About us

Performers:

Allyson J Grant: Executive Director / Dr. BB

Allyson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Windsor. During her final year in this programme, she was hired by Fools For Health, one of Canada’s first clown-doctoring charitable organizations. Allyson was immediately touched by this extraordinary work, attracted to the combination of keen and demanding performance skills, and connection with humanity clown-doctoring had to offer. She was the paediatric liaison for Fools For Health during her time with them, along with clown-doctoring in Complex Continuing Care, Palliative Care and Oncology settings. In addition to her performance work, she also helped to train and mentor new clown-doctors as the demand for service arose.

Allyson has been living in Vancouver since 2003, acting in stage performance and many TV commercials. She has extended her passion for merging community and performing arts by creating and participating in several projects which she has both instructed and facilitated, including: Spirit Clowning within the Richmond School Board, Circus Camp at Summer at St. Georges, Dramatic Arts Instructor at Westside Montessori Pre-School, and teaching begginner theatre classes for children at various Vancouver Community Centres. In the Spring of 2009, Allyson co-created and toured performances of Noses On!, a motivational presentation for high school leadership students.

Allyson is thrilled to have developed Jest for Joy, which delivered its Pilot Project at the George Pearson Centre in the Spring of 2009 to rave reviews. Allyson is ever-grateful for her support network, and makes a habit of smiling and saying hello to strangers every day.

 

 

 

 

 

Briana Rayner: Dr. A. B.Prepared

Briana found her calling in acting in grade two when she was cast as the Old Woman who lived in a Shoe; she hopes to reprise the role at a later date. She has been improvising for seven years and the past four have found her working in theatre and film performing, managing and producing.

In addition to her work with Jest for Joy, Briana is an educator with Learning Through the Arts where she teaches core curriculum through drama and improvisation. Briana holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Victoria and recently completed a Theatre Workshop program at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York.

 

 

Matthew Kowalchuk: Dr. Nose-a-Lot

Outside of his work with Jest for Joy, Matthew is a Vancouver based artist who works in theatre and film as an actor, writer, and director. His short film, The Janitors, has been seen worldwide and was a recipient of the National Screen Institute’s Drama Prize. He was recognized as one of Canada’s Emerging Playwrights by Solo Collective, for his play Penguins (are so sensitive to my needs). And as an actor he will be remounting the award winning The Devil and Billy Markham for the 2009 Chutzpah! Festival. But really, despite all this serious sounding stuff, he just wants to have a little fun as a clown-doctor. Matthew is a long time improvisor, having trained in Alberta with Rapid Fire and Loose Moose Theatre, and is a recent graduate of UBC’s department of Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing.

 

 

 

Rob Walker: Vice President - Dr. Mal Quack

Rob's career path changed from actor to teacher after twice touring British Columbia schools with the theatre company, Hooked On Books. The 5 year plan of working with elementary age children was cut to 2 when a secondary Drama\ Film and Television program became available. Taking advantage of opportunities has been a running theme in Rob's career. Being involved with the dynamic work of Jest for Joy is another example. He now is excitedly developing and producing student work and trying to get home to play with his daughter.

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Directors:

• Stephanie Klaus: Chair of Board
• Catherine Segovia: Secretary
• Kristine Coombes: Treasurer
• Rob Walker: Vice President
• Jill Eade: Member at Large
• Allyson J Grant: Executive Director