2017
Deb’s love of theatre started over 50 years ago in Queen Elizabeth High School’s production of The Curious Savage. From senior year she served as Neptune Theatre’s first apprentice and learned the ropes in every department from wardrobe to front of house. She was able to watch and learn from some of the country’s leading players including David Renton, Ted Follows and longtime friend and mentor Joan Gregson. Deb then cut her teeth on private study in acting, singing, dance and voice in Toronto. To pay for her classes
she worked at the National Ballet and the Canadian Opera Company building props, and was a background player in many CBC TV series and dramas.
On her return to Halifax she was invited by Evelyn Garbary to be a member of the new Mermaid Theatre and toured the province. Deb was also active in her studies at Saint Mary’s University, appearing in many plays directed by the late Faith Ward. At that time Deb got involved with CBC radio and began a long career as an on- air host, eventually moving to PEI to anchor the first afternoon show for CBC Charlottetown. Her radio experience grew to include multiple radio dramas, notably the lead role in the highly acclaimed national series
Clean Sweep with Richard Donat.
She has appeared on many stages throughout the region including Atlantic theatre Festival, Charlottetown Festival, King’s Playhouse (PEI), Neptune, Ship’s Company, Mulgrave Road, Chester Playhouse
and Live Bait. She was also a co-founder and director at Upstart Theatre Company and has been involved on the boards of many theatres, including Shakespeare by the Sea, Eastern Front, Willpower and LunaSea.
