DOUG IRONSIDE
Doug Ironside has done this Theatre-type thing since he was a kid. He acts in all plays that require short bald men. He directs all plays that require tyrants. He started the Old Dance Hall Players in 2012 with his wife Stacey, as a desperate act to seek out culture in Orillia. He and Stacey are still looking for it, even if they did make some good friends!
MURPH RODGER
Murph identifies as funny. He's an original member of ODHP and started improv in Doug and Stacey's first class back in 2012. Clever, talented & hilarious are just a few of the words used to describe the other members of ODHP. Murph... not so much! He's never been accused of being shy... inappropriate, most definitely... but never shy. Shirts off is his signature move. Fortunately God has blessed him with the perfect body for comedy - soft & lacking definition
KEVIN SCHARF
Kevin is an actor, improvisor, clown and Christmas performer who has been doing his thing in the Simcoe County area for over 25 years. Being in the Old Dancehall Players has been great as learning lines becomes more difficult as he ages.
For info on how to book a visit from Santa for your event or promotion, or just to put a smile on your wee ones face, hit the button below.
JL Durnford
Former teacher, avid Disney lover, and kidney donor. Currently a political icon.
Likes: imrpov, activism, and dying her hair funky colours.
Dislikes: corn, gluten and injustice
STEPHEN BAINBOROUGH
Born of a hedgehog and a banana, Stephen started his theatrical career early enacting The Great Escape from his crib. ( How he got that motorcycle we'll never know). Nourished on a diet of Abbot and Costello, and Monty Python, he quickly annoyed all his friends, but found people in the Old Dance Hall Players who were tolerant and even more annoying. He found his tribe.
KRISTEN KELLER (KK)
Kristen Keller is a professional actor and improviser who completed the improvisation program at Toronto's Second City, has trained with "Whose Line Is It Anyway’s?” musical improviser Laura Hall, and who currently performs with Orillia's 'Old Dance Hall Players', among other engagements when she finds time in her busy schedule.
"KK" has performed and taught with improv troupes in Toronto, London, Orillia and Barrie, and has 12 years teaching experience as well as starting an improv school in Stratford.
JAMES MCKENNA
I am adorable! Love me!!
STEPHANIE ANDERSON
Stephanie Anderson is a Canadian performer, singer, choreographer, director and intimacy director. She is very involved in creating art wherever the opportunity presents itself. She has extensive dance, theatre and vocal training. She graduated from the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts and has been working in the industry ever since. As a performer she has worked with companies that include Smile Theatre Company, Vital Theatre Company, Sudbury Theatre Centre, The Rose Theatre and The Orillia Opera House. She is the resident choreographer at St.Andrew’s College and some of her work there was performed for Prince Harry himself! She continues to broaden her artistic horizons by immersing herself in all aspects of theatre. Currently she is enjoying the world of voice over cartoons and improv! Stephanie particularly enjoys being in an educational setting where she can share her knowledge with the upcoming generations. When she is creating art and working with emotion, she is in her element.
CAITLIN ROBSON
Caitlin enjoys long walks in the forest (she burns too quickly on the beach). She studied theatre arts at the University of Waterloo, and almost did her MFA in London, England, but didn't; thus choosing a life of regret, but no student debt. Some of her past work includes Clarice (CBS), a catchy Enercare commercial, and a sold-out Fringe show. "Chase your dreams; NO RUNNING IN THE HALL!"
JESSICA WILLIAMS
After a more than ten year hiatus, Jessica is pleased as punch to be back doing what she loves, being goofy. She has graduated from Humber School of Comedy (A legitimate college diploma) the Second City Conservatory Program and trained at the Impatient Theatre Company, Bad Dog Theatre Company and with So Cap Comedy. She has performed on many stages and improv festivals including winning the 2010 Improv Cagematch and the Upright Citizen's Brigade's Del Close Marathon in New York City in 2007 and 2011. She now lives in the Sunshine City with her husband and two kids...
...And yes, she cropped her own child out of this picture.
TED COACH
Ted was involved in theater companies in Barrie and MIdland. The opporunity arose to attend some improv classes put on by the Old Dance Hall Players (check back on this site for future classes!) with a theatre freind, and never looked back. After month of begging, the group relented as they hate to see a grown man cry, and became involved in the live shows. Ted lives a but further away now, but the group graciously allows him to perform when he can.
