Started in January 2023 to help grow community theatre in Victoria by providing a stage for a diversity of local talent and voices to share their stories and art.
One-Act Festival Team
Kurt Archer – Festival Director
Kurt has over 8 years experience working in community theatre in Calgary as a former board member of Morpheus Theatre, also as an actor, producer, director, and playwright. His experience includes Gilbert & Sullivans’ Gondoliers and Ruddigore, It’s a Wonderful Life, A little murder never hurt anybody, and Death of Salesman among others. He is also the former Curator for TEDxYYC, one of Canada’s largest independently organized TED events.
Kurt is the Founder of Between Words Theatre and is the President of the Board for the Victoria Event Centre.
Kurt also coaches speakers, and does communication consulting for small businesses and non-profits doing great work in the community. Kurt loves to work and be at the intersection of technology, climate issues, and art – which also inspires a lot of his Sci-Fi writing he does on the side.
Alison Bendall – Artist Liaison
Originally from the Cowichan Valley, Alison discovered a love for performing at an early age. She spent many years performing in community theatre shows across Vancouver Island, before pursuing professional training at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Alison was a member of CCPA’s 2021-2022 Studio Ensemble, where she explored the technical side of theatre including Lighting Design and Social Media Marketing. She has also worked at several island theatres as a Front of House Supervisor, Box Office Agent and Usher, including the Chemainus Theatre Festival and the Belfry Theatre. Alison is very enthusiastic about using her experience in the local theatre industry to help create an enriching and supportive environment for this year’s Festival participants.
Taylor Guidotti – Festival Technical Producer
Taylor (she/they) is a stage director, intimacy director, and stage and production manager from Calgary, but now proudly resides in Victoria, BC. A recent graduate of the University of Victoria’s theatre program (BFA 2020), Taylor has worn many hats at various performing arts festivals in Alberta and British Columbia. She is thrilled to be returning to the One Act Festival, this time as the Technical Coordinator. Most recent credits include: [Co-Festival Manager, Technical Coordinator] Common Ground Festival; [Stage Management] The Incredible Glowing Woman (hapax), Abandoned (One Act Festival 2023); [Director] The Crime on Goat Island, Aphra, Such Creatures. The War of the Worlds (untitled theatrics). Much love to Benji, Mum and Arlo.
Alex Kennedy – Graphic Design
bio coming soon