Julia Dyck

Julia brings nearly two decades of experience with KPA, having contributed to KPA productions including The Lion King, Retro, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, A Mermaid Tale, Merida the Brave, Cinderella, Mulan, Tangled, Toy Story, As You Wish, Ratatouille, Far Far Away, Inside Out, and Narnia. Her extensive involvement both onstage and behind the scenes has given her a comprehensive understanding of every stage of the production process.

With experience in sound design, lighting design, QLab programming and operation, music editing, film production and editing, costume design, set design, script writing, directing, choreography, acting, and dance, Julia enjoys combining technical precision with creative storytelling. She is particularly passionate about how sound, lighting, and multimedia can elevate a performance and create memorable experiences for audiences.

Julia believes technical theatre is where creativity, innovation, and collaboration come together. She is excited to help students explore the many facets of backstage production while building practical skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the artistry that makes every performance possible. Through the KPA Backstage Tech Academy, Julia hopes to inspire students to discover that some of theatre’s most rewarding and impactful roles happen behind the scenes.

Larissa Peat

Larissa brings a lifelong passion for sewing and craftsmanship to the KPA Backstage Tech Academy. She began sewing at a young age under the guidance of her grandmother, a professional seamstress whose knowledge and mentorship inspired a love for the craft that has continued to grow over the years.

What began with traditional sewing evolved into a broad skill set that includes garment construction, tailoring, quilting, leatherwork, embroidery, and even footwear construction. Through her work with KPA, Larissa has further expanded her expertise by applying sewing techniques to costume design and theatrical production, discovering the many creative possibilities that exist beyond traditional sewing.

Larissa believes sewing is both a practical life skill and an artistic outlet; one that encourages creativity, precision, and problem-solving. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others and helping students build confidence through hands-on learning.

As she likes to say, “Everyone should have the privilege of knowing someone who can sew.”

Ericka Hartnell

Ericka brings a wide range of creative theatre experience to the KPA Backstage Tech Academy, having been involved in numerous KPA productions both on and off the stage. Her production credits include Tarzan, A Mermaid Tale, Merida the Brave, Cinderella, Mulan, Tangled, Toy Story, As You Wish, Ratatouille, Far Far Away, Inside Out, and Narnia.

While Ericka enjoys many aspects of theatre, her passion lies in the creative work that happens behind the scenes. She has experience in makeup design, prop fabrication, set painting, backstage crew, acting, and dance, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how each department contributes to a successful production. She especially enjoys transforming ideas into tangible pieces that help tell a story on stage.

Ericka believes that technical theatre is where creativity and collaboration come together. She is excited to share her knowledge with students, encouraging them to explore new skills, think creatively, and discover the many opportunities that exist beyond the spotlight.

Duck Lefebvre

Duck brings a diverse range of technical and creative experience to the KPA Backstage Tech Academy. Having contributed to numerous KPA productions, including Tangled, Toy Story, As You Wish, Ratatouille, Far Far Away, Inside Out, and Narnia, they have developed a passion for both the artistic and technical elements that bring a production to life.

With experience spanning set design, scenic construction, audiovisual technology, lighting design, music editing, filming and video editing, directing, acting, singing, and dance, Duck enjoys exploring how multiple disciplines work together to create immersive theatrical experiences. Whether designing a set, programming lighting, editing music, or building scenery, Duck is always looking for creative ways to enhance storytelling.

Duck is passionate about mentoring the next generation of backstage artists and believes that technical theatre offers endless opportunities for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Through the KPA Backstage Tech Academy, they hope to inspire students to think outside the box, develop practical skills, and discover the rewarding work that happens behind the curtain.