Yukon Theatre for Young People

Beginning his stage career as Baby Jesus, eighteen-year-old Gabriel Hopkins (Gabe) has been performing at every possible opportunity since. Notably, he has played Micheal and Tootles in separate productions of  ‘Peter Pan’, Mike TV in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, and Davey in Disney’s ‘Newsies’. Gabe has filled ensemble roles in ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Wizard of Oz’, and was cast as Mr. Bumble in Yukon Theater for Young People (YTYP)’s ill-fated 2020 production of ‘Oliver!’  Gabe has been part of YTYP since before it was a theatre company, and has been enthusiastically involved in the staging of ‘Things I Learned On My Summer Vacation’, ‘Bringing Broadway ‘Round Back’, and ‘All Together Now!’. In addition, Gabe is a graduate of  the Music Arts and Drama program at Wood Street School which he attended for four years, and where he was able to further foster his love of theatre, and to develop fantastic friendships with people who share his passion for the stage. Gabe is honoured to be playing Jean ValJean in this production of ‘Les Misérables’.  

 Ella Lalibery has always lived in Whitehorse and is grateful for all the opportunities it offers -  one of which is being a part of Yukon Theatre for Young People (YTYP)! Throughout her life, she has found herself involved in all sorts of performing and theatrical productions because she truly loves the experience. She studied in the Music, Arts and Drama Program at Wood Street School for three years and was poised to perform in ‘Into the Woods’ when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Prior to that, she loved performing in YTYP’s 2019 production of ‘Newsies’. Ella is super excited about ‘Les Misérables’ and cannot wait to perform it and show everyone the hard work the cast and crew have been doing. She hopes to see you there!

 Andrew Woolridge is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut as Marius in Les Miserable.  He is 14 and a grade nine student at Vanier Catholic Secondary School.  Andrew was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon.  He is excited to be working with the cast and artistic team of Yukon Theatre for Young People.  Although the stage is new for Andrew, singing is certainly not.  Music has been a big part of his daily life ever since he was little.  He began singing as soon as he could talk.  In fact, according to Andrew’s parents, he loves singing so much that he does it in his sleep! In his spare time, Andrew enjoys playing hockey, volleyball, video games and guitar.  Learning the role of Marius has been a great experience for Andrew.  He looks forward to being a part of future productions with this theatre company.  

Cadence’s love for musical theatre was sparked when she saw ‘Phantom of the Opera’ when she was just 12 years old. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to perform on stage. Cadence attended the Music Arts and Drama Program for three consecutive years and has been a part of every one of Yukon Theatre for Young People’s (YTYP) live productions. Notably, Cadence played Crutchie in YTYP’s ‘Newsies’ and was cast as Little Red in MAD’s cancelled production of ‘Into the Woods’. YTYP has been such a rewarding and wonderful part of Cadence’s high school experience and she is so grateful to playing Madame Thénardier as her senior role.  

Twelve-year-old Lillian Eberhard loves the stage. At five, she gave a solo performance of ‘Castle On A Cloud’ at London, Ontario’s Aeolian Hall and subsequently appeared in school shows and a neighborhood theatre rehearsal project. Since arriving in Whitehorse in 2019, Lillian has played in The Guild Hall’s production of ‘Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s MacBeth’ and danced in several Northern Lights School of Dance ballet performances. You may also catch Lillian (if you can) at the swimming pool, skate park or ski hill taking part in her other best-loved interests. Lillian is excited about this production of ‘Les Misérables’! 

Mahek is twelve years old, from New-Brunswick and is home schooled. She is playing the role of young Éponine, who is constantly picking on her stepsister. It will be her fourth show with Yukon Theatre for Young People (YTYP) and she’s excited for her first big production. She is passionate about horses and theatre. She loves the sense of community it brings to her life.

Luca (17) is playing Grantaire and the Foreman in this production of Les Misérables. He has been very immersed in the Yukon theatre scene for the past few years, including the Music, Arts and Drama Program, but you might've expected that already, and YTYP's production of Bringing Broadway 'Round Back. He has been dancing his whole life, and is excited to branch out into new aspects of the arts that will help him in his career moving forwards. He will not be performing headspins in this production of Les Misérables, although he is able.

 Cameron Greer is a 16 year old from right here in Whitehorse who is currently attending his third year at the Music, Art and Drama Program.  He has loved being on stage and performing, since he was little. He is on the YTYP Steering Committee and has been a part of every YTYP production they have done: Newsies, Things I Learned on my Summer Vacation, Bringing Broadway Round Back, and All Together Now.   In this production of Les Mis, he is playing the Bishop,  Courfeyrac and Bamatabois. He has enjoyed singing along with his friends at Les Mis practices and is very excited to be performing in front of a live audience at the Arts Centre for the first time in a long time. 

 Dawson Baker is 15 and grew up primarily in the small town Teslin. Partaking in every possible opportunity, Dawson has always been excited to be performing on stage. The highlight roles he has played through those early years were Sandy(not Cindy) Louwho and Max the dog from The Grinch, and Scrooge from The Christmas Carol. When he moved to Whitehorse, he went to the Music, Art, and Drama Program at the Wood Street Center. It was there where Dawson discovered Yukon Theater For Young People and met his fellow cast members. It’s an honor working with such amazing actors and actresses, preforming his favorite musicals of all time. Dawson has come a long way from waiting in a box for an hour for a 45sec scene to a full cast and score to tell the greatest story theater can express. 

Em Baker is a seventeen-year-old theatre lover who is very excited to be in their second Yukon Theatre for Young People (YTYP) show as a member of the group chorus. They are currently completing their third semester at the Music Arts and Drama Program at Wood Street School, and will be graduating high school at the end of this school year. When Em isn’t doing musical theatre, they love reading, writing, creating art, listening to music, pursuing Social Justice initiatives, watching nerdy TV shows, and hanging out with friends. Em hopes to continue theatre in the future and to pursue a career in education.

Olivia Pilon is a young teenage girl who spends most of her time procrastinating on homework and annoying her younger siblings! She has been fascinated by the performing arts since a very young age. To debut her performance skills, Olivia turned to social media- where one can now find a multitude of 30-second pieces that can only be described as engenius works of art. On a more personal level, Olivia sees herself as someone with a bright and bubbly personality, but also as someone who keeps social justice matters close to her heart. She often speaks up in order to make a safe and inclusive environment for everyone around her! Olivia is very excited to take part in YTYP’s performance of “Les Misérables” and  hopes you enjoy the show!

Atlin Potvin (15) hasn’t had much experience with theatre, and she thought YTYP’s production of ‘Les Misérables’ would be a great way to ease herself onto the stage. Atlin had roles in a few plays at Porter Creek Secondary School but is excited to be pushing herself onto bigger & more public productions! With every rehearsal, she’s felt herself feeling more comfortable, and hopes that this musical/play with local theatres isn’t her last.

Menna Zanger is a sixteen-year-old theatre fanatic living in Whitehorse, Yukon. She has been  involved in past Yukon Theatre for Young People (YTYP) productions such as ‘Newsies’ and several variety shows. She has also been involved with other shows through the Guild Hall or the Music, Arts and Drama Program at Wood Street School. She is thrilled to be performing in ‘Les Misérables’.

 While Declan Wise is a student in grade eight, his character in ‘Les Misérables’ is a pickpocket in Master of the House. He is also playing a revolutionary later in the show. Declan’s previous theatre experience includes a school play and theatre camp at the Heart of Riverdale. He’s excited to perform in front of a large audience in the Yukon Arts Centre (No pressure!). He hopes to continue doing productions with YTYP and other theatre organizations in the Yukon. A fun fact about Declan is that he once lost a glove down an outhouse hole. (Don’t worry, everything was frozen!) 

Zia Jahr is 12 years old and new to acting, but loves the stage! In ‘Les Misérables’ she is performing in the ensemble. During the rehearsal process she learned how important it is to practice and memorize lines. She also likes working with new people. In Zia’s free time she likes to read, draw, sing and hang out with her friends.

Calvin Laveck Studied musical theatre at Sheridan Institute. After living and working out of Toronto for 10 years, he’s back home! Since being back home Calvin has been in local Peter Jicklings, Syphilis: A Love Story (Guild Hall) and also The Resurrectionists (Larrikin Entertainment). Through a Jenni house residency last year, Calvin continues to work on and finesse a musical with local friend and artist Kevin McLachlan. Previously, Calvin directed YTYP's variety shows 'Round Back' and 'All Together Now'.  Without a doubt, Calvin has pushed his directing chops to the limit with Les Misérables. He could not have done it without his dedicated, talented, hardworking artistic team, and is proud of the cast who have all grown so much, and continue to go above and beyond everyday during this process to put on this big beautiful show. Enjoy Les Misérables!

 Caleigh Farrow was also born and raised in the Yukon and has been dancing for most of her life. Growing up in the Yukon allowed her to develop her love of the arts through her time at Northern Lights School of Dance, the Music Arts and Drama program, and working at the Frantic Follies. Caleigh’s education includes George Brown College where she studied ballet, UVIC where she dabbled in Linguistics, and YukonU where she thrived in Social Work. Previously, Caleigh choreographed YTYP's variety shows 'Round Back' and 'All Together Now'.  During the day she is a social worker, but by night you can find her dancing at one of the local studios or cuddling her adorable dogs. Caleigh is incredibly thankful that she gets to combine two of her favourite things, working with youth and dance. 

Scott’s theatre background is almost exclusively on the stage, so he’s out of his element doing the actual important stuff and taking some responsibility. He knows all the words to all the songs in Les Miserables, and can't wait to see it live for the first time! He’s really enjoyed the opportunity to work with YTYP on Les Mis, as well as All Together Now last fall, and he’s learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes of a musical production.

Despite not being permanently chained to her sewing machine, Audrey does find herself enamoured enough with the costume-craft that she might as well be. Her guilty pleasures include, but are not limited to: men's tailored jackets, women's boned bodices, and fastidious devotion to details (which I guarantee will not be visible from the audience.) She has worked on a number of plays over the last few years, which makes her feel like her theatre degree is worth something. Many curtains were harmed during the making of the wardrobe.