Sarnia Famous

Talia Mielke

This week’s guest is very dear to my heart. In fact, I suspect anyone who has worked with her would share that sentiment. The up-and-coming young starlet Taila Mielke shares how pandemic life has altered creative school settings, her hopes for the future, and even some of her poetry. If you enjoy her poetry, you can find her on Instagram. There’s a smidgen of old lady awkwardness sprinkled in this episode.  I aged myself just a lil bit by dropping a joke about Tik Tok that didn’t land as well as offering unsolicited advice. But in my defense, I couldn’t help myself with the advice - Taila has such a bright hopefulness about her that instantly made me feel invested in seeing her succeed. Just wait! She’ll win your heart too. 

Halloween Episode!! Jane Janes & Devan Wales

Good evening and welcome to the Sarnia Famous Halloween episode!  I asked Jane James to be our initial guest tonight because she put the fear of the theatre ghost in me pretty much as soon as I joined the cast of Miracle on 34th Street. Jane shares a few spooky tales then tells us of her adventures in theatre. Devon Wales was listening to last weeks episode and heard about the Halloween theme and offered to also share some creepy stories. In the process Devon learned not only do I love spooky ghost stories I’m also a bit of a spazz. The lovely and talented Molly Buchanan created our special Halloween logo. On with the show!

Emily Johnson

Technically this was the third time we tried to record this interview. Thank goodness Emily is so kindhearted and understanding that she was willing to chat with me so many times not to mention her natural ability for storytelling and mastery of many voices. This is the first interview that I must preface with a warning: Emily and I chat about some mature adult-themed stuff that wouldn’t be suitable for young ears. So if you have little ones with you, drop em off at grammas before listening.

Bethany Tiegs

Bethany Tiegs, a woman of about a bazillion talents including dancing, acting, directing, puppetry, and puppeteering, takes us through her theatre career thus far. We hear more wacky stories from backstage of Evil Dead, including mulching the theatre floor for every show and how to make the perfect blood viscosity. Bethany is chill and super easy to talk to and has fantastic facial expressions that are lost in a podcast and instead you’re left listening to me giggling like an idiot. 

Richard Teskey

Happy thanksgiving theatre lovers! Today’s guest is Mr. Richard Teskey and he explains how the 90s brain drain, Oklahoma, and a dare launched his theatre career in high school. Richard is eloquent, diplomatic and so passionate about theatre I ran out of data on my computer while recording. Thankfully, Richard has agreed to come back one day and do a part two interview and I can’t wait. 

Ron Pask

Today’s guest is Mr. Ron Pask. I am very fond of this man as he saved my life almost nightly as my set buddy backstage for the run of Miracle on 34th Street. Ron takes the time to explain the types of committees that are required to keep theatre Sarnia active and the functions they serve. So if you want to get involved in the behind-the-scenes theatre committees this is the episode for you! Ron also gives us a few details about the upcoming theatre Sarnia season. 

Ryan Metzler

My guest today is Ryan Metzler and we talk about it all – abundant chest hair, getting nearly naked on stage, as well as mental health and the masks we all wear in life in different settings. Also, we discuss a new logo for the show. A puffy furry pastry man. You’ll have to stay tuned to the end of the episode for that story. I hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as I had making it. On with the show!

Jay Peckham

Today’s guest is Mr. Jay Peckham who graciously agreed to be my very first interviewee. Seated in the comfort of his own home, in front of a bookshelf teeming with various books and scrips, Jay tells us tales of his theatre experience, shows he dreams of producing, how the theatre stimulates the local economy, and as an extra special treat, especially for those budding actors and actresses, he teaches us the tried and true Jay Peckham method for learning lines. Thanks for tuning in!