Conor Meadows

Conor Meadows

(he/him)
BFA Acting

Conor is an Edmonton-born actor who is thrilled to be graduating from UBC. He is thankful for his brilliant classmates, his loving family and his supportive partner who helped him get here. He also would like to personally NOT thank his cat Willow, who had a $2200 dollar vet bill last month.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

With UBC Theatre: Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema and Oil.

Other: Juggle Me Not, a touring Commedia play funded through Axis Theatre.

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

The Commedia Dell’Arte unit (taught by the brilliant Susan Bertoia) was an absolute stand-out for me. Being able to really let loose comedically was a fantastic outlet, and it opened doors for some incredible opportunities for me.

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

I really want to challenge myself with every project I do. As long as the work I do helps me grow or presents a new challenge for me, I will do it. Actors are constantly growing and changing, so as long as I allow myself to grow, I’ll be fulfilled.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I think being able to finish a university degree during a global pandemic is probably up there!

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to have Tony Hawk’s skateboarding ability.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Fortnite. Absolutely.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

I’d really love to have dinner with Tim Robinson.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Probably a copy of Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey.

Check out Conor’s work here!

Dylan Nouri

(he/him)
BFA Acting

Dylan Nouri is a Vancouver-based actor, writer, director and producer. He made his child acting debut in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (FOX). For UBC Theatre: Oh, The Humanity, Machinal and Oil. Dylan is also pursuing a Master of Management dual degree from the Sauder School of Business.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

With UBC Theatre: Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema and Oil.

Other: After Life (Independent Film).

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

To be able to work collaboratively and grow artistically with such an amazing group of people. My peers are my greatest inspirations. Specifically, working on Naked Cinema with Fiona and Blake was an immensely rewarding experience.

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

I plan to continue performing on screen and on stage as much as possible, while writing and directing my own scripts. I plan on eventually starting a TV production company with my business partner Ruairi.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

All the times I was there for people when they needed me, as a son, a student, an artist and a friend.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Musical ability, to the point where I can sit down with an instrument and come up with something interesting on the spot.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Eating way too much sushi.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

My future wife. Saves me the trouble of finding her.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A bird of some sort. I would love to be able to fly without having to go through security.

Check out Dylan’s work here!

Mai Stone

(she/her)
BFA Acting

Mai Stone is an actor from Huntsville, Ontario. At UBC, her theatre credits include Secrets (Maggie), Hot L Baltimore (Jackie), Isle Dell’Arte (Il Capitano), Problem Child (Denise), Machinal (Young Woman, Ep. 7) and Coriolanus (Aufidius).

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

With UBC Theatre: Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema and Coriolanus.

Other: Problem Child, Hot L. Baltimore

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

Right now, I am most excited to begin auditioning for theatre and explore voiceover acting. I am also planning to focus my time writing, producing and learning to direct film.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would consider my greatest achievement to be overcoming myself. Learning to be my own friend, rather than my own critic.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I was really good at balancing! Could carry 12 plates at once! Walk on tight-ropes!

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasures are listening to a lot of Disney songs and watching tarot card readings.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

If I could have dinner with anyone, I would love to dine with Lewis Carroll and Martin Short.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

If I were to die and come back as a person or thing, it would be a thing.

Check out Mai’s work here!

Nicolas Olney-Rainville

(he/him)

BFA Acting

Nicolas Olney-Rainville (Nicc) is an actor, singer, songwriter and musician, and an aspiring voice actor, writer and producer. He is currently the lead singer and front person of a local Vancouver band named Flint & Smoke. His UBC acting credits include The Greeks, Machinal, Oil and Kinder Tillers.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

Machinal and Oil.

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

During the pandemic, I wrote, recorded and released an album with Flint & Smoke, additionally to starring in two short films: Kinder Tillers and Incognito! Although it was an uncertain time, it was very rewarding and creatively fulfilling.

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

As a musician, I see myself continuing to write, play live and produce music with Flint & Smoke. As an actor, I want to dive into voice acting, as well as writing in film and being more involved within the Vancouver community as an artist.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Using the pandemic as an excuse to make, record and release an album, additionally to working on my degree.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The talent to persuade genies for infinite wishes.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Swiss Fondue, a glass of Volnay white, and dark French cooking chocolate as dessert.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

Tyler the Creator, due to his creativity and his ability to create a captivating narrative within an album of 16 songs.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A platypus. Why? Is there need for me to answer such a question?

Check out Nicolas’ work here!

Isabella Laesecke

(she/her)
BFA Acting

Izzy Laesecke is a Canadian actor and theatre artist who fell in love with acting through a summer camp with Calgary Young Peoples Theatre. Since then, no one has been able to drag her out of the theatre. In Calgary: Peter Pan (CYPT). At UBC: Oh, The Humanity, The Greeks, Machinal, Coriolanus.

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

Despite the performance days taking place during a heatwave, the rehearsal process of The Greeks was one of the most fun, free and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve never gotten to be that creative (and a little bit weird!)

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

I really hope I get the opportunity to collaborate with some of my classmates on some of the ideas I’ve had rattling around my brain. I think writing and creating with other people is one of the most fulfilling things you can do.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema and Coriolanus.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’d like to think I haven’t achieved it yet.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’ve always been so self-conscious of my voice, so I wish I had been born a naturally gifted singer.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I can never watch content at a normal speed—I either binge-watch whole seasons of TV or watch nothing for weeks.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

Dolly Parton. Hands down. I think she’s one of the most inspiring, down-to-earth and genuine celebrities out there.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A dog, but specifically a golden retriever from a suburban, upper-middle class family.

Check out Izzy’s work here!

Isabel Hansen

(she/her)
BFA Acting

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

Machinal, Naked Cinema and Coriolanus.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Experiencing inner peace, for once.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to sing my little heart out and belt like there’s no tomorrow.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Really sparkly, catchy pop songs. I’m trying not to feel bad for blasting One Direction anymore, you know?

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

My higher self. I’ve been trying to get in touch with that guy.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I’d go back to the fungal network and stay there!

Gabrielle Nebrida-Pepin

(she/her)
BFA Acting

Gabrielle is a Filipino/French-Canadian actor who is currently signed with The Characters. With 10 years of training under her belt with Arts Umbrella and UBC, you’ll find her in both theatre and film. Upcoming projects are: Quelqu’un t’aime M. Hatch with Axis Theatre and LifeCycle at The Cultch.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

With UBC Theatre: Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema and Coriolanus.

Other: iZombie (TV), Reveal Party (VFS Film) and Metampsychosis (UBC Film).

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

Growing with my classmates as an artist and as a person has been such a profound experience. Knowing that I have a community of people to fall back on when things get tough (life-wise or artistically) is the biggest gift I will be leaving with.

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

I’m really looking forward to really digging into my acting career and having that be my singular focus. However, I have several projects in mind for devised work and a podcast (to be launched in September of 2022), and I’ll also be getting my hand into producing!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Having a group of people in my life who are honest, abundant with love and who help me stay grounded. That, and making my mama proud.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Teleportation.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Ice cream. I don’t discriminate when it comes to flavours but pistachio is my all-time favourite.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

Oprah Winfrey.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A sea otter or a koaka.

Check out Gabrielle’s work here!

Ruairi MacDonald

(he/him)
BFA Acting

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

Machinal, Naked Cinema and Oil.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

In high school I was given the opportunity to help co-write, co-direct and act in our original school play, which was titled Blackout.

Which talent would you most like to have?

A talent I’d love to have is perfect pitch, and the ability to play songs just by listening by ear.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Listening to Taylor Swift in the gym.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

I would have dinner with Ryan Reynolds, in order to pitch him my movie ideas and convince him to work with me.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I would die and come back as a rockstar, so I could tour around the world playing music that I love.

Check out Ruairi’s work!

Belén Quirce

(she/her)
BFA Acting

Bel is a Peruvian/Spanish actor and singer-songwriter. For UBC: Oil (Amy), Machinal (Young Woman, Ep. 2), The Greeks (Clytemnestra) and the short film “Day” (Brenda). In Peru: Footloose: The Musical (Ariel), Sadako and 1000 Paper Cranes (Sadako), James & The Giant Peach (Spider). Original music on streaming platforms.

You have/will see/hear/experience my work in

Commedia Dell’Arte, Machinal, Naked Cinema, and Oil.

What was one of the highlights of your UBC experience?

Playing co-lead Amy in Oil by Ella Hickson, directed by the brilliant Moya O’Connell. Playing one character in four different languages, at four different ages, in four time periods—all in one show. A beautifully daring experience. Unforgettable.

What kind of creative work do you see yourself doing in the next few years?

Acting. Wow, bet you didn’t see that one coming! Also producing/recording all the music I’ve been brewing in my songwriting notebooks and releasing it into the world to see what happens! I want people to feel something—hopefully something meaningful.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Every opportunity I’ve ever taken to make someone else’s life better in any way, both big and small.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Figure skating. Working on it!!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Peruvian King Kong.

If you could have dinner with someone fictional/real, who would it be?

Alicia Keys.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A bunny. Or a dolphin.

Check out Belén’s work here!

Teaching Assistantships for 2022/23 Academic Session

Posted March 18, 2022

The Department of Theatre and Film hopes to appoint part-time Teaching Assistants from among the MA/MFA/Phd students to assist in the following courses:

Theatre Studies Courses

  • THTR 120-001 Intro to Theatre Lecture Term 1. There is a total of 2 positions available (each at 50%)
  • THTR 210-001 Drama: Forms and Ideas I Lecture Term 1. There is a total of 3 positions available (each at 50%)
  • THTR 211-001 Drama: Forms and Ideas II Lecture Term 2. There is a total of 3 positions available (each at 50%)

Film Studies Courses

  • FIST 100-001 Intro to Film Studies – Lecture Term 1. There is a total of 3 positions available (each at 50%).
  • FIST 100–003 Intro to Film Studies – Lecture Term 2. There is a total of 3 positions available (each at 50%).
  • FIST 100-004 Intro to Film Studies -Lecture Term 1. There is a total of 3 positions available (each at 50%).
  • FIST 220-002 Introduction to Hollywood Cinema 1930-1960 Term 2. There is a total of 2 positions available (each at 50%).
  • FIST 300-001 Cult Cinema Term 1. There is a total of 2 positions available (each at 50%)
  • FIST 340-001 Media Audiences BMS Term 1.  There is a total of 1 position available (at 50%)

Film Production Courses

  • FIPR 101-001 Introduction to Film Production Term 1. There is a total of 1 position available (at 50%)
  • FIPR 131-001 Video Production 1. Term 2. There is a total of 1 position available (at 50%)
  • FIPR 133-001 Video Production 1. Term 2. There is a total of 1 position available (at 25%)
  • FIPR 133-002 Video Production 1 BMS. Term 2. There is a total of 1 position available (at 25%)
  • FIPR 230-001 Introduction to Motion Picture Directing Term 1. There is a total of 2 positions available (each at 25%)
  • FIPR 234-001 Production Planning and Practice Term 2. There is a total of 2 positions available (each at 25%)

To apply for any of these positions, please submit your application materials to The Department of Theatre and Film application portal.

Please note that the above-listed TA positions are dependent on Department of Theatre and Film budget approval. Some positions will be appointed at 50% (half time) or 25% (quarter-time) and will have their duties and salaries adjusted accordingly.

Qualifications: At a minimum, the applicant will have a BA/BFA degree or its equivalent, with academic and/or professional experience. The applicant must have a solid knowledge of theatre history, film studies or film production, depending on the course for which they are applying.  Students cannot always be assigned to the course that is their first choice, and so it is helpful to provide a range of courses for which you feel equipped to TA.

Duties: TAs may be required, at a minimum, to mark, attend classes, lead seminars, advise students, supervise production labs, hold office hours, give demonstrations and on occasion provide instruction in the courses they have been assigned to.

Hours of work: Varies by course. The average is 12 hours per week for 26 weeks (384 hours) for a full TA position. Please note that TA positions can range from 25% to 100% and hours are scaled accordingly.

Salary

  • Masters Students: GTA 2 $33.80/hour (as of Sept 1, 2021)
  • Doctoral Students: GTA 1 $35.14/hour (as of Sept 1, 2021)

Application: A letter of application including your curriculum vitae, all contact information, your year of study, and experience in the discipline that you wish to apply. Please indicate whether you are a full–time or part–time student and whether you hold a degree in another field of study at a Masters level or higher.

Deadline for applications is April 20, by 5pm PST, 2022.

Again, to apply for any of these positions, please submit your application materials directly to The Department of Theatre and Film application portal.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.