Meet the Cast of Off the Beaten Path: Calgary’s Interactive Fantasy Musical Experience

David Elder – Kytius Westwind

As a 30 year veteran to Tabletop Fantasy roleplay, and longtime Musical Theater performer, Dave couldn’t have asked for a more perfect convergence. Off the Beaten Path has somehow merged these two things magically, and Dave only hopes he can help channel some of that magic to the audience. Performances Include:
Noises off, Twelfth Night, Full Monty, Plaza Suite (Dewdney Players); Rock around the clock, Modern Family, Pirates of the Saskatchewan (Jubilations Dinner Theatre)

Erin Navarro – Sorshala / The Architect

(she/her) Erin is absolutely atingled to be a part of Off the Beaten Path! She is a vocal coach, non-profit coach, and theatre artist based in Mohkinstis. Past credits include Beauty & the Beast, Sweeney Todd (Storybook Theatre); Grease (Windmill Theatre Players); and Sleeping Beauty (Stage West for Kids).

McKenna Webb – Eris Bolderock

McKenna is thrilled to perform as Eris Bolderock in Off the Beaten Path. Alongside performances with OBP, her noteworthy credits include roles such as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (Heavier Than Air) and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit (Lehigh Theatre Department). Having graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Computer Science and Japanese from Lehigh University in 2023, McKenna is overjoyed to begin her professional career in the performing arts, at long last.

Zoe Pepper – Rhoswen

Born and raised in Lethbridge Alberta, Zoe is a newcomer to the Calgary theatre community. Receiving her BMus at the University of Lethbridge, her love of theatre began as a dancer and eventually evolved into vocal performance. Credits include: The Little Mermaid, The Addams Family, Jane Eyre (Cardston Carriage House Theatre); The Sound of Music (Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra); Beauty and the Beast (Storybook Theatre).

Nicholas Chamberlain – Anaax Passion

Select Credits Include: Something Rotten, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Wizard of Oz (Storybook Theatre); 35 MM, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Next to Normal (Cappuccino Musical Theatre); Romeo and Juliet (Calgary Opera). Born in South Africa, Nic moved to England as a child where he began his journey with the performing arts. He then moved to Calgary where he has continued that journey.

Wari Willie-Pepple – Khulgar Thundertree’s Son

Wari Willie-Pepple is a singer, theatre performer and illustrator currently based in Calgary, Alberta. With a foundation in psychology and over five years of experience in customer service work, Wari brings a unique depth of empathy and presence to their performance work. A lifelong vocalist with roots in theatre and choir, they have performed in a variety of stage productions and are now building a body of work across voice, stage and screen. As an emerging artist, Wari is passionate about storytelling that blends emotion, visual beauty, and cultural resonance. Their artistic journey is deeply intertwined with a commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and creative collaboration. Outside the spotlight, Wari shares their evolving path through photography, short-form content, and fashion concept design, aiming to connect with fellow artists and dreamers around the world.

Alex Allen – Greymark/Caravan Man/Lan/Ensemble

Alex is a Calgary-based artist with 10+ years of experience in theatre, specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences. As a lifelong fan of roleplay and fantasy, Alex has taught Dungeons and Dragons to all ages. From Acting to Directing, Alex has worked with numerous local theatre companies, such as Trickster Theatre- and notably contributed to the award-nominated play WINDOW (Ghost River Theatre). He is also a character actor for an events company, and can often be seen playing the role of a superhero… or a supervillain!

Alexa Andrews – La Frena/Samara (Dancer)/Ensemble

Alexa is incredibly excited to be a part of the Off The Beaten Path journey! She has been recognized for both her vocal and dancing talents winning at provincial and national festivals and competitions. Past credits include: Heathers (Veronica), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) (Storybook Theatre); Mean Girls (Regina) (Central Memorial High School). Alexa is burgeoning on to Sheridan College this fall to continue her training towards a BFA (Honours) in Musical Theatre Performance, Class of ’29!

Safia Comtois-Mohamad – Flox/Ensemble
US: Sorshala/Architect

Safia elated to be performing in Off The Beaten Path. A Montreal-born, Calgary-raised actor and professional singer passionate about theatre and film, Safia was originally trained as a Primary Care Paramedic. She began pursuing acting professionally in 2021 and is a recent Company of Rogues Masterclass graduate. Notable previous productions include Cherry Orchard (Company of Rogues Actors’ Studio), Heartbreak Hotel (Jubilations Dinner Theatre), and SpongeBob the Musical (Storybook Theatre). When not on stage or on set, she can be found playing one of a few concurrent D&D campaigns with friends or collaborating on her husband’s YouTube channel.

Abiola Famakinwa – Seer/Ensemble
US: La Frena

Abiola is so excited to be a part of the cast of Off The Beaten Path. She recently worked with Storybook Theatre on Once on This Island as Ti Moune, and as a Fille de Ville for their production of Beauty and The Beast. She is waiting for the day when the cast and crew start their own D&D campaign, as she has characters just waiting to be explored.

Shayla Fiveland – Ensemble
US: Elvish Officer

Shayla Fiveland is a local actor, dancer, teacher and vocal coach in Calgary. She is also a recent graduate of the Disability Studies Diploma program at Bow Valley College and is an advocate for making the performing arts accessible for everyone. Some of her select credits include: Ensemble in Something Rotten (Storybook Theatre/ The Shakespeare Co), Race in Disney’s Newsies (Storybook Theatre) and Elaine in Cancer Szn (Short film w/ Tall Hero Films). She is so excited to go on this exciting and magical adventure with OBP! She also wants to thank her amazing partner, family and friends for all their continuous love and support.

Ben Jaquish – Steward/Herald/EnPea-See/Gareth (Dancer)/
Blacksmith/Ensemble
US: Anaax Passion

[Bio Coming Soon]

Sarah Nearing – Queen/Aasira/Ensemble

Sarah Nearing is an actor, singer, emerging playwright, voice teacher and acting coach born and raised in Calgary. She is a passionate feminist artist who strives to inspire compassion and joy through her work. Recent performance credits include Kensuke’s Kingdom (Storybook Theatre); The McAdo (Morpheus Theatre); and Riverona (Full Circle Theatre), for which she was nominated for a CAT Award for her performance as Mercutio. www.sarahnearing.com

Katie O’Keefe – Elvish Officer/Samara (Vocals)/Ensemble
US: Rhoswen

Katie O’Keefe is thrilled to take on Off The Beaten Path this summer. Katie is in the process of completing her BFA in Acting at the University of Alberta. Her home is in Springbank AB, where she developed her love for the stage as an Irish dancer. She’s been working as an actress and choreographer, and has recently delved into the world of puppetry. When she’s not on the stage or in front of the camera, she can be found dancing or writing songs on her guitar. Enjoy the show!

Jessica Rae – Ensemble
US: Queen/Aasira

Jessica’s love for performing began at a young age with competitive dance (King Edgar Dance Studio) and musical theatre, where she first discovered her passion for singing. Classically trained in opera, she now brings characters to life each weekend as a professional princess performer. Whether captivating children or playing a mischievous sorceress in Dungeons & Dragons, Jessica shines in roles full of heart and humor—often keeping her Game Masters on their toes.

Aulphrine Cyrille Sagudan – Tas/Ensemble
US: Eris Bolderock

Cyrille is so excited to be part of Off the Beaten Path this year! She’s a Computer Information Systems student and has been finding her way through the arts for years, whether it’s performing in school choirs or plays, or even trying her hand at cheerleading. She’s taken part in Storybook Theatre’s Musical Theatre for Adults program and Untold Stories Theatre’s Setlist fundraising concert.

Brad Simon – Titan-Ka/Bundles/Ensemble

[Bio Coming Soon]

John Wiest – Khazz/Gareth (Vocal)/Ensemble
US: Khulgar Thundertree’s Son

This is John Wiest’s first performance with OBP and he is excited to finally live out his dream of being an Orc (He didn’t say it was a good dream, just that it was a dream.). When John is not acting, he can be found singing in Calgary with REVV 52, hosting karaoke for Kiss productions, and teaching math all over the place. John has also been a competitor in various karaoke contests, and has represented Canada at the Karaoke World Championships in Finland and in Norway. All in all, John is a hoopy frood who knows where his towel is.