Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik Directed by Amanda Liz Cutting

 Recipient of 7 Calgary Theatre Critic Award nominations!

Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Actors in a Musical!

Our videographer, Greg Nuspel, was on hand at another rehearsal to record impressions and interviews.

Spring Awakening is a rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. It is based on the German play Spring Awakening (1891) by Frank Wedekind. Set in late-19th century Germany, the musical tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of teenage sexuality. In the musical, alternative rock is employed as part of the folk-infused rock score.

Following its conception in the late 1990s and various workshops, concerts, rewrites and its Off-Broadway debut, the original Broadway production of Spring Awakening opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on December 10, 2006. Its cast included Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, Skylar Astin and John Gallagher, Jr. while its creative team comprised director Michael Mayer and choreographer Bill T. Jones. The original Broadway production won 8 Tony Awards, including Tonys for Best Musical, Direction, Book, Score and Featured Actor. The production also garnered 4 Drama Desk Awards whilst its original cast album received a Grammy Award.

The success of the Broadway production has spawned several other productions worldwide, including various US productions, a short West End production that won 4 Laurence Olivier Awards including Best Musical, and a series of international productions.

Spring Awakening Artists:

This is Alyshia-Grace Hobday's first production with ACT. Elswhere: Ten Lost Years (Canadian College of Performing Arts) Atomic Vaudeville (Victoria,BC) Into The Woods (Urban Arts, Victoria) Footloose (CCPA) Hairspray (Storybook Theatre)- Received a CAT nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical" for the role of Penny in Storybook's Hairspray. Alyshia-Grace also recently got her feet wet as a Stage Manager for Stoybook's Cat in the Hat. Of Interest: Has attended 2 years at the Canadian College of Performing Arts- She loves dance, yoga and writing. After living in Victoria, acting on stage and in film- she is now living in Calgary, pursuing the arts professionally. Alyshia-Grace played the role of Anna.

Amanda Liz Cutting is thrilled to be directing Spring Awakening. Recent directing credits include Morpheus Theatre's production of The Diary of Anne Frank, assistant director of StoryBook Theatre's The Last Five Years, as well as directing ACT's productions of The Shape of a Girl and Boiler Room Suite. She is a Mount Royal University Graduate in Theatre Arts. Amanda held the position of Director.

Andrew Cormier is a recent High School graduate involved closely with the drama department ready to hit the theatre world full force. An alumnus of ACT's summer production of The Apple Kingdom, Andrew finds it a real pleasure to be working on Spring Awakening with such a talented group of people. Andrew played the role of Ernst.

Brenda Spénard (née Goyetche) A graduate from John Abbott College's Professional Theatre Program, Brenda has been very active in the Toronto and Calgary theatre scene over the past 18 years. Most recently Brenda designed and built the costumes for Morpheus Theatre's Gilbert and Sullivan Theatre School production of The Gondoliers. Other shows Brenda costumed include: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead; Under Milk Wood; and her CAT award winning design for Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This is Brenda's fourth production with ACT and she is thrilled to be part of this wonderful team of talented artists. Brenda held the position of Costume Designer.

Brent Gill is a proud graduate of the BFA Acting program at the University of Alberta. Credits include: Evil Dead: The Musical (Hit & Myth), The Big League (MTYP), whisper (Catalyst Theatre), Cymbeline, Fuddy Meers (Studio Theatre), Sleuth (Theatre O), Beauty and the Beast, Calamity Jane (Carriage House Theatre), Fort Steele Follies (Wildhorse Theatre) and several seasons with Kimberley Summer Theatre. Brent has also done extensive voice-over work for radio and TV, and was a featured character in the award-winning video game Mass Effect 3 (EA Games). Next, Brent will be diving into The Shakespeare Company's production of Othello this fall. "Thanks to everyone at ACT for this wonderful opportunity, and lots of love to my family, friends and Kelsey. Enjoy the show! Brent played the role of an Adult Male.

Brent Middleton is excited for his second show with the talented people of ACT, having recently played the King in their production of The Apple Kingdom. In Calgary he has been seen in Storybook Theatre's White Christmas as Phil Davis, and Joseph and the Techinicolor Dreamcoat as the Pharaoh. He has also played Snoopy in You`re a Good Man Charlie Brown in Niagara Falls with Oh Canada Eh!, as well as Canmore`s Cornerstone Theatre in Snoopy: The Musical!, and toured the Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Lines. When not performing Brent is found in a lab or library, nose in a book, completing his senior year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences at Mount Royal University. Brent played the role of Moritz.

Brian MacDougall is a graduate of the Theatre Arts programme at Grant MacEwan, and has his MA in Musical Theatre (Performance) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.. During his time in Europe, Brian worked on shows such as the European premiere of Ryan Scott Olivers' new show, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Pleasance Theatre, London), One Fine Day (Algarve, Portugal), West End Live (Algarve, Portugal), Best of British (Algarve, Portugal), Show Choir! The Musical (Edinburgh Fringe 2011), Sunday in the Park with George (Edinburgh Fringe 2011), riZen The Musical (recorded the concept Album as a soloist in London). Back in Alberta he was in The Raven in Calgary and most recently he was in Ordinary Days (PCL Studios) and How To Eat Like A Child (Promise Productions - The Snow Globe Festival 2013). Brian is thrilled to make his ACT debut in Spring Awakening! Brian played the role of Hanschen.

Chris Andrechuk recently graduated from the University of Calgary with his Bachelor of Arts. Beginning his education in acting, he soon switched to the technical side of theatre with a specialization in sound design and operation. He has done sound design and operation for numerous U of C performances, including Comrades, The Seagull, and The Love of the Nightingale, and notably was part of the 2013 sound team of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play. When not hidden in the backstage shadows, Chris keeps his fingers in as many elements of performance as possible, with focuses on playwriting, DJ entertainment, improv with the 404s Geek Improv Troupe, and music with the Calgary hard rock band Nora’s Attic. Chris held the positions of Sound Design and Operation.

Daniel Fong is thrilled to be part of this fantastic show. Daniel is a graduate of Grant MacEwan University Theatre Arts Program. Recently Daniel has been part of IGNITE!2013 (The Wasp), The Raven A new Musical, A Christmas Carol at the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, Shakespeare in the Park (Puck) with Theatre Calgary and MRU, ACT's The Apple Kingdom (Prince Aldric), and UCalgary Operetta Society's production of The Music Man. And a University season which incudes; Once on this Island, XANADU, Vernon God Little, Merrily We Roll Along, and Thebans. Thanks to mom and dad and my agent Liz. Daniel played the role of George and held the position of Dance Captain.

David Smith is a local designer and production manager whose design credits include Mousetrap and 12 Angry Men (Vertigo), Uptown Country Ladies and Love Train (Stage West) Titus Andronicus (The Shakespeare Company), Super 8, Dad’s Piano, Mockingbird Close, If I Weren’t With You, and That Men May Fly (Lunchbox). Previous production management credits include Polygraph, Summer of my Amazing Luck, Girl in the Goldfish Bowl (Sage Theatre), Jack Goes Boating, Fool For Love (Shadow Theatre/Sage Theatre). David held the position of  Technical Director.

Dillon Smiley has been performing music most of his life. A graduate of the Red Deer College Music Program with a major in guitar performance, he has played in many rock and jazz ensembles. He is excited to return to live theater with Spring Awakening. Dillon held the position of Musician (Guitar).

This is Eric Block's first performance with Artists' Collective Theatre. Elsewhere: The Last 5 Years (Storybook Theatre), The World According to Snoopy, The last 5 Years, Oh Canada Eh? (Cornerstone Theatre). Eric is excited to be performing with the Artists' Collective Theatre. He and his wife Alex are expecting their first child in June. Eric held the position of Musician (Bass Guitar).

Eric Pettifor directed ACT's inaugural production The Lonely Soldier Monologues in October of 2012, as well as ACT's The Apple Kingdom which won outstanding play at the Calgary One Act Festival (as well as outstanding director, and outstanding actress (Madelaine Suddaby)), and went on to the Calgary Fringe and Fort MacMurray Interplay Festivals. He recently assistant directed Flat Stanley for StoryBook Theatre. He is delighted to be a part of this incredible production. Eric held the positions of Assistant Director and Dramaturge.

Eric Wigston is a Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts Grad who currently resides in Edmonton but is looking to make Calgary his home. Select theatre credits include: That Men May Fly (Lunchbox Theatre), Jeremy de Bergerac (Forte Musical Theatre Guild), Evil Dead: The Musical (Hit & Myth Productions), A Christmas Carol, Romeo and Juliet (Citadel Theatre), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Shear Madness (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), The Soul Collector (Catalyst Theatre), and On the Banks of the Nut, The Adulteress, Cause and Effect (Teatro La Quindicina). He’d like to thank his family and Emma for all their love and support. Eric played the role of Melchior.

Born and raised in Mexico, Eugenio Saenz has worked across Canada, Mexico and NYC. While in NYC he worked on the Tony Award winning musical Once and other Broadway shows. In Calgary, he has designed costumes, lights and sets for independent theatre companies such as Third Street, BSMT, Mob Hit & Front Row Centre. A graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada Production Program, Eugenio is currently the Technical Director at Vertigo Theatre. Eugenio held the position of Lighting Designer.

While at Dalhousie University in Halifax (as an actor), Frank MacLeod was inspired by Robert Doyle, who was Artist in Residence and ran the Costume Studies Program. Frank earned extra credits by working costume crew for the University's main stage productions. That was over 30 years ago and the rest is history! Frank has worked on too many shows to count with companies, like FRC, Morpheus, U of C Operetta, Storybook Theatre and Capuccino Theatre. Frank's Mantra ...“You can have it right, or you can have it now, but you can’t have it right now!” Frank held the position of Assistant Costume Designer.

Hanne Loosen studied costume design at the Academy for Visual Arts Maastricht in the Netherlands, set design and scenography with a Master of Arts degree at the Technical University in Berlin. Set- and Costume design realizations include the short opera "The Tears of the Knife" by Bohuslav Martinů (2010), the children's opera "Cinderella" by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari at the Werkstattbühne at the State Opera Berlin (2011), "Ba-Ta-Clan" and "Mesdames de la Halle" by Jaques Offenbach at the Academy of Music "Hanns Eisler" Berlin (2012), "The Lime Works" together with Albert Lang; a music theatre project by parallelaktion and Helmut Oehring (2013) and a music production with children after "Children's corner" by Claude Debussy. http://www.hanneloosen.be Hanne held the position of Set Designer.

Ingrid Moore is thrilled to be taking part in her first production with ACT. She is a recent graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria. Favorite past credits include: The Leader in Zorba!, Rose of Sharon in The Grapes of Wrath, Viola in Twelfth Night (CCPA); Little Miss Nunavut in That Maple Feeling (Atomic Vaudeville); and Rachel Jackson in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (No Tomatoes Theatre Co.). You’ll find her this summer in Rossland, BC, in her second season with the Gold Fever Follies. She thanks her friends and family, and hopes you enjoy the show! Ingrid was part of the Female Ensemble.

Jacqueline Strilchuk is a Calgary based performer, director, writer and educator specializing in musical theatre. She has a performing arts diploma from Mount Royal University and an Education degree from the University of Calgary. Jacqueline is a private acting coach and is currently the Theatre School Advisor at StoryBook Theatre which offers year round classes for students aged 6-18. Selected performing credits include; 8, White Christmas, Avenue Q, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. This is Jacqueline's ACT debut and is very excited to be part of the team. Jacqueline played the roles of the Adult Female Characters.

This is Jesse Deutscher 's first performance with Artists' Collective Theatre, and with any professional theatre company -- and she couldn't be more thrilled and honoured to be starting her theatre career with such a gifted group of artists. A recent Bishop Carroll graduate, she is also an alumnus of Theatre Junction's student mentorship program. Spring Awakening is one of her favourite shows, and she hopes you love it as much as she does. Jesse played the role of Thea.

Kat Fullerton has always had a theatrical streak, just ask her Mother. After graduating from the Theatre Arts program at MRU, Kat sang and danced her way across Canada for a couple of years before settling back in Calgary. She's now thrilled beyond belief to be working behind the scenes as a Producer with Artists' Collective Theatre with her MRU alum, Amanda Liz Cutting! Kat wishes her life was a musical and hooopes yoooou enjoooy the SHOOOOOOW! (jazz hands). Kat held the position of Producer.

Kelley Cheetham is positively elated to be a part of Spring Awakening, her absolute favourite musical! She is a graduate of the technical theatre program at MRU. Favourite past productions include: Jeeves in Bloom, It’s a Wonderful Life, All Shook Up (Chemainus Theatre Festival), The Shape of a Girl (ACT), RED (ATP), The Ends of the Earth (Vertigo Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Theatre Calgary) and four Sage Theatre Ignite! Festivals. Love to her friends and family. Kelley held the position of Assistant Stage Manager.

Kelsey Flower is a graduate of Mount Royal University's theatre arts program. Kelsey has recently moved to Vancouver to peruse more acting opportunities. Some of his past credits include Evil Dead: The Musical (Hit and Myth/Pumphouse), Land of the Dead (Shakespeare Co/ Hit and Myth), Kung Fu Panties (loose Moose) and Servant of Two Masters (Beyond the Brink). Kelsey is extremely excited to be a part of this production and to work with such an amazing team whom without this show would be "Totally F@*+!^*ed." Kelsey would also like to thank his amazing support time (Mom,Dad, Andrew,Zach and Maxie) for always making him push himself and dusting him off when he falls down. Enjoy the Show! Kelsey played the role of Otto.

Keri Lyn Halfacre is a graduate of Red Deer College’s Theatre and Entertainment production program. She’s excited to be part of her first ACT production as props master, especially to work on a musical (most likely rocking Moritz Steifel-esque hair). Recent theatre credits include Steven Evanik’s A Spark Extinguished (designer) and Joe Semenoff’s The Health Inspector (props master), both at Pumphouse Theatre’s One Act Festival. Recent film credits include set dressing for Forsaken and the upcoming TV series Fargo. Keri held the positions of Props and Set Decoration.

Lara Zaluski is so excited to be a part of this extremely talented group of artists putting on Spring Awakening! Thanks to Amanda for the opportunity, and family and friends for the support! Recent credits include: Theatre – But is it Art? (Just Acts Play Fest), Valerie's Bush (Wordfest 2013), The Count of Monte Cristo and Project Z (Mobhit Productions), Shakespeare's Heroines and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Full Circle Theatre). Television - Hell on Wheels (AMC). Lara played the role of Marta.

Lisa Floyd is a recent 2013 graduate from the University of Lethbridge, with a BFA in Fine Arts, Tech and Design. She is a Calgary based artist who is always looking for a challenge. She has recently worked closely as a Stage manager and Lighting designer for Red Phone Theatre on the Fringe Festival's WILF and Straight on Till Morning at The Motel. She is looking forward to being apart of Artists' Collective upcoming shows. Lisa held the positions of Assistant Lighting Designer and Lighting Board Operator.

Liz Tremblary is happy to be playing Spring Awakening with such energetic, talented folk. She studied cello and piano at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and lived and worked for many years in Bermuda. Show credits include Les Miserables, Chicago, Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast to name a few. She has played with such diverse stars as Smokey Robinson, Sir James Galway, Sir Yehudi Menuhin and Josh Grobin. Moving to Ontario in 2005 she enjoyed playing with Kingston Symphony and, as a relative newcomer to the West is enjoying building musical connections. Liz held the position of Musician (Cello).

Lucas Seeger s a Mount Royal Theatre alumnus who enjoys long walks on the beach, the smell of freshly cut grass, and dressing up as his favourite characters from TV and comic books. He is also a Juggler and somewhat of an amateur acrobat with a love of language who is fluent in both English and French and is working on learning American Sign Language. Lucas is very excited to be in his first production with Artists' Collective Theatre! Other experiences include; Tommy in The Music Man (University of Calgary Operetta Company), Carson Waverly and Johnathan Catsby in The Albright Pact (Juicebox Theatre), Dracula and Mr. Hilltop in Young Frankenstein (Front Row Centre), And Danny in Freckleface Strawberry the musical (Storybook Theatre). Lucas would like to thank his endlessly supportive family and friends who without fail, even after several years, still make an effort to come to every show. You guys rock! Lucas was part of the Male Ensemble.

Mada Wentzel is thrilled to be taking part in one of her all-time favourite productions with such a talented group of people. By day, Mada is a Registered Nurse who recently graduated from the University of Calgary. In her free time, she enjoys planning her upcoming wedding and participating in theatre as often as possible. In recent years, Mada has participated as a cast member in The Music Man, Children of Eden, Guys and Dolls, and various other productions with the UCalgary Operetta Company. She has also greatly enjoyed playing the violin in the band for Front Row Centre’s productions of Gypsy and Young Frankenstein. Mada held the position of Musician (Violin).

This is Madeleine Suddaby's first venture into choreography for a full-length musical, and couldn't be happier with the choice of show, and the team behind it! Madeleine is foremost a performer in the city (look for her in Stage West's Fiddler On The Roof AND Avenue Q this spring/summer!), but was a dancer before she could walk. After training for twenty years, it's time she put her skills to the test. Madeleine held the position of Choreographer.

Michelle McKey recently graduated with a BFA in Drama and BA in English, with a creative writing concentration, from the University of Calgary. She is a poet, playwright, director and actor. Selected past stage credits include Shooshoo and Vlum (Wagonstage), Bones for Otto, Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout, Trojan Women, and Fair Liberty's Call (U of C), The Lonely Soldier Monologues and The Apple Kingdom (ACT). On the grand life-picture scale, she would like to thank those who began the journey with her, those who joined mid-way, and those sticking around for the credit roll. You're the reason, the inspiration, the motive, and the goal! Michelle played the role of an Adult Female.

Native Calgarian Nathan Chan returned to his hometown in 2013 after being away for more than 12 years. He holds an Associate Diploma in Cello Performance (A.R.C.T.) from the Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto, as well as degrees in commerce, disability studies, and education. An active chamber and orchestral musician, Nathan has played with groups including the Calgary Civic Symphony, Oslo Symfoniorkester, Classical Symphony of Chicago, Sotto Voce Musicians, and Savoy Society. Nathan loves teaching and maintains a studio teaching private cello and speech arts lessons to students aged 4 to 55. Nathan held the position of Musician (Cello).

Sarah Irwin is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, Sarah continued studying this year at the Company of Rogues in Calgary. Most recently she was seen in Storybook Theatre's production of The Last 5 Years. This is Sarah's second play with ACT, having played Zama Kor in The Apple Kingdom. She is very excited to be playing Ilse alongside such a talented cast, and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does! Sarah played the of Ilse.

Stefani Lis is beyond excited to play one of her dream roles in one of her favourite shows! Stefanie is a graduate of MacEwan University's Theatre Arts program. Past productions include Chekhov's Three Sisters in which she played Irina (MacEwan University) Xanadu, Merrily We Roll Along, Vernon God Little, Once on this Island, Thebans (MacEwan University), Children of Eden (UCalgary Operetta Company), Preach_2012 (Magpie Theatre) and the the new musical by Hilary Hornberger The Raven where she originated the role of Echo. You can also catch her in the trailer for Melanie Kerr's book Follies Past: A Prequel to Pride and Prejudice. Stefanie is currently directing a play for a Canada-wide project to raise awareness about elder abuse. Stefani played the role of Wendla.

Susan Lexa is one of Canada's most exciting musical directors. Recent work includes StoryBook Theatre's The Last Five Years, Vertigo's Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Keyano Theatre Company's Les Miserables. Susan held the positions of Musical Director and Musician (Piano).

Tory Doctor 's career spans 20 years in over 50 productions. Select credits include; Legends (The Grand Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Neptune Theatre), Blood Brothers, Me and My Girl, Man of La Mancha, Vaudeville, Damn Yankees (Drayton Ent.) Grease (Elgin Theatre Toronto, Stage West Calgary), Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, Evita, Cats, The Great Gatsby, A Christmas Carol (Theatre Calgary), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival, TC), Jeremy de Bergerac, Austentacious (Forte Musical Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (TC, MTC, NAC) and Married Alive, Unnecessary Farce, Cinderella, Guys and Dolls (Stage West Calgary). He has also worked with world class producers Disney and Cameron Macintosh and is the resident Musical Theatre teacher at Calgary Actors' Studio. Tory played the role of Adult Male.

Trent Crosby is excited to take another crack at Spring Awakening with such an exciting company. Selected credits include The Passion of Narcisse Mondoux for the Grand Theatre, Death of a Salesman, A Few Good Men, Spring Awakening, and The Winter's Tale Project for the Citadel Theatre, Dance Masters for the Banff Arts Centre, Chapter Two and Mary's Wedding for Capitol Theatre,The Book of Jobes for Kompany Theatre, La Chaise Perdue for L’uni Theatre, and The Spiral Dive Trilogy for theatREpublic and WorkshopWest. Trent is also active in Edmonton's busy festival season programming entertainment for a Taste of Edmonton, Silver Skate Festival, and New Year's Eve on Churchill Square. Trent held the position of Stage Manager.

Trevor Rueger is an actor, director, dramaturg, playwright and is currently the Executive Director of Alberta Playwrights’ Network an organization devoted to developing Alberta playwrights at all stages for all stages. He was last seen playing the skins in Sage Theatre’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He also plays drums in a local cover band called PopeDaddy who are available for weddings, funerals, bat mitzvahs and children’s birthday parties. Trevor held the position of Musician (drums).

Zach Peterson is very excited to be a part of Spring Awakening with such talented people. Some of his credits in theatre include The Raven (Blake), The Apple Kingdom (King), The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Maugrim), Tartuffe (Cleante), Interview (1st Applicant), and Into The Woods (The Baker). Zach absolutely loves to sing, act, dance, and is also adept at playing many instruments. Zach was part of the Male Ensemble.