It felt like coming home. When Barbara had the opportunity a few years ago to return to the stage, it sparked a renewed passion for acting. It was in those quiet moments backstage waiting for her cue to take her place that she remembered the magic of the theatre and how much she loved being an actor.
Her early work as an actor in her twenties and thirties was primarily in regional theatre. But life, as it often does, took her in a different direction. Barbara became an award-winning broadcast journalist, working as host, producer, editor, and documentary maker for CBC Network Radio. In radio, she learned to “write the way people talk”, bringing a deep understanding to the honest delivery of dialogue. Her creativity shone in her work, resulting in numerous international awards for her documentaries.
After leaving the CBC, Barbara launched her own business focused on workplace learning, conflict resolution, leadership, and meeting facilitation – each requiring its own unique type of performance. This work has instilled a strong belief in the importance of working collaboratively, supporting and making space for her co-creators.
Thanks to that stage performance of a few years ago, Barbara was motivated to refresh and further develop her skills as an actor. For the past two years, she has been working with acting coaches, doing scene study, text analysis, character development, film and stage technique. She has appeared in a number of online readings and performances throughout the pandemic and recently appeared in two short plays presented live this past August. Barbara believes progressing as an actor never stops. Whether in class, in the rehearsal room, on set or on stage, there is always opportunity for growth.
Barbara brings intelligence, maturity, creativity, compassion, and general good nature to all her work. But more than that, she brings a spark and strength of spirit that draws audiences in.
On a personal note: Two children, three step kids, and eight grandchildren bring her constant joy, and she’s grateful to have found a life partner who makes her laugh every day and lets her know she is loved.