Tyler Simpson is a mixed race genderqueer actor from the Niagara Region. Tyler is a genderqueer and LGBTIA+ theatre artist. He is a graduate of Brock University’s Dramatic Arts program, and Niagara College’s Acting for Film and Television program. When he isn’t acting, you can find him streaming video games on Twitch, or learning new languages.
“I am a mixed, genderqueer, and LGBTQIA+ actor/artist who brings energy, vibrance, and bravery to my craft. I am constantly in pursuit of learning new things and expanding my knowledge and understanding of what it means to be an artist.”
Tyler hopes to join in on paving the way for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities in which he identifies by advocating for accurate and additional representation through every project he does.
“What a gift it is to step into someone else’s shoes and take on the ultimate act of empathy. We all share a universal experience, and that’s the human one. I want to reflect that through every story I tell. I hope to join in on paving the way for the LGBTQIA+ and POC communities in which I identify by advocating for accurate and additional representation through every project I do.”
Tyler’s Training and Education
Tyler Simpson is a graduate of Brock University’s Dramatic Arts program, and Niagara College’s ‘Acting for Film and Television’ program. Tyler’s training highlights include Meisner Technique, On-Camera Technique, Shakespeare, Voice Over, Singing, Commedia Dell’arte, Physical Theatre and Audition Technique.
Tyler’s theatre Experience
Tyler is an actor. Tyler’s past roles have included Harry Bright in the hit musical Mamma Mia at the Greg Frewin Theatre, The Guard in the greek tragedy Antigone at MIW Theatre, Asteryo in The Little Stone House at i MIW Theatre, Aaron Schultz and Dewey in Legally Blonde, the musical at the Robertson Theatre, Freddy Eynsford HIll in My Fair Lady the musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s play of the same name for the Port Colborne Operatic Soc., Mendel in the musical Fiddler on the Roof at the Port Colborne Operatic Soc., Ensemble in the musical Mary Poppins at the Port Colborne Operatic Soc., Gordon/Officer/Ens in Rent the musical at the Firehall Theatre and Rusty Charlie in Guys and Dolls at the Charlie Leon Theatre.
Additional Skills
Tyler is a Triple Threat
Tyler is a triple threat. That means he acts, sings and dances. Tyler is a baritone and has performed in musicals and operas. Tyler specialized in musical theatre. Tyler knows Hip Hop and Jazz dance styles.Tyler is a writer
Tyler is an aspiring playwright. He is writing a play about mixed identity. Tyler is also a content creator and writes articles for Arts Guide Mississauga.Tyler is a Musician
Tyler is a singer. His range is Baritone. Tyler also plays the cymbals, the drums and the flute.Tyler is a Director
Tyler is a director. He is the director of Baby Factory, which premiered at the Brock University One Act FestivalTyler’s Hobbies
When he isn’t acting, you can find him streaming video games on Twitch, or learning new languages.
“When I am not performing, you can catch me either streaming video games on Twitch, learning the Vietnamese language, or developing my play about mixed identity.”
Tyler Simpson; Summer Ensemble 2021
Tyler is a Crane Creations 2021 Summer Ensemble member.
What is the Summer Ensemble
The Summer Ensemble is an 8 week training program for theatre artists. In this paid working opportunity artists learn skills required to be a professional artist in Canada, and gain valuable insights into the theatre industry in Canada and abroad. To apply artists must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
This was Crane Creations Third Annual Summer Ensemble and Tyler’s addition as a member of the ensemble, helped make this year a memorable experience for everyone.
Due to lock down restrictions a large portion of the program was conducted over zoom. Tyler as well as the rest of Crane Creations 2021 Summer Ensemble handled the transition beautifully, and Tyler was quickly able to adapt his talents to a Zoom’s online platform.
What is an Actor?
An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs in the theatre, film, radio, television, or digital media. The analogous Greek term is ὑποκριτής. The meaning translates to “one who answers”.
What does an Actor do?
An actor’s doesn’t just memorize lines and look pretty. An actor has a fun but important role in creating a story. They are responsible for interpreting and embodying the character in a play, television series, or film. To do this well many actors rehearse and train their bodies and voices regularly. They study their script and consult with the director and scene partners about their interpretation of the character. Their main concern should always be understanding what a character wants or needs and what they are is doing to achieve this action. A want or a need is often referred to as an Objective, or motivation. What an actor is doing is referred to an action or a tactic. An Actor Acts. A good actor makes many different and thoughtful choices about what the character is doing. A very good actor can make many creative out-of-the-box choices, and is always ready to change their actions on the fly. Actors sometimes require additional special skills. For example, an actor in a Broadway musical may also need to know how to sing and dance. An actor is a puppet show must know how to operate a puppet. Professional Improvisers need to know how to create a character and make up a story on the spot without any preparation. An actor in an action blockbuster film may also be trained in stage combat and martial arts.
What does it take to be a professional artist?
Tyler Simpson is an actor in the 2021 Summer Ensemble. In the 2021 workshop of Twelfth Night, Tyler plays the role of Fabian. Tyler also participated in many activities and project with Crane Creations Theatre Company as a Summer Ensemble Member. He read through plays and assisted in workshops of new work. He was part of important and lively discussion and debates about the Canadian theatre industry. Tyler learned about the industry of theatre and what it looks like to be a professional full time artist. He learned about theatre in Mississauga. Tyler wrote grants and presented pitches for future theatre projects. Tyler participated in a seminar held by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council.
With fellow Summer Ensemble members Tyler explored the arts outside of Canada as well, and conducted workshops and presentations on prominent International and Canadian artists and theatre companies.
Twelfth Night
Tyler Simpson is a Crane Creations Theatre Company 2021 Summer Ensemble Member. He is one of the cast members who was part of the 2021 workshop of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Eugenia De Jong, a core team member of the Crane Creations Theatre Company and former Resident Artist, is an emerging director. Twelfth Night was the first full length play Eugenia has directed and workshopped. Eugenia is also a fellow Summer Ensemble Member. She is a participant of the 2019 and 2020 Summer Ensemble.
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. The play is about two ship wrecked twins who land on the land of Illyria, and must conceal their identities. The play deal with themes of disguise, wealth and class, music, disorder, gender and love.
Tyler plays the role of Fabian. There is not much directly said about Fabian in the play Twelfth Night. However there is a lot to be implied about this enigmatic figure. Fabian is foreigner to the Land of Illyria. He has connections to The Lady Olivia and her household. The Lady Olivia who lives in Illyria has inherited her brother’s estate. Lady Olivia is a bachelorette. Many men are trying to woo her in order to get her fortune. Fabian is friends with Lady Olivia’s drunk uncle Sir Toby. Sir Toby schemes to match Olivia with his friend, Sir Andrew Aguecheek in order to get her fortune. Fabian assists Sir Toby in his quest, for reasons he does not divulge. It seems that Fabian might have had a previous relationship with Lady Olivia, and the flame has not yet gone out. Fabian is a trickster and loves to pull pranks on other people. He enjoys pranking Malvolio, who is the reason behind why Fabian is no longer in favour with Olivia. Tyler took on the challenge of playing this enigmatic character and is able to show off his masterful acting skills.
Why we love Tyler
Tyler loves to tell jokes and makes a great friend. Tyler can always tell a good joke. Tyler loves to sing songs from his favourite musicals. He is always blasting tunes from Wicked or Legally Blonde. Tyler makes fast friends, and is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Tyler loves to use very nice multi-coloured LED lights to his background in Zoom. Depending on the day, Tyler will have a different background colour. We are so thrilled to have him in our Summer Ensemble this year.
