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Founded in 2016, The Lighthouse Troupe is an interactive Canadian theatre company that produces experiential & site-specific projects, specializing in original and highly improvised works that challenge the medium of live performance.
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Since its inception, this dedicated group of individuals only creates substantial content when the necessity arises, maintaining their humble passion to explore bizarre, fascinating, & humourous works with complete artistic freedom.
Our Mandate
Creative & Administrative Team
Ryan Boulet
General Manager & Artistic Director
When it comes to creating unique and engaging productions, Interactive Theatre is Ryan Boulet’s (He/Him) specialty. Often drawing from the comedic & macabre aspects of life, he greatly enjoys investigating these contrasting themes, showcasing them through a rarely explored medium. As the founder of The Lighthouse Troupe, Ryan is no stranger to Collective Creation and utilizes his background in Devised Theatre from York University to manage & direct this exceptional band of artists. The Troupe’s first production The Wedding garnered great success, then The 6th Degree solidified their position in the interactive sector, establishing them in the Toronto theatre scene as a new and uncommon entity to be reckoned with. Whether it be writing, directing, performing, or producing, Ryan wears many hats within the company and enjoys the variety that these many roles bring. He can only hope that his future productions defy people’s expectations about what live performance can encompass, and that maybe he can support his sandwich addiction through his art too.
Ellyn O'Keefe
Resident Dramaturg
Ellyn O’Keefe (She/Her) is a Toronto based theatre creator focusing primarily in acting, dramaturgy and writing. She trained at Humber College’s Theatre Performance program and graduated with honours. Select theatre credits include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (No Strings Theatre, running crew), Walk the Line (xLq, performer), Ellyn’s Bake Off (xLq, performer), The 6th Degree and How May Help You? (The Lighthouse Troupe, dramaturge). Ellyn is thrilled to be working with The Lighthouse Troupe and is excited to see what weird and wonderful things this company has in store.
Beth Ransom
Resident Stage Manager
Beth Ransom (She/Her) graduated from York University with a BFA in Theatre Performance Creation and Research with a focus in Playwriting and Devised Theatre. Her most recent stage management credits include: Yiya y Ligia as part of the PlayGround 2018 Festival, Vanier Improv Company 2016/2017 at Vanier College Productions, and Buried Child at Vanier College Productions as well. Beth is excited to continue her role as stage manager for Yes Trespassing Improv Troupe and for The Lighthouse Troupe. Finally, Beth would like to thank her friends and family for their ongoing support in all that she does.
Stephen Purdy
Director - Yes Trespassing
Stephen Purdy (He/Him) is the Director of The Lighthouse Troupe's Improv and Sketch group Yes Trespassing. He recently played the role of Kent in The 6th Degree. Stephen studied history at York University, while being involved with Vanier College Productions. Through this he performed in the Vanier Improv Company and directed it for 2 years. His previous performances include The Chairman in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone.
Leah Holah
Director of Marketing & Development
Leah Holah (She/Her) received her BFA in Film Production from York University after four years of pretending to be a theatre major with Vanier College Productions. A do-er of all things, she has worked extensively in both film and theatre, specializing in directing, management, and marketing design. Select film credits include Behind Closed Doors, Headaches, Dal Segno Al Coda (director); For Ruthie, Out of Water (cinematographer); Mother's Day, Scratch (production manager); Kristal Clear (2nd unit production manager).
Madeline Ius
Production Manager
Madeline Ius (She/Her) is excited to be working with the Lighthouse Troupe and looks forward to being a part of their upcoming seasons. She has also worked as a Production Manager for The Teeny Tiny Music Show’s High School Symphony, which was shown in the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival. Selected works include assistant carp; Dido Queen of Carthage, assistant wardrobe; short film Banana, and assistant stage manager; The Teeny Tiny Music Show. She graduated with a BFA for Theatre Production & Design at York University.
Shawn Boulet
Resident Music Director & Composer
Shawn is a Toronto based pianist and composer who has enjoyed working with The Lighthouse Troupe on all of their productions. After graduating from York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Specialized Honours in Music, Shawn has worked as a pianist for York University and the Burlington Dance Academy, accompanying classes as well as writing works for film and theatre. Working closely with the company's objective, Shawn aims to provide score that fully serves the atmosphere of the space, and carries the audience into the unique world of the production.
Leanne Grant
Head of Aesthetic Design & Costuming
Leanne is a student of Fashion Design at Ryerson University. She has previously worked on the costuming team for Ryerson Theatre School's production of Arranged Marriage, as well as Ryerson's summer camp productions of Alice in Wonderland and The Lion King. She has aided in the design & floor layout for The 6th Degree, as well as an alumni of The Vanier Improv Company.
Jessie Whyte
Chair - Board of Directors
Jessie Whyte (They/Them) is a Toronto-based deviser, dramaturg, and photographer who was absolutely thrilled to be working with The Lighthouse Troupe as the Managing Director. Jessie has a BA in Theatre Studies at York University, with specializations in Devised Theatre and Dramaturgy. Jessie has experience in a variety of areas in theatre, and enjoys learning about everything they possibly can. Recent credits include Festival Photography for The Paprika Festival and assistant directing Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave by David Yee (directed by Lindsay Bell and Margaret Legere at York University) & Rochdale by David Yee (directed by Nina Lee Aquino at York University).
Robyn Ship
Treasurer - Board of Directors
Robyn Ship (He/Him) is proud to be a producing member of The Lighthouse Troupe. A York University and VCP alumni, Robyn has experience with his production company, Second Strike Productions, which produces the EOS one-act workshop festival and formerly the studio space The Fort Studios on St. Clair. Robyn is excited to be back in the world of Toronto theatre with such talented and hardworking people that will surely make The Lighthouse Troupe a company to keep your eyes on.
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