Before the lights dim. Before the curtain rises. Before the first laugh echoes through the Tin Roof. There is Louise Dean.

For nine years, Louise has been the steady presence behind Cow Patti’s box office and front of house operations. She is the voice on the phone when tickets are booked. The familiar face greeting guests at the door. The one making sure everything feels welcoming before a single line is delivered on stage.

Summer, for Louise, has always meant movement. Camping. Road trips. Windows down and miles rolling by. One childhood memory stands out in particular: a family trip to Penticton, British Columbia. It was her first time there, and the beach left a lasting impression. Sun, water, and the kind of family time that sticks with you long after the sand is gone from your shoes.

She is firmly Team Wiener Roast, with smokies over the fire taking top spot on her summer food list. Swimming, however, is not her favourite pastime. “Not well, so rather not,” she says plainly. It is that kind of straightforward honesty that makes her so easy to talk to at the theatre.

If she could spend a summer night by the ocean with anyone, she would choose her kids. No hesitation. Family remains the anchor point in everything she values.

Louise appreciates Alberta for its steadiness. No hurricanes. No tsunamis. No tropical storms. Just solid ground and big skies. That practical appreciation mirrors her personality. She is a dog person. She is not currently reading a book. She has never been on stage or screen. And she does not need to be.

Because the theatre does not run without the people who keep it organized, welcoming, and moving smoothly behind the scenes.

If she could offer her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: stick to your plans. Do not change them for someone else. It is simple wisdom, hard-earned and grounded in experience.

Louise Dean may not take a bow at curtain call, but her work is woven into every performance. For nine seasons and counting, she has helped create the atmosphere that makes Cow Patti feel less like a venue and more like a gathering place.

And that is a role worth celebrating.

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Meet Debbie Collins, assistant director of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, whose favourite season has always been summer. When she looks back on her best memories, they almost always involve family, friends, and food. For Debbie, those three ingredients are the foundation of both great summers and great theatre.

One childhood summer memory stands out in particular. Debbie’s family spent time at a small cabin in Northern Ontario, a place she remembers as rustic, beautiful, and almost untouched. The lake was stunning, the cabin was tiny, and none of that mattered. What mattered was being together. That sense of shared experience and closeness continues to shape how Debbie approaches both life and her work behind the scenes.

Food plays a big role in Debbie’s summer memories, too. Hot dogs top her list, and she is firmly in the wiener roast camp. If she could share a summer night by the ocean with anyone, it would be her wonderful partner, someone who clearly means the world to her. Debbie swims, not as well as she once did, she admits, but she still loves the water and the calm it brings.

Debbie has been involved in theatre for 43 years, a fact that still surprises her when she says it out loud. Over that time, she has worked in countless roles, learning how every moving piece contributes to a successful production. Her work as assistant director reflects that understanding. She supports the creative vision, helps keep rehearsals running smoothly, and ensures that everyone feels grounded and supported as the show comes together.

Her favourite thing about Alberta is simple and heartfelt: Cow Patti Theatre itself, and the wonderful friends she has made here. That sense of community is something she values deeply. Debbie is also a devoted dog lover and a reader who enjoys personal growth as much as performance. She is currently reading How to Set Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a D*ck), a title that makes her laugh and resonates with her practical wisdom.

If Debbie could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: stop worrying. One day, you will laugh at all of it. It is advice rooted in experience, compassion, and perspective, qualities she brings to The Sweet Delilah Swim Club every single day.

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There are some people who build stages. And there are some people who build families. AnnaMarie Lea has done both.

In The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, AnnaMarie plays Lexie, a character who carries humour, loyalty, and strength in equal measure. Off stage, she serves as Cow Patti Theatre’s Artistic Producing Director, shaping not just performances, but the entire experience audiences return for year after year.

Summer, for AnnaMarie, has always meant one thing: adventure. When her four children were young, she and her husband Tom would load up the tent and declare, “We’re going on an Adventure in the Venture.” They camped. They created scavenger hunts that pulled in entire campsites. They performed skits using whatever props could be found in the bush. It was theatre before rehearsal schedules, joy before production meetings. It was FamiLea.

Her own childhood summers were just as formative. With five siblings and a father whose work often kept him away, summer holidays were sacred. The whole family would pile into their Shasta trailer and head to places like Dawson City, Yellowstone National Park, or Disneyland. It was the rare and treasured time when all eight of them were together. That understanding of togetherness, of gathering people intentionally, clearly shaped the theatre community she leads today.

AnnaMarie has been in the business for 40 years. Four decades of storytelling, directing, producing, and performing. She has worked alongside names like John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Johnny Cash. Yet for all the big credits, her favourite collaborator might just be the Alberta-born husband she proudly names as her favourite thing about this province.

She is a swimmer who believes water is both life skill and bonding ritual. She is Team Wiener Roast. She loves potato salad. She splits her summer soundtrack between “Soak Up the Sun” and “All Summer Long.” And while others may be reading novels, she is already immersed in scripts for Cow Patti’s 30th season. Neil Simon. Marc Camoletti. Jeanne and Sam Bobrick. The next chapter is always in motion.

If she could offer her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: stretch more. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually.

That philosophy feels fitting for someone who has stretched herself for forty years to build something that invites others in.

As Lexie, and as leader, AnnaMarie Lea continues to create a place where friendship lasts decades, stories matter, and summer never really ends.

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There are some roles that feel like they’ve been waiting for the right actor to arrive. Jeri Neal in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club is one of them. And when Elana Post steps into that role, she brings 33 years of experience, heart, humour, and a quiet emotional depth that cannot be faked.

Elana’s connection to summer is rooted in work, love, and memory. As a child, she would spend one or two weeks each year at her grandparents’ property, where they ran a fruit and vegetable market. She polished apples, sorted produce, and served customers like a small-town professional. Those weeks mattered. So did the occasional trip to Port Dover, where a footlong hotdog from The Arbor and a walk along the pier felt magical. It still does.

She did not grow up with big summer vacations. There were no long road trips or fancy resorts. Instead, there was family, responsibility, and imagination. That grounding has shaped her into the kind of performer who understands that stories live in ordinary places.

As an adult, her tastes have evolved. When she was young, it was always a wiener roast. Now? A clam bake feels right. She loves a good burger, potato salad, and, when swimming, a heated pool. Cold water is not her friend. She swims for joy, not competition.

If given the chance to share a summer night by the ocean with anyone, Elana would choose Aunt Mae, a beloved family friend who has passed on. They were kindred spirits when it came to the beach, though they never shared one together. The image of listening to stories while watching the tide roll in says everything you need to know about Elana’s emotional core.

Professionally, Elana has worked with respected names like Ted Follows, Araby Lockhart, Wally Michaels, and Louise Reynolds. She speaks not of fame, but of their generosity. They carried no ego. They supported younger actors. They modelled grace.

Off stage, she is reading both Dracula and Lessons in Chemistry, a pairing that somehow makes perfect sense. She is a dog person. She loves visiting cousins and friends near Lacombe whenever she is in Alberta. And she finds comfort in music like “Shining Light of You” by The Treeline.

If she could speak to her younger self, her advice would be simple: do not sweat the small stuff. After 33 years in the business, that kind of clarity comes earned.

As Jeri Neal, Elana Post brings that same wisdom to the Cow Patti stage. Grounded. Warm. Open. Ready.

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Susan Greenfield, who is playing Dinah in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, brings a calm confidence, deep experience, and genuine warmth to the Cow Patti stage. When she thinks about summer, her mind immediately drifts overseas to Cinque Terre in Italy. Hiking along the coastline, soaking in the sea air, and enjoying incredible Italian food made it a standout memory, one that perfectly captures her love of travel, curiosity, and connection.

Growing up, Susan’s summers were filled with family time. Her family often spent a week camping or renting a cottage, building traditions that stuck with her. She also fondly remembers her “beer commercial” era of summer stock theatre jobs in the 1980s, where long days, shared meals, and creative energy defined the season. It was an early taste of the life she would continue to build in the arts.

Susan has been in the business for an impressive 43 years. During that time, she has worked across stage and screen, building a career rooted in collaboration and storytelling. One particularly memorable experience came while working on the film Beyond the Call. Susan served as a stand-in for Cissy Spacek, while David Strathairn stood in for himself. The result was four days sitting opposite one another in a jail cell, talking, laughing, and sharing stories. Years later, David recognized Susan on another film set and joined her for a peanut butter sandwich at lunch, a moment she still treasures.

When it comes to summer pleasures, Susan keeps things simple and joyful. Gelato is her favourite warm weather treat, and she proudly chooses a wiener roast over a clam bake. She swims regularly, still doing lengths at the YMCA almost every day, valuing endurance over speed. Music also plays a big role in her summers, with “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves always lifting her spirits.

Family remains at the heart of Susan’s life. If she could share a summer night by the ocean with anyone, it would be her brothers. Her favourite thing about Alberta is equally clear: her family. Whether on stage or off, relationships are what ground her.

Susan is currently reading James, a retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, for her book club. If she could give her younger self one piece of wisdom, it would be this: trust your future self. The version of you that can handle tough moments will be there when you need them.

That wisdom, paired with decades of experience, makes Susan Greenfield a perfect fit for the role of Dinah and a joy to watch in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.

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Heather MacDonnell, who is playing Vernadette in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, has fond memories of summertime. Her favourite summer memory centres around camping with her family in a trailer her dad built himself, six kids unleashed into nature for days filled with swimming, exploring, campfires, and late-night giggles in the trailer while their parents sat by the fire outside.

As a child, Heather’s favourite summer vacations were spent on bicycles, riding all day with friends through Winnipeg to Assiniboine Park, outdoor pools, and sandy playgrounds where toes dragged in the sand and dreams of the future were shared between bursts of laughter. That sense of independence and imagination has stayed with her, shaping both her life and her work in theatre.

When it comes to summer food, Heather does not hesitate. Lobster is the clear winner. She is also firmly Team Wiener Roast and admits that if she could share a summer night by the ocean with anyone, it would be her three grandsons. A fire on the beach, hot dogs, sticky marshmallows, and stargazing together would be pure magic. Becoming a grandmother has given Heather a new lens on joy, connection, and legacy.

Heather has been involved in theatre since high school in 1976 and began working professionally after earning her Theatre Arts degree in 1984. With roughly 35 years of experience across community theatre, children’s theatre, concert production, and venue management, she describes her journey simply as “quite a ride.” Along the way, she even directed a performance for Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Yellowknife, an experience she still recalls with awe and pride.

It was also in Yellowknife, NWT, where Heather last worked with AnnaMarie Lea more than 30 years ago. The two have not seen each other since 1995 and are both thrilled to be rekindling their friendship, both on and off the stage, through The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.

These days, Heather is reading Wilderness Mother by Deanna Barnhardt Kawatski, alongside her script as she happily dusts off the cobwebs and settles back into rehearsal mode. She is a dog lover through and through and holds Alberta close to her heart. She studied there, built lifelong friendships there, and appreciates the slower pace and breathing room of small-town life.

If Heather could give her younger self one piece of wisdom, it would be this: you are beautiful and vibrant, and nothing can truly hold you back. Do the things you carry in your heart, and give yourself, and others, a little more grace along the way. It is a message that resonates deeply in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club and in Heather’s portrayal of Vernadette.

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Rennie Wilkinson, who plays Sheree in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, holds an early summer memory that is a perfect mix of determination and sibling encouragement. As a child at Buffalo Pound Lake in Saskatchewan, she was “learning to swim, kind of.” Her big sister was teaching her, Rennie was flutter-kicking bravely, and her hands were firmly planted in the sand for safety.

Summer, for Rennie, often meant work as well as play. Childhood vacations were few, as she spent many of those months attending dance workshops, camps, and conventions. That dedication paid off. Her first professional show came in 1988, marking the start of a career that now spans nearly 40 years. Looking back, Rennie is simply grateful to still be doing what she loves.

She arrives at Cow Patti following a three-month engagement at Stage West Calgary, where she appeared in Sister Act, bringing that recent stage momentum and musical comedy experience directly into The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.

These days, her favourite summer indulgence is not a specific food but a well-earned gin and tonic, preferably enjoyed somewhere calm. She is firmly Team Wiener Roast, and if given the chance to spend a summer evening by the ocean, she would choose to share it with her husband, Peter. It is a simple answer, and a telling one.

Rennie holds a deep affection for Alberta. She lived here during the early days of her professional career, which began in Edmonton, and she still has strong family ties to the province, with two of her four siblings calling Alberta home. That sense of connection and history continues to draw her back.

Music plays an important role in Rennie’s rhythm of life. “Walking on Sunshine” never fails to put pep in her step, which feels fitting for someone who brings both energy and warmth to the stage. She is also an unapologetic cat person. Rennie and Peter share their home with two cats, Ollie and Pippy, who undoubtedly run the show.

When she is not rehearsing or performing, Rennie enjoys settling in with a good mystery. She is currently reading Vintage Murder by Ngaio Marsh, whom she fondly describes as a New Zealand Agatha Christie. Over the years, she has worked with many notable performers, but one experience stands out most: working with Shawn Cassidy, whom she describes as humble, kind, and immensely talented.

If Rennie could offer her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: be patient. Do not rush places, judgments, or decisions. It is wisdom she is still practising, and one that beautifully mirrors the heart of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.

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When Lisa Horner thinks about Christmas, she does not picture the hustle and bustle of malls or the chaos of wrapping paper. Instead, she remembers something far simpler: sitting by the tree after Christmas Eve service, cocktail in hand, talking quietly with her family. “I miss that,” she says. “It was calm, beautiful, and full of love.”

That sense of reflection and connection runs through everything Lisa does, including her work as director of Cow Patti Theatre’s holiday production, Ethan Claymore’s Christmas. With more than 36 years of professional experience, Lisa brings a steady hand and a generous heart to the rehearsal room, helping actors find not just their characters but their humanity.

Her love for storytelling started young. At eight years old, she received a Barbie camper for Christmas, a gift she swears “changed her life at the time.” It sparked the creativity, imagination, and sense of play that still guide her today. As an adult, her favourite present carries a different kind of meaning: a delicate porcelain mug from her mother-in-law. Though it has chipped, she still keeps things in it. “It is sentimental,” she says. “It reminds me of care and kindness.”

When it comes to food, Lisa’s tastes are as comforting as her direction style. “Anything with potato,” she laughs. Her favourite Christmas song is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (the Judy Garland version, of course), and her go-to holiday movie is Scrooged. It is a fitting pick for someone who understands both the comedy and compassion at the heart of a Christmas story.

Lisa’s career spans theatre, film, and television. Over the years she has worked alongside some of Canada’s most beloved performers, including Sheila McTicket Reservationshy. “She is the best,” Lisa says simply. No matter how big the stage or screen, Lisa’s focus remains the same: building connection and telling stories that bring people together.

Now based in Alberta, Lisa loves the province’s “big gorgeous sky” and the sense of space it offers, both creatively and personally. When she is not directing, she is curled up with a good book (currently Eternal Life by Dara Horn) and surrounded by her husband and their pets.

If she could offer her younger self a piece of advice, Lisa says it would be: “Breathe, slow down, rest, you are going to need it.” Wise words from a director who knows that the best art, and the best holidays, happen not in a rush but with heart.

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If there’s one thing you should know about Allan Cooke, it’s that he believes Christmas is meant to be messy, joyful, and just a little unpredictable. His favourite holiday memory? The year he and his cousin surprised their family with a full-blown custard pie fight, “a big lovely mess,” as he calls it. That sense of fun and mischief fits him perfectly in his role as Martin in Cow Patti’s production of Ethan Claymore’s Christmas.

Allan’s approach to the holidays, much like his career, is filled with a mix of humour, heart and a healthy dose of British flair. Growing up, his favourite presents were Action Men and Transformers, the kind of toys that sparked imagination and adventure. These days, though, he’s a bit more refined. “Nowadays, a good book does the trick,” he says. His current read, Perdido Street Station by China Miéville, is “super weird and horrific.” Then again, he jokes, “Perfect for Christmas, right?”

When it comes to festive food, Allan doesn’t mince words. “Yorkshire pudding, nothing comes close!” he declares. It’s a traditional taste of home that pairs perfectly with his other British holiday favourites, like Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, Lonely This Christmas by Mud, and Barry White’s soulful It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It’s Spring). For movies, he’s all about The Muppet Christmas Carol, proof that even a seasoned actor appreciates a good dose of whimsy.

Allan’s charm doesn’t stop at the dinner table or the stage. When asked who he’d most like to share Christmas morning with, he quips, “What’s Charlize Theron up to these days?” It’s that mix of playfulness and charisma that audiences can expect to see on stage this season.

After “a while” in the business (as he modestly puts it), Allan remains grateful to still be doing what he loves. Along the way, he’s shared scenes with some well-known names, including the Jonas Brothers in their upcoming film. He describes them simply: “Nice chaps.”

These days, Allan calls Alberta home, where he’s come to love two things above all else; the nature and, of course, the steaks. His life motto? “There’s many ways to love. Embrace them all.” It’s the kind of wisdom that fits beautifully with both the spirit of the season and the heart of Ethan Claymore’s Christmas.

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For Elana Post, Christmas has always been about family, laughter, and a little bit of magic, the kind that comes from both the stage and the heart. She describes her favourite memories as being surrounded by loved ones, good food, and plenty of games. “It’s such a special time, isn’t it?” she says. But her most cherished memory might surprise you: the quiet, cozy Christmas during COVID. “It was the only Christmas my little family didn’t drive anywhere. It was just the three of us, and it was quiet and magical in its own way.”

Elana has been performing professionally for 32 years, and her storytelling instincts clearly run deep. She recalls one particular childhood Christmas that felt straight out of a play, or perhaps a Muppet movie. In Grade 3, after secretly writing to Santa for a Miss Piggy puppet, she found that very puppet under her grandparents’ tree. “It was exactly what I had written about in my letter. Magical. I loved that puppet.”

That early spark of imagination grew into a lifelong career on stage and screen. Over the years, Elana has worked alongside some of Canada’s most respected performers, including Ted Follows, Araby Lockhart, Wally Michaels and Louise Reynolds in Over the River and Through the Woods. “They were so gracious and supportive,” she recalls. “They each set a real example of being a big name in the industry but carrying no ego.” It’s a lesson she carries with her to this day.

When she’s not acting, Elana enjoys a good mystery, she’s currently reading Redemption Point by Australian author Candice Fox. She also admits she’s a “sucker for a Christmas carol,” with Silent Night and The First Noel holding a special place in her heart. As a kid, she even turned her family’s deep freeze into a stage (until her dad warned her she’d “ruin the seal”).

Elana’s favourite Christmas dish? Pie, in all its glorious forms. And her top holiday movie? Elf, of course, though National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and A Muppet Christmas Carol make strong showings.

If she could share Christmas morning with anyone, she says it would be her grandparents and her Auntie Mae. And if she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be: “Don’t let what other people think hold you back.”

After three decades of performing, teaching, and creating, Elana Post shines brighter than ever, reminding us all that the truest magic, on stage or off, comes from being unapologetically yourself.

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