Staff
Local performer Trevor Barker has taken on the role of adjudicator for the drama portion of this year’s Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.
Ryan McMahon, a comedian from Fort Frances who now lives in Winnipeg, originally was slated to be the adjudicator but had to step down unexpectedly.
“Unfortunately, Ryan withdrew as our adjudicator yesterday afternoon,” noted Festival committee chair Joleen Beninger.
“On behalf of the Festival committee, I’d like to apologize for any confusion that this may have caused to the drama program.
“But we have handled the bump accordingly and everything is set to run ahead as it should,” Beninger added, noting the first session for drama took place this afternoon.
Beninger is pleased Barker was able to fill in at the last minute and she is confident in his abilities.
Barker, who always has had a passion for performing, is no stranger to the Festival, having won two “Rose Bowls” himself.
Continuing his passion for theatre, Barker auditioned for multiple performing companies after high school and landed roles in “Rent,” “High School Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “West Side Story,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
He also has appeared in “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Spamalot,” “A Chorus Line,” “White Christmas,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” and “Footloose.”
Along with his stage experience, Barker also has a few credits in front of the camera, having been in television shows/movies on The Space Channel and CBC.
As well, he has taught two weekly drama classes for a performing arts studio in Brandon, Man.—an improv class and a general drama class for children—and has put on multiple drama and musical theatre workshops.
“I would like to thank Trevor for stepping up [on] such short notice,” Beninger stressed.
“I feel very fortunate that we have so many talented individuals in our community who are able to help us out in a pinch.
“Trevor is very enthusiastic and I feel that he is an excellent choice to work with the youth of our community,” Beninger added, noting he’s both an inspiring and captivating performer.
“I’m looking very forward to his adjudications.”
For more information about the Festival, visit www.ff-festival.com
