Artistic Team

Ron is Professor Emeritus at Sheridan Institute in Oakville. He taught acting for the Music Theatre Department at Sheridan Institute for 37 years -- since the program's inception -- and its sister program with the University of Toronto at Mississauga, Canada. He has directed shows for Theatre Sheridan, Theatre Erindale (UTM) and elsewhere ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals to original productions. Since retiring in December 2009 from Sheridan, he works as communication consultant for the International Palliative Care Leadership Development Initiative at the Institute of Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice. There he works with 30 doctors from 20 countries training the next generation of international leaders.

Ron directed "Fame" for UTC in 1997 and "The King and I" in 2004.

He remains a playwright, author, adjudicator and workshop leader. His textbook "Acting Skills for Life" is in its third printing with Dundurn Press. Ron recently worked on CBC’s Gemini-award winning production of “Othello”. He has adjudicated over 2,000 productions around Ontario and in the USA at State, Regional, National and International Festivals. He has worked at the Charlottetown Festival PEI, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Huron Country Playhouse, and the Arts & Culture Centre in St. John’s. Ron graduated with a BA from the University of Western Ontario, and studied theatre at the Banff Centre, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK, and the University of London.

Doug’s first training in instrumental music began at Milneford Junior High School, where, because his arms were too short, he was taken off trombone and given the tuba. This watershed event marked the beginning of a long and happy relationship with bands and orchestras. Doug’s studies continued at the University of Toronto, where he received his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education. In 1979, he began his teaching career as an itinerant music instructor for Toronto Board of Education, and came to York Region District School Board in 1990. Recently retired as Head of Music at Woodbridge College, Doug is currently music director for Markham Concert Band, Chinguacousy Concert Band, Pickering Community Concert Band, and Unionville Theatre Company. He has received a Conducting Excellence Award from the Ontario Band Association, and two Theas from the Association of Community Theatres- Central Ontario.

Cassandra Bourne's passion for music guided her through a Bachelors degree in Musical Education from the University of Toronto and McGill University in the Licentiate of Voice Program earning a Masters of Music in voice performance. An honoured recipient of McGill University Austrian Scholarship Ms Bourne was accepted into the Wiener Meisterkurse to study with famed opera singer Julia Hamari at the Weiner Master Class In Vienna.

Ms Bourne holds the position of Executive Director of Arts Integra Centre of Music and Arts. Overseeing the School of Music, Academic Tutoring Programs, the Arts Integra Opera as well as the Arts Integra Festival Competition. She is a member of Ontario Music Federation Association, Markham Arts Council, Canadian Federation of Music Adjudicators Association and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cassandra's is an accomplished performer an award winning soprano, a dedicated Master Teacher.

Ms Bourne is thrilled to accept the appointment of Vocal Director for Unionville Theatre Company and is committed to providing the most enriching experience for all participants.

For complete bio visit www.cassandrabourne.com

Yuri Vrazhkin is classically trained in performance and choreography and is a graduate of the National Ballet School in Kiev, Ukraine. After graduation, he performed as Soloist with the National Dance Company and spent several years
touring Europe and North and South America with the world famous Virsky Dance Company. Since emigrating to Canada, Yuri
has continued to perform, choreograph and teach. A recent tour took him to Seoul, South Korea. His recent choreographic work has included Canadian Ballet Theatre, Gala of the 21st Century, produced by Samuel Tencer & Nadia Vasalova-Tencer; Walt Disney s movie, Ice Princess and Canadian Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker performed at Toronto s Winter Garden Theatre. Yuri has been with UTC on two other productions The Music Man 2007 Beauty and the Beast 2008.

Todd Martin began performing in the Unionville Theatre Comepany with their production of Annie (1998). He went on to be involved in other UTC productions, including Oliver! and Guys and Dolls. UTC presented Todd with the opportunity to play the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Darling in Peter Pan. While performing with UTC, Todd was involved in productions with Markham Youth Theatre, including Director for Big - The Musical, as well as directing for the York/Durham Academy for the Performing Arts. Also, Todd has trained with Equity Showcase Theatre school in Toronto. Todd is currently enrolled at York University, with plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Theatre Studies. Todd is looking forward to being the Assistant Director for UTC’s Cats. After being away for a few years, Todd is excited to be back where it all began.