Q&A with Artistic Director Bailey Yarkie

To know her is to love her! We sat down for a little interview with Bailey Yarkie to help introduce her as the company’s new Artistic Director.

TJB: How long have you been a theatre artist in our region?

BY: I have been doing theatre in Fort McMurray since 2015, so going on 6 years! My first ever show I performed in Fort McMurray was actually a Theatre; Just Because production! Awesome 80's Prom, it was maybe the most fun I've had in a play ever. In that time I've also acted in Keyano, I've done Improv, I've run a youth theatre program, and I've done many backstage positions with both Theatre; Just Because and Keyano Theatre. I've been very busy!

TJB: What’s your dream role?

BY: Honestly I really want to play against type, so any villain role would be amazing. Specifically. I'd love to play Ms. Hannigan from Annie one day. which is funny because I'm a teacher and work with kids all day. I promise I'm way nicer!

TJB: What’s your favourite TJB experience?

BY: Gosh, there's so many! As an actor, I really loved being in The Awesome 80's Prom! It was such a blast, I can't think of too many other productions that had me laughing as much as that one. But more recently, working with the TJB Youth Players has been one of my greatest joys. I love working with the youth in our community, they are so insanely talented and way funnier than I am. Fingers crossed we can put on a show next year!

TJB: What’s your favourite non-TJB theatre experience in YMM?

BY: I really loved being a part of Spoon River Anthology with Keyano Theatre, it was such a beautiful production, and it was the first (and so far only) time I sang on stage, which I didn't think I'd ever do. Shout out to the One woman show, Not I, I did a few years ago for the ADFA, I have no idea how I did that, it was crazy. One of the hardest things I've ever done, but insanely rewarding.

What three words describe you as an artist?

Bubbly, dedicated, and fun-loving!

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Thanks so much, Bailey! We’re so excited that you’ve stepped into this role. We know you’ll do great things!

Q&A with Outgoing Director Hanna Fridhed

Now that Purge has come to a close, we sat down with the company’s Outgoing Director, Hanna Fridhed, to chat about her time with Theatre; Just Because!

TJB: How long have you been with Theatre; Just Because?

HF: I first got involved with TJB in 2015 when I directed SCABS by Maria Blom for their one-act play showcase (word)PLAYS. It was my very first venture into directing, and it was an incredible and challenging experience. In 2016 I came on board as the Communications & Resource Manager, and in 2019 I took over as Artistic Director for the company. It’s been a wild and wonderful ride!

TJB: What’s your favourite TJB experience from over the years?

HF: Every production, program and project has had its own charm and challenges, but one experience that will always stand out for me was directing Evil Dead The Musical in 2019. I’m a huge splatter movie fan and love everything about this show – the music, the ridiculous campy humour, the fake blood – and being able to take it from dream to reality was mind-blowing! It’s a production and experience I will always treasure.

Performing in The Awesome 80s Prom directed by Michelle Thorne is another favourite. My father and grandmother had just passed away, and I was trying to find my footing again after losing my home in the wildfire, and this show brought me so much joy and laughter. Creating and playing with others became my happy place and I’m hoping for everyone to get to experience how healing the arts can be when you let it into your life and heart.

TJB: What’s your favourite non-TJB theatrical experience in YMM?

HF: Definitely the people! I met not only my partner and best friends through the theatre, but I’ve spent the last six years surrounded by humans that inspire, challenge, and make me laugh. I have been able to work with and get to know and love folks from all walks of life from all over the world with vastly different experiences. It’s a continuous learning experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for each and every person I’ve had the privilege to work with.

TJB: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to get into theatre?

Just do it! It might seem intimidating or something that you’re unprepared for – but every nervous moment is worth it thousandfold. The stage might not be your goal, but there is a role for everyone in theatre!

TJB: Summarize your time with Theatre; Just Because in three words.

HF: Empowering, enriching, unforgettable. Alternatively; acceptance, laughter, learning.

HF: As a small addition, I want to say thank you to everyone for being their wonderfully creative selves and being part of the magic these past few years. It's been a privilege and I'm eternally grateful for the wonderful, sometimes difficult, but always valuable, journey it has been.

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Thank you so much, Hanna, for your hard work, bravery, and dedication! We can’t wait to see what you do next!

Why Purge, why now?

TW: Discussion of sexual assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an annual campaign to raise public awareness of sexual assault and educate communities about and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. In honour of this, we would like to share a bit about Purge and the hidden victims of COVID-19.

The themes of Purge; human trafficking, violence against women, sexual abuse, generational trauma, and our will to survive are topics that are as prevalent in our society today as they were during WW2 and the 1990s. 

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. (CivicAction, Feb 20, 2020) Millions of women, children and men worldwide are out of work, out of school and without social support in the continuing COVID-19 crisis, leaving them at greater risk of human trafficking. (UN News, Feb 2, 2021) The pandemic has exacerbated the systemic and deeply entrenched economic and societal inequalities that are among the root causes of human trafficking. The share of children among trafficking victims tripled over the past 15 years, with girls mainly trafficked for sexual exploitation. 

In an environment where priorities and actions are geared towards limiting the spread of the virus, it is easier for traffickers to hide their operations, making victims increasingly invisible, especially those in domestic servitude or sex slavery. 

Trauma disorders are mental illnesses that are caused by traumatic experiences or significant stress. Generational trauma means that we can view the psychological effects of trauma being transferred from one generation to another. It is a traumatic event that began decades prior to the current generation and has impacted the way that individuals understand, cope with, and heal from trauma. Enslavement, genocide, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and extreme poverty are all common sources of suffering that lead to intergenerational trauma. 

Although Purge takes place in Estonia, the issue is still prevalent in modern Canada: “This kind of national awareness is incredibly important because the majority of Canadians still don’t believe human trafficking is happening in this country,” said Rhonelle Bruder, founder and executive director of an anti-trafficking non-profit group. “Many people believe it’s a foreign issue happening somewhere else.” (Toronto Star, Feb 22, 2021).

Purge is a unique opportunity to re-engage the audience after 17 months without live theatre, and present theatre that is thought-provoking, interesting, and intensely human while addressing and discussing preponderant issues of our times that urgently need our immediate attention.

To learn more about resources available in our community, visit WaypointsWB.ca. Interested in supporting our production Purge? We are still accepting donations on our GoFundMe campaign.

Sources:

https://www.unodc.org/documents/Advocacy-Section/HTMSS_Thematic_Brief_on_COVID-19.pdf

https://civicaction.ca/news/canadians-unaware-of-warning-signs-of-sex-trafficking-new-survey/

https://www.health.com/condition/ptsd/generational-trauma

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2021/03/government-of-canada-announces-funding-for-project-to-raise-awareness-against-human-trafficking.html

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/02/22/its-happening-in-plain-sight-shining-a-light-on-the-horrors-of-human-trafficking.html

Audition for Purge

Update – April 19, 2021

Due to the continued Stage 1 restrictions in Alberta, the in-person auditions for Purge are cancelled and the deadline to submit a video audition has been extended to Sunday, April 25 at 4:00 PM. Callbacks will be held virtually on Sunday evening. The safety of the artists, volunteers and Artistic Team is our topmost priority. We’re excited to see your audition!

NEW Video audition deadline: Sunday, April 25 at 4:00 pm
Callbacks: Sunday, April 25 via Zoom

Theatre; Just Because promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in our audition process. We encourage artists of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities to audition.

Due to the mature nature of this production, Theatre; Just Because will only be casting actors 16 years of age or older. This production contains mature themes including sexual abuse, violence, and oppression as well as mature language and imagery. An Intimacy Coach will be present during rehearsals to help with difficult scenes.

How to Audition

Video

1. Read the Audition Handbook

2. Fill out the Audition Form

3. Choose a monologue. All audition materials can be accessed HERE

4. Record two separate videos of you performing one monologue in two different ways. 

   1. Start each video by saying your full name and the piece you will perform. 

   2. Record yourself in landscape mode, waist up. 

   3. Name your videos LastNameFirstName_1 and LastNameFirstName_2. 

   4. Upload the videos using Google Drive, WeTransfer, or similar software and send it to info@theatrejustbecause.com.

Auditions might feel intimidating - but rest assured that our Artistic Team is thrilled to meet you and grateful to you for joining us! You don’t need to have any previous performance or theatrical experience to audition, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions, email info@theatrejustbecause.com.

Stage Manager Mentorship: Purge

Theatre; Just Because Mentorship Program

Stage Management

Theatre; Just Because’s mentorship program aims to give artists hands-on experience in Stage Management. We are looking for aspiring theatre artists of all experience levels. Mentees may be emerging or more experienced artists who want to learn about Stage Management and working in theatre. The TJB mentorship program aims to develop our local artists and the overall theatre community in Wood Buffalo / ᓂᐢᑕᐋᐧᔮᐤ / nistawâyâw . 

The selected mentee will be paired with Zachary Barrett, established Stage Manager, throughout the production of Purge in 2021. This is a volunteer position. The time commitment will be determined by the mentee’s capacity.

During the program, the Mentee will gain:

• An understanding of the management and operational workings of a theatre production

• Leadership and interpersonal management skills 

• A proficiency with management tools and software required for:

  • Scheduling

  • Script organization and analysis

  • Departmental communication

  • Cast and Crew tracking and communication

  • Show calling and management 

The Stage Manager Mentee will:

• Meet with Stage Manager outside rehearsals once a week

• Participate in rehearsals

• Participate in production meetings

• Participate in the technical process

• Participate in performances

• Post-show exit interview

Please note: this is not a job, but a learning opportunity. The amount of involvement of the mentorship will be determined by the mentor. Preference will be given to first-time applicants. Mentees must be at least 16 years old by the start of their mentorship.

Application

Submit your application to info@theatrejustbecause.com, containing the following:

• Resume outlining your artistic experience (if you have none, please list applicable experiences). Examples of an artistic resume can be found here

• Personal letter introducing yourself and touching on why you are interested in the mentorship program (approximately 500-800 words)

• Contact information 

Deadline

This call closes on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 at 4 PM. Late submissions will not be considered.

Contact

For more information on our mentorship program please email Samson Nand, Company Manager at info@theatrejustbecause.com.