Jane Harestad (she/they/he) is a 23-year-old artist who can't wait to strut her stuff! Jane works as the Kamloops Live! Box Office's full-time Supervisor and Western Canada Theatre's Telemarketing & Group Sales Coordinator. While their specialties lay primarily in the visual arts, especially in comic book art, Jane has a deep appreciation and admiration for the performing arts. She demonstrates as much in her currently unpublished graphic novel adaptation of Shakespeare's work Macbeth as part of her performing arts directed study from her time at Thompson Rivers University. Last year, Jane celebrated villainesses with motivations outside of the men in their lives. This year, paying homage to a fantastic burlesque act in a previous Broad's Way Cabaret, Jane explores what she believes is at the core of her unique relationship to womanhood and gender identity: defiance in the face of adversity. Jane intends to perform Devil Devil by MILCK, which was performed as a burlesque act in the online A Broad's Way Cabaret during COVID.
Abbie Israel-Armand is overjoyed to have the opportunity to perform on the A Broad’s Way Cabaret stage for the second time! Having previously participated virtually, she is thrilled to be able to join such a strong, talented group of women in person. Abbie has spent the last 8 years fully submerging herself in the Kamloops arts community. From performing in staged theatrical productions to producing original music, Abbie spends her time figuring out where she fits in this great world of artistic expression. She greatly values the home she has found within the arts. After spending a year exploring Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Victoria, Abbie returned home and will soon begin her career journey in Paramedicine. She would like to extend her gratitude to all the women who have helped shape her!
Emily is grateful to live, work and play on the unceded traditional territory of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc as an uninvited settler. She is tickled to be part of this year's A Broad’s Way Cabaret, especially because the only thing better than singing is singing with friends! When she is not annoying her neighbours with her living-room-musical adaptations, you can find her in the kitchen baking mediocre bread, or in the darkest corners of the thrift store. Thank you to the folks who are uplifting the women, girls, gays, and theys in their lives, today and every day. Cheers to all and thank you for supporting live performance!
Macabre Dance is an intermediate level belly dance class troupe that has been dancing together for many years. Forged through a common love of the art form, and eventually through lasting friendships, this group of women have performed on a number of stages across the interior of British Columbia. Members Bonnie, Charlene, Heather, Martina, Kristy, and Coco, will be joining us on stage this evening.
I am honoured to be here for A Broad’s Way Cabaret a second time, thank you Western Canada Theatre for having me back. I would like to express my eternal joy and gratitude to Gisella Ramsay for being willing to get up to some shenanigans and build Lip Service with me – Two Floozies forever! Women are worth their weight in gold, and should be worshipped every day (as a woman, I wholly support this initiative). I could not do this without the love and support of my family, thank you to Drew and Aurora for all you do, all you are, and all of your love. P.S. Sorry Derek!
A graduate of the University of Alberta’s Drama department, Laura eventually shifted her focus to broadcast journalism and spent a decade working at media outlets from coast to coast before moving to her current career in communications. In between raising kids and working she had a few stints doing improv and sang in several choirs. After having to settle for 20 years of channelling her wit and sarcasm around the board room table vs the stage, she is thrilled to be performing in A Broad’s Way Cabaret. She thanks her friends for their encouragement, patience, and honesty as she rehearsed her act. She also thanks WCT for giving her and so many others this chance to step out and share their voice.
I am over the moon excited to be apart of A Broad’s Way Cabaret this year. A big thank you to Western Canada Theatre for giving me an opportunity to stretch my theatre muscles once more. I love getting to work and giggle with the ever-talented Harmony Maher any chance I can get — Two Floozies for life! Being able to create art that celebrates women fills my soul with happiness. I would make little Gisella sitting on her bedroom floor recording radio shows so proud. Sending all my love and appreciation to Ryan and Eliana.
Terri is an actor and theatre educator from Kamloops. Terri has worked with Saucy Fops, CBC, TRU Actors Workshop Theatre, and recently performed in WCT’s Hurry Hard. She is currently the Director of Education and Outreach at WCT and has been teaching theatre for over 20 years. Terri is so very grateful for the amazing WCT Women’s Day Committee of Bosses and is excited to host this year’s Cabaret again with the amazingly talented and wonderful Morgan Benedict!
Hi! My name is Alya Van Laer, I’m 15 years old and I love theatre! I’ve been involved with musical theatre since I was 5 years old, and I’ve loved every minute of it. From The Ugly Duckling to The Wizard of Oz, I like to think I’ve tried out every aspect of musical theatre. This is the first script I’ve ever written and I am so excited to be on the other side of the stage.
Amanda Wandler is a passionate legal professional and storyteller. She completed her law degree at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Aboriginal law, where she was among the first UBC graduates to receive this distinction. After graduation, Amanda worked at two prominent BC Crown Corporations, where she honed her skills in drafting contracts. However, her love for storytelling never waned. Last year, she returned to Thompson Rivers University to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in creative writing. During this time, Amanda's passion for storytelling only grew stronger. In the future, Amanda hopes to obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing to amplify Indigenous voices in fiction and theatre. She is passionate about creating spaces where Indigenous people can tell their stories and share their perspectives on the world. Amanda is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity through her writing and hopes to inspire others to do the same.