About | Grease

About
Garibaldi IA Academy

Garibaldi Secondary’s Interdisciplinary Arts Academy is dedicated to providing students with hands-on, immersive learning through the production of theatrical performances, including a full-scale Broadway musical.

MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

Acting is essentially the study of the human condition; with the art being the presentation of how someone might respond to certain environmental stimuli based on previous experiences that that individual might have gone through.

During GREASE, the audience witnesses a group of teenagers navigating the social terrain and dynamics of high school culture in the late 1950s.

In the movie version you see Danny, portrayed by John Travolta, who is torn between being the man he wants to be with Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John, and who he feels he must be around his friends.

In the musical, the relationship between Danny and Sandy, that began outside of peer or social influence and pressure, is tested over the course of a school year; where, in the end ,they choose to be together. I believe there is an opportunity here to highlight the message of not being afraid to be who you are and how that allows you to be present and wholeheartedly authentic in any relationship; and consequently inspire others around you to do, and be, the same.

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

Before joining the staff at Garibaldi Secondary, Ms. Miller received her BFA from UVic and was subsequently hired by a musical theatre company in the Kootenays. After completing the season with them, she had the opportunity to develope theatre and film classes for Seven Summits Centre for Learning, the independent school in Rossland. She then moved to Vancouver where she worked in the Film Industry on many sets and production offices for commercials, television, and film including NorthKamp, Filmgroup, ABC Studios, and Disney. Inspired by her time spent teaching in the independent school, she decided to go back to school to complete a BEd (Theatre and IB) from UBC. Upon graduation, she was offered positions by both SD38 and SD42 and accepted the job at Garibaldi, where she has worked since 2019.

Ms. Miller champions JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) within the performing arts and education industries and wholeheartedly believes that representation matters. She is currently on the Executive Committee for the Association of BC Drama Educators as their Theatre Diversity and Inclusion Member and sits on several committees dedicated to furthering our collective anti-racism lens.

"We, artists, have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to respond and contribute to the evolution of our society. We do this by striving to be our authentic selves; respecting ourselves, each other, and our spaces; and telling our stories" - Ms. Miller

Our Academy

Dedication. Passion. Experience.

Artistic Director

Director/Designer

Production Manager

Sharmila Miller

This is Ms. Miller’s fourth show with Garibaldi Secondary. With a background in directing, performing, and administration for both Theatre and Film, she is honoured to be bringing her passion of storytelling and musicals to this wonderful program. She looks forward to you witnessing the amazing result of everyone’s imaginations, individualities, and incredible effort that have all been woven together to create this spectacular production of GREASE!

Choreographer

Co-Creative & Co-Designer

Whitney Mullens

Ms. Mullens has 17 years of training at the Kamloops Dance Academy, during which she choreographed many numbers for local theatre productions. She has been teaching high school and dance for 16 years, including a 5 year term on the BC Dance Educators' Association's Executive Committee and had multiple dance teams competing around the lower mainland. She is excited for the audience to see the cast's own choreo creations during the 'Hand Jive' and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

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Music Director

Natasha Gosling

This is Ms. Gosling’s first show with Garibaldi Secondary. With a passion for choral music, classical voice, and performing, it was only a matter of time before Theatre came calling. She is grateful to all the incredible work that has gone into this production, as well as the time, dedication, and artistry that has been invested. She invites you to enjoy this culmination of talent in Garibaldi’s 2022 production of GREASE!

Co-Rehearsal Director

Co-Choreographer

Costumes Coordinator

Lori Mork

Bio on its way!

Assistant Director

Assistant Choreographer

Stage Manager

Jaelyn Frend

This is Jaelyn's sixth show with Garibaldi Secondary School, but first year as Assistant Director. She is so grateful for the amazing friendships she has built with the cast and crew and can't wait for you to see the show come to life.

Assistant Director

Assistant Production Designer

Assistant Costumes & Props

Makayla Gallacher

Makayla has been performing since age 4 and is honoured to be fulfilling her dream role as Rizzo. She has had a passion for the arts her entire life, which she plans on pursuing after graduation with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. Some of her previous roles include Vivian (Legally Blonde), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), and many more… She would like to thank everyone who made this show happen and hopes you enjoy GREASE!

Props Coordinator

Assistant Costumes

Megan Ollenberger

Megan is enjoying playing the role of Frenchy for her senior show. She has been in the performing arts for more than 10 years, including past Academy shows such as The Wiz, Matilda, and Legally Blonde. She hopes you enjoy the show!

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Stage Construction

David Gallacher

Lance Ollenburger

A huge thank you to both for their work on our stage and sets in the form of donated time and supplies.

Danny Zuko

Jay Tulip

Jay is making an appearance for the first time at the Garibaldi Theatre, and he is excited to be playing his dream role of Danny. Jay made his acting debut at Showstoppers more than 10 years ago. As a diverse actor, Jay has played any role from Toto in The Wizard of Oz, to Danny in Grease.

Danny Zuko

Beckham Mork

This is Beckham's third show at Garibaldi. He is excited to be playing the role of Danny, and although he has played lead roles before, like Emmet Forest in Legally Blonde, this is his biggest role yet. Prior to participating in musicals, Beckham took many years of dance. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Sandy Dumbrowski

Taylor Crowdis

Taylor has 5 years of theatre experience, starting at Hatzic Middle School in grade 7, she made her Academy debut as Paulette in last year's production of LEGALLY BLONDE. Now playing Sandy in our production of GREASE, alongside Angelika Alincastre, she is honoured to be taking on the role made famous by the late Olivia Newton-John. As a member of this year’s graduating class she’s looking towards a career in Law or Theatre, and enjoys creating art in her spare time.

Sandy Dumbrowski

Angelika Alincastre

Angelika has a background in dancing and singing, and decided to expand her performing arts skill set which led to her academy debut in last year’s LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL. This year Angelika is thrilled to be playing the role of Sandy; her first lead role ever! The theatre is like her second home, and she is grateful to share the stage with such amazing people. She also likes mac n cheese.

Rizzo

Makayla Gallacher

Kenickie

Rylan Mallais

Rylan made his Academy debut in last year’s production of LEGALLY BLONDE. Rylan, a senior student at Garibaldi, is a national level Trampoline Gymnast who competes nationally for his club, Club Aviva in Coquitlam. He is grateful to be a part of GREASE and for the friends he has made in the program. He thanks his family for their continued support in both his career in gymnastics and his time spent on the Academy stage. Rylan is also grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show.

Frenchy

Megan Ollenberger

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Doody

Maya McCarron

Bio on its way!

Jan

Kaylee Chamberlain

This is Kaylee's first time ever in a musical. She is very excited to be making her Academy Debut in the role of Jan. She is excited to be able to bring her to life and hopes you enjoy the show.

Roger

Gordon Geddes

Bio on its way!

Marty

Mackenzie Lelieux

Bio on its way!

Sonny

Jack Whitaker

Jack has been performing since grade 8 with the Garibaldi Secondary Interdisciplinary Arts Academy and has been cast as both ensemble, in the past, and lead roles such as Warner Huntington III in LEGALLY BLONDE and now Sonny in GREASE. He looks forward to bringing Sonny to life and hopes you enjoy the show!

Patty

Assistant to the Choreographer

Darya Saed

Darya was practically born into the performing arts, for as long as she can remember she has been dancing on a stage. It’s the backstage and on stage thrill that she receives that made her decide to join musical theatre. Darya made her musical debut in grade 7, where she played Glinda the Good Witch in The magical Land of Oz. This is Darya’s senior show and she is excited to bring the fun, bubbly, and energetic character of Patty Symcox to life.

Eugene

Eva Funk

Bio on its way!

Vince Fountaine

Katie West

Bio on its way!

Cha Cha DeGregorio

Angelina Xynis

Efstathia Angelina Xynis is 15 years old and returns to the stage in her second show in the Garibaldi Theatre Academy; as she took part in last year’s show “Legally Blonde”. She has done hip hop, jazz and acro in the past and has also participated in stage light set ups at the ACT theatre. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing cast and crew and this year’s show GREASE. Performing on stage for the first time last year was an incredible experience that will stick with her for the rest of her life– it is an indescribable rush to perform alongside the people you’ve been practicing so hard with for the past three months. She is so happy she gets to experience that once again this year.

Miss Lynch

Bella Cable

Bella has been acting since she was 8, having taken various classes at The Act. Her musical theatre debut with Garibaldi was in Matilda where she was a member of ensemble. This year she is excited to bring the role of “Miss Lynch” to the stage of Grease.

Teen Angel

Daniel Wamboldt

Bio on its way!

Johnny Casino

Danny Coutts

Bio on its way!

Ensemble

Marty Understudy

Aidyn Young

Aidyn Young is a grade 10 student who has always had a love for theatre and performing on stage. She made her musical theatre debut in Garibaldi's production of LEGALLY BLONDE in 2021. She is thrilled to be a part of GREASE and perform alongside her fellow cast mates.

Ensemble

Cassia Brown

Cassia is 16 years old and has been doing theatre for 8 years. She has been acting since she was three years old and has some training in singing and dancing as well. She was drawn to musical theatre by the thrill of performing live. Her first musical with Garibaldi Secondary was Matilda, in which she played an ensemble role. Performing at Garibaldi for the past 3 years has been a formative experience for her, and she is grateful to work with this year’s cast and crew.

Ensemble

Christina Grayson

Bio on its way!

Ensemble

Roger Understudy

December Koehn

December (he/him) has been participating in theatre from a very young age. He started acting in the Scottish play at age 6 with Bard On The Bandstand and has been in love with theatre ever since. December is ecstatic to be acting in this year’s production of ‘GREASE’ after being on the running crew for his first 3 years of highschool. Enjoy the show!!

Ensemble

Eugene Understudy

Emma Pahl

Bio on its way!

Ensemble

Josie Unrau

Josie has recently found a love for theatre. She is really excited to be in GREASE. She made her first appearance in the Garibaldi Theatre last year doing LEGALLY BLONDE. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Ensemble

Rizzo Understudy

Kira Fontaine

Kira has been involved in theatre since the age of six. Her first role was playing an orphan in Annie with Showstoppers Academy. Since then she has fallen in love with theatre and has continued performing. Her favourite roles to perform have been Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and Horton in Suessical. This is her first year in a Garibaldi Academy production and she is excited to be part of the ensemble!

Ensemble

Livia Miller

Livia is a grade 9 student at Garibaldi Secondary School and is making her Musical Theatre debut in Grease. She has been dancing since the age of two and has always had a passion for being on stage and performing through dance. She is very grateful to everyone who has put many hours into this show and can’t wait to perform tonight. Hope you enjoy the show!

Ensemble

Mackenzie Powell

Mackenzie has enjoyed performing for others since a young age. Some of her favourite roles include starring as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins and Mama Euralie in Once on This Island. She is extremely grateful for all the love and support she has received from friends and family, and would like to thank everyone involved in creating Grease.

Ensemble

Marisa Carter

In Kindergarten and grade 2, Marisa studied with Maple Ridge Dance Circle and performed in their year-end dance production pieces, with musical scenes from “Winnie the Pooh” and “The Lorax”. She also performed in a musical dance summer workshop with Theatre Under the Stars in 2019 in a small excerpt of “The Little Mermaid”. Marisa rehearsed for csquenela’s 2020 production of “James and the Giant Peach” but COVID hit so the school created a virtual presentation instead. She is happy to be cast in my IA Academy debut in this year’s production of “Grease”.

Ensemble

Miss Lynch Understudy

Melissa Duran

Melissa has a background in ballet and her first role was when she was 11 years old playing a cat that was part of telling the story of a chicken living in a farm with a bunch of other farm animals. It was a small film that a film production made to teach kids how to speak Spanish. This year is her Academy debut as a part of the ensemble group for GREASE. Melissa enjoys having close connections with the cast and crew of GREASE. She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her and motivating her to do her best! Melissa is looking forward to sharing this story with you and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Ensemble

Jan Understudy

Mya Patterson

Bio on its way!

Ensemble

Kenickie Understudy

Rose Crosby

Rose Crosby has been an aspiring actor from a young age and has finally seized their opportunity at Garibaldi. Their first debut on a stage was a show of polar express in elementary school, so they are excited to get back into it for GREASE!

Ensemble

Sonny Understudy

Taegan de Groot

Bio on its way!

Ensemble

Cha Cha Understudy

Serena Van Roy

Serena Van Rooy is in grade 7 at Alexander Robinson Elementary and will be starting at Garibaldi next year. She has taken many different dance classes since she was two. Hip hop is her favourite. She’s been doing background and acting in tv and movies for just as long and is a full union member. She’s also been singing since she could talk. She enjoyed performing in Showstoppers where she had the chance to do all three. She is very honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this production. Thanks everyone and enjoy the show!

Co-Crew Coordinator

Shayna Wolfe

Shayna Wolfe is making her academy debut after multiple years of drama classes. She is grateful to her cast and crew for always supporting her and making her senior year extra special.

Co-Crew Coordinator

Jana Hussein

Jana Hussein is an Egyptian student, currently in grade 10. She has been in multiple shows and has experience with music and singing, as she sang in shows as a little child. With this production, she is exploring the crew side of theatre production. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with the amazing crew and cast to make the incredible production of “GREASE”.

Crew

Ailah Virs

Bio on its way!

Crew

Polina Zolotukhina

Originally from Ukraine, Polina Zolotukhina has loved theatre and acting from an early age. The Garibaldi Theatre became an important part of her life and she is grateful to continue her artistic passion in Canada. This is her first high school production, where she’s excited to be a part of the crew for GREASE!

Crew

Mariam Huber

Mariam Huber is 13 years old and in 8th grade. She is excited for her first year in Garibaldi Secondary’s Academy. As a current crew member, she appreciates the opportunity to understand all aspects of the theatre, as she aspires to also be an actor. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

Chloe Arkwright

Chloe Arkwright is originally from England and has enjoyed going to many shows in London’s West End; which inspired their passion for theatre. GREASE is their first show here at Garibaldi and their first show as crew. Outside of school, they love reading and writing and hope to one day write a piece of their own.

Crew

Grady Humphries

Bio on its way!

Crew

Leslie Hartmann

Bio on its way!

Crew

Marketing

Ibrahim Huber

Bio on its way!

Marketing

Andrew Pineiro

Bio on its way!

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Marketing

Mateo Dickinson

Bio on its way!

Automotive

Stage Construction

GSS Auto Shop

Huge thank you to the students in the Garibaldi Auto and Construction Shops for their work on the car and stage.

A huge thank you to...

...to all of our wonderful parents and parent volunteers who have helped with Front of House, fundraising, and have supported these amazing students through the show process.

About Garibaldi IA Academy

Our Academy

A huge thank you to...

About
Garibaldi IA Academy