Kristen Siapas (BFA 2005), marketing and public relations co-ordinator for University Players, has been working with community theatre groups as a promoter, stage manager, and producer for almost 20 years since graduating from the School of Dramatic Art, but confesses that she still holds a deep love for performing.

She is getting her turn in the spotlight this month, playing the title character in the Korda Artistic Productions musical farce The Drowsy Chaperone.

The show grew out of the Toronto Fringe Festival and went on to earn 13 Tony nominations and five awards during a Broadway run of 674 performances — and is one of Siapas’ favourites.

“It’s heart-warming, it’s light, it’s funny, and it features larger-than-life characters that are fun to play and fun to watch,” she says. “It’s everything that is campy and fun about musical theatre.”

She is also pleased to be reuniting with others who have graduated from the UWindsor School of Dramatic Art, including fellow cast members Melissa McLeod (BA 2003, B.Ed 2004), Eric Miinch (BFA 2008), Georgie Savoie (BFA 2023), and Natalie Worsley (BA 2020, B.Ed 2023), as well as newcomer Gianluca Ieraci, who will begin his university acting studies in September.

“It’s so nice to be able to go out into the world and work with people who have that shared experience,” Siapas says.

The show will go on April 5-7, 11-13, and 18-20 at the Kordazone Theatre, 2520 Seminole St. Find tickets and more information on the company website.