Staff 

Our professional theatre artist-facilitators and volunteer support workers are integral to the artistic aims and success of the company. They are knowledgeable and sensitive to the particular needs, abilities and circumstances of our actors, blending their own experience and expertise with the actors’ to create our uniquely inclusive company of artists.

We often employ guest professional artists with specializations ranging from singing, magic, and clown to improvised movement. This diverse exposure encourages the troupe’s actors to explore their creativity and develop their skills in theatre and performance. It also provides professional theatre facilitators in our community the opportunity to work with persons with disabilities and to advance their own facilitation skills.

Maeve Bezaire: Artistic Director 

Maeve is a professional theatre and film artist with experience working for several theatre organizations in the city and a long history working with Rising Sun. She has a B.A. from the University of Alberta in Philosophy and Drama and is finishing up another degree in Recreational Therapy. She has also worked in health care as a respite worker and has her own active recreational therapy company, Accessible Recreation.

Colleen Tillotson: Assistant Artistic Director 

Colleen has had a long career as a professional actor in cities across Canada. She is a certified Educational Assistant with a specialty in working with young people with special needs. Colleen has a diploma in Musical Theatre from MacEwan University and a BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta.

Monica Gate: General Manager

Monica is a professional actor, producer, playwright, and performing arts instructor on the autism spectrum. She has worked across Canada with many theatres and non-profit arts companies, and runs her own business for accessible and private vocal training in people’s homes. Monica is most passionate about developing new works, and using art as a method of self discovery. She’s very excited to be a part of the Rising Sun team, and looks forward to creating unique and engaging work with so many wonderful artists.