Bios

Stephen Waldschmidt - Jesus
(4 years) Stephen works as an actor, director and designer. Acting credits include The Road to Mecca, Christmas in Wales, Tent Meeting (Rosebud Theatre); Chickens, The Clearing(Pacific Theatre); and Jesus in The Canadian Badlands Passion Play since 2008. Directing credits include She Has A Name, Hockey Dad: A Play In 3 Periods (burnt thicket theatre) and Match (Pacific Theatre). Scenic design credits include Jake and the Kid, The Secret Garden, Damien (Rosebud Theatre); The Quarrel (Midnight Theatre Collective); and Grace (Pacific Theatre). Stephen holds degrees from Regent College and University of Calgary. He is grateful to Abba for much; selected gifts include Kirsten, his sons Caleb and Asher, and another summer on this amazing stage.

Brian Jensen - Old Man
(1 year) Brian has been acting for three decades and spent 10 years in Vancouver in theatre, film and TV. Film credits include Passchendaele, Dark Angel, Hope Island, Millennium, The 6th Day, First Wave, Poltergeist; the Legacy; and many more. Theatre credits include: for Theatre Calgary: Christmas Carol (4th Year), Amadeus, and The Innocents. For Vertigo Theatre: Twelve Angry Men, Blood Relations, and Go Back for Murder. For Lunchbox Theatre: Mr. Fixit (nominated for Betty Mitchell award), The Invention of Music, The Life History of the African Elephant, Hearts and Soles, Middle Aged White Guys. Brian has also appeared as Claudius in Hamlet, (Project X Kamloops); Merry Wives of Windsor, The Tempest, with Shakespeare in the Park Calgary to name but a few.

Carol Abbott

Sue Backs
(2 years) Sue is loving being part of The Passion Play once again this year with her family. What an amazing summer experience! She is a graduate of the U of A (B.A), and the neighborhood playhouse school for the theatre (New York) where she received the SAAX Bradbury Scholarship to RADA. She has acted in numerous film, T.V. and theatre roles.

Rick Borger
(8 years)

Kimberley Bowen
I have participated in several school and amateur community plays and I very much enjoy the theatre experience. I am excited to join some of my best friends in the Passion Play.

Norma Bricker
(16 years) Have sung in the choir since almost the beginning of Passion Play. I love the play! Being in such an Amazing Play, have sung in a choir for many years in Calgary!

Kevin Cambridge
(3 years)

Rebekkah Carra
(2 years) This is Rebekkah's second year of participating in the Passion Play and she is still so excited, She attends Cornerstone Christian School during the school and is fascinated with being a part of the Bible stories they are taught in school. The Passion Play is a wonderful part of solid Christian Foundation.

Shirley Carra
(2 years) Shirley has retuned for her second year in a row along with her daughter. It is such an amazing personal journey to bring the life of Jesus Christ alive for so many people to share. Shirley is so happy to be able to share this experience with her young daughter as a great bounding time.

Aaron Casselman
(4 years) After three years of being involved in the Passion Play through the summer school, Aaron is back now through the main cast. He has been avid in musical theatre for five years.

Kathy Clarke
(7 years) Kathy Clarke was first involved in the Passion Play with her Husband and three children in 2003. That was the beginning of her passion for The Passion Play. 2011 is Kathy's Seventh Year with the Passion Play and her first year in wardrobe as Assistant Designer. Kathy Clarke has been involved in many productions at her home church in Calgary including acting, costume and set design.

Charmaine Contos
(3 years) Charmaine is a very busy mom (5 children and home-schooler of 4), who enjoys spending time with her family and loves serving the Lord. This year's Passion Play is a grand adventure and an opportunity to combine both of these loves. She is an active leader in her home schooling group, runs a ladies book club and greatly enjoys cooking, baking, sewing and gong on bicycle rides with her family. She also enjoys reading and the study of God's word.

Elizabeth Contos
(3 years) Elizabeth, along with her brother Timothy, were the leads in a number of educational films produced for use by various school boards. She has been involved in a number of church plays (singing and acting) and enjoys singing in a large church choir. She enjoys being part of the Passion Play because it gives her an opportunity to learn more about and experience the reality of the life of Jesus and proclaim Him to others. Her hobbies include singing, piano, drawing and studying animals, and playing football with her brother and friends and cooking and sewing.

Emily Contos
(3 years) Emily has acted in a church play and a short film. Emily first became aware of the Passion Play after being invited by a family who has been part of it for a number of years. She is very much looking forward to the Passion Play experience. She loves to play music (harp & piano) and also enjoys playing harp in a large church orchestra in Calgary. She likes to sew, bake, cook and baby-sit. She also enjoys reading.

Harry Contos
(3 years) Harry first became involved in theatre many years ago at the church he used to attend. He played the part of Christ in a major church production, which ministered to large audiences. The majority of his public ministry has been in the area of music. He has led a number of worship bands, sings in a large church choir, plays guitar and writes his own music. He has recently released a professionally produced album of 13 original songs and is a member of GMA Canada. He is enjoying his participation in the Passion Play and looks forward to once again being involved in drama; drama proclaiming the greatest story ever told.

Robin Contos
(3 years) Robin is the youngest of the Contos family. She has acted in church plays and sings in a children's choir at church. She has been playing piano for 2 years and has won an award for an original composition. She is also learning to play the flute. She enjoys lots of cuddles from her daddy, singing, working in the kitchen with her mother and older sister Emily, and cycling.

Timothy Contos
(3 years) Timothy along with his sister Elizabeth, were the leads in a number of educational films produced for use by various school boards. He has also been involved in a number of plays (both singing and acting) at his church including one recent production where he and his father were the leads in the play. He has had a desire to be in the Passion Play ever since seeing his first performance. His hobbies include playing violin (which he plays in a large church orchestra), piano, cycling, and a variety of sports including hockey and football.

Bea Dolphin
(18 years) I have sung in the choir since the very beginning under the direction of LaVerne. It has been such a blessing to be a part of the Passion Play. This year is a new experience for me & I am very excited about this opportunity.

Dylan Evans
(1 year)

Travis Finley
(1 year) I auditioned for the passion play because I have always heard lots about it and I am very lucky to be able to take part in it this year. I love to act and dance and I would be willing to sing although it is not a strong attribute of mine.

Don Garratt
(1 year) I was born & raised in Calgary and still live there. I've always been interested in theatre and film and have taken part in several amateur church productions over the years. After attending the passion play in Drumheller several years ago I've often thought I'd like to get involved: 2011 seems to be the year that has finally become possible and I look forward to both learn and grow through this experience.

Juergen Giebler
(7 years)

Caleb Gordon
(5 years)

Harold Handley
(8 years)

Zachary Handley
Lionshare Theatre: Bethlehem Inn, Gravy Train, The Three Old Ladies in the House on the Corner. Gideon Productions: Murder Me Always, Charming Tail.

Scott Heatcoat
Scott originally hails from a farm near Assiniboia Saskatchewan. Coming from a musical family he played the accordion since the age of 5 and learned guitar soon thereafter. His passion in music and theatre lead him to complete his diploma in Victoria B.C. from the Canadian College of Performing Arts within the disciplines of singing, dancing and acting. Upon graduation he performed with the Victoria Operatic Society in The Will Roger Follies and was a guest artist in the touring company Saskatchewan Express. His past credits also include: Featured ensemble in The Forbidden Phoenix, Achillies in The Greeks, Charlie in A Class Act, Rodney and Michael in 7 Stories.

Now living in Vancouver, Scott is so blessed to be able to perform in the Passion Play with such an amazing cast and crew. Being able to use the talents God has given him as a singer and martial artist, he hopes the story told will bless you in a way no other story can.

Larry Heather
(18 years) Larry has been in every performance of the Passion Play. Graduate of Briercrest Bible College (BRE'75) and Rocky mountain college (BA- Theatre Arts). A Host of AM1140 Gospel Road (High River): www.gospelroad.ca. and have had many interesting topics and interviews over my ten years on the air! Director and Web Researcher of the William Aberhart Historical Foundation (www.aberhartfoundation.ca)

DeeDee Hedley
(1 year) This is my first venture into the acting side of performance. I have been a singer forever and have been singing actively at Ascension Catholic Church in Calgary for the past 25 years. I am very excited to join this amazing company.

Diane Illerbrun - Stitcher
(11 years) Diane has worked in various roles of the Passion Play's Costume Department since the turn of the century (2000), as a stitcher, wardrobe manager, and assisting the actors as a dresser backstage and in the hills. You've likely seen her but not known it, as those who build the costumes also dress in them and move amongst the crowd pinning, tucking, and adjusting many familiar pieces. They endeavor to maintain the look of the detailed costumes as they were designed while supporting the actors to feel as great in their costumes as they truly look.

She is a founding member of the nearby Rosebud School of the Arts, being involved since the 1970's, first as a camper & student, and later the Rosebud Dinner Theatre helping mostly in the wardrobe department, past Board of Governors Director, and enthusiastic season ticket patron.  Any chance to see live theatre, musicals, and weekly visits to the "Flicker Show" help to satisfy a huge appreciation of the Performing Arts present for as long as memory serves.  She's enjoyed a few minor stage roles, comedies being a favourite, and sang for several shows in the Southern Alberta Opera Chorus at the invitation of her vocal teacher/SAOA Chorus Master.

Diane and her husband, Garth, make Calgary their home where she is a "Material Girl" who enjoys piecing quilts, collecting sewing notions, and dabbling in other needle arts, as well as working with a friend in the creation of flags and banners for dance & worship (Westworks Flags). Frequently found poking around the internet, researching obscure bits or on a social network, nobody can recall the last time she powered off her "DiPhone". One of her most valuable assets is a sense of humour that she wields freely in whatever workroom she's sewing in. In theory if the costumes tickle an actor it may be the remnants of a story or joke told in one of many accents she slips into. 

"Endless gratitude go to my first, only & favorite husband ever!  If I had a few bucks for every time I've been asked if you had a brother or a clone, we could retire immediately!"

Breanne Kruis
(4 years) Breanne is in the Passion Play for the 4th time with her Dad. She is in Grade 8 at Blessed Cardinal School in Calgary. Breanne has performed in the Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie with Windmill Theatre in High River as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Painted Fish. In addition to acting, she enjoys rock climbing, swimming, wrestling and many more activities.

Jan Kruis
(3 years) I truly marvel at the authenticity of the Passion Play site. The production crew and fellow cast members make this a memorable experience. I am looking forward to the new script and the many set enhancements such as the sound system. Enjoy!"

Adam Lammiman
(3 years) This year I am missing my two front teeth!

Dallas Lammiman
(8 years)

Greg Lammiman
(7 years)

Lisa Lammiman
(3 years)

Shalayne Lammiman
(8 years) I am 16 and the 4th child out of 6 in my family. I love to play the piano and sing. Also in my spare time I enjoy listening to lectures and radio dramas and crocheting. I enjoy acting and love to be a part of Passion Play every summer.

Shauna Lammiman
(8 years) Our family of eight has loved being a part of the Passion Play. It has been a highlight of our summer.

Travis Lammiman
(8 years) Currently I work as a barista at Starbucks In Airdrie, and enjoy spending times with others. This fall I plan to start a degree with College Plus! in the Fall, an online college degree program, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store.

Bryson Lawton
(10 years) I first started coming to the Passion Play because my mom was in Wardrobe and I have been coming back even since. The experience is wonderful and it is like being in one big family.

Kalena Lewandowski
(2 years)

Justin Lewis - John
(2 years) Justin Has worked part time as an actor in various projects both professional and personal for the better part of 10 years. Justin has also worked as a professional animator on such feature animated films as 9 (produced by Tim Burton) and Hoodwinked 2. I am honored to be playing the part of John, the disciple responsible for recording the biblical account that this year's play is based on. It is so fun to be the observer in the story while also being caught up in the dramatic events within this powerful and moving piece of theater, I'm surrounded by amazing talent which makes it very easy to buy into my role. I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the enormous work God is doing here through the Passion Play. I am humbled by the scale of the production every day. The truth is I couldn't say enough about this production if I tried. You must experience the 2011 Badlands Passion Play for yourself. Find out more about Justin here. www.EpicJustin.com

Dulaine Lough
(1 year) Dulaine joined the passion play to support her daughter Rachael, who is exploring her creative talents as an actor. Dulaine is excited to see how this experience will enrich her faith journey as a Christ-follower.

Rachael Lough
(1 year) Rachael has been involved in school plays and has taken an acting course in Calgary. She is honored to be a part of something that will no doubt teach her not only about acting but also about her Christian faith. Rachael enjoys other creative talents such as painting and playing the saxophone.

John Moerschbacher
(1 year) I was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I now live in Calgary, Alberta with my wife Lynn. I received a BA in Philosophy from the University of Calgary. Thrilled to be part of the Passion Play cast for the first time. To see God's word come to life in such a spectacular setting and with such a wonderful community of people reshapes you right down to the core of your being. Thanks to all for the encouragement and prayers.

Pieter Nobel
(5 years)

Clayton O'Connell
(2 years) I am excited to see the new script.

Emmelia Ohlhauser
(2 years) Emmelia is someone who in the words of her parents has too much time on her hands. She enjoys acting, singing, reading, writing, and drawing, not necessarily ion that order. She draws her inspiration for her characters from various sources. Including, but not limited to Shakespeare, Tolkien, the Bible, and various historical fiction novels.

Danielle Roy
(4 years) Just completed her first year of studies at Rosebud School of the Arts, and is glad to be back for her fourth year with the Passion Play.

Leila Russell
(6 years)

Cassia Schramm
(8 years) Cassia is thrilled to return to the Passion Play. Cassia has recently completed her studies at Rosebud School of the Arts. Selected Credits include Oliver! Secret Garden and A Bright Particular Star (Rosebud Theatre).

Jean Steele
(1 year) I love the Lord and have desired to be involved for many years. This year worked for me to come. Happily married mother of 4 sons, 8 Grandkids (so far). Student at Gideon Studios this past year. Been in productions since school off and on. 3 this past year : Christmas Carol, A Charming Tale and Murder Me Always.

Sally Thompson
(1 year) I recently moved to Drumheller from New Brunswick and wanted to get involved with the community. I had heard such wonderful things about the Passion Play I felt it was a good way to meet people.

Justin Toth
(1 year) Working on an album (playing all the instruments). Done several plays including Orestia, Scaramouch. Loves long walks on the beach. Been acting for 5 years and loves every second of it.

Tom Triadopoulos
I got to experience the early days of the Passion Play. Played a total of 3 different disciples. A lot has changed.

Maris Wideman
(2 years) This is Maris' second year with Passion Play. She has also been involved with a number of productions with the Three Hills Arts Academy most recently Guys & Dolls. She is really looking forward to trying our new script and seeing all the wonderful new people and set pieces come together.

Gene Zacharias
(2 years)