Mrs. Latham is the founding director of ACT. For 25 years and over 40 productions she has produced and mentored actors & directors. “There is no other group quite like this one in our province,” she says, “this is theatre for kids by kids.” A retired high school drama teacher, Mrs. Latham has shared her love of theatre with many young people in the Abbotsford community. Some of her favourite choices for play production are Charlotte’s Web, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Beauty and the Beast and this years Christmas show, Anne of Green Gables. ACT provides many opportunities for young people to engage in the theatre process. All you need is an interest in theatre and a willingness to work hard…we’ll teach you what you need to know about the process of becoming an actor,” quotes ACT’s enthusiastic leader.
Mrs. Latham goes on to say that ACT has been involved in 1 act touring shows to schools which have allowed some the more experienced actors to work in smaller groups and interact more closely with audience members. There is also a mentorship program for young directors. Each year more and more young people audition to be a part of this dynamic community program. If you have an interest in theatre and like to perform then come to the next ACT audition or register for one of our workshops. ACT is child friendly and focuses on developing the whole child. With a smile on her face ACT’s Artistic Director quotes one of her favourite lines “There are no small parts only small actors”, in Abbotsford Children’s Theatre!
LESLIE KEMP - Director
Bio to come.
CASSIE SILVA - Director/Scriptwriter
Cassie is a recent graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, and is passionate about working with youth. Cassie started out as a young actor with A.C.T. at the age of 9, and eventually became a stage manager, then a scriptwriter/director. She wrote and directed the popular Bookworm Club Trilogy (2005-2007) with her co-director Megan, and had a blast working with all the crazy and colourful characters while promoting literacy to the children of the Valley. Cassie lives by her philosophy to educate people through drama, and is proud of the positive impact her productions have had on the community. Cassie has co-directed and written several plays promoting such themes as literacy, anti-bullying, peace and tolerance for elementary and middle school audiences, including 1,000 Cranes and the recent touring production of Artie. She also created/directed 2006’s memorable production of How I Met Anne Frank as well as a skit for the Opening Ceremonies of Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley. Some of Cassie’s pastimes include traveling, writing, and volunteering as a camp counselor at a pediatric oncology camp. She works as a writer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and is currently working on a stage adaptation of Kit Pearson’s award-winning novel, Awake and Dreaming, for production by A.C.T. in April 2009.
MEGAN MACKENZIE - Director/Scriptwriter
Megan has been acting for the past 9
years, and is currently a director/scriptwriter and
workshop instructor with the Abbotsford Children’s
Theatre. In October 2005, Megan co-directed and
acted in 1,000 Cranes with ACT, and then went on to
co-create/co-direct How I Met Anne Frank and the
last four installments of The Bookworm Club. She
also wrote/directed a piece for the opening
ceremonies of the Cops for Cancer Tour De Valley.
Megan just completed her final classes as a theatre
student at UFV, in December she will complete her BA
in Theatre and Drama Concentration. In 2006 Megan
received her two year Theatre Arts Diploma. She was
last seen onstage as Lady Macduff in UFV’s
production of Macbeth. At the 2008 UFV Director’s
Festival Megan directed Dennis Foon’s Mirror Game.
This summer Megan will be teaching drama camps for
the Abbotsford Community Summer School of the Arts.
She has recently set to work adapting Kit Pearson’s
award winning children’s novel Awake and Dreaming
for its stage debut with A.C.T and UFV in April
2009. In September Megan will begin work as
Assistant Director of A.C.T’s Anne of Green Gables.
In the near future Megan hopes to pursue film in
Vancouver and obtain her Masters Degree in Directing
from UBC.
KIMBERLY STRAIN - Publicity Manager
Bio to come.