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<\/a>The RCMT production stars Irene Karas Loeper as Violet, Maia Beresford as Doralee, Madeleine Suddaby as Judy and Dustin Freeland as Franklin Hart Jr. Jewish community member Keri Smith plays Margaret, a secretary in Hart\u2019s office, who drinks a bit, and she is the understudy for Violet.<\/p>\n
RCMT\u2019s 9 to 5 The Musical<\/i> marks a return to the stage for Smith \u2013 who trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City \u2013 after a long hiatus, during which time she has taught grades 1-7 at Vancouver Talmud Torah.<\/p>\n
The Jewish Independent<\/i> interviewed Smith in advance of the musical\u2019s opening.<\/p>\n
JI<\/b>: Can you tell me a bit about your general background, how you got into education and theatre, when and why you came to Vancouver? Or did you just study in New York?<\/p>\n
KS<\/b>: After completing my studies at theatre school and spending several years working in New York, my visa expired, prompting my return to Vancouver. Upon arriving, I quickly recognized the challenges of pursuing a full-time acting career in the city. As a result, I sought a position that would allow me to continue engaging with theatre while securing a steady income. I found a role as an early childhood educator at Vancouver Talmud Torah, the elementary school I had attended as a child.<\/p>\n
Two years into my position, when an opening for a drama instructor became available, I approached the principal and shared my theatrical background … [and] she entrusted me with the role. I quickly developed a deep passion for teaching and\u00a0<\/span>decided to pursue a teaching certification to further my commitment to education.<\/p>\n Over the past 19 years at Vancouver Talmud Torah, I\u2019ve had the privilege of helping to establish a vibrant musical theatre program for students aged 10 to 13. I am immensely grateful to be in a position where I can combine my love for theatre with the joy of teaching every day.<\/p>\n JI<\/b>: What role, if any, does Judaism and\/or Jewish community play in your life?<\/p>\n KS<\/b>: Judaism and the Jewish community hold a deeply cherished place in my life, shaping both my personal journey and my work as an actor and educator. In my daily life, Jewish values of compassion, justice and the importance of education are guiding principles.<\/p>\n In my role as an educator, I am reminded every day of the power of knowledge and the responsibility we bear in passing on these values to future generations. Judaism has a long tradition of asking questions, seeking understanding and fostering growth through learning, which resonates deeply in my approach to teaching.<\/p>\n As an actor, I find that storytelling in the Jewish tradition has influenced my perspective, as narratives in Judaism often revolve around struggles, resilience and the pursuit of justice \u2013 ideas that transcend time and place. Whether in a classroom or on stage, I strive to embody the deep sense of connection and responsibility that Judaism fosters, with gratitude for the wisdom that has been passed down through generations.<\/p>\n The Jewish community, with its strength, support and shared commitment to growth, reminds me that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves and that, together, we can bring light into the world.<\/p>\n JI<\/b>: What attracts you to acting?<\/p>\n KS<\/b>: What I love most about acting is the profound escape it offers \u2013 an opportunity to leave behind my own world and immerse myself fully in someone else\u2019s reality. The process of stepping into a character\u2019s shoes, seeing the world through their eyes, and experiencing their emotions and struggles is not just thrilling; it\u2019s transformative. It\u2019s an addicting experience because each new role is a journey of discovery \u2013 of understanding, empathy and expression that goes beyond my own personal experiences.<\/p>\n JI<\/b>: What\u2019s your favourite part of teaching?<\/p>\n KS<\/b>: What truly deepens my love for acting is the opportunity to teach it. Teaching drama allows me to share that same transformative experience with others, especially young people. Watching students experience the same magic of stepping into a character\u2019s shoes for the first time is incredibly rewarding. There\u2019s something truly special about guiding them through the process of self-expression, helping them find their voice and watching them take risks on stage. Drama gives students a unique platform to explore their own identities and develop their confidence, creativity and empathy \u2013 all essential skills not just for acting, but for life.<\/p>\n JI<\/b>: What motivated you to audition for 9 to 5 The Musical<\/i>? What was that process?<\/p>\n KS<\/b>: I felt it was the perfect time to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself, so when I saw the opportunity, I didn\u2019t hesitate to audition. The process was incredibly enjoyable! I was given a song and a scene to prepare, and I went in with the goal of giving it my all. Afterward, I felt confident and proud of my performance.<\/p>\n JI<\/b>: How often do you perform, and approximately for how long have you been a performer?<\/p>\n KS<\/b>: I first discovered my passion for performing as a Grade 7 student at VTT, where I played Hodel in\u00a0Fiddler on the Roof<\/i>. That role was my introduction to acting, and I\u2019ve been hooked ever since. While I \u201cperform\u201d daily in my role as a teacher, engaging with my students, I haven\u2019t had the chance to take the stage in over 10 years. This production marks my return to acting, and it feels incredible to be back!<\/p>\n