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All about Trickster

Trickster Theatre creates programs that helps schools and communities explore their world through theatre, the arts and web technology.

How our
journey began.

group artists residency
group artists residency

Our journey began in the early 1980’s when our founders, David and Sheryl Chantler, hit the road to bring a children’s theatre show to schools and festivals across the country. Audiences adored the shows because of their fun, improvisational nature and audience interaction! 

Since that time, we have developed our unique Trickster Artist-in-Schools Residency Program. Over the years, we gathered artists to our ranks with different backgrounds and training in a variety of performance styles such as clowning, physical theatre, improv, and dance. As a result of our combined experiences, the company has gained strength and vibrancy. The name Trickster Theatre reflects our clown roots and the fun and innovative process that we have formed over the years. We continue to add new theatre styles and techniques every year.

Trickster Theatre currently has 2 companies touring Alberta. In the past 34 years we have done more than 1300 week-long residencies. We have done them in more than 75% of all the communities in Alberta, including over 120 residencies in 25 different Indigenous communities. More than 350,000 Albertans of all ages have spent a week creating theatre with Trickster. The company is the largest provider of Artist in School Residencies in Alberta.

The company is also focused on the creation of theatre based tools for learning, especially in the areas of Science, Storytelling, and Global Issues and we have been involved in Educational Research with the University of Calgary and the Rozsa Foundation. We are proud to have played a significant role in the development of the Arts in Education sector in Alberta.

1980

First Trickster Theatre show is created and performed in Calgary. First school tour – Clowns Abound.

1983-85

Full time school touring – 300 performances a year. 2 new shows every year.

1986-2019

Over 40 years of Trickster producing over 1400 shows across 200 communities in Alberta with over 350,000 Albertans performing in their own original show.

2020-2024

Science and Storytelling workshops begin being offered to schools virtually and in-person.

2025

Trickster Theatre launches 58 residency projects across Alberta, including science and storytelling workshops.

Meet the team

newdavid, smiling at camera

David Chantler

Creative and Executive Director
David founded Trickster in 1980. He trained in clowning, mime, improv, and devised theatre in Canada, Mexico, San Francisco, and Denmark. He has directed and produced hundreds of shows for Trickster Theatre. David is the recipient of the 2017 Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management, as well as the co-recipient of the 2017 Duval Lang Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre for Young Audiences. In 2022, he was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Outstanding Service to the province of Alberta.
Matt Tomlinson holds drink to camera

Matt Tomlinson

Production Manager
Matt came to Canada for the ice climbing but stayed for the theatre. He is a production manager from the UK. With a background in sound engineering, he has over 20 years of experience working in live event production. Matt has worked all over the world providing technical production on high profile events such political conferences, concerts and the Olympic Games. Matt has provided sound engineering for artists such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.
new Sheryl. Dark hair, smiling at camera

Sheryl Chantler

Founder in Residence
Sheryl has been with the company since meeting David in 1982 at a Whoopi Goldberg workshop. She has a dance degree and studied with Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham. Sheryl is the originator of both of Trickster’s big signature styles: Shadow and Blacklight. She received the 2017 Duval Lang Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Theatre.
Siroun smiling at camera

Siroun Heal

Accounting
Siroun is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who has spent the last 25 years providing financial expertise to charitable organizations in her community. She grew up in Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. She enjoys being part of an artistic and continually evolving theatrical company, as well as serving and volunteering long term. She loves to nurture her social and creative pursuits through gardening, travel, music and new experiences.
Irene Banchik smiles at camera wearing a hat and black jacket

Irene Banchik

Office Manager
Irene joins Trickster Theatre with a wealth of experience in non-profits, events, and community building. Known for her knack for keeping things organized and running smoothly, she brings both efficiency and a friendly spirit to the role. Outside the office, she owns and operates SUP&FLOW a stand-up paddleboarding and SUPYoga studio, spending time outdoors, and exploring new wellness activities. Irene is excited to support the team behind the scenes and help keep the magic of Trickster Theatre alive and well!

Advisory board

NewFranz smiles at camera

Franz Munoz

Vivia Digital Films
Wendy Walker

Wendy Walker

Indigenous Consultant

Our Artists

Aidan Collins

Aidan Collins

Aidan is an Amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton artist focused on direction, movement, and performance. She is a recent graduate of the BA/BED program at the University of Alberta. Aidan has participated in various festivals in Edmonton including Fringe and Nextfest. She is passionate about combining art forms within theatre and giving audiences a multimodal experience. It is her goal to keep theatre alive for the youth.
Alejo Ron

Alejo Ron

Alejo is a drama and dance artist from Quito, Ecuador with 13 years of experience. He received contemporary and ballet training for 6 years. Alejo obtained a BFA in drama with a minor in dance at the University of Calgary. Alejo has been training at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks in Calgary and The Joffrey Ballet School and T. Schreiber Studio in New York. Alejo has been a part‐time graphic designer, stage manager, voice‐over artist, and live actor. Recent credits include the play Forever Anyway at the Ignite Festival.
Alex Allen

Alex Allen

Alex is a Calgary-based artist with 10+ years of experience in theatre, specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences. From Acting to Directing, Alex has worked with numerous local theatre companies and notably contributed to the award-nominated play WINDOW (Ghost River Theatre). He most recently acted in the acclaimed Musical, Off the Beaten Path. Alex spearheads Tricksters Science Workshops programs, so you’ll often see him in a lab coat, and he is also a character actor for an events company.
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Alex Sahli

Alex has lived in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) since he was born in the pihêsiwin ward. He is a recent graduate of the University of Alberta with a BFA in drama. Alex finds lots of joy in singing and recently competed in the Canada West Music Festival, where he was awarded first place in musical theatre performance. He is very excited to be joining Trickster! Selected theatre credits include: Rightside Out: Joy is Free (Jubilations Dinner Theatre); The Laramie Project, [BLANK], and Orlando (Studio Theatre).
Andréus Wallace

Andréus Wallace

Andréus is a BFA acting Alumni student from the University of Alberta. He took part in the Citadel Theatre’s Young Musical Theatre Company. He has received training in acting, singing, clown and dancing. Selected theatre credits: Sheep Play (The Legion of Evil) and The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes: The Musical (Light In The Dark Theatre). He was in the University’s studio shows, Wildfire, Blank and The Laramie Project (University of Alberta).
April

April

April is a Film and Video Productions graduate and has a performance background. April assumes the roles of Trickster Artist, Tech Director or Volunteer Coordinator when on residencies. Her skill sets and passions include directing, videography, photography, video/photo editing, and choreography. April uses dance as the “prop” to create stories. She loves choreographing dances that not only show off the student’s specific skills, but also tell powerful, meaningful, and fun stories.
autumn strom

Autumn Strom

Autumn Strom (she/they) is a transfem theatre artist based in amiskwaciwâskahikan. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA in Acting program. In addition to acting, Autumn works as a sound designer, director, and stage manager.
Brennan-Campbell

Brennan Campbell

Brennan is a theatre and dance artist from Edmonton. He is a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts program and Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre’s internship program (Brisbane, Australia). He has done more than 80 productions on 4 continents. Previous works; writing and directing all of SmartyPantz Entertainment’s live Escape Room experiences (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary), assistant directing Pericles for Bard On The Beach (Vancouver), performing with the Butoh dance group Dairakudakan (Tokyo).
Bridgette boyko

Bridgette Boyko

Bridgette is an actress, singer, dancer, and teacher dedicated to the art of storytelling. She graduated from Vancouver Film School’s Acting for Film & Television program as Valedictorian in 2021. Bridgette has experience working with Puddle of Mud Productions, The Edmonton International Fringe Festival, and Glass Slipper Entertainment. Bridgette is known for her vibrant personality, dedication, and her ability to spread a little magic wherever she goes.
Cash Finch Headshot

Cash Finch

Cash is a Calgary based artist originally from Fort McMurray, Alberta. He has many credits with the Keyano Theatre Company, Front Row Center Players, Untold Stories Theatre, and acting and devising credits with the Theatre; Just Because Company. He shares his character and improvisational work with the Jubilations and Dinner Detective Dinner Theatre companies. Cash is a two time alumnus of the Open Jar Theatre Institute in New York City. He looks forward to sharing his passion for the creative process.
christopher gamble

Christopher Gamble

Chris studied at Red Deer College Performing Arts, Playspace Clown School New Zealand, and has taken the Naked Comedy Workshop with Deanna Fleysher and the Baby Clown Intensive with Mike Kennard. He is the Creative Director of the Calgary Clown Festival and the Co-founder of Calgary Clown Society. He has taught clowning and drama for Pumphouse Theatre, Inside Out Theatre, and YMCA. Selected performance credits include St. Albert International Children’s Festival, and Edmonton Kids Fringe.
emily smith

Emily Smith

Em is a queer nonbinary actor, playwright and clown based in Edmonton. Their recent original projects were Crow Summer Cabaret (Skirts a Fire), Puberty Cabaret (Azimuth) and Scamp and Shorty’s Male Beauty Pageant (Skirts a Fire). They have also been seen on MacEwan’s stages as Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, Enid Hoop in Legally Blonde and Rose in London Road. They are so excited to be working with Trickster and bringing the students of Alberta’s amazing ideas to life!
Eric-Regimbald

Eric Regimbald

Eric is a multidisciplinary artist known for crafting unique storytelling experiences. From filmmaking and stage performance to actor coaching and devising theatre in schools, Eric brings energy, passion, and a wealth of experience to every creative endeavor he undertakes.
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Halee Pierog

Halee is an Alberta-based actor and movement artist. She has worked on a variety of film and theatre projects across Canada, but she is especially fond of working and performing in theatre for young audiences. Halee is an avid traveller, having visited fourteen countries and all ten Canadian provinces. As an outdoor enthusiast, Halee finds her peace and inspiration for creativity in nature.
jacquelin Walters

Jacquelin Walters

Jacquelin is a multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, colonially known as Edmonton, Alberta. They are a recent graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA acting program, and spend their free time writing and producing original work, often alongside frequent collaborator, Michael Watt. Recent creation credits include Let’s Not Turn On Each Other (Walters & Watt, Edmonton Fringe, 2024). Recent performance credits include Shrek: The Musical (Nuova Vocal Arts, dir. Kim Wanat).
kaeleigh ayre

Kaeleigh Ayre

A graduate of the Honours Acting Program at the University of Winnipeg, Kaeleigh was active in the Winnipeg arts community for over 10 years as a performer, director, and musician, before moving to Calgary. She has been actively auditioning, volunteering, and attending classes and workshops while teaching at three local dance studios. Kaeleigh taught theatre and dance in Winnipeg, including devising and directing theatre in the Winnipeg Fringe with a youth cast, and choreographing for competitive dancers.
Mackenzie McDonald

Mackenzie McDonald

Mackenzie is a Moh’kinstsis-based performance artist with experience in acting, improv, theatre for young audiences, dramaturgy, poetry, photography, and playwriting. Since his mid-twenties diagnosis of autism & ADHD, this self-discovery of neurodivergence pushes him to nurture the creative spirits of those Alberta students who also live and learn on the spectrum. Select theatre credits: Islands Disappear (Calgary Fringe), Riverona (Full Circle Theatre), Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare Company).
Matt Dale

Matt Dale

Matt is a creative writer and performer who has worked and adventured all around Canada. As a graduate of both the Red Deer College Theatre Performance and Humber College’s Comedy Writing and Performance programs, he has had the pleasure of developing a fun and fruitful creative practice that only continues to grow. Matt is thrilled to be working with Trickster Theatre and looks forward to creating stories that can spark a lifelong passion for the arts.
Matthew-Mooney headshot

Matt Mooney

Matt Mooney is a Glasgow-born performer and theatre creator who moved to Calgary in 2023 to expand his artistic practice. Since joining Trickster Theatre, he has worked with students across Alberta to create movement-based performances that spark imagination and build community. His background in physical theatre, along with work at Theatre Calgary, shapes his commitment to making meaningful and accessible art. Matt brings curiosity, passion, and a genuine desire to help young people discover their creative voice.
megan holt

Megan Holt

Megan is an Alberta-based theatre artist originally from Vancouver Island BC. She graduated from MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program in 2021 and from The University of Alberta with a BFA in Acting in 2024. Selected credits include: Willy Wonka and The Candy Cane Factory (Jubilations Dinner Theatre), Indecent, Troilus and Cressida, (Studio Theatre); “Annette is a Bimbo!” (The Women’s Company); Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All For You, Into the Woods, and Urinetown (MacEwan University).
milo dubon

Milo Dubon

Milo is an Edmonton-based performer originally from Calgary. He is an alumni of the Music Theatre Performance BFA at MacEwan University. As a proud queer and trans person, Milo is committed to diverse and inclusive storytelling for all ages; he also has a deep love for puppet and animal facts. He’s performed in five MacEwan shows: The Prom, Twelfth Night, Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening, Company and originated the role of Kai in How Not To Kill A Plant (Petrichor Productions) at the 2024 Edmonton Fringe Festival.
omatta udalor

Omatta Udalor

Omatta is a Calgary‑based actor, voice artist, dancer, and trained thespian with both BA and MA degrees in Theatre Arts. His presence ranges from dramatic, comedic, to action‑driven roles, and his versatility extends to voice‑over work and film performances. On stage he has performed in shows like Bonds, Maybe, Black Gold Boom, and more. Instagram: @ohmtee. He is also a co-founder and producer at Handcuffs Entertainment Inc @handcuffsentic.
randy quansah

Randy Quansah

Randy is a multilingual multidisciplinary artist, educator, and creator of Hey Kujo!, a vibrant children’s show available on YouTube, Sensical TV, and Telus Optik. He also produced the Telus Optik documentary Lundi: The Kujo’s Kid Zone Story. With an MBA and over a decade of experience in inclusive education, Randy’s work blends storytelling with social impact. He was selected by the Black Screen Office to attend MIP Africa, named one of Calgary’s Top 20 Calgarians, and featured in multiple news outlets.
Rogan Coffey

Rogan Coffey

Rogan Coffey is an Edmonton based actor from rural Alberta. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Alberta. As an actor, his interests lie in both theatre and film. He especially enjoys creating and performing new work – as well as incorporating his strengths in improv and stage combat. Past Acting credits include: The Legacy (IA Studios), Macbeth, and The Devils (University of Alberta).
truus Verkley

Truus Verkley

Truus is an artist and educator who has been working for more than 17 years. She has created and implemented arts education programs in schools in both Calgary and Edmonton. She runs Puddle of Mud Productions – an arts company dedicated to fun-first learning and creativity with a splash. Truus is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts and the Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Professional training program and she has also performed all over Canada and abroad.
Tyrone Copping

Tyrone Copping

Tyrone is a graduate from the university of Calgary Bachelor of Fine arts program with a major in drama. Through his studies he chose to focus on Acting, as well as collaborative creation. He specializes in devising works and clown/mask performance, and is also a great improviser. Tyrone has been a trickster since February of 2023, and hopes to give a great performance and an unforgettable theatrical experience every week!
Veronika Fodor

Veronika Fodor

Veronika is a Canadian-Hungarian actress and multidisciplinary artist from Calgary. A painter, photographer, and storyteller, she has worked with both children and seniors, weaving fine arts into everyday life. She holds degrees in both Theatre Performance & Creation and Motion Picture Arts from Red Deer College. Her creative work includes; directing the LGBTQ feature Worth, starring in films such as Drifting Blades, running a small business ‘The Chimeran’, and co-producing the dating series Still Single.
Wendy Walker

Wendy Walker

Wendy is Metis and M’ikmaq First Nations originally from Winnipeg Manitoba. Wendy has been nominated and received awards for her work in the Indigenous Musical Community including an Esquao (Woman) Award. Wendy has studied Theatre at the Prestigious Lee Strasberg Studio in London England, and also did studio contemporary dance at Vladmirs Dance Studio in Amsterdam Holland. Wendy participated in the Indigenous program writing for Television taught by Jordan Wheeler.

Our Awards

David stands with woman holding an award at the Betty's
Theatre for Young Audiences Award

The board & staff of Trickster Theatre are very proud to announce that Trickster founders, David & Sheryl Chantler, are the 2017 recipients of the Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award honouring Outstanding Achievement…

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David, holding the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management, poses with two men
Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management

Trickster founder, David Chantler, is the recipient of the 2017 Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management administered by the Rozsa Foundation. Created in…

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David poses with a woman and man at the Queen's Jubilee Medal for Service to Alberta
Queen's Jubilee Medal for Service to Alberta

2021 marked 41 years of running Trickster Theatre for David Chantler. In that year he was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for Service to Alberta.

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