about.
The Parksville Academy of Performing Arts was created to teach people the tools to build self confidence through the world of preforming. We strive to offer a fun and supportive environment where individuals can explore their hidden talents and play with others alike.
Wendy Alexander, Soprano
With a full and dark sound, Wendy has frequently been described as a lirico spinto. Music and theatre have been a huge part of her life since early childhood. She has studied piano, dance, acting techniques, and various other instruments. She went to Europe to pursue classical vocal studies with masters over there and also worked with some English theatre groups as performer and music director. Upon returning to Canada she auditioned for Opera Nanaimo and was cast as Mimi In La Boheme. During Covid, she was involved with this company on a board level, working to bring opera to the community. Some of her favourite roles she has had the opportunity to perform are Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte; Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi; Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus; Serpina in La Serva Padrona; Madam Hertz in Der Schauspieldirektor; Abigaille in Nabucco. She continues to learn new repertoire and grow as an artist and is very happy for every opportunity to share this wonderful art form with the public
Miranda Murphy
A graduate of the Sheridan College Music Theatre Performance program in Toronto, Ontario where she was one of 40 applicants, chosen from over 400 to attend the program. Since returning to Vancouver Island she has been choreographing for local theatre groups as well as teaching musical theatre and she couldn’t be happier. She has been heavily involved onstage and off with many local theatre groups such as Bard to Broadway, Schmooze Productions and Nanaimo Theatre Group. Her favourite choreography credits include: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (B2B), The Little Mermaid (Schmooze), Hair: the Tribal Musical (Schmooze) and Chicago (Schmooze). She has also been involved for several years with Teen Musical Theatre, a summer education program in Qualicum Beach which puts together a fully fledged musical in only 3 weeks. Some of their past shows include Willy Wonka, Beauty and the Beast, and Guys and Dolls. Miranda has also taught Musical Theatre at other local dance studios like Innovate Dance Arts and Tempo Dance Academy and she can't wait to bring her love of theatre to the students at Parksville Academy of Performing Arts.
Bobbie Garnons-Williams
Has been performing stand up comedy since high school. She took a break from stand up after graduation since there wasn't much of a stand up comedy scene on the island at the time. She shifted gears to study acting and improv. Bobbie studied improv at Vancouver Theatresports League on Grandville Island.
Shortly after she hopped over the pond to live abroad where she took a stand up course offered at The Stand comedy club in Edinburgh. She performed in various venues while living in Scotland. Fast forward to present day...Bobbie is a regular on the comedy scene here on the Island and has also had her own comedy night.
In her spare time Bobbie volunteered as a leader with Girl Guides for 8 years and 2 years with Scouts.