Our Team
MEET OUR STAFF
Jimmy Blais - Artistic Director
Jimmy is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation; he is of Plains Cree and French settler heritage. Born and raised in Tiohtià:ke/ Montreal, Jimmy graduated from Concordia’s Theatre Performance Program. He is a seasoned stage and film actor. He has worked professionally for over 10 years, for companies like The Stratford Festival, The Centaur, Geordie Productions, Porte Parole and La Licorne. Jimmy’s most notable tv role was playing Watio for five seasons in APTN’s hit series Mohawk Girls. Jimmy is also a writer, director, mentor, and coach. He was the Indigenous Artist in Residence for the 2016 Students On Ice Expedition to the Arctic. Jimmy successfully completed the Indigenous Artist In Residence at The National Theatre School of Canada in 2019. He is the Incoming Artistic Director of Geordie Theatre.
Kathryn Westoll - Executive Director
Person responsible for the protection of personal information
Kathryn always thought she was destined to be an actor. From an early age she loved dancing (she famously played a male, blue toothbrush in a tap recital) and drama. In high school, Kathryn was cast in every musical theatre show that was produced and almost got the lead role in West Side Story in her final year. When Kathryn was at Queen’s University, she majored in Drama and did nothing of any significance until her third year, when she decided to audition for the school major. Needless to say, she was not cast but was kindly encouraged to seek work as an assistant stage manager. Kathryn quickly realized what others must have known all along – that her calling was not on the stage, but behind it. So, she applied to the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) and was granted an interview. And then was given the entrance project to complete – and in August of 1996, the rest of her life began.
Kathryn spent the next 17 years in Toronto working as a stage manager and was the Managing Director of the Toronto Fringe for 3 years. In May 2013, she was a proud recipient of a Harold award (the Harold’s represent the independent and hard-working spirit of Toronto’s vibrant theatre community). Kathryn moved to Montreal in August 2013 and became Geordie’s General Manager in January 2014, becoming Managing Director in 2016 and Executive Director in 2021. Kathryn has an honours degree from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the NTS Production Program and now teaches stage management and Fringe to the Production Students of NTS. She was a member of the Montreal English Theatre Awards Committee (METAC) for three years, finished two mandates (6 years) on the Quebec Drama Federation’s Board, was Board Treasurer of the International Association for Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) for three years, was the Quebec Region rep for PACT (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres) for six years, and now proudly sits as the HR Chair on the PACT Board of Directors. She is also the proud mum of an amazing daughter.
Caite Clark - Schools Engagement Associate
Caite Clark (she/her) is an artist and educator based in Tiotià:ke/Montreal. She has taught ELA with the Lester B Pearson School Board and the Social Justice Forum for Westcoast Connection’s Pre College-Enrichment program. When she is not overseeing Geordie’s 2Play tour and field trips, Caite can be found at St George’s School of Montreal, designing lights for the performing arts program, and working in student support. As a lighting designer her collaborations have spanned from theatre to classical music, to circus. Caite is passionate about making art accessible and igniting creativity in young people. She holds a BFA in Theatre and Development.
Liam John - Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
Liam (he/him) is a recent marketing graduate from the University of Carleton in Ananishinaabe/Ottawa, Ontario, the city which he has called home for the last 22 years. In his earlier years of life, he found himself involved in the world of performing arts through theatre and dance. Today, this artistic expression has manifested its way in the form of photography, which allows him to explore his creativity in his free time. When Liam isn’t outside taking photos, he is at home enjoying horror films, trying not to burn down his kitchen while cooking, and spending quality time with friends & family. Liam is excited to be part of such an amazing team at Geordie Theatre!
Violette Kay - Associate Producer
Violette Kay is a sound designer, composer and multidisciplinary performer who studied acting at John Abbott College and violin performance at the Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau. A former violin teacher, she is very happy to be a part of the Geordie team and continue bringing together children and art. Past projects include Adoration (Tantalus/Studio Porte Bleue), A Joy that’s Mine Alone (Art Apart, National Theatre School of Canada), From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea (Geordie Theatre, Outstanding Emerging Artist at the Montreal English Theatre Awards), Therapy was a Mistake/I Want to Love the World (Penina Productions), Counter Offence (Teesri Duniya Theatre) and Caravan (Tableau D’Hôte Theatre). Violette is also on the board of directors of Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture and hopes to help create accessible and anti-ableist work environments whether it be onstage, behind the scenes, or behind an office desk.
Caeleigh McDonald - Marketing Manager
Originally from New Brunswick, Caeleigh is a Tiotià:ke/Montreal-based theatre fan. Since her graduation from McGill University in 2019, she has been an active member of Montreal’s English theatre community, working behind-the-scenes in the office, and onstage with local community theatres. She is excited to join the Geordie team, and looks forward to playing a small part in bringing theatre to young audiences across Québec and the rest of Eastern Canada.
Jessica Abdallah - Geordie Theatre School Creative Director
Jessica is a theatre director, creator, and educator based in Tio’tia:ke/Montréal. She is a graduate of John Abbott College’s Acting Program, Concordia University’s Theatre & Development Program, and the University of Alberta’s MFA in Directing. Favourite directing credits include Eurydice (McGill University), Other Worlds (Geordie Theatre), What Rough Beast (Theatre Ouest End/Tantalus), Squawk (Geordie Theatre), the French and English versions of TUMIT (Akpik Theatre), and Sedna: Goddess of the Sea (Tableau D’Hôte Theatre). Jessica regularly teaches public classes at the National Theatre School of Canada, directs teens in their school play at St. George’s High School, and sits on the Membership Committee at PACT. Jessica is a firm believer that everyone can benefit from a little theatre in their life which is why she loves working with people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all experience levels.
Brenna Roblin - Schools Liaison
Brenna Roblin (she/her) is a graduate student and writer living in Tiohtià:ke / Montreal. She has a BA in History and English from the University of Ottawa, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Information Studies at McGill. Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Brenna often travelled to Toronto with her mother to watch larger-than-life musicals like Billy Elliot and Dirty Dancing. After serving as Stage Manager in a 2018 high school production of Beauty and the Beast, she fell in love with theatre production. Between 2019 and 2022, she wrote and directed two one-act plays for uOttawa’s Queer Theatre Company. Her historical research has been published by Clio and the Historical Society of Ottawa. You can find Brenna writing poetry, sifting through clothing archives, and swimming in the St-Lawrence.
Anna Burkholder - Development Manager
Anna (she/they) is a theatre creator and performer, originally from B.C. They now live in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal), where they are writing their first play. Anna has performed in productions at The National Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, multiple seasons with The Classic Theatre Festival and in various film and TV productions. Dedicated to building sustainability in the theatre sector, Anna has spent seven years developing strategic plans and community initiatives for non-profits across the country. She is thrilled to join Geordie Theatre and support the team in bolstering community, nurturing young audiences, and paving the way for sector change. When not involved in theatre activities, you can find Anna rollerblading, hanging twinkly lights or drawing puns. (burkyco.com)
Daniel Hickie - GTS Coordinator
Daniel is a theatre creator, animator, teacher, learner and aspiring everything.
Daniel is the great grandchild of a cinema owner and an apple farmer. The grandchild of nurses and quilt makers. The child of teachers and talkers. The sibling of brilliant hearted adults. And the parent of a joy ball.
Daniel’s family left Ireland and France many years ago to find the great southern land, Gadigal Land, Wiradujuri land. Daniel grew up on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation (Sydney, Australia), surrounded by sun stroked skin, salt water and big Christmas feasts. Daniel completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre making at the Australian Institute of Music, but inherited big boisterous storytelling from his community.
Daniel moved to unceded Kanien’kehá:ka land, Tio’tia:ke (Montréal) for love. Since arriving here, Daniel has worked with young people to make theatre, teach theatre, perform theatre and more. Daniel has worked in this capacity with the Segal Centre, Geordie Theatre, the ELAN Artists Inspire Project, the LEARN I Belong Project, The Montreal Children’s Theatre, The Vancouver International Children’s Festival and others.
In 2019, Daniel co-founded a theatre collective, Young Hearts Theatre, which looks to tell stories for the young and young at heart. We follow a story to where it needs to go. Outside. Into a cave. Using puppets. Singing loud.
Daniel brings the full weight of past story telling with him and loves SO MUCH to hear about others too – so if you have anything to share, let him know!
Bevin Dooley - GTS Community Liaison
Bevin Dooley (she/they) is a playwright and dramaturg who is thrilled to be back making art in her hometown of Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. Their plays include Nyctophobia/Here There Be Night (Workshop West Playwrights ’Theatre); IN CAMERA (parts&labour/CGAS/ Found Festival); and Slack Tide (Blarney Productions/part&labour/Edmonton Fringe Festival) for which they received a Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award nomination. Readings of her work have been presented by Infinithéatre, SkirtsAfire, Script Salon, and the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival. Bevin has worked as a dramaturg and mentor with the University of Alberta New Works Festival, NextFest Festival of Emerging Artists, and Alberta Playwrights ’Network. If they’re not at the Geordie office, Bevin can be found café-hopping, watching the latest horror film at Cinéma du Parc, or hiking up Mont-Royal. Learn more about Bevin and her work at www.bevindooley.com
Elsa Bolam
Founding Artistic Director
Elsa Bolam is the founding Artistic Director of Geordie Theatre. Elsa was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, where she began her career working in different capacities at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford and London. After directing freelance with many English theatre companies, she became a television director at the BBC in London. She then came to Canada, where she taught at the National Theatre School, helped found the Centaur Theatre, and continued to direct at theatres such as Theatre Calgary, Theatre Plus in Toronto, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Magnus Theatre, the Globe Theatre in Regina, and others.
In 1980 Elsa founded Geordie Theatre and was artistic director of the company until 2006. In October 2002, Avon Canada recognized Elsa Bolam as a “Woman of Inspiration” in the field of Arts and Culture, and in 2003 she was also awarded a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. The Montreal English Critics’ Circle honoured Elsa in 2005 with a distinction award in ‘recognition of her work nurturing young stage talent and taking theatre to far-flung audiences’.
Elsa was named to the Order of Canada at the end of 2008.
MEET OUR BOARD
Cedrin S. Law - President
With a background in science, healthcare and business I didn’t have much exposure to theatre besides being an audience member. As I learned more about Geordie I was drawn to the way the organization celebrates theatre and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, grow and express themselves through art. As someone who has experienced so much joy from watching theatre, I’m proud to be part of a passionate group that shines a light on this wonderful art form.
Kim Fuller - Vice President
Kim is the Founder & CEO of Phil. Her experience working with local, national and international charities combines over 25 years in marketing and fundraising, with a lifelong passion for volunteering in the community.
Kim consulted with Geordie for over 5 years before joining the Board and has been a Geordie fan for twenty years, taking her kids to see shows when they were little.
Theatre is in her blood (literally) coming from a long line of thespians, dating back generations. Her grandparents had a local theatre school for children nearly a century ago!
Award-winning social entrepreneur (Top 50 Women Leaders of Montreal, Top 50 under 50 Concordia University Alumni), host of the Philanthropy in Action podcast, international speaker and author of many articles on leadership and the social sector, she is always looking to learn more and share more.
Alexis Gagné - Secretary
In my work running a tutoring program in the south side of Chicago, playing with data to improve decision-making at Chicago Public Schools and working to support the initiatives funded by the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, there has been one central goal, to help vulnerable children lead better lives. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to support Geordie in all its work to bring theatre to the young, and the less young.
Ndaku Mazhude - Treasurer
Ndaku has been working in the financial sector for about 9 years now after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s university in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2013.
Before this he was born and raised in Zimbabwe and was a musical theatre kid to the core. Ndaku was in several productions over the years at Reps Theatre in Harare Zimbabwe ranging from Godspell, The Kind and I and Mama Mia to name a few. He pursued theatre full time in the year before moving to Canada to undertake a business degree but in university he was still heavily involved with multiple productions with the university’s drama society.
Ndaku is excited to get a foot back into the world of theatre and help with its accessibility to the next generation as it played an integral part of him being able to find his voice and even in finance, he finds himself relying on those public speaking skills quite frequently.
Alarey Alsip
Alarey Alsip is a Canadian actor, director, and teacher. She is an alumni of the acclaimed Second City in Chicago, as well as Concordia University, in Montreal, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Distinction.
Fresh out of school, she was cast in a two-play tour by Geordie Productions, featuring productions of Joan MacLeod’s The Shape of A Girl and an adaption of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The tour ran for 9 months and had performances across Quebec, New Brunswick and Toronto. She continues to act in theatre, film, and television. She splits her time between the Eastern Townships and Montreal, where she is represented by Glenn Talent.
Carol-Ann Hoyte
Her various roles held in the field have included that of bookseller, book reviewer, library circulation clerk, and school librarian.
Faten Hodrodge
Faten Hodroge is a multifaceted professional, entrepreneur, finance specialist and development specialist who believes in the importance of bridging societal divides. She began her professional journey as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in Montreal, Bermuda, and London, UK, specializing in privatization. She brought her expertise in public-private cooperation to the Asian Development Bank (an MDB), where she worked for several years in the water supply and urban development division, improving the quality of life in urban cities across Asia. Her work in international development highlighted the importance of governance, environmental and financial sustainability and taking concrete steps towards inclusiveness and poverty reduction. After returning to Montreal, she founded Oya Costumes, driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and the creative aspect of costumes.
She admires the work of Geordie Theatre in introducing the magic of theatre to kids for four decades, entertaining and touching hearts while also challenging minds. Everyone can benefit from integrating art and nurturing creativity in our lives, regardless of our profession or background. The transformative power of theatre can contribute to inclusiveness, promoting dialogue within and between communities and bridging societal divides. She is excited to work with the Board in supporting Geordie’s mission and vision, contributing to philanthropic endeavours and community outreach and fostering a culture of innovation and effective management.
Julie Tamiko Manning
Julie Tamiko Manning is an award-winning actor and theatre creator from Tiohtià:ke / Montreal. Selected acting credits include From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in The Sea (Geordie Productions), Jonathan: a seagull parable (Surreal SoReal), Paradise Lost (Centaur Theatre), Jean Dit (Centre du Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui), Butcher (Centaur Theatre) and Othello (Scapegoat Carnivale/Segal Centre).