The Artists

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 has recently developed Breathe, with jazz pianist Mike Janzen based on 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.

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 2000 Candles and The Ghosts of Mariposa (The Arts Engine), The Big Picture and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Brookstone) and the lead role in Fen (North York Performing Arts Centre). Andrea is very excited to once again be acting with her husband whom she met when they performed The Big Picture together ten years ago.

Paul King
Although Paul has appeared in over a dozen commercials for companies like Burger King and General Motors, it’s the memories from his theatre experiences in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Big Picture that Paul treasures most. He is most excited about getting on stage again in this remount of The Big Picture for The Arts Engine. Aside from acting, Paul has recently sold his first film to network television and is hoping to continue his success in filmmaking.

Richard Munton
Richard, a recent graduate of the National Theatre School New Zealand is very interested in the incorporation of his faith into his craft. He has come over again to perform in The Big Picture for a second season. Richard’s theatre credits include leads in Our Country’s Good, My Fair Lady, The Roaring Girl and Merchant of Venice. Richard has trained in stage and screen stunt work and has choreographed the fights and physical score featured in this season of The Big Picture. He is also the former titleholder of the Auckland, NZ Shan Shou (Free Fighting) tournament.

Ryan M. Sero
Ryan is an actor and writer, primarily in theatre. He has written (or co-written) and starred in shows such as A Modicum of Freedom, In-Between Places, Don Quixote, The Big Lie, Orpheus, and Romeo & Juliet: An Escapist Comedy. He does improv theatre of various kinds with The Mysterious Players, and participates in voice-overs for podcasts with Decoder Ring Theatre. As a writer, he is a member of Theatre Aquarius’ Playwrights’ Unit. He lives with his wife, Jody, which is a good arrangement, if you’re married.

Kat Misztal-McCubbing,
Set and Costume Designer, Stage Manager
Kat is a Toronto based stage manager and set/costume designer. She has been working with The Arts Engine since 2009 on 2000 Candles, Fish Eyes, KJV: The Bible Show, Cotton Patch Gospel, and The Ghosts of Mariposa. Assistant design credits include: ToyBox (Playground Studios), Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro (Opera Atelier), Yichud (Theatre Passe Muraille), War of the Worlds (Art of Time Ensemble), Sweeney Todd (Sheridan College), Spin (Buddies in Bad Times), and Dark Star Requiem (Tapestry New Opera Works). Her own designs have also appeared in Other People (Mutual Friends), Damien (The Bench Theatre Initiative). Apprentice stage management credits include: The Story (Theatre Columbus) and Through the Leaves (The Company Theatre).

Tom Carson, Director
Tom’s professional directorial work has appeared on stages from Montreal to Vancouver, winning the hearts of audiences and garnering critical acclaim throughout the country. Tom is the founder of The Arts Engine and has directed their memorable productions of 2000 Candles, The KJV: The Bible Show, Fish Eyes, The Big Picture and The Ghosts of Mariposa. He has also taught theatre at Redeemer University College and is General Manager of Smile Theatre in Toronto, the only professional theatre company which tours exclusively to seniors. Tom lives in Milton, Ontario with his wife and children.

Mike Janzen, Music
Mike grew up with music. Classical, 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, as well as 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 and daughter.

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 has been signed to a movie deal with Lorica Entertainment. A full-length musical, The Other Side Of The River, commissioned by World Vision, premiered at the National Arts Centre Ottawa in 2012. Everyouth (Todojoven), about youth issues, has toured Colombia, Mexico, the US and Canada. 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.