2024-25  Participants   

DANIEL NWOBI (he/him) – Direction

Daniel Nwobi is a Nigerian-born performer currently residing in Halifax. He strives to create and be involved in compelling and innovative theatrical productions that make space for diverse Black stories. Through his work, Daniel aims to develop lasting and meaningful connections with his audience, both on and off stage. Daniel is always excited to tell a new story or revisit an old one through a new lens.

"This experience is an opportunity to work alongside and learn from the kind of people I hope to collaborate with as an actor. It's a chance to grow in an environment that aligns with my goals while building relationships that'll allow me to give back to the community."

DREW MURDOCK (he/him) – Lighting Design

Born and raised in New Brunswick, Drew began performing in theatre during elementary school, before being pulled backstage, where it's way more fun! He studied Theatre Production and Music at Dalhousie and Mount Allison University before returning home to Saint John, where he currently serves as the Production Manager for the Saint John Theatre Company & Atlantic Repertory Company. He has done almost every job you can do in the theatre but has a particular passion for lighting design. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an esteemed group of artists on his favorite musical!

JODI KRISTJANSON - Music Direction

Jodi is a multidisciplinary artist from Winnipeg. In addition to her work as a performer and on creative teams, Jodi is a co-founder of Genesis School of Dance, where she heads up the musical theatre program. She is an alumna of Drama Studio London and the Village Conservatory for Music Theatre, and holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (Carleton University/Collège Universitaire Dominicain). Jodi loves good, human stories that bring people together and move hearts, challenge minds, and expand imaginations. She seeks to embrace awe in her work and life, approaching each piece with fresh eyes, an open heart, and a sense of play. ICXC

KYA MOSEY (she/her) – Direction / Puppetry

Kya is a theatre artist located primarily in Halifax, with sporadic stints in Toronto. She most frequently performs as an actor and puppeteer, with notable credits including two North American tours of the blacklight puppet show The Rainbow Fish (Mermaid Theatre of NS), and a featured performance as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit (Festival Antigonish). Kya has also worked with Maritime companies such as Eastern Front Theatre, Hyperloop, Matchstick, New Pants Project, Steady Theatre, LunaSea, and…Neptune! She also appeared in the queer Canadian film The Queen of My Dreams, which premiered at TIFF 2023.

LUCAS ARAB (he/him) – Scenic Design

Lucas considers himself to be a “Professional Make-Believer” with the goal of creating immersive and visually intriguing storytelling spaces for all. He is a scenic designer for theatre, live performance, and experiences, with a passion for creating memorable moments for every audience. He has recently graduated from the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Stage Design & Technical Theatre. Lucas is continuously inspired by scenic design on every scale, from his years of work in regional theatre, to recently completing an internship at Walt Disney World in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. He believes there is no limit to what design can achieve in storytelling. When he is not designing, he is usually taking audiences behind the scenes on social media or coaching his high school competitive improv team.

"I am thrilled to be assisting the team of the Canadian regional premiere of Disney’s Frozen. It means the world to me to be chosen to work on a show near and dear to my heart, with a team of some of Canada’s most creative artists. I am so thankful to my family for bringing me to Neptune from a young age, building a passion for what I get to do now. I am beyond excited for the journey ahead."

ORION GOKIERT (they/he) – Lighting Design

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Orion is a lighting designer and performing artist recently relocated to the east coast of Canada. They are a graduate of Bishop’s University with a BA Drama Honours and are comfortable working in both English and French. Previous works include: Heathers: la comédie musicale, Whatever Happened to Doctor Faustus: A Tragical History, La Belle et la Bête, Life’s A Dream, The Children’s Hour, and more.

"Chrysalis has been a great way for me to get hands on experience in a real theatre with low stakes. I have been able to try new things and take risks knowing that my mentor is there to fall back on without judgment. It is also incredible to be able to watch such an incredible designer (Leigh Ann Vardy in my case) work. Seeing a renowned professional doing their job makes me feel like I’m absorbing knowledge just by proximity. 

RILEY McGILL (she/they) – Direction

Riley is a multidisciplinary artist from Epekwitk/PEI and now based in Kijipuktuk/Halifax. Riley has performed with various companies such as Ship’s Company Theatre, Around+Out Theatre Co., and The Fountain School of Performing Arts. Training: Honours Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Certificate in Dance and Movement from Dalhousie University. When Riley is not performing, she is behind the camera - @rilecam. She is honoured to be making her Neptune Debut through the RBC Chrysalis Project and to be working on Disney’s Frozen the Musical. Riley would like to thank the endless support from family and friends - love ya!

SCHUŸLER EDGAR HOLMES - Costume / Hair Design

Schuÿler Edgar Holmes is a theatre artist who hails from Vermont. She studied at Bishop's University where she developed her passion for costume design and theatre in general. Her past credits include Whatever Happened to Dr. Faustus (Stage Manager, Bishop's University), Life's a Dream (Costume Design, Bishop's University), Clue, Talking Matters, Xanadu (Director, Carpenter Farm Players) Awards: David Rittenhouse Prize in Drama (2024), O.H. de Sévigné Scholarship in the Creative and Performing Arts (2023), Jane Quintin Mitchell Prize in Drama (2022). She is so grateful for the opportunity that the Chrysalis program provides, and to feel so welcomed since newly arriving in Halifax. 

ZOË COMEAU – Direction

Zoë is a prominent figure in Nova Scotia's arts community. Since 2018, she has spearheaded initiatives at Théâtre DesAssimilés, demonstrating prowess in directing, producing, writing, and acting. In addition to her roles within Théâtre DesAssimilés, Zoë collaborates with various organizations to revolutionize traditional theatre, offering audiences fresh perspectives and thought-provoking experiences. In 2021, Zoë embarked on the creation of her Merritt Award nominated play "F*cking Trans Women”. Through this project, she delves into the nuanced experiences of trans women, catalyzing important dialogues on themes of love, identity, and acceptance within society.