Just a few years out of theatre school Parris Greaves finds himself a still emerging, but much respected actor and singer living in Toronto. 2009 has seen Parris continue to expand his reputation as a versatile, committed performer, while performing in shows with such established performers as Thom Allison, Steven Gallagher, Blythe Wilson, Barbara Barsky and Adam Brazier.
Donnie Bowes, the Artistic Director of the Upper Canada Playhouse (where Parris performed in 2008), describes him as “an intelligent and gifted actor who creatively develops a character that reflects the writer’s intentions and the director’s vision. He is always astutely aware of his character’s relationship to the scene as a whole. He is a well-prepared, articulate and generous actor who contributes skillfully to the rehearsal process. He has a performance energy that is always in the moment, creative and fresh yet disciplined and controlled and always consistent with the rehearsed vision of the show. He is a pleasure to work with, a valued cast member and an asset to any production.”
Parris’ began performing by singing with the Georgian Bay Children’s Choir at the age of 10. His first foray onstage in a musical was as the “Artful Dodger” in Oliver at the age of 13. By 1997 Parris had long outgrown the children’s choir and sang with the Ontario Youth Choir for three years from 1997-1999 where had a chance to work with some of the top conductors in the country.
From 1999 to 2003 Parris put aside performing in order to complete an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology and Economics from the University of Toronto. A year later he decided that performing was what he needed to do with his life and he enrolled in the Randolph Academy’s Musical Theatre Triple Threat program.
Since graduating from Randolph in 2006 performing has taken Parris across the country, entertaining thousands of audience members with his high energy and moving performances. With 250 performances as the life-loving trapper “Pierre” in the award wining Oh Canada, Eh? Dinner Show, Parris proved his ability to keep a show fresh and delightful for audiences over a long run.
In early 2009 Parris had opportunities to work with wonderful casts and creative teams closer to home with roles as “the Minister” in Acting Up Stage’s Dora nominated production of A New Brain as well as “Fouché” in Talk is Free Theatre’s Napoleon.
Parris considers himself fortunate to be able to do what he loves for a living, and must thank his family for the support that has allowed him to make it to where he is.