About Us - Board Members

Michaela was born and raised in Biggar and has been part of the performing arts community since she entered her first Biggar and District Music Festival when she was 5 years old. She performed in her first theatrical production in 1997 as Molly in NCCP’s “Annie” and it inspired a lifelong love of not just theatre but the relationships and feeling of belonging that theatre creates.

Michaela is also a professional visual artist represented in several commercial galleries across Canada. She has led workshops and adjudications, but her real love lies in the flexible, customizable style of guiding that mentorship provides. She is married to fellow Castwellian Dale and is raising 2 brilliant hybrid humans in the hometown she loves, surrounded by extended family.

“I am humbled, grateful, excited, and inspired to be a part of this incredible group of brilliant, talented humans, building something so beautiful. I want to give back to the community that has always supported me, encouraging me to explore, innovate, and lean into my own unique gifts. You all have given me so many opportunities to grow and thrive as an artist. Now, I want to give that feeling of acceptance, that environment of safety, and those opportunities to express yourself creatively, to the little rural community I love so much.”

Michaela Hoppe continues as Board Chair since the organization was incorporated on April 10, 2024. As a committed member of the Castwell Team, she is actively involved in the bylaw committee and has played a significant role in several events, such as the Karaoke Cabarets and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.

Michaela Hoppe

Board Chairperson

Stephen is a versatile performer in music and theatre, playing guitar and trumpet, singing, acting, and sometimes even dancing. You can also find him up at the sound and lighting boards for events in Biggar.

Stephen lives in Biggar with his three kids and lovely wife Erin. He sits on two other local arts-adjacent boards. Stephen is a teacher at Biggar Central School 2000, where he shares his love of performing arts by teaching drama, music and other creative endeavours with his grade 5 students. He is also a member of other art-adjacent boards - The Biggar Arts Council and Majestic Theatre board. If he has free time, he is probably itching to play something from his extensive board game collection, read some dystopian/Utopian fiction, or watch a movie with his family.

“I am looking forward to expanding the opportunities of performance in Biggar, we have such a vibrant and exciting artistic community. With Castwell & Company, I am looking forward to experimenting with plays, music performance, and exploring other avenues of artistic expression with a great bunch of community minded people.”

Stephen continues to serve as the vice-chair of Castwell and Company, he also designs and maintains the website. He contributes significantly to the performing arts community, participating in events like our Castwell Cabarets, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, I, Chorus, and is looking forward to directing our Improv Group.

Stephen Hadden

Board Vice-Chair

Erin comes to Castwell & Company with a range of volunteer experience in not-for-profit boards and community theatre.

Together with her husband Stephen and their three gracious teenagers, The Hadden Family spends much of their “down time” throughout the year at the Biggar Majestic Theatre for one wonderful reason or another.

“I am excited to be able to help provide more opportunities for our local folks to try something creative together that builds them up and brings them joy. Whether it’s designing, performing, supporting, or anything in between, I get so excited when I see people finding fulfilment in their roles and coming alive in new and beautiful ways."

In addition to serving as our Treasurer, Erin is an active member of the Grant and Bylaws committees. She has played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Castwell Cabarets, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, and I, Chorus.

Erin Hadden

Treasurer

Allison Thomas

Secretary

Allison Thomas is a relative newcomer to the theatre world, but a long time participant in the performing arts. Her music background started in elementary school and continued throughout high school, where she was an active member of every type of band available to her, from concert band and jazz band to small quartets and choral groups. It was not until a few decades later that her husband Rob shared his love of theatre and acting with her, and eventually persuaded her (with the help of a few wonderful friends) to get on stage in 2022. Since then she has been active in the local theatre community both on stage and off.

In her other life, Allison is a stay at home mom to two kids who both share their parents’ love of music and the arts. She also manages their small farm where they raise a variety of animals, most notably Friesian horses. In her downtime, she enjoys video games, roleplaying games like D&D, and gardening.

“The performing arts are a huge part of my and my family’s lives. As such, I am really excited to help provide more opportunities to showcase all of the amazing performers in our area!”

Allison is the newest secretary for Castwell & Company. She heads the bylaws and policies subcommittee, serves as Assistant Director for our upcoming production of I, Chorus, and plays a vital role in every program and fundraiser we have ever organized.

Dale Hoppe was born and raised in the wilderness north of Biggar. He has been involved in music and theatre his entire life, from piano lessons and scurrying around backstage in early NCCP plays, to stage crew and lighting, to performing onstage in a variety of roles. Then he married a woman who has been even more involved in music and theatre, and that has led him here.

These days, Dale is a semi-responsible adult. He works as a locomotive engineer for CN, is married to artist and fellow Castwellian, Michaela, and has two evil lizard creatures that society describes as his "children". There are also far too many cats around his home.

"I'm excited to be a part of this new venture. Biggar has such a strong performing arts community, and Castwell and Company will give us an opportunity to build on that and to explore some new directions for people to express themselves."

For the past year, he has been providing stability to Castwell & Co in his role as a board trustee.

Dale Hoppe

Trustee

Jacob grew up for the first part of his childhood here in Biggar, he then moved to Alberta at the age of twelve. It wasn’t until later in life that he found the arts. First finding a love of music, he spent his early twenties playing bass in a three piece rock band in central Alberta. After moving back to Biggar in 2016, Jacob then found the theatre. Performing as “The Monster'' in NCCP’s 2017 production of Young Frankenstein, Jacob found his love for performing again and found a real sense of community among the cast and crew. He went on to perform in two more of NCCP’s productions including Pepper in Mamma Mia! and Orin “The Dentist” Scrivello DDS in Little Shop of Horrors.

Outside of the theatre Jacob works in the Ag industry at the local Nutrien Ag Solutions site as Operations Lead and Safety Officer. However his true joy is spending time at home with his large mixed family with 5 kids, ranging from 3-13, and his partner Janelle.

“I’m excited to share the stage with so many amazing and talented people! I can’t wait to learn and grow as a performer and person with all of you! We are so fortunate to have so many gifted people in our community around Biggar!”

Jacob served as the Board Secretary for Castwell & Co in 2024. He also took on the roles of co-director and lighting technician for "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors," and he is the founder of the new Dungeons and Dragons Club, known as The Castaways.

Jacob
De Bussac

Trustee

Jessica Wylie is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in program coordination and a lifelong passion for theatre. As a Program Coordinator with Continuing Medical Education at the College of Medicine, she specializes in planning and executing a variety of educational initiatives, including leading committees, managing budgets, engaging sponsors, and overseeing logistics such as venue management and registration. With a BA in English, a minor in business, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Jessica brings a strong foundation in organization, leadership, and strategic planning.

Jessica's love for theatre began in her hometown of Biggar, where she actively participated in community productions. She treasures the memories of collaborating with others to bring stories to life on stage. She firmly believes that community theatre fosters creativity, strengthens connections, and provides a vital platform for local talent to thrive while enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

With her unique combination of professional expertise and passion for the arts, Jessica is committed to fostering collaboration, inclusiveness, and excellence in community theatre. She aims to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the theatre community, ensuring memorable and positive experiences for all involved.

Jessica
Wylie

Trustee

About Us - Committee Members

Tiffani McBee

Social Media Coordinator

Tiffani was born and raised in Biggar and has been part of the performing arts community since she entered her first Biggar and District Music Festival when she was 5 years old. She has performed in multiple theatrical productions since 2002, with NCCP Junior, Sr, and other theatre companies in Saskatchewan. She has also been a part of BCS’s band program, including the Jazz, Sr, and Jr band from 2004-2008 playing Trumpet.

Tiffani has spent most of her adult life working and training as a professional chef, volunteering and competing with SIAST and CCFCC Saskatoon. She competed for Saskatchewan in Saputo’s Jr Chefs challenge, winning and taking her to Halifax in 2014. Her commitment took her to numerous national conferences in both Canada and the US as a JR culinary ambassador, while also helping compete with numerous Chefs for Gold Medal Plates. She opened her first restaurant in 2014 and her second in 2016. Since, she has managed and consulted for many reputable businesses, while taking a special interest in social media management. She has made her way back to Biggar, where she works as a cook at our local hospital and LTC facility, while still volunteering her time to consulting and managing socials for local businesses and non-profits.

When she’s not cooking or baking, you can find her in her yard gardening, taking in the latest scary movie, visiting friends or family, or hiding away from civilization from the comfort of her bathtub. She loves animals, being outside, enjoying a delicious margarita or two, and advocating for mental health.