑of‑house staff prior to arrival so seating can be prepared.
- Accessible parking stalls are located directly adjacent to the building.
- If designated stalls are full, patrons with accessibility placards may use other reserved spaces in the adjacent lot.
Washrooms & facilities
- Accessible washrooms are available on site.
- While gender‑neutral washrooms are not currently available at this venue, Sage Theatre supports inclusive access and affirms that guests may use the washroom that feels right for them.
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