Jason Cadieux has been acting professionally for 15 years. He was first introduced to Toronto audiences as Romeo in Die in Debtʼs futuristic production of Romeo and Juliet (95); he then went on to play one of the leads in Canadaʼs first Soap Opera, Family Passions, (CTV). Jason was nominated for Genie for his portrayal of Simon in the film adaptation of Michael Marc Bouchard's Lilies (John Greyson/Tryptich Media). Since those early days Jason has been privileged to be a part of some groundbreaking productions.
Selected theatre credits include; Billy in the cross Canada tour of High Life by Lee McDougal, Directed by Jim Millan, Matt in Brad Fraserʼs Poor Superman Directed by Derek Goldby (Torontoʼs Canadian Stage and Winnipegʼs Theatre) Yahweh in Sky Gilbertʼs More Devine, the inaugural show at Buddies in Bad Timeʼs new theatre space. Rodrigo in Rosa Laborteʼs Leo with the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa (Directed by Michellen Chervrier) and most recently George in ECT's production of Possible Worlds by John Mighton (Directed by Peter Feldman).
Jason has taken part in numerous workshops of original plays and has written 4 plays, all of which he has produced with his own St Catharines based theatre company The Essential Collective Theatre.
You will be able to see Jason this month in TWO shows! First up is Possible Worlds which opens December 4th. Then there will be a return performance of Hardways for a special two-night run happening on the 12th and 13th. For all the details check out Essential Collective Theatre's official website:
http://www.essentialcollectivetheatre.com/
Bryan:
What was it that got you first turned on to theatre?
Jason:
Grade 3. The role of the Cowardly Lion. Sometimes I think I'm still playing the cowardly lion...
Bryan:
It takes a lot of courage to get on stage - I dont think the cowardly lion would last 15 years as an actor like you have. Tell me a bit about some of your ambitions for future projects, or things you'd like to be involved with in the near future.
Jason:
I'll be playing the role of Bobby in Lyndesfarne's upcoming production of American Buffalo by David Mamet this coming March. I love Mamet but haven't ever acted in a Mamet play so that's pretty cool. Also Lyndesfarne is a talented group and I'm excited to work with Ric and Kelly. I'll also be Directing She's Mine by Stephanie Jones in April - an ECT project that I'm very proud of. I would really like to write something for the Suitcase In Point Ensemble - I think they're an exciting group of artists. Working with Miles Coverdal on Possible Worlds has only reinforced that opinion.
Bryan:
The suitcasers are great; Dee was featured as our October Artist of the Month actually. Who have your biggest influences been and why?
Jason:
Biggest influences...Sarah Stanley gave me one of my first jobs (1993). She's brilliant Director/Dramaturge who championed new work that dealt with issues that she believed were important and relevant. When Stephanie and I started our theatre company she was defenilty someone I tried to emulate. She also Directed/dramaturged our production of 17.5 (2005)- I leared as much from her then as I did way back. In my writing I'm a big fan of Daniel MacIvor, Michael Healey & Judith Thompson. In life - my wife - S.J.
Bryan:
Okay, so time to get to the juicy stuff, what is your favourite video game?
Jason:
Of all time or right now...okay okay okay I can do this...um...Prince of Persia 2 ? No, no, no - Resident Evil 4 - NO! No...of all time, favourite game's gotta be...Katamari, because when you come right down to it - life is just like Katamari.
Bryan:
Classic! If you were to name a newly discovered star, what would you name it and why?
Jason:
I would name this star..."Novar" (come see Possible Worlds and you'll get why).
Bryan:
I plan on being there. If you could be in a production of any show with any cast what would you be in and with who?
Jason:
I would do a production of Othello with Barack Obama as the lead and myself as Iago - I would cast Stephanie Jones as Emilia and the Lauren Ambrose (Clair from 6 feet Under) as Desdemona. Cuz there's a show that would sell the F#@* OUT!
Bryan:
Haha, yes, I think that would be an easy-sell. Thanks for participating Jason. Break a leg this month!