IN THE SPOTLIGHT
RENTPART2
Denise
Chaulk
Co-Music Director
Rent is one of my all time favourite musicals and has been on my bucket list of shows to work on. I am thoroughly enjoying this cast and crew and it's wonderful to work with so many faces familiar to Theatre Sarnia. It is equally thrilling to be working with so many people who are new to us. I’m excited for the audience to see new talent on our stage. When not working on shows, I like to spend time with family and friends. Fun Facts; I also play bassoon in the International Symphony Orchestra and am in the annual Rock and Roll Christmas Concert at the Imperial Theatre.
Val Schmidt
Co-Music Director
BY RUTH FRANCOEUR
I’m co-music directing with Denise and will be responsible for leading the band and cast when the show goes on. I absolutely love how cohesive this cast is. They’ve been going out socially since day 1 and really getting to know one another which it’s important in such an intimate show. I enjoy leading a music program for the medically fragile at Standing Oaks and I teach piano to adults. Super rewarding and I’ve met so many adults who wish their parents had made them stick to it as children. Love it!
Mimi & Co-Lead Choreography
Rent has been one of my favourite shows since I was 14 and one I have always wanted to be a part of, so I’m just really enjoying living out that dream and bringing the show to life with such an incredible cast There’s also so many new faces in this show and I have loved not only creating new friendships but also getting to be on stage with many old friends again! Outside Theatre Sarnia you’ll catch me touring the world singing backup vocals to Old Time Rock & Roll (and other hits) in Classic Seger - a Bob Seger tribute band If I’m not on the road I’m at home with my dog Otis & cat Peach, or enjoying a patio drink with friends
Olivia Gogas
Bethany Tiegs
Co-Lead Choreography
RENT has been such a wonderful process I get to work with some of my favourite humans in the world and create art with them I am so grateful that Theatre Sarnia is a space where we can come together and create The cast of RENT is so dynamic and a collection of some of the kindest humans I know My favourite was the chaos and wonder of choreographing La Vie Boheme The cast brings this number to the next level! Their energy, enthusiasm and professionalism are a choreographer's dream Getting to work with Liv on the choreography has been a breath of fresh air! She is so talented and pushes me to do my best. It has been great to share this BEAST of a production with her. It has made the process so much easier and more enjoyable. We are also soooooooo lucky to have some STRONG dancers in the cast there to help us! Jorge's background in ballroom has really been such an added bonus. We appreciate him so much and his willingness to jump in and help. I think audiences are going to be surprised and deeply engaged by this production. Kate's vision is brilliant and has created a show that embodies the feelings and complexities of RENT. She has done an amazing job creating a real lived-in world for the characters. This has brought out the best in the cast and it shows every time I watch them perform.
Sheena Passingham-Johnston Co-Lead Costumes
I love working with the cast to understand how they want to portray their character. From there coming up with costumes that not only envision the vibe for the show but for each individual. I am an insurance broker at my family's brokerage in Brights Grove. Live in Camlachie with my husband and spoiled Dog Charlie.
Janet Shrumm Co-Lead Costumes
I am enjoying working with some different people on our crew for this show It’s great to hear their ideas and to see their enthusiasm for the production Tennis and golf season have started, and I like cycling around our beautiful beaches
Mandy Davidson Co-Lead, Props
I am co-leading props with Brian So far I am enjoying the creativity that goes into to creating some of the props we can’t just source Mostly I enjoy watching Brian create props that are perfect for 90s New York Outside of the theatre, I teach high school and I spend time with my incredibly awesome family
Brian St. Pierre Co-Lead, Props
What I'm enjoying most is definitely diving into the creative process of bringing this production to life. Being closely involved, gives an "inside" view of how everything comes together. It's so much more than just sourcing or making stuff, it’s about collaboration with the director and the entire team to translate their vision into reality. Plus, there's satisfaction in the creative problem-solving to make sure the prop not only looks the part, but functions seamlessly to enhance the storytelling. I’m retired so I mostly drive around with my turn signal on and chase kids off my lawn. You know… retired guy stuff. Oh, and pickleball, I play pickleball and go through a lot of Voltaren.
My role with RENT is the lead of set decor What I’m enjoying most about working on the RENT sets is the opportunity to offer my artistic skills in order to create something artistic Outside of Theatre Sarnia, I am a full time art teacher at St Patrick’s High School
Roy Gouveia Lead Set Decor
LIFEINTHEPITS
BY ROB LAROSE
This month we get to know Valerie Schmidt, a long time member of the Imperial Theatre's pit orchestra and musical director of this month's show "RENT". We caught up with Valerie in between rehearsals to get the scoop on what makes this talented, energetic soul run on all cylinders, and always with a smile on her face.
1. How long have you been involved with Theatre Sarnia?
I’ve been involved with Theatre Sarnia for over 10 years but I’ve been doing shows in Sarnia with various groups and schools for over 20 years.
2. What was the first musical you played in and where?
The first show I played was Narnia. We performed it in Guelph when I was in grade 11.
3. Do you have a favourite musical that you have played before or conducted?
My favourite musical to play was Alter Boyz. I think it was a mix of content, cast, and music. Definitely a very funny show with super music. I also enjoyed Chess which I did in university.
4. Are there any funny stories from the pit you can share?
I can’t remember which show it was in but there needed to be a small explosion with fireworks. Some of the small sparks fell into the pit and landed on the conductor’s head burning him. He was trying to conduct while rapidly slapping his head to extinguish the sparks! In another show dry ice was being used. It was pouring out all over the stage and drifted down into the pit completely engulfing the conductor. We couldn’t see him for a good 30 seconds!
5. What advice would you give to young musicians wishing to play in the theatre?
Learn an instrument super well. lol. Job shadow! Ask to sit in a band, orchestra, small ensemble any chance you can. Learn to play with a metronome. Learn to follow a conductor. Learn to change tempos easily and quickly.
6. Rapid Fire Questions. What is your favourite: Food: my husband’s bbq salmon
Sports teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (only by marriage): I love watching soccer and I love watching bobsled in the winter Olympics
Vacation spot: family cottage near Lyndhurst Hobby: trying new recipes
Way to relax: cooking with great tunes playing and a glass of wine in my hand and no one around
7 Lastly, tell us something about yourself people may now know.
I’ve always wanted to attend a monster truck show.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
COME JOIN THE THEATRE SARNIA CONSTRUCTION CREW
DidyoueverwonderhowTheatreSarnia developsandbuildstheamazingsetsyousee onstage?TheanswerisTheTheatreSarnia ConstructionCrew!Thisdedicatedsetof buildersworkswiththeDirectorandDécor Leadtobringstageproductionstolife.
TheConstructionteambuildsthewoodenset, atourCampbellStreetshopandtheDécor teamthenpaintsanddecoratesthem. When thesetiscomplete,theconstructionteamis responsibleformovingthesetintothetheatre beforeshowweek.
Doyoulikebuildingthings?Areyoufamiliar withwoodworkingtools,orwouldyoulike tolearn?Comejointheteam!
TheteammeetsatourCampbellSt.shop duringthedaysonMondays,Wednesdaysand Fridays(lessoftenwhengolfseasonis underway).Weareveryflexiblewithtime commitments,ifyoucanonlymakemornings workorcanonlycomeonedayperweekthat’s fine.Everyoneiswelcome!
Ifyouareinterestedinseeingwhatwedoandjoiningtheteam,pleasesendan emailto: volunteer@imperialtheatre.net
Please email support@theatresarniaorg for more information Dates subject to change.
May23:OpeningNightGalaforRENT Joinusaftertheshowtocelebrate!LightSnacks providedAllTheatreSarniamemberswelcome!
May23-31: TheatreSarniaPresents:RENT Getyourticketsattheboxoffice
June13/14:AuditionsforTheatreSarnia ChristmasShowof2025/2026Season
Jul4,2025:GalaforHOPE DucCruise-Markyourcalendars!
SummerYouthprograms-registrationopen
July7-23Summershowtimeprogram
July28-Aug1SeniorMusicalTheatreProgram
Aug5-8JuniorActingProgram,JuniorMusical TheatreProgram
If you know of any Theatre Sarnia members who have had a major life event, please share with us at mailto:member-liaison@theatresarnia.org
