Elevator Project - Student Work

Co-Creator, Playwright, We Are Animals Director

For SCPA: The Elevator Project, Women of the Fur Trade, Girl on Parade, Our Town, The Wolves, (Magnetic Bodies, In collaboration with: Alchemy Festival & Downstage) Lights Out, Shakespeare in Love, and The Little Forest (Wagonstage). Other Projects: Where Have All the Witches Gone? (Scorched Women Collective-Calgary Fringe Festival), 2024 Student Showcase (Festival of Animated Objects), HOME, Absence, The Container, Green Key (Saeid Asgarian-Roommate Art Company and Ignite Festival) 

Sophia (They/She) is an ambitious interdisciplinary artist. This production marks the final theatre project at the University (I know It's about time they left!). They feel proud to share these bundles of stories with the audience, and more importantly are proud of all the students that came together to make it happen!

We Are Animals Assistant Stage Manager (Costumes)

Pearl Nkomo (they/them) is a performer and technician based in Calgary. They are a third year University of Calgary student, studying a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies, and they also have a diploma of Journalism from SAIT. They have been involved with the performing arts since third grade. This is their second time as an ASM, but their first time as a Costume ASM. Pearl is incredibly proud of the work and the cast in this project! They also previously did Much Ado About Nothing as the stage manager. 

They are heavily involved in Calgary’s theatre scene and are beyond excited for this show. They wish to thank their parents, ​​Donna Sharpe and Claire Bolton for mentoring them in this process!

We Are Animals, Owl

Maverick (he/they) is a queer and Métis visual and performance artist currently pursuing his BFA at the University of Calgary. His acting experience primarily consists of student-driven one-act festivals and devised theatre creation, and after a break, he is excited to return to the stage with the Elevator Project's show, We Are Animals. Beyond theatre, Maverick can be found behind the camera as a photographer, attending local shows, reading vampire books, and enjoying nature!

We Are Animals, Crow

Zoe Kim (she/her) is a first-year Drama major student at the University. She is thrilled to mark her first production within the university. Her major acting credits include Wolf-a-licious, The Sin Chair, and Pandora’s Box. She has also produced an original performance, One Body in Christ. Zoe is an ardent actor who wishes to bring many more smiles to the people who come to see her performance. Besides her rehearsal studios, Zoe enjoys going on meaningless walks and collecting LP records of Keshi. Zoe wishes every person watching the show to leave with a warmer and brighter smile than when they came in.

We Are Animals, Stage Manager

Malak is a third year student at the University of Calgary pursuing a BFA in Drama. She is passionate about Stage Management, Directing, and Design. She loves blending the logical and creative aspects of a production to create the performance that the audience sees. She recently worked as a Stage Manager for Urban Stories: Just Act Play Festival 2025, Alchemy 2025: This is a Play, and the Fall Mainstage 2025: Women of the Fur Trade. When she is not in rehearsal, Malak is watching her comfort show for the 17th time or getting Village Ice Cream. She is grateful to be stage managing this show, and she is excited to put this show on stage!

We Are Animals, Deer

Oli Khubyar (they/them) is a 5th year Drama Education student at the University. Some acting credits include: Our Town, Shakespeare in Love, Much Ado About Nothing. They have also stage managed, had an original play produced by Nickel and Dime Theatre, and performed in Verb Theatre's Queer and Trans playwright program. Oli is a passionate theatre artist, hoping to extend that passion towards educating students about the art. Outside of the rehearsal hall, Oli spends most of their time muttering lines under their breath, and playing minesweeper instead of finishing assignments. Oli hopes you enjoy the show, and they thank you for supporting the art form that they love so much. 

We Are Animals, Pheasant

Devyn Byfield (she/her) is a fifth-year student at the University of Calgary pursuing a dual degree in drama and education. In the future, she hopes to teach at a secondary school level to share her passion for the arts with the younger generations. She is thrilled to be part of the program's launch of The Elevator Project, which showcases student-written and student-led work. She feels honored and overjoyed to play a role in bringing these stories to life. Some of Devyn’s recent projects include Our Town (2025) and The Wolves (2024) for the SCPA. Outside of the university, she participated in both the Chromatic Theatre’s Playwrights Unit Staged Readings 2024/25 and the Festival of Animated Objects 2024 Student Showcase. Outside of rehearsal, Devyn will likely be found playing volleyball or video games, panicking about an assignment, talking to her mom, or screaming to music in her car. She thanks her family for their love and endless support; and thanks YOU for being here! Trust no one… and enjoy the show!

We Are Animals, Wolf 

Maria Coutts (she/her) is a 1st year English major at the University of Calgary with a passion for theatre. She first became interested in drama at a young age, participating in several acting camps at Arts Commons during the summertime. This would then carry forward into middle school where she would participate in a production of Beauty and The Beast Jr, sparking a true love of theatre. Following that, most of her theatre experience came from high school, where she would participate in productions of Ghostlight and Rogues' Gallery as well as taking an active role as a leader in the arts. Outside of theatre, Maria has always loved reading, creative writing, and playing games with her friends!

We Are Animals, Rabbit

Joshua Lopez Ruiz (He/They) is a 1st year drama student at the University of Calgary. His charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent stem from the hardships he endured back in Mexico.

Often looked down on by his peers throughout his childhood, Josh would seek refuge by

isolating himself and watching horror movies such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Carrie and

Saw thus sparking his interest in acting. He would make his own Halloween costumes inspired

by the antagonists of said movies and would find that they didn’t really need to fit in with society to enjoy themselves. He immigrated to Canada in 2017 and would find that people here

understood him more than they did back at home, thus creating new bonds with people that

truly understood him and embraced him for being himself.

We Are Animals, Assistant Stage Manager (Props)

Ivy Dollente (She/They) is a 2nd-year student studying for a BFA in Drama at University of Calgary. Though Ivy’s only been involved in  two productions (including We Are Animals) so far, Ivy has volunteered for many shows with ATP and Theatre Calgary as Front of House since the start of their university career. Though Ivy’s main aim is to take part in making properties and scenic sets, Ivy is more than willing to learn any part of what makes a stage shine. In the near future, Ivy is determined to take up and be part of more works to increase their repertoire. Watch out, Ivy is coming!

Ivy also hopes you enjoy the Elevator Project, a passion project promoting Cast and Crew Undergraduates. 

We Are Animals, Buck

Ethan Hugel-Ouellette (He/Him)
SCPA projects: Our town and We are Animals
Other Projects: Beautiful young artists Poetry Cabaret, Festival of animated objects Mask and Mime piece as Paolo. Ethan’s excited to explore a starkly different character than in his previous projects within the university. He’s also ecstatic to be a part of the Elevator project as its experience was delightful and hopes that many others experience the opportunity. Ethan also thanks his Friends and family for their continued support.

We Are Animals, Tortoise

Adania (They/Them) is a Mexican Queer re-emerging artist and Model. In 2005, they received the Ulua National Award for “Best Character Actress”. Afterwards, they joined the “As Teatro” company, where they began learning clown, puppetry, and mask. In 2018, they immigrated to Canada and began establishing a life in Calgary, where they started a modelling career and had the chance to work with Parks Canada, Elections Alberta, and local fashion brands. This work became a relevant preparation to break their long theatre hiatus. In 2022, Adania performed as Alice in “Alice in Wonder Airlines” for the First Spanish Theatre Festival in Calgary, and since then, they have worked in small productions within the Spanish-speaking community. Adania is currently a first-year drama undergrad student at University of Calgary. Adania loves singing and busking, doing burlesque, painting, spending time playing boardgames with family and friends, while cooking big hearty meals. 

We Are Animals, Boar

Deborah Olubaju (she/her) is a 2nd year British-Nigerian drama student at the University of Calgary. Her interest in theatre first manifested in middle school when she first discovered the Pandora’s box that was Hamilton. Since then, she has been involved in multiple productions as both an actor, playwright, and backstage crew. Some of her theatre work include The Lion King Jr as ensemble and scenic painter, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon as the character of the Actor, and an original production of The Nativity as the playwright. Outside of theatre, Deborah spends much of her time reading comic books, complaining about comic books, spending time with friends, playing guitar, and making art. Deborah thanks you for coming to see the show and she hopes you enjoy it.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Director
 

Chris “the Hat Guy” Mosimann (He/Him) is a fifth year Dred major. His previous work as a director includes But What Is Natural (Alchemy Festival, Ignite Festival), and Teach Me How To Fall (ND Play Festival), and So What's the Vibe (ND Theatre). As a theatre practitioner/watcher he is drawn to character development, and stories that bring people together. His hobbies include going for long walks and watching cartoons with his cat. He is incredibly proud of the work his team has created, and grateful for the kindness, humour, and energy they brought to the process. He can't wait to share “How to Eat Buttered Crabs” with you, and hopes you enjoy the show!

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Assistant Stage Manager (Costumes)

Nicole Pearce (she/her) is a first-year undergraduate psychology student at the University of Calgary. She has a great passion for theater, especially stage management. She did technical theater all throughout high school and has been a part of close to 20 productions. The last production she was a part of was the show So What's the Vibe? She is super excited to be the assistant stage manager for How to Eat Buttered Crabs and cannot wait for everyone to see it!

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Spoons

Nikita Tannenbaum (she/her) is a first-year Drama Major with an enduring passion for drama and theatre. Having been cast in a production of Something Rotten!, she now portrays Spoons in How to eat Buttered Crabs as part of the Elevator Project. An emerging artist with a background in acting, she is now looking to expand her knowledge and ability at a high level while also exploring other avenues of theatre, especially playwriting.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Stage Manager

Rand Kijewski (he/him) is a fourth‑year Drama major who is thrilled to be stepping into the world of stage management. This production marks one of the first shows he has ever worked on as a stage manager, as well as a meaningful milestone in his theatre journey. As a developing practitioner, Rand is eager to deepen his understanding of the craft while contributing to the collaborative energy that makes live performance incredibly spectacular. Theatre and film have always inspired him as spaces where people can connect, imagine, and create together. Being able to explore and share that artistry through stage management on How to Eat Buttered Crabs is incredibly exciting, and he’s looking forward to bringing this show to life and sharing it with everyone.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Lips

Jordan Beattie is an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary majoring in Biological Anthropology and Drama. Her background is mainly in acting, something she’s been passionate about since her Grade 4 class’ production of Harry and Harriet the Hamburger: A Journey Through the Digestive System, where she found her love for theatre as Darlene the Duodenum. With the university, she has performed in W.R.O.L. and last year’s fall MainStage, The Wolves. She is super excited for the opportunity to be involved in this student-created and student-led project alongside so many of her talented peers. She hopes you enjoy both the amazing shows prepared for you tonight and find the performances as entertaining as this experience has been for her.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Lenny

Kat (they/them) is a first year Drama student at the University of Calgary. How To Eat Buttered Crabs is their first major theatrical project at the University, but they are also involved with UofC Improv Club and are a member of the Drama Undergraduate Society events team. Their dream is to eventually build a community theatre in Northeast Calgary so more people like them can have access to the performing arts. When they aren't on stage you might find them loitering in the Craigie Hall basement, gaming, cooking, or luring local stray cats towards them in an alleyway with salami and haunting acapella melodies. Kat believes that the arts are for everyone and that diverse, accessible spaces create the most magical theatre.

For SCPA: Illegal Entry, Our Town

Other Projects: The Container, Green Key, Festival of Animated Objects, BYOB

Further Interests: Haider is passionate about both playing and watching sports. He also finds himself working on Azure Data Factory creating databases and data pipelines in his free time.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Assistant Stage Manager (Props)

Darby is a first year student at University of Calgary, currently pursuing a BFA in Drama as well as a BA in English. This is her first project with the SCPA. Before moving to Calgary Darby was a part of both her community theatre, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, and her high school musical theatre program. Mainly working as an actor and choreographer this is her first foray into the behind the scenes world of theatre and she couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this production and experience.

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Captain Alexander

Nina (she/her) is a second year Drama Major, playing Captain Alexander in her second show at the UofC! Nina debuted in ND Theatre’s So What’s the Vibe during the fall semester, and before that she’d been in high school productions of Matilda, Legally Blonde Jr, and Something Rotten. So without further ado, please stand at attention for your captain!

How To Eat Buttered Crabs, Manny

Nevada is in her third year at UCalgary where she is majoring in both Psychology and Drama. She is honored to be a part of her second play with the university, and the first year of the Elevator Project. She moved to Calgary three years ago, but her love for acting began back home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where she did her first play at the age of twelve. Now, nine years later, she still can’t seem to stay away from the stage. After university, she plans to pursue a career in cognitive therapy; however, a life without theatre is as foreign to her as moving back home!

Co-Creator, Playwright, We Are Animals Director

For SCPA: The Elevator Project, Women of the Fur Trade, Girl on Parade, Our Town, The Wolves, (Magnetic Bodies, In collaboration with: Alchemy Festival & Downstage) Lights Out, Shakespeare in Love, and The Little Forest (Wagonstage). Other Projects: Where Have All the Witches Gone? (Scorched Women Collective-Calgary Fringe Festival), 2024 Student Showcase (Festival of Animated Objects), HOME, Absence, The Container, Green Key (Saeid Asgarian-Roommate Art Company and Ignite Festival) 

 

Sophia (They/She) is an ambitious interdisciplinary artist. This production marks the final theatre project at the University (I know It's about time they left!). They feel proud to share these bundles of stories with the audience, and more importantly are proud of all the students that came together to make it happen!

Co-Producer

Keith (he/him) is a Filipino-Canadian emerging theatre artist based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta). Keith is a recent graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. As an actor, playwright, director, and drama educator. Keith’s goal is to create art that sparks conversations, highlights culture, and inspires community and togetherness. He has been very blessed to have found a community in the arts. Keith also wants to share a thank you to his family for the endless amount of support, and he knows that he doesn't say it much, but he loves them with his whole heart and soul.

Co-Creator, Co-Technical Director, Props (mask/puppet) and Set Designer 

Abigail (Abby) Monarrez is an emerging artist who enjoys getting their hands and painting clothes dirty. She is known for wearing many hats as a designer, muralist, scenic painter, mask and puppet maker, actor, and puppeteer. Abby is enrolled at the University of Calgary as a Drama Major with a Visual Studies (Art) Minor and is Co-President of the Drama Undergraduate Society. They are on an endless quest to create works that combine their love of visual art, performance, and community in a way that moves people and brings them together.

Marketing/Social Media

For SCPA: Our Town, Danza De Los Viejitos, Talking To Your Kids About Guns!, Lights Out, Shakespeare in Love, A Monster Calls, The Tao of the World. Other projects: Magpahayag, Black Dog: 4 vs the World, 2024 Student Showcase (Festival of Animated Objects), Doubt, Without Rule of Law. Further Interests: Joseri Mae is also the Marketing & Media Coordinator for Esperanza and the Elevator Project. She is also a playwright, aspiring poet, a dancer, a marketer, a cook, and a dreamer. She hates popcorn (except caramel popcorn) and she loves coffee. Joseri is very honoured, and excited to be a part of the Elevator Project and help showcase the amazing talents of the aspiring artists in the front and behind the scenes! Enjoy the show!

Co-Producer, Co-Technical Director

Sylviane Allard (they/he) is a third year undergraduate student studying for their BFA in Drama. Although they first discovered their love for theatre while playing Juliet in their high school's production of Romeo and Juliet, Sylviane has expanded their passion beyond acting. From Directing The Unkindness of Ghosts at IGNITE! (2023), working in the box office for various Sage Theatre productions, assistant producing The Orange Dot with Sage Theatre (2024), and designing and operating lights for Every Waking Second at the Common Ground Festival (2025), Sylviane finds joy in bringing stories to life and sharing them in any and every way. He is honoured to be one of the first producers of the Elevator Project’s debut, and he hopes you enjoy these student-made productions: We Are Animals and How To Eat Buttered Crabs.