Artist Bio

Kirsten has performed across Canada as an actor, comedienne, singer and dancer. She directs theatre and has on occasion taught improv and acting. She also enjoys writing and producing for the stage and screen, and has recently completed a novel (currently awaiting a publishing deal!) 

Kirsten has performed primarily in new Canadian works, and 'specializes' in all genres of comedy - with a smattering of drama, Shakespeare, and a couple dozen musicals thrown in. Theatre credits include ANIMAL FARM, ALLEYCATS THE MUSICAL (Ovation Nomination Outstanding Female Performance), THE BUZ'GEM BLUES (premiere), TWELFTH NIGHT, QUIET IN THE LAND, LITTLE WOMEN, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, I OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, EXIT OTHELLO and many, many more. Kirsten has also performed several one-woman shows, including ALL MY DAY JOBS, and THE KIRSTEN VAN RITZEN SHOW, which received acclaim in Toronto, Chicago, and Hollywood. 

Kirsten loves to improvise because making things up is just fun. She starred in SIN CITY: the Live Improvised Soap Opera for five seasons in Toronto, three at THE SECOND CITY, which garnered a Canadian Comedy Award nomination and a CBC-TV show LIQUID SOAPZ. Kirsten has  performed at the CHICAGO IMPROV FESTIVAL, MARCH OF DAMES, and hosted/produced LUCILLE'S BALL. She is a founding member of Edmonton's famed DIE-NASTY and an alumna of the even nastier Vancouver Theatresports League. She has also performed sketch comedy and standup. She originally hails from Winnipeg and has the frost- bite to prove it.