Meet the lovely Collette Radau

           Hi guys,

It's time for blog number two with the fantastic Collette Radau. Did you know that Collette is 

our Dramaturge for this show.

How does Theatre inspire you?

That’s a tough question. I guess I would say that what inspires me the most, and what really made me want to do theatre was that it gives you the ability plant ideas and stories into peoples’ minds. To be able to change someone’s mind or give them a new perspective on a situation through the power of storytelling is incredible. Theatre has so much potential for artists and audiences. Also love the bond and memories that are created in an actor-audience relationship during a show. Each experience is unique, and that’s why any kind of live event, including theatre, still holds to be some of the best moments of my life, both as an performer and an audience member.

What role did music, dance or theatre play in your culture/childhood/family/community?

I danced for ten years prior to theatre school. I performed in the styles of jazz, tap, and musical theatre. I had always loved musicals, but being able to perform in that style made me love musicals and theatre even more. I really only ever saw live theatre once or twice a year growing up, but always loved going. I loved how magical and transformative the actors were. In Grade 11, I started took Art class, and I haven’t stopped doing art since. When I got to Grade 12 and I realized that I had no clue what I wanted to after high school. I tried to figure what I wanted in life. That was when I had the epiphany that what I wanted was to be happy. And some of the happiest moments of my life were performing or watching people perform. I didn’t have the physique to be a professional dancer (and my dance teacher warned me that there was no money in a dance career), so I decided to try out acting. I acted in a community dinner theatre play before I started in the Theatre Performance & Creation program at Red Deer. That was the only play I had ever performed in prior to college.

What has been the biggest challenge you have come across so far in your theatrical career to date?

Well, there definitely has been a lot. Two years ago, I was terrified of public speaking, I hated my voice, and I had no experience. Now that I think about it, I have no idea why at the time I thought going to theatre school was a good idea. But I overcame those challenges. I think the biggest challenge in the first year of my theatre career (and even now) was not being afraid to jump into everything with two feet and not being afraid looking stupid or not doing something perfectly. This past year, my most challenging feat was accessing my vulnerability and being able to share with an audience. It is incredibly difficult, but I knew I needed to figure out how if I really wanted acting to be my passion and career. Being able to turn that obstacle into a tool was probably one of the most rewarding experiences that I gained coming out of college.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? And Tell us something we don't know about you.

Oh god, I don’t know, I have even thought past the next five years! That’s a terrifying thought – being out of college and out in the “real world”. I think I’m terrified of facing reality because I’m scared that I’ll lose my sense of play. I don’t ever want to lose my sense of wonder and magic that I have always loved about theatre. Ultimately, I hope that I will be a working artist (like every artist wishes) in a city that I love, and that I’m doing everything that I love. I hope that I will be happy. 

Tell us something we don't know about you?

I’ve had a few grey hairs since I was 13. Shh! Don’t tell anyone! ;)

Come back soon to learn more about the other members of Sonder.

Meet the talented Erin Pettifor

Hi guys,

Today we had a question and answer session with the cast of Sonder. Through the next week we will be sharing there thoughts on the questions asked of them. Let's start with Erin.

How does Theatre inspire you?

The ability to act well in theatre demands a lot from an individual. It requires great focus, an ability to empathize in specific amounts and at specific times, physical finesse, a deeply rooted yet open minded sense of self among skills that require the ability to tell a story artistically and poignantly. I find it incredibly inspiring that actors can be so imaginative. The form of theatre can take many shapes, however, I am most touched by it when it is authentic even in its most nonsensical forms. It inspires me to work at my craft. The stories told by theatre also mould my attitude and furthermore change my every day choices.

What role did music, dance or theatre play in your culture/childhood/family/community?

I took ballet as an extra activity when I was about four. I did not listen to the instructions given by the teacher; I basically danced on my own. I think I only stayed for three classes until my mom took me out of the class. My dad always enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He took guitar lessons into his adulthood and my brother also learned how to play guitar as well. When I was 12 my dad played a part in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. I think that was one of the first musicals I saw. Since I was nine I competed in the Red Deer Kiwanis Music Festival that took place at Red Deer College. I competed with a classical and musical theatre voice repertoire for several years. I didn’t look forward to the competition every spring until I got over my intense nervousness. My experience there helped me to shape what I have to offer of professionalism , acting through song, time management skills, RDC main stage performances and most prominently, an ability to sing classically. The arts helps people to keep an open mind. I can’t imagine where I would be if my community didn’t offer the artistic opportunities that it does. I graduated high school from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High school. It offered me many opportunities to fail in the arts and grow from there. I studied improvisation, chamber choir, jazz choir, Art IB, philosophy and musical theatre. I was presented with what challenged my perception of creativity and art. I was presented with the opportunity to take massive risks and as well to use my time and energy to reach a level of high standing in the arts. The arts have always been a place where I feel most comfortable creating. I wouldn’t want to create an engine. Or the pills you get at a pharmacy. I am intrigued by music, dance and theatre because it can be perceived subjectively. Growing up, visual and performing arts were a way to show human experience and although that remains to be true, it’s impact on myself and others grows broader.

What has been the biggest challenge you have come across so far in your theatrical career to date?

I have yet to let go of my tendency to ‘get it right’. Growing up, I viewed the creative process in black and white, which it is not. Just because I do X, Y and Z doesn’t mean I will reach a level of perfection. Besides, in my first year of theatre, I’ve learned that if I sense that I am ‘getting it right’ I am not in the moment, and therefore being unsuccessful at acting. Furthermore, I hope to maintain acting that is experienced moment by moment so that after the performance is done, I won’t remember what happened. The drive to reach perfection (perfection in anything doesn’t exist; change is inevitable) is my current dragon.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? And Tell us something we don't know about you.

I am quite ambitious, so I imagine myself playing the part of at least four characters in theatre. Maybe I have low expectations and maybe they are too high. I’ve learned that a lot of success in this business requires a good first impression, strong connections, motivation, commitment and developed skills. If said aspects of a successful career are kept on my radar then I see the potential for at LEAST four characters in my future. I am hoping that at least of of those characters will be a sultry female because I am absolutely terrified of bringing out that side of me in front of anyone, including myself. I want to be well on my way to creating a change in how the youth view themselves and how they define gender. What you may not guess about me is that I am bisexual and I’ve recently discovered it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Come back soon to learn more about the other members of Sonder.