Artists in the 2012 production

Jason Hildebrand
Part storyteller, part creative catalyst, Jason works extensively as an actor, producer, filmmaker and communication coach. He is most recognized for his acclaimed solo performances: Blue Like Jazz // Live (based on the New York Times best-selling book), The Prodigal Trilogy, Life of David and Kingdom of Herod. Currently Jason tours across Canada in Fish Eyes and is developing a new production with jazz pianist Mike Janzen based on author Greg Paul’s book, Close Enough to Hear God Breathe. Jason has produced two films: the multi-award-winning The Prodigal Trilogy and an adaptation of Blue Like Jazz // Live. www.jasonhildebrand.com.

Arthur Wachnik
Arthur is a graduate of the University of Windsor acting program. Last year marked his return to the stage after taking a break for several years to work as an urban missionary and a musician, while raising his 3 amazing sons. He starred in last year’s Toronto Passion Play and most recently in The KJV: The Bible Show. Arthur’s first music album, Least of These, garnered critical acclaim and he has performed around the world. His upcoming record is due out in early 2012.

Andrea Cross
Andrea’s film and television credits include the lead role in the feature film A Way From Here (Lofty Films), Shadow Government (Cloud Ten Productions, based on Grant Jeffery’s book), Following After (Moviola Channel), and Zero Hour: Flight 93 (Discovery Channel). She was lead dancer in The Sun, Moon and Waves (BRAVO) and has appeared in numerous commercials. Theatre credits include The Big Picture and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Brookstone) and the lead role in Fen (North York Performing Arts Centre). Andrea would like to thank her husband, Paul, for his undying support.

Nate Gerber
Nate is an enterprise leadership and strategy consultant, and a performing artist. He is currently recording his first album. Nate also has a background in breakdancing. He has traveled extensively, leading programs and inspiring youth. In 2006 he was selected as one of the top 25 Canadian Christian leaders under the age of 25, and was a subject in the Global TV documentary Hip 2B Holy. He is passionate about global justice and social change, and is excited to be exploring faith in a fresh way through his work on The Big Picture.

Richard Munton
Rich is in his final year of study at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School and very interested in the incorporation of his faith into his craft, which is why the opportunity to work with Arts Engine is invaluable to him. Theatre credits include Welcome to Thebes, Shakespeare’s A Mid-Summers Night Dream and Merchant of Venice, the musicals, My Fair Lady and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Thomas Middleton’s The Roaring Girl, a favourite role as it featured extensive stage combat, stunting and sword fighting. Rich is also the former title holder of the Auckland, NZ Shan Shou (Free Fighting) tournament.

Tom Carson, Director
Tom’s directorial work has appeared on stages from Montreal to Vancouver, winning the hearts of audiences and garnering critical acclaim throughout the country. Tom’s direction has brought to life a wide range of productions for both adults and children, and his work has been nominated for a number of awards. Tom has directed numerous memorable productions such as 2000 Candles for the 2000 Candles Collective, Life of David, Job Alive and Blue Like Jazz // Live for Jason Hildebrand and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Big Picture, and Shell Game for Brookstone Performing Arts. For five years, Tom held the position of General and Artistic Manager of Smile Theatre in Toronto. He now runs The Arts Engine – powering artistic ideas into action. Tom lives in Milton, Ontario with his wife and children.

Mike Janzen, Music
Born in the heartland of Manitoba, Mike grew up with music. Classical music, hymnody and gospel singing were his first influences. Early formative explorations took in rock and funk, and along with advanced training in both piano and composition (he holds a Master of Composition from the University of Toronto) came forays into the wilds of jazz and modern contemporary classical. Mike has toured internationally and last year completed a cross Canada symphony tour with Steve Bell. The Mike Janzen Trio is regularly featured on Jazz FM.91 and his “Mrs. Robinson” arrangement made the top jazz songs of 2008 playlist. Mike lives in Toronto with his wife Jodi and their daughter Hadassah. He is currently working on a South African documentary (which will air on CBC). www.mikejanzen.ca

Kat Misztal-McCubbing,
Set and Costume Designer, Stage Manager
Kat is a stage manager and set/costume designer in Toronto. This past December she was thrilled to be back for another Christmas season of 2000 Candles. Other Arts Engine credits include: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Fish Eyes and The KJV: The Bible Show. Selected assistant design credits include The Marriage of Figaro (Opera Atelier), Don Giovanni (Opera Atelier), Shadow Cutter (Great Canadian Theatre Company), Spin (Buddies in Bad Times), War of the Worlds (Art of Time Ensemble) and Yichud (Convergence Theatre), and most recently, set/costume design for Other People (The Mutual Friends). She would like thank her wonderful husband, Daniel, for his rock solid support.

Dennis Hassell, Playwright
Dennis is an internationally recognized script writer. The Glory Man, about the birth of Habitat For Humanity, premiered in California in 2010, and Hassell recently signed a movie deal for same with Lorica Entertainment in Hollywood. He wrote the full-length musical about global issues, The Other Side Of The River, commissioned by World Vision, which premieres at the National Arts Centre Ottawa in 2012. Everyouth (Todojoven), about youth issues, toured Colombia, Mexico, the US and Canada, in English & Spanish. In Mexico, it is being performed for 600 youth nightly. The production has been invited to Brazil, Africa, Central America and Hong Kong. The Power of One has had over 1,000 performances in five countries. Heart of Africa raised one million dollars for international literacy and translation work. Upcoming: Northern Light, The Farmer, and a comic novel.