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HANSEL & GRETEL SYNOPSIS

ACT I:

A poor broom-maker and his wife live in a lonesome
cottage with their little son, Hansel, and their daughter, Gretel. Father and mother have gone away to sell brooms in the neighbouring villages, leaving the children at work in the house. Hansel and Gretel find the work tiresome, especially with their empty stomachs clamouring. Eventually they abandon their work to dance, and are caught by their mother at the height of their merriment. She scolds the children and sends them out into the forest to pick wild strawberries. Late that evening the father returns, having sold his brooms for a good profit. Missing the children, he asks after them, and is horror-stricken at the thought of them all alone after nightfall in the woods.

ACT II:

Hansel and Gretel roam through the woods heedless of direction and time, gradually filling their baskets. When dusk falls, they are frightened of the darkening woods, which they believe to be haunted by fairies and witches. The frightened children cower together beneath a spreading tree, and repeat their usual bedtime prayer to the “fourteen guardian angels,’’ after which, calmer in spirit, they fall asleep with a fairy vision of the radiant angels floating around them.

ACT III:

The children awake, refreshed by a good night's sleep, and sing merrily. In the daylight, they notice a beautiful little house made of delicious things to eat. The house belongs to a wicked witch who lures children in with her spells, pops them into her oven, and bakes them into gingerbread. Hansel and Gretel approach the house and begin to break off treats from the walls. The witch appears and casts a spell to prevent their escape, shutting Hansel in a cage and feeding him sweets to fatten him. She tries to entice Gretel to bend down in front of the oven, so that she can push her in, but Gretel pretends not to understand. When the witch herself crossly bends down to show her how, the two children shove the witch into the oven, and bang the door shut. Once the witch is gone, all the gingerbread figures around the witch's house turn back into happy boys and girls. Father and mother, who have been out searching for the children, burst upon the scene, and the opera concludes with a chorus of thanksgiving.

Synopsis adapted from the Schirmer edition of Hansel & Gretel. 
 

COSÌ FAN TUTTE SYNOPSIS

ACT I:

Don Alfonso and his friends Ferrando and Guglielmo are arguing about the nature of women. Alfonso insists that all women are fickle, while Ferrando and Guglielmo refuse to believe that their fiancées, the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, would ever be unfaithful. Don Alfonso wagers that by the end of that very day he can prove his friends wrong. He instructs Ferrando and Guglielmo to pretend that they have been called to jury duty out of town. 

NO STRINGS THEATRE

In collaboration with industry professionals, No Strings Theatre aims to develop, empower and inspire the next generation of performing artists. Assuring an equitable space, we are committed to fostering anti-racist, non-biased theatrical practices while reducing socio-economic barriers. Our practices facilitate an inclusive space for community engagement in the arts.

For more information, visit www.nostringstheatre.com

Cast

Creative Team

Around and Behind the Scenes - Our Volunteers

Costumes

Olga Ostrava
 

Canada Summer Jobs Associates

Claire Haig-Halsall: Production Assistant – Performing Arts 

Liam Eric Dawson: Production Coordinator – Performing Arts 

Vivien Illion: Administrative Assistant – Arts Management

Sid Malcolm: Community Engagement Assistant 

Emma Goulden: Development Coordinator – Fundraising & Outreach

Volunteers

Alibertti Loisy

Graphic Designer and Videographer

Kennon Vaughan (Human Planet Media)

Social Media Marketing

Matthew Seeley

Auditions Admin assistant

Janina Dziedziola

Silent Auction fundraising manager

Solomun Guish

Front of House and Concessions

 Janina Dziedziola, Don Dos Santos, Eulalie Walling-Sampson, Karen Sampson, Conroy Williams, Ben MacDonald

Photography

Sid Malcolm

Videography

Kennon Vaughan, Human Planet Media

Meet the Company

Lauran McKay

Hansel

Lauran McKay is a performer and musical theatre composer who is absolutely delighted to be making her operatic debut in a group of such formidable singers and encouraging people. Lauran has previously composed a musical for the Ottawa Fringe Festival and music directed Chicago, Guys & Dolls, and the Addams Family. However it is through No Strings Theatre that she has refound her passion for the stage. Lauran is currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Psychology of Music and hopes to pursue her research in mental health. However, she will also hope to be back performing some opera before too long.

Marissa Lake

Gretel - Aug. 9 matinee, Aug. 10

American soprano Marissa Lake has appeared in performances across the globe. She recently made her role debut as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance with Stafford Opera Troupe and is excited to portray Gretel in Hänsel and Gretel with No Strings Theatre. While completing her Master of Music at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, she has sung the title role in Handel’s Semele, Galatea in the world premiere of Dean Burry’s Il guidizio di Pigmalione, the Dew Fairy in Hänsel und Gretel, and featured in scenes as Violetta (La Traviata) and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni). Other credits include Amor in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Oberto in Handel’s Alcina, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, and Adele in Die Fledermaus. Originally from Wilmot, WI, Lake holds a Bachelor of Music from Lawrence University and is currently based in Montréal, QC.

Michelle Veronesi

Gretel - Aug. 8, Aug. 9 evening

Michelle Veronesi is a Canadian soprano whose musical journey began with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, performing in children's operas such as A Dickens of a Christmas by Errol Gay, The Hobbit by Dean Burry and a workshop of The Children's Crusade by R. Murray Schafer. She has sung with the Hart House Chorus, Singing Out! Toronto, and currently performs with the Toronto Beach Chorale and St. Anne’s Parish Choir. In January of 2024, Michelle discovered her voice as a soprano soloist and has since performed with the Peel Choral Society, the Gallery of Song program in the Peel School District, and with the St. Anne's Parish Choir. She is delighted to join the No Strings Theatre Summer Opera Intensive as Gretel in Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Michelle is immensely grateful for the mentorship of her teacher Mervin Fick, the support of her partner Alison and her ever-present singing partner, her cat Mulberry.

Heather McGrath

Mother/Witch

Heather McGrath is a mezzo soprano from Toronto. After years with a community choir, Heather made the leap to the stage – with opera companies – and to the concert hall – with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Heather is thrilled to return to No Strings Theatre, singing the Mother and the Gingerbread Witch in NST’s Hansel and Gretel! Recent roles include Cousin Hebe in HMS Pinafore and Annina in La Traviata (“the beautifully voiced Annina of Heather McGrath” – Opera Canada), both with Opera York, and Third Lady in The Magic Flute with NST / Opera By Request. Other recent highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall with members of the TMC in June 2025. Chorus work: The Tender Land, L’elisir d’amore, Carmen, Susannah, Don Giovanni (Toronto City Opera), Der Freischütz (OBR), Amahl and the Night Visitors (NST), Tosca (Mississauga Symphony Orchestra), Die Fledermaus (OY), Il Trovatore (Opera Sustenida) and more. She hasn’t quit her day job yet, but when not singing, Heather has been known to dabble in costume-making. Heather studies with Stephanie DeCiantis (Lakeshore Conservatory).

Henry Irwin

Father (H&G), Don Alfonso (Così) - Aug. 15, Aug. 16 evening

Henry Irwin has had the privilege of performing roles and singing repertoire with many groups and orchestras , including the Canadian Youth Orchestra, the Santa Barbara Symphony (California) the Edmonton Opera Company, the Canadian Opera Company (chorus), The Hart House Orchestra, the Hamilton Symphony, the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, Tryptych Productions, Opera by Request, Coro Verdi, Opera Belcanto, and Opera York. This is his fourth appearance with No Strings Theatre, the others being in The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. He attended the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto Opera School.

Sophie Morris-Suzuki

Sandman - Aug. 8, Aug. 9 matinee/Dew Fairy - All shows

Sophie Morris-Suzuki is a soprano based in Williamsburg, Virginia who enjoys singing choral music, opera and concert repertoire equally. She is really looking forward to singing the Sandman and Dew Fairy in No Strings Theatre’s production of Hansel and Gretel! Recent performances include chorus in Opera in Williamsburg’s Madama Butterfly, choir member in the Berkshire Choral International Great Barrington workshop, and choir member in Williamsburg Choral Guild’s performance of Brahms’s German Requiem. Sophie has extensive choral experience and is currently a Choral Scholar for the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. She has also sung as a choir member and soloist with the Barksdale Treble Chorus, William & Mary Choir, and Williamsburg Choral Guild. Sophie also enjoys competing and in 2024 she was a finalist in the Williamsburg Choral Guild Young Artist Vocal Competition. Sophie is in the process of preparing her senior recital under the guidance of voice teacher Mary Fletcher, which is expected to take place in late fall 2025.

Denise Williams

Sandman - Aug. 9 evening, Aug. 10

Denise Williams has a MA in community Music and is an established professional singer, voice teacher, concert producer and music facilitator. She is a passionate advocate for the performing arts, leveraging her extensive professional experience to promote artistic expression, education, and foster inclusivity. Her international performance career has put her on the concert, opera, and theatre stages. Her most well-loved self-produced music project is her cross-cultural, Walk Together Children concert program, uniting African Jewish and Muslim cultural music intersections as a commentary on commonalities of forcibly migrant cultures, musical assimilations, and attempts at bridging social gaps. Denise is Founding Artistic Director of No Strings Theatre (2005) and is currently on the music theatre voice faculty of Sheridan College and operates her Voices of Colour Music (VCM) music studio. She is a certified advanced voice teacher affiliate for the Royal Conservatory of Music and has been an RCM examiner and national vocal adjudicator since 2000. Her professional memberships include The National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS Vice President - Ontario Chapter), The Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (Immediate Past President of the Central Toronto Branch), Elora Festival and Elora Singers Board of directors), as well as ACTRA and CAEA.

Akshaya Lakshmi

Fiordiligi - Aug. 15, Aug. 16 evening

Akshaya Lakshmi is an Indo-Canadian soprano from Fort McMurray, Alberta. Dedicated to diversity and representation, she strives to foster a more inclusive artistic community. Her operatic credits include: Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), Musetta (La Bohème), Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel). Partial roles include: Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Gilda (Rigoletto), Mlle. Silberklang (Der Schauspieldirektor), Lucia (The Rape of Lucretia), and more. In musical theatre, recent credits include: Sister Sophia/Maria Understudy (The Sound of Music), Lilly (Swingtime Canteen), Corine (Triumph of Love) and Diana Barry (Anne of Green Gables). Offstage, she has also worked as a director, choreographer, and music director for numerous productions. Akshaya is currently pursuing graduate studies in Voice Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). She holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a University Certificate in Marketing. She is so excited to be making her debut as Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte) with No Strings Theatre this summer!

Leah Bondy

Fiordiligi - Aug. 16 matinee, Aug. 17

Leah Bondy– Bio Leah Bondy is a multifaceted artist who resides in London ON. She enjoys dabbling in many different styles and artforms with a focus on contemporary music and opera. Recently she has completed a Master of Music in Literature and Performance studying under the tutelage of Patricia Green at Western University. She is excited to be joining No Strings Theatre for the first time as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte. Highlights from 2024 include performing as the soprano soloist in Faure’s Requiem with the Colborne Live Concert Series, as well as performing the role of Electra in Idomeneo with Summer Opera Lyric Theater (SOLT). In 2022 she made her Berlin debut singing the Chorus of Echoes at Berlin Opera Academy (BOA) for their summer intensive program. Leah is a graduate of Western University (2019) with a Bachelor of Music Voice Performance (Honours) where she studied with Jackalyn Short.

Wanmei Zhang

Dorabella

Wanmei Zhang is a New York-based mezzo-soprano. In the 2024–2025 season, she appeared in over 20 performances, including operas, solo recitals, and chamber music concerts. Her repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary music, and she frequently collaborates with chamber ensembles and living composers. In summer 2025, she premiered commissioned works at the Mostly Modern Festival in Saratoga Springs. She was selected to perform the role of Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice with Stony Brook Opera in spring 2025. Wanmei is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Dr. Jeremy Little. As a teaching assistant, she teaches chamber music and private lessons and has organized Chinese music concerts on campus. She holds a Master’s degree from California Baptist University and a Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music. Outside academia, she regularly performs in the community and serves as a cantor at Caroline Episcopal Church.

Lucas Kuipers

Ferrando

Tenor Lucas Kuipers was born and raised in Toronto. He completed his Bachelor of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University and is currently studying voice privately with Mervin Fick. Both during and after his time at Laurier he performed a number of operatic roles. Some highlights include; Tremaine in a premiere of the chamber opera Farewell to Nova Scotia by Tristan Zaba with Opera From Scratch, Mayor Upfold from Albert Herring with Halifax Summer Opera Festival, The Magician from The Consul with Long Reach Opera Workshop, Flute from A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Halifax Summer Opera Festival, Snout from A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Opera NUOVA, and Basilio from Le Nozze di Figaro with Summer Opera Lyric Theatre. His first performance with No Strings Theatre was last summer as Monostatos in Die Zauberflöte. He is excited to return this summer as Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte.

Ben Loyst

Guglielmo

Performing has been a life long love for Ben. Originally from Nanaimo BC, he first came to Toronto to study at the Glenn Gould School of Music. While there, he studied with Stephanie Bogle and later Jason Howard. He also featured in many of the schools operas including two Jonathan dove works, in Siren song he played the Captain and later in Flight the Immigration Officer. He also played the Mother in Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins. While in School Ben developed another passion for music outreach. He volunteered with programs including Back to Bach and the Hammer Band and later worked with Extra Ed teaching music. On top of that, Ben co-founded Pick-up Opera (formerly Nóżki Opera) which brings opera to first time audiences. Pick-up projects include a space odyssey Magic flute touring elementary schools and a rowdy Impresario meant for bars. Throughout it all Ben brought his passion for story telling and beautiful music.

Brooke Mitchell

Despina

Brooke Mitchell is an emerging soprano and actor from Kjipuktuk (Halifax), now based in Tkaronto (Toronto). She is so ready to share her very first Despina with you! This season she made her debut with Toronto Operetta Theatre in the roles of Kathie (The Student Prince) and Gianetta (The Gondoliers). In April she flew back to her home province for The Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance’s collaboration with Bel Canto Boot Camp, where she studied with Rachelle Jonck and Michal Biel. She most recently participated in Stratford Summer Music’s Opera program. For No Strings: Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute), Frasquita (Carmen), Izzy (Levels the Play). Select Music Theatre: Iris (says goodbye) (Mixtape Projects/Toronto Fringe), Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Burns… (Theatre Sheridan). Brooke holds an Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance from Sheridan College. Keep up with me on IG & YT: @brookelmitchell — Xoxo, Brooke

John Holland

Don Alfonso - Aug. 16 matinee, Aug. 17

Czech-Canadian Bass-Baritone John Holland has embarked on a diverse career of opera, oratorio, and art song. His Operatic credits include Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Leporello in Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre in Prague, Kecal in The Bartered Bride, Purkrabi in Dvořák’s Jakobín, and Belcore in L’Elisir d’amore. He is a frequent performer with The Mississauga Symphony, and with Opera York. John has also performed at Bachfest in Leipzig (2014, 2022) and won a JUNO award in 2020. On the podium, John is currently the Artistic Director of both the Toronto Classical Singers and Chorus York, and music director at Blessed Trinity Parish. Dr. Holland completed his PhD in Musicology in 2018. His book, The Lost Tradition of Dvořák's Operas: Myth, Music, and Nationalism was published in 2023. He is the founder of the Canadian Institute for Czech Music, and a contract faculty member at York University. At Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy, John is the Director of Fundraising and Community Programming.

Eylül Evren

Ensemble, Despina Role Study

Eylül Naz Evren is a 23-year-old lyric mezzo-soprano (ongoing training) and recently completed her Bachelor of Music program at the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty. She’s been an active performer in choral and solo settings, including VCM summer programs and the Augustana Choir Tour. This production marks her very first opera performance and her debut as “Despina” with No Strings Theatre—an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey. She currently studies voice with Kimerica Parr. She is grateful for artistic team’s and cast’s support, especially her roommate Lauran (sometimes).

Amandla Ankrah-Reid

Youth Chorus

Amandla Ankrah-Reid is thrilled to be making her opera debut at just 5 years old in Hansel and Gretel! In this magical production, she plays a gingerbread child, an angel, and a villager. From a very young age, Amandla has loved singing, dancing, and putting on performances for family and friends. She also enjoys drawing, doing crafts, playing dress-up, and making up stories with her toys. Amandla is so excited to be part of this special show and hopes you enjoy it!

Amelie Ware-Redman

Youth Chorus

Amelie Ware-Redman is an 13 year old vocalist, performer and musician. Her first public performance was in 2017 in Redefine Arts’ production of DriftSeeds. Since that time she has performed in several plays including Alice in Cabbagetown (2025), A Torontonian in Oz (2024) and was an invited performer at the North York Music Festival Gala (2025). She attends vocal lessons with Denise Williams. She was awarded best vocalist popular solo at the North York Music Festival (2025), She then was an invited performer at the North York Music Festival Gala. She is a graduate of the Theatre Direct Drama Club program (2025) and just completed a week-long intensive, the Stratford Musical Theatre Camp (2025). She was recently accepted into one of Bravo academy’s musical theatre troupe which she will be beginning in September. This is her first summer with No Strings Theatre, and she is thrilled to have this opportunity.

Anabel Kuzminykh

Youth Chorus

Galina Mezentseva

Youth Chorus

Galina Mezenseva is a 13-year-old aspiring singer from Toronto who just successfully finished Level Four in the RCM Voice program. She started her singing journey at a young age in the Young Voices Toronto choir. After deciding to pursue singing in 2021 with her singing teacher, Sofia Peycheva, at Sofia's Voice Studio, Galina has participated in several concerts and contests. Galina achieved First place in the Kiwanis Music Festival, Toronto 2025, in the Junior Songs from Screen duet category, First place in Elementary Musical Theatre Up-tempo, and Second place in Elementary Art Song. Galina is a member of the Musical Theatre at Erudite school under the guidance of Nadejda Bendelik. She played several notable roles, such as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, and, most recently, the Genie from Aladdin. This is her first summer at No Strings Theatre, and she is overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with the rest of the team.

Janan Khajehhasani

Youth Chorus

Janan, 8 years old, is an energetic and social girl with a great passion for music. She dreams of becoming an actor-singer and has previously gained experience acting in a short film. Janan loves nature and adventure, and with her creative and curious spirit, she is always eager to explore new experiences and continue her artistic journey on stage.

Zev Stone

Youth Chorus

Zev Stone is an aspiring triple threat performer heading into grade 8 at Claude Watson School for the Arts. Zev is excited to be participating in his third summer opera season with No Strings Theatre. Past NST credits include Spirit 3 in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, youth chorus in Bizet’s Carmen, and Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Zev is also very active in community theatre, with roles including the Artful Dodger (Oliver!), Scut Farkas (A Christmas Story), Tiny Tim/Boy Ebenezer (A Christmas Carol), and Martin von Trapp (The Sound of Music).

Denise Williams

Artistic Director and Producer

Denise Williams has a MA in community Music and is an established professional singer, voice teacher, concert producer and music facilitator. She is a passionate advocate for the performing arts, leveraging her extensive professional experience to promote artistic expression, education, and foster inclusivity. Her international performance career has put her on the concert, opera, and theatre stages. Her most well-loved self-produced music project is her cross-cultural, Walk Together Children concert program, uniting African Jewish and Muslim cultural music intersections as a commentary on commonalities of forcibly migrant cultures, musical assimilations, and attempts at bridging social gaps. Denise is Founding Artistic Director of No Strings Theatre (2005) and is currently on the music theatre voice faculty of Sheridan College and operates her Voices of Colour Music (VCM) music studio. She is a certified advanced voice teacher affiliate for the Royal Conservatory of Music and has been an RCM examiner and national vocal adjudicator since 2000. Her professional memberships include The National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS Vice President - Ontario Chapter), The Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (Immediate Past President of the Central Toronto Branch), Elora Festival and Elora Singers Board of directors), as well as ACTRA and CAEA. Denise has launched scholarships for Black students and artists. She continues to advocate for cross-cultural sharing of music traditions, equity, diversity and inclusion on performance stages. Memberships Vice President, NATS-Ontario; Board of Directors, Elora Festival and Elora Singers; Past President, ORMTA Central Toronto Branch; ACTRA, CAEA Education Master of Arts, Community Music, Wilfrid Laurier University; Arts and Entertainment Administration, TMU; ARCT Singing Diploma, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Awards ORMTA Contribution to Teaching, 2024; 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2024

Rob Herriot

Stage Director

Canadian stage director Rob Herriot’s career has taken him across North America. He has directed productions of Cosi fan Tutte, Cenerentola, Madama Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Boheme, Carmen, Rigoletto (Manitoba Opera), Barber of Seville, Don Pasquale, Elixir of Love and Don Giovanni (Livermore Valley Opera) Cosi fan Tutte (Opera Kelowna) Three Decembers, Magic Flute (Little Opera Company) Carmen, Don Pasquale (Arizona Opera), Don Pasquale (Connecticut Opera, Utah Opera) New productions of Rigoletto (2019)HMS Pinafore (2018) Hansel and Gretel, and Magic Flute. Other productions for Edmonton include Turandot, Pirates of Penzance, La Fille Du Regiment, Tosca, The Mikado, and Cenerentola,. For Calgary Opera he has directed productions of Tosca, Barber of Seville, La The Magic Flute, Pirates of Penzance and Candide, as well as numerous shows for their Emerging Artists program; Beatrice et Benedict, Susannah’s Secret, L’Enfant et les Sortileges, Doctor Miracle, and The First Nowell. As a teacher and mentor, he has directed productions of Barber of Seville, Tuck Everlasting, The Fairy Queen, Tartuffe, Beatrice and Benedict, Don Giovanni, Oklahoma, La Boheme and Patience for Opera Nuova in Edmonton

Cary Denby

Music Director (Hansel & Gretel)

Cary Denby is a versatile and accomplished accompanist with a wealth of experience in the world of classical and musical theatre performance. With a career spanning over 40 years she has established a reputation for excellence as a repetiteur and occasional music director, providing vital support to both performers and productions. Cary has collaborated as repetiteur with esteemed organizations such as Manitoba Opera and Saskatoon Opera, and has served as Music Director for Dry Cold Productions, Little Opera Co, Underground Opera, the University of Manitoba Musical Theatre Department. She has also collaborated with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Rainbow Stage, and professional choirs, the Winnipeg Singers and Canzona. Cary has honed her craft in various musical styles and settings. Cary is passionate about nurturing talent and creating a supportive environment for artists.

Cecilia NguyenTran

Music Director (Così fan tutte)

Cecilia NguyenTran is a Vietnamese-Canadian pianist born and raised in Toronto. She began studying the piano at the age of five at the community music school in Regent Park. Cecilia went on to earn her Bachelor of Music and Opera Diploma in piano at Wilfrid Laurier University where she had her initial experiences in opera playing for Opera Laurier. This led her to continue exploring vocal collaboration both in and outside of Canada. Productions that Cecilia has worked on include Les contes d’Hoffmann (J. Offenbach), The Tender Land (A. Copland), Cendrillon (J. Massenet), Little Women (M. Adamo), Tartuffe (K. Mechem), Eugene Onegin (P. I. Tchaikovsky), Carmen (G. Bizet), Die Zauberflöte (W. A. Mozart), Suor Angelica (G. Puccini), Gianni Schicchi (G. Puccini), La sonnambula (V. Bellini), Blond Eckbert (J. Weir), Dialogues des Carmélites (F. Poulenc), and The Light in the Piazza (A. Guettel). Most recently, Cecilia has earned her Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from McGill University in Montreal, and is enjoying life as a freelance musician.

Claire Haig-Halsall

Stage Manager

Claire Haig-Halsall is a multi-faceted theatre-maker and artist hailing from Winnipeg, and now living in Toronto. She has been employed as stage manager for Smile Theatre’s touring production of And I Never Stopped Dancing, as well as assistant stage manager on Dungeons and Dragons: The Immersive Quest. She works as a performer, musician, musical director, sound designer, and teacher, working in the faculty of music schools such as Toronto Music Alliance with No Strings’ very own Denise Williams and David Stone. Claire is very passionate about arts access for the underprivileged, and has worked with Smile Theatre as a program facilitator with their work at CAMH. She is also a composer and playwright and is working on an original musical set to premiere in 2026 called Take Flight. When not working, you can find her frequenting indie music gigs in the city, and occasionally rollerblading. She is very happy to be joining the team at No Strings this summer!

Liam Eric Dawson

Assistant Director/Choreographer (Hansel & Gretel)

Liam Eric Dawson is an emerging theatre director, creative producer and performer originally from Newfoundland. As a director, Liam is detail oriented. He pushes the boundaries of the physical space, discovers joy, tension and the ridiculousness of the world of the show. In October 2024, Liam had his first taste with opera, when he apprenticed under Canadian director, Ann Hodges, on The Elixir of Love (Manitoba Opera) and fell in love with the art form! Thank you Kathy and Garth. Liam is a graduate of Sheridan Colleges Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program, with a focus in directing. Liam is Artistic Director of Wallnut Productions and was co-founder of Icarus Theatre. Liam would like to thank Denise and Rob for this opportunity.

Vivien Illion

Assistant Director (Così fan tutte)

Vivien Illion is a soprano, director, stage manager, and wearer of many hats. Most recently, she appeared as Mrs. Jenks in Copland’s The Tender Land with Toronto City Opera. In May, Vivien completed her Master of Music in Voice and Opera at McGill University, where she is incredibly grateful to have received a Canada Graduate Scholarships Masters Award (SSHRC). During her studies, Vivien produced and performed in Ana Sokolović’s chamber opera Svadba, and gave a solo recital exploring various strategies for audience accessibility and engagement. Vivien is passionate about using musical storytelling to meaningfully serve her community. With her collective, Pick-Up Opera, she created an original English adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute for young audiences (set in outer space) and performed the role of Pamina. Other roles with Pick-Up have included Serpina in La Serva Padrona, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, and Anne 1 in Cecilia Livingston’s Singing Only Softly.

Meghan Butcher

Associate Music Director - Youth

Meghan Butcher grew up as an interdisciplinary artist and strives to remain as versatile as she can. With a BMus in classical piano from the University of Toronto and extensive Royal Conservatory training, Meg has been immersed in local music theatre, art song and dance accompanying as her main areas of interest. She is a pianist at Canada’s National Ballet School, a private instructor, and has also accompanied for the RCM’s Oscar Peterson School. Described as a sensitive and expressive pianist, Meg continues to hone her craft and share art with others by any means possible.

John Holland

Artistic Mentor

Czech-Canadian Bass-Baritone John Holland has embarked on a diverse career of opera, oratorio, and art song. His Operatic credits include Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Leporello in Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre in Prague, Kecal in The Bartered Bride, Purkrabi in Dvořák’s Jakobín, and Belcore in L’Elisir d’amore. He is a frequent performer with The Mississauga Symphony, and with Opera York. John has also performed at Bachfest in Leipzig (2014, 2022) and won a JUNO award in 2020. On the podium, John is currently the Artistic Director of both the Toronto Classical Singers and Chorus York, and music director at Blessed Trinity Parish. Dr. Holland completed his PhD in Musicology in 2018. His book, The Lost Tradition of Dvořák's Operas: Myth, Music, and Nationalism was published in 2023. He is the founder of the Canadian Institute for Czech Music, and a contract faculty member at York University. At Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy, John is the Director of Fundraising and Community Programming.

David Stone

Speech Arts and Drama (Youth) 

David Stone is a dynamic, versatile musician and award-winning educator, known for his ability to inspire and shape the musicians of tomorrow. With a background in classical and jazz music, David is as comfortable in concert halls as he is in jazz clubs, theatres, and recording studios. An accomplished double bassist, jazz performer, and musical theatre director, David has studied under Canada’s top jazz musicians, including Oliver Jones and Pat LaBarbera, bringing a broad musical depth to all his work. David’s compositions have been featured by leading ensembles like the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Gryphon Trio, with performances across North America and Europe and broadcasts on CBC Radio. With a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, he has studied composition under esteemed mentors such as Christos Hatzis and John Hawkins, and his works have been commissioned by organizations from the Capitol Theatre to Penthelia Singers. As the Director of Toronto Music Alliance, David continues to lead music education with his founding philosophy, "Making Music Make Sense." He brings over 20 years of teaching experience, dedicated to making music accessible and engaging for all ages. David lives in Toronto with his wife, two sons, and their family of pet bunnies.

Multimedia

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Dr. Maurice Bygrave

owner of MVL Farm

Willowdale Presbyterian Church

The Church of St Peter and St Simon's Anglican Church

Toronto Music Alliance

Youth Costumes

Olga Orlava,

Front of House

Janina Dziedziola, Donizetti Dos Santos, Lars Treloar 

Hospitality Manager

Anneika Wint

Food Service

 Anneika Wint, Jenice Scott-Bryan
 

NST'S 2025 SUMMER STAGE SEASON

Silent Auction Donors

Our online Silent Auction is currently running, and it's a fantastic opportunity to help fund our 'SummerStage' 2025 season, which is extra special as it marks our 20th anniversary! Every winning bid directly contributes to building the identities of our Emerging Artists, helping them develop vital networks for their futures.

The auction runs until August 13th, 2025, so there's still time to get involved! We have some amazing items up for grabs, including:

• A 1-week stay at a Marriott hotel (sleeps 6)
• 2 Tickets to a 2025-2026 Theatre Passe Muraille show
• Gift certificates to top Toronto florists, Ital Florist & Emblem Flowers
• Music lessons from Toronto Music Alliance
• And other exciting items!

You can find all the details and place your bids at: 32auctions.com/NSTAuction2025 or you can also see me to scan the QR Code below:

Thank you so much for your generous support of No Strings Theatre and the vibrant future of the performing arts!

2024-2025 Donors

2024-2025 DONORS

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PRODUCER’S CIRCLE

$5000+

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Dr. Maurice Bygrave

The Jackman Foundation

Voices of Colour Music 

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DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

$1500- $4999

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Glen Barckert

Louise Davies

Toronto Music Alliance

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DESIGNER’S CIRCLE

$500-$1499

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I A Clarington Investments

Brian Cunha

William Shookhoff

Conroy Williams

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MANAGER’S CIRCLE

$100-$499

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Hon. Pamela Appelt

Erin Bell

Vanessa Bell

Ann Campbell

Sam Donkoh

Dr. Foch Douglas

Janina Dziedziola

Sarah Frost

Christine Kerr

Cynthia Ledgley

Kristina Nicolaides

Ruby Maynard

Karen Warner

Diana Yerichuk 

Anonymous

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ACTOR’S CIRCLE

UP TO $99

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John Davis

Marilyn Hintsa

Rosemary Hutchinson

Lorna Langit-Blennerhassett

Gloria Martin

Linda Litwack

Linda Schofield

Irena Seyarto - Hernandez

Charlie Sise

Zev Stone

Mr and Mrs Ian Walker

Anonymous

Anonymous

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Board of Directors

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