SYTYCA Presents: Doug Speirs

He makes us laugh on a weekly basis through his amusing column In the Doug House, but will he have the same effect in person? Today’s So You Think You Can Act celebrity feature is Winnipeg Free Press columnist Doug Speirs and he’s no stranger to the stage. Well, not completely anyways. Doug recently guest starred in the RWB’s The Nutcracker and has previously appeared onstage in cameo roles for Royal MTC, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Manitoba Opera. We’re happy to have him as one of our celebrity competitors, keep reading to learn more about Doug!

DOUG SPEIRS– Winnipeg Free Press
Doug Speirs’ humour column, In the Doug House, has appeared on Page 2 of the Winnipeg Free Press at least three times a week since 2006. Doug has held almost every possible job at the newspaper — reporter, city editor, night editor, tour guide, hand model — and his colleagues are confident he’ll eventually find something he is good at. He can frequently be found hosting, or competing at, charity events around the city. His new column, Speiriscope, graces Saturday’s new 49.8 section. His book, Bite-sized Doug, a collection of critter-related columns, is still for sale at local book stores. Doug was born in Vancouver and still worships the B.C. Lions. He was one of three Canadian columnists nominated for the 2008 National Newspaper Awards in the column writing category.

Do you think Doug’s experience as a guest star will help him win the audience over? Only one way to find out, come see Doug and six other celebrities try their hand at acting on February 18th! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236.

SYTYCA Presents: Romi Mayes

Her music is certainly electrifying, will her acting be too? Romi Mayes is an accomplished musician who has performed across the globe and today she’s our So You Think You Can Act celebrity feature! Fun fact, Romi’s name is pronounced RAW-ME, and you won’t forget it after listening to her music. Check out our SYTYCA promo video to hear her song “Lucky Tonight” and keep reading to learn more!

ROMI MAYES– Musician
If Keith Richards, Joan Jett and Ray Charles could somehow spawn a love child, it’d be Romi Mayes. With a ballsy, heart on her sleeve, straight shootin’ attitude, her raw, edgy songs take no prisoners and tell it like it is. Not at all a one speed driver, Romi Mayes can also gear down the big rig and hypnotize you with honest sultry, sweet and sexy tunes that have schooled young men and made grown men cry. Juno nominated, multiple CFMA nominated and four time WCMA winner for songwriter of the year and album of the year, Romi Mayes is a force to be reckoned with that will be a household name for years to come. She is only getting better with each album and one thing you can bet on is this hard core prairie gal has no plans to burn out or fade away.

Romi will have to show her vulnerable side in a darkly funny scene from the anthology Generation NeXXt. Can you guess what scene it is? Come find out on February 18th, but hurry and get your tickets soon! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236.

SYTYCA Presents: Kelly Linehan

Will youthful energy win out over seasoned experience? Today’s celebrity feature is Kelly Linehan, who as well as being a reporter for CTV, is the youngest So You Think You Can Act participant! However, Kelly has logged a lot of hours in front of the camera and has lived in multiple cities across Canada. Will that give her an edge over the competition? Keep reading to learn more about Kelly!

KELLY LINEHAN– CTV

From Twitter to Facebook and every social media site in between, Kelly Linehan is logged in as CTV Winnipeg Morning Live’s Social Media and Web Reporter. Kelly grew up in Calgary and Victoria and loves the beach and Stampedin’ equally. After graduating from Ryerson University with a Bachelor’s in journalism, she got her start in radio on Vancouver Island before anchoring the evening news and sports for CFAX 1070 in Victoria. Prior to joining CTV, Kelly had her first taste of winter in Prince George, BC. She wore many hats at CKPG News, anchoring news, weather and occasionally sports as well as reporting. When she’s not at the office or online, she’s running, playing soccer, cheering for the Habs and likely burning something in the kitchen.

There will be no chance to use her reporter poker face in a fiery scene by Canadian playwright George F. Walker. Will Kelly rise to the challenge? Find out on February 18th! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236. Get them while you still can!

SYTYCA Presents – Andre Lewis!

Do dancers have natural acting ability? Third up in our So You Think You Can Act 2015 celebrity features is the esteemed Artistic Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, André Lewis. André has been the Artistic Director of the RWB for 18 years, and before that he had a successful career as a ballet dancer! With all that dedication and onstage experience he’s definitely one to watch out for. Keep reading to learn more about André!

ANDRÉ LEWIS – RWB Artistic Director
André Lewis has spent the majority of his career with Canada’s first professional dance company, accepting the position of Artistic Director in 1996. Since then he has been the driving force behind the new and innovative works that have dramatically rejuvenated the Company’s repertoire. A native of Gatineau, Québec, Lewis began his dance training in Ottawa before being accepted into the Professional Division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in 1975. He joined the RWB Company in 1979 where he enjoyed an accomplished career as a dancer for over ten years. Lewis has commissioned numerous blockbuster ballets for RWB including Dracula, Moulin Rouge ® – The Ballet, The Handmaid’s Tale and Going Home Star – Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to his position as Artistic Director, Lewis is a sought-after ballet instructor and has guest taught throughout Europe and Japan.

Come see André face off against 6 other celebrities on February 18th! A special treat will be seeing him perform in a piece with lots of physical comedy by one of Winnipeg’s up and coming playwrights. Tickets for So You Think You Can Act can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236. Buy now to avoid disappointment!

SYTYCA Presents: Chris Cvetkovic

Today we are pleased to present the second of our seven celebrity participants in our 4th annual So You Think You Can Act fundraising event! This year’s theme is Power Play, but Chris Cvetkovic is used to a different kind of power play as a former Blue Bomber. As a dog lover he’s probably also acquainted with power play from stubborn pups. Who knows, maybe all that experience on the football field and playing with pups will give Chris an edge! His teammate Troy Westwood was one of last year’s winners. Keep reading to learn more about Chris!

CHRIS CVETKOVIC – Former Blue Bomber
Cvetkovic has made Winnipeg his home after 12 years in the CFL & 10 with the Blue Bombers. Cvetkovic was a 2 time Winner of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award presented annually to the player that best contributes to the team & community. Cvetkovic is currently an Ambassador (for) the Children’s Wish Foundation of Manitoba/Nunavut and Ambassador & Spokesperson for the Manitoba Status of Women speaking out against gender violence. This father of 2 is also the Founder of Cvet’s Pets & President of Courageous Companions working to train dogs from shelters for medical services & donating them to military veterans struggling with PTSD for free.

On February 18th come find out if Chris will be the second former Bomber to take home the trophy! Plus you won’t want to miss him playing a classic superhero in a scene by Ken Mitchell. Stay tuned for the big scene announcement. Tickets for So You Think You Can Act can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236. Get tickets now before they sell out!

SYTYCA Presents: Rana Bokhari

Today we are pleased to present the first of our seven celebrity participants in our 4th annual So You Think You Can Act fundraising event! This year’s theme is Power Play, something Rana Bokhari is used to as the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. She is the youngest person to ever lead the provincial party as well as the first of South Asian descent to lead any political party in Manitoba. With her passion and ambition she is sure to give the other competitors a run for their money! Keep reading to learn more about Rana!

RANA BOKHARI – Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party
Born and raised on a family farm in Anola, Rana Bokhari learned the value of hard work at an early age. After helping out with the family business during her early adult years, Rana decided to take the academic route. She attended the University of Manitoba, where she earned three degrees including a law degree. Having always displayed a passion for public service, she decided to make a more active contribution to public life in Manitoba. After working with the Manitoba Liberal Party for years, Rana declared her intentions to lead the party. Now, as elected leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, Rana is determined to work tirelessly to reach out to Manitobans across the province and give them a more viable option for a better Manitoba.

While we’re not ready to reveal the whole scene line up that our celebrities will be performing, we do know what scene Rana will be acting in! It should be very familiar to Winnipeggers as Theatre by the River produced it a few years ago and Theatre Projects Manitoba featured this play in their October Salon celebrating the playwright Michael Healey! Can you guess which play of his it is?

Find out for yourself on February 18th! Tickets for So You Think You Can Act can be purchased online here or by calling our office at 204-586-2236. Get tickets now before they sell out!

SYTYCA: Meet the Judges and Host!

Who will be the cranky Brit this time? Who will gush over everything? Will the emcee keep the judges on track? We’ll find out at our 4th annual So You Think You Can Act fun fundraising event on February 18th! This hilarious evening will pair up local non-actor celebrities with actors to perform scenes. Although our stellar judges will judge them, you get to vote for the winner! In the coming weeks we will introduce you to our celebrities, but for this blog we’re proud to introduce our host and judges:

JON LJUNGBERG – Host
Jon Ljungberg has been entertaining audiences on comedy stages across North America for over 25 years including a stint at the Riviera Hotel and casino in Las Vegas. He has worked in television and film including a role in Samuel L. Jackson’s film Reasonable Doubt shot here in Winnipeg this past December but most of you will remember Jon as the host of Breakfast Television. He’s the Father of two grown children and has a passion for gardening, vintage toys and Politics.

 

TRISH COOPER – Judge
A Theatre graduate from the University of Winnipeg, Trish has worked as an actor and a writer in Winnipeg and Toronto. She began writing sketch comedy with the Royal Liechtenstein Theatre Company (RLTC) and wrote for the Fringe Festival circuit including The Year of the Panda, The Comment Card and Homely Woman #2. Recently, she was both a writer and performer on the web series, Wind City, and last year she toured all over Manitoba as an actor in Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production, Miracle on South Division Street. Trish’s first full-length play Social Studies was first produced last year at Prairie Theatre Exchange and just finished its run at The Centaur in Montreal. She is thrilled it will also be programmed next season in Vancouver at the Firehall. Trish is excited to be performing soon in Blythe Spirit for Cowardfest with an all-star Winnipeg cast.

TOBY HUGHES – Judge
Toby is a Winnipeg-based actor and improvisor, and a graduate of the University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and Film. He has performed with almost every professional theatre in Winnipeg and is a co-producer of the Outside Joke Season of Yuks (2012-2015) at the Gas Station Arts Centre. Recent theatrical credits include Le Jardin (Cercle Moliere), The Cherry Orchard (Theatre by the River, Little Echo Theatre), Maple Route (Theatre Incarnate), Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, Henry V and Henry IV 1&2 (Shakespeare in the Ruins), The Valley, The Dishwashers (Prairie Theatre Exchange), The Walworth Farce (Incompletely Strangled Theatre) and The Courier (Fringe Festival 2012). Toby is a founding member of the musical improv company Outside Joke and has travelled across Canada performing improv.

GORD TANNER – Judge
Gordon Tanner is an actor and writer who has lived in Winnipeg his whole life long. He has performed on every stage in the city – some that no longer exist – and on others across the country. Sometimes he appears in films and on television, which can be quite a lot of fun. He is also very experienced at judging people. It took you this long to read five sentences? No, no, I’m sure that’s totally normal. Somewhere.

 

With their depth of improvisation and sketch comedy experience you can bet that cranky or gushing, these judges will certainly be entertaining. Tickets are $25 and include a wine reception. There will also be thousands of dollars in raffle prizes (raffle licence #MGCC5542)! There is no reason to miss this great event, so get your tickets now by clicking here or calling our offices at 204-586-2236.