Kyle Dickie
Kyle
is likely a familiar face to theatregoers in the Durham Region. Most recently he played the Man of Many
Roles (Prince Herbert, Not Dead Fred, etc.) in the Scugog Choral Society’s
production of Spamalot; but, since his rather humble beginnings as an actor, he
has been constantly performing in this area for almost a decade.
“I started
participating in Community Theatre in 2005 in Uxbridge Youth Theatre’s
production of Footloose. Originally I
volunteered for back stage help, but was placed in the chorus due to lack of
cast. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked!”
When he first learned that the Borelians
and Port Perry Town Hall Players were producing The Drawer Boy, Kyle rushed out
to buy a copy of the script so that he could prepare for the audition. He loved
what he read in the script and was enthused at the prospect of working
on such an iconic piece of Canadian theatre. Needless to say, he got the role!
“I am playing the
role of Miles in this production. Miles is a young, energetic actor from Toronto
who has come to Clinton with a group of actors to learn about farming. Miles
stays with two farmers, Morgan and Angus, while he learns about the ways of the
farm and attempts to write his share of a collective play. Over the course of
the show, through Miles’ questions and comments, we begin to learn the
intriguing story of Morgan and Angus.”
Kyle’s character is based on a living
person, Miles Potter, who was part of the Theatre Passe Murialle collective
that created The Farm Show, an historic achievement in Canadian Theatre. The
Farm Show has long been seen as an example of how theatre can have a social
impact and even change the lives of its participants. By the sounds of it, theatre
has made some strong impressions on Kyle, too.
“Every show I've
been a part of leaves a lasting memory on me, mostly due to the fantastic
individuals that I get to meet and work with and all of the friendships that
are made.”
Life in the theatre has helped Kyle to
experience things he never thought possible and he has also learned to value the
unique perspective that actors are privy to.
“Before each
show, right before you go on, is probably one of the most nerve-wracking
feelings for me. During my first show in University, I had a fellow actor state
that if you’re nervous before a show, it’s because you really care about it.
It’s one lesson that’s stuck with me. Theatre allows you to experience the
vulnerability of each character and then step back inside yourself.”
The Drawer Boy will mark the first time
that Kyle has performed on stage with the Borelians and he couldn't be more
thrilled to be a part of the season. Watch
for him this October when The Drawer Boy hits the stage at Town Hall 1873 in
Port Perry, Ontario.
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