Cast

Ensemble in The Wind Coming Over the Sea and Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story, O’Rourke in Quiet in the Land

Raised in Goderich and now participating in his 12th season here at the Festival, and third consecutive as a performer. There are few words to express how great an honour it is to work in such an important theatre locally, nationally and globally. To be a part of this company is a dream come true. Thank you to the generosity of the donors and you the patrons who make this all possible. You keep me fed, housed and clothed and for that I am in your debt. Enjoy…we are giving our all.

Shelayna Christante

Jane McConnell Johnson in The Wind Coming Over the Sea
Katie Brubacher in Quiet in the Land
Ensemble in Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story

Shelayna Christante (she/they) is a Dora award-winning actor and singer born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta. She moved to Toronto to pursue her passions, graduating from George Brown Theatre School in 2023. Shelayna is immensely grateful to be returning to the Blyth Festival this season, and is honoured to get to play alongside such good company. Shelayna also wishes to acknowledge the many many many loving, kind, warm hands that have helped her along her path. She can’t wait to share these beautiful stories with you.

Ensemble in The Wind Coming Over the Sea and Radio Town
The Doc Cruickshank Story, Lydie Brubacher in Quiet in the Land

Masae is delighted to be back for another Blyth Festival summer after previously appearing in The Donnelly Trilogy. Based in Vancouver BC, Masae trained at Studio 58 and holds a BMus in violin performance from the University of Victoria. Favourite credits: The Shop Around The Corner (Blue Bridge), Mozart and Her Brother (Geniusettes), The Troll Grandfather (Axis), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Thousand Islands/WCT), and Once (Chemainus). Masae plays fiddle with the indie-folk band LittleFox.

Ensemble in The Wind Coming Over the Sea and Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story
Hannah Bauman in Quiet in the Land

Having been a member of Canada’s nomadic acting profession for the past fifty years, Michelle has performed and resided in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, London, Stratford, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Charlottetown, Wolfville and Nunuvut. But, without a doubt, Blyth remains her favourite “home away from home.” In 2025, Michelle happily celebrates her eleventh season at the Blyth Festival.

Ensemble in The Wind Coming Over the Sea and Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story
Bishop Frey in Quiet in the Land

Other Theatre (Selected): Lear, Measure For Measure, The Winter’s Tale (Groundling), Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare In Love, The Taming Of The Shrew, Pirates Of Penzance, The Grapes Of Wrath, As You Like It, Jacques Brel… (Stratford Festival), Once (Neptune Theatre). Recordings: Another Street, Late, The Easy Straight, Recent Songs. Previously: Quartetto Gelato (1996 NPR Performance Today Debut Artist of the Year). More information at meanwell.ca. George is delighted to be returning to Blyth!