From Backstage to Onstage...

I have been fortunate enough to have been many different players in the theatre. I find myself most at home when building sets or tinkering with props. I pride myself in my ability to find solutions to the kind of problems you would likely only find on a stage.

I've performed "on Broadway" with the company of Mirror Theatre, as well as in Chicago and around the Niagara region of Ontario. I have found myself taken with stage acting once again with Theatre Sarnia's production of 'The Tin Woman'  by Sean Grennan in January 2026.

Working with Theatre Sarnia

"Instead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. At a friend's urging, Joy tracks down Jack's family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank, and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack's death? Based on a true story, The Tin Woman uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life." -- re: The Tin Woman from The Imperial Theatre's website.

 

Playing Jack Borden in The Tin Woman has been a surreal experience as an actor. It has truly taught me the value of silence and non-verbal communication. Playing a primarily voiceless but ever-present character was a welcome challenge and a challenge it most certainly was. The camaraderie, connection, and devotion to their craft that all members of this  production have was extraordinary.

Director: Holly Wenning 

Stage Manager: Emma Van Barneveld

Starring: Ashley Perry, Anthony Cortese, Mandy Davidson, Lauren Solski, Dawson Strangway and Carly Allen

Photos: Emily Nutson, Drew Harvey & Rachelle Lacroix

Working with the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia

Since 2022, I have worked with the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia and what an experience it has been. The talent that comes in and out of those doors never fails to astound me. I have had hands in dozens of set builds, lighting hangs, and stage painting nights. Now approaching my fifth season, I cherish every moment I get to say that I work in... "the Arts!"

Working with Mirror Theatre

"MIRROR THEATRE IS A PARTICIPATORY THEATRE COMPANY THAT WORKS IN EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS TO ADVANCE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL ISSUES THROUGH STORYTELLING AND IMPROVISATION. IT IS VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN, AND RUN BY THEATRE PROFESSIONALS AND SCHOLARS IN EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND APPLIED THEATRE. INCOME FOR MIRROR THEATRE GOES TO PROVIDING STUDENTS OPPORTUNITIES IN ATTENDING CONFERENCES AND ACADEMIC PUBLISHING." -- from MT's website -- mirrortheatre.ca

From Dawson's devised play with the Mirror Theatre Company -- Uprooted (2024)

Uprooted

Uprooted is a work-in-progress play that was devised through conversation and prompted storytelling with the company of Mirror Theatre in 2024. The play deals with themes of trees, relationships with the world around us and solastalgia -- when home no longer feels like home.

You can read the concept script here.