The ACTRA Manitoba Awards recognize the accomplishments of ACTRA Manitoba’s talented performers and celebrate Manitoba’s vibrant film industry.
BORN: JAN 03, 1929 Doreen Brownstone on Lou Kliman: “Lou was my unpaid, unsung agent. Years ago, there was an open air pool, and I was in charge of it – I was a swim instructor there. He used to come and spend his summers hanging out. He gave my name to Jack Shapiro at Rainbow Stage – they were doing Fiddler on the Roof. I became Yentl the Matchmaker, like forever – I’ve done it how many times now. [laughs] And then, he gave my name to CBC, the television people, and Lou got me going in this business. I had done a lot of amateur stuff, but I didn’t do professional things, and HE got me started. Lou was a lot of fun, larger than life.” Lou Kliman accepting the Vic Cowie Lifetime Achievement Award from Doreen Brownstone and Talia Pura.
DATE OF PASSING: SEP 01, 2016 Olie Alto left us for the bigger stage on Sept. 1 after a brief struggle with cancer. The dwindling connection to Winnipeg’s show business past is greatly reduced with the passing of this “North End Boy”of Finnish descent, for Olie was a very lively part of that post war era that laid the ground for the thriving theatre scene that now exists in the city. Olie spent many years performing at The Hollow Mug, a once thriving musical theatre close to the airport. He encompassed radio, television, and film over his many years as an actor and performer. The Stone Angel, The Battle of Mary Kay, Capote, are just a few of his appearances.His contribution was recognised by ACTRA Manitoba when he was presented with the Victor Cowie Award in 2013. Our deepest condolences to Olie’s wife Margaret, their five children and dozen grandchildren. All of us who worked with him will miss his laugh and good spirits. -Written by Brian Richardson…
You’re coordinating the ACTRA Manitoba Awards Gala out of the goodness of your heart (thanks btw!), what event coordinating experience do you have? I have been event planning since I was 13. I ran for student council president (and won) for the sole purpose of organizing sock-hops & spirit week (HA!). I have been making excuses to plan and organize projects ever since. I think it’s in my blood. When I see potential in something or someone, I want to help it not only come to life, but give it the push it needs to actualize its potential. I have been managing my sketch comedy troupe Hot Thespian Action for the past ten years and have created (or co-created) a few other performance troupes including a Deaf mime troupe called 100 Decibels. As a manager and mentor, I have been the driving force behind the shows we create and perform. All of the skills I have honed through these experiences lends itself directly to event planning and project management. So I have decided to contract myself out doing just that. Over the past year, on top of performing, educating and creating as an artist, I have Production Managed a promotional video with MFM & On Screen Manitoba (https://vimeo.com/148643654), I have joined the Winnipeg Comedy Festival team planning/hosting their after parties, rounding up sponsorships and marketing the festival, and I have also coordinated a few weddings in-between. When Jan Skene asked me to join council to be the chair of the ACTRA Awards, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give back to this beautiful community and to show them what I’ve got hidden up my sleeve. When did you become an ACTRA member, and what was your first union gig? Oh man, good question. I am…
