Artist Bios
Kirsten Van Ritzen
Kirsten has performed across Canada as an actor, comedienne, singer and dancer. She also enjoys directing, writing and teaching improv.
Her numerous theatre credits include 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 six one-woman shows, most recently THE KIRSTEN VAN RITZEN SHOW, which received acclaim from Regina to Hollywood.
Kirsten delights in performing comedic improvisation and is known for her work in SIN CITY: the Live Improvised Soap Opera. Five seasons in Toronto, including three at THE SECOND CITY, garnered a Canadian Comedy Award nomination and a CBC-TV show LIQUID SOAPZ. Kirsten has also 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 Vancouver Theatresports League. She originally hails from Winnipeg.
Ian Ferguson - Director
Ian Ferguson is an award-winning playwright, theatre director/dramaturg, instructor, and author. His memoir VILLAGE OF THE SMALL HOUSES, inspired by his childhood in the North, won the 2004 Leacock Medal for Humour. His first book, HOW TO BE A CANADIAN, co-authored with brother Will Ferguson, was shortlisted for the Leacock, won the Libris Booksellers Award, and has remained on Top Ten Book lists since its publication in 2001.
Ian Ferguson has enjoyed collaborating with Kirsten on numerous productions. Ian directed all six of Kirsten's one-woman shows, co-writing the first three. Together they founded Edmonton's acclaimed Union Theatre. Ian was the creator and director of the Canadian Comedy Award nominated, long form improv shows DIE-NASTY (Edmonton) and SIN CITY (Toronto), and co-executive producer of LIQUID SOAPZ (CBC-TV). He has made numerous appearances on radio and television, and has been the subject of more than 300 print features. Ian is a popular speaker at writers' festivals and literary events; he enjoys teaching acting and improv (most recently for Simon Fraser University); and remains active in the theatre.
Ian's prolific credits and nominations in the entertainment industry can be found on his website http://www.ianferguson.s5.com