The Students
"Musical Theatre is so much fun!! I look forward to it everyday! "
"It's the only time during the day where you're encouraged to move lots and be loud!"
"Musical Theater gives me a chance to act, sing, and dance all at the same time!"
"What a great way to meet new people and have fun!"
The Program
Musical Theater is one of Facey's fastest growing programs. It now includes a training program at the 15 level for those students new to musical theatre and a senior performance program for those students registered in the 25 and 35 levels. Emphasis is on the development of skills in speech, singing, movement, dance, choreography and acting.
Both programs offer exciting performance opportunities. Last year's senior production of Les Miserables - Student Edition was performed to audiences at Festival Place and received rave reviews.
The Teachers
Larry Frank is a dynamic and multitalented teacher and
director. He has
enjoyed acting since he was eight and fell in love with directing while studying
at the University of Alberta. Larry takes great pride in the over
thirty-five shows he has directed, including Fiddler on the Roof, West Side
Story, Seussical, A Streetcar Named Desire, Romeo and Juliet, and The Crucible.
As a performer, director, and basketball coach, he has competed provincially and
has won numerous awards and championships. In his spare time, Larry enjoys
spending time with his beautiful wife, Leanne, and chasing after their very
active two year old son, Carter Quinn. Larry would like to thank his
wife and son for their constant love, support, and creative energy.
Send a message to Mr. Frank.
Colleen Cruikshank 
began her music degree in Red Deer College in 1988.
During this time, she worked with Centre Stage Productions as Rehearsal
Pianist and Assistant Musical Director on a varieyt of productions
including "Into the Woods," "Godspell" and a late night Cabaret show. In
1990, she was contracted to work for Keyano College in Fort McMurray for
"Cabaret," and "Sweeney Todd." In 1994, she completed her Bachelor of
Music Degree at the University of Calgary, specializing in Secondary
Education. Her passion for musical theatre has spanned more than twenty
years and has led to working with some very fine directors, actors and
choreographers. In 1996 she hit the stage with a lead in the romantic
comedy, "Will You Still Love Me in the Morning?" Over the years, Colleen
has accompanied and directed various choral groups; including "Just
Friends" and most recently, The Edmonton Police Chorus. Over the years,
she has had her jazz and concert bands perform at Disney Magic Music Day7s
a multitude of times as well as touring Western Canada. Colleen joined the
Facey Fine Arts Team in 2000 and since then has been proud to be part of
some stellar productions including "West Side Story," "Joseph & The
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" to name but a
few. In 2003, Colleen began flexing her directing muscle with "Dracula,'
"Go Ask Alice' and "When Darkness Seems so Light." Colleen brings a vast
array of talent, experience and enthusiasm to the stage and is excited for
all that lies ahead.Send a message to Ms. Cruikshank.
Michelle Engblom-Reid’s professional music training
includes studies at the prestigious Royal Holloway College, University of
London, the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan College. She received her
Bachelor of Music Education with Distinction from the University of Albert music
and was also the recipient of the Margaret Ann Brine scholarship in music.
Michelle has extensive experience as a conductor and director of concert band,
choir, jazz band and musical theatre. As a music director, her award-winning
music groups have travelled and performed at the national and international
level. Michelle has worked in a variety of musical theatre productions including
Guys and Dolls, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat and “Ready, Set, Broadway”. She is the music director at Bev Facey and
conducts the concert band, jazz band and Elk Island Public School’s Senior
Honour Choir. Michelle is passionate about encouraging creativity and expression
through the Arts.