Experiencing Interruptions?

When The Stage Lights Go Out

In 2020 when the world shut down due to the global pandemic the performing arts industry struggled to survive. This documentary is about six actors from Broadway to Toronto. They dealt with the issues of COVID all while trying to navigate financial instability, and the complete loss of their industry. This is their story.

From Broadway to Toronto when the pandemic hit, what happened to the performers?

Featuring in alphabetical order: Bruce Dow, Gabi Epstein, David Huband, Lori Nancy Kalamanski, Kevin Morris, and Paloma Nuñez.

Filmed by Humber College students in the Film & Television Advanced Diploma Program in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Gordon Yarley
    Director
  • Katelyn Visser
    Producer
  • Bruce Dow
    Key Cast
  • Gabi Epstein
    Key Cast
  • David Husband
    Key Cast
  • Lori Nancy Kalamanski
    Key Cast
  • Paloma Nuñez
    Key Cast
  • Kevin Morris
    Key Cast
  • Tyler Ferguson
    Director of Photography
  • Katelyn Visser
    Editor
  • Will Smith-Blyth
    Sound Recordist
  • Liam Cooper
    Camera Operator
  • George Gkandis
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    782 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Humber College
Director Biography - Gordon Yarley

Gordon Yarley has been studying Film and Television Production at Humber College as a Mature Student, in Toronto, Ontario and has previously graduated from the Regional Arts Program in Mississauga, Ontario at Cawthra Park Secondary School, having majored in Dramatic Arts.

He was very active in community theatre, winning awards for both being on stage and backstage, he both produced and directed several productions that were well received. He has also appeared as a dead body on CBC’s The Coroner and in several commercials. Being a fan of all things Broadway and Theatrical he was inspired to create this documentary from all the stories of his friends in the industry being out of work.

He has two cats, Morticia and Bella. They make up the logo of Dreaming Cat Productions, his own production company.
His work is dedicated to the memory of his Mother, who raised him and his Sister along with their disabled Brother as a single parent.
He is also grateful to have a supportive Husband, Kyle Dunn and loves him dearly.
He is incredibly proud of his team and would do it all over again, as it’s been an incredible experience. He hopes that this documentary can one day be expanded further.
His short films from his first year include a tribute to the House Hippo commercial using his own cats, called “The Canadian Housecat”, a Visual Poetry piece called “Christmastime” using stop motion in and around Toronto in December and his festival-submitted “Mask of The Vampire” that asks the question, what happens to a Vampire during the pandemic. They can be found at www.youtube.com/masteractor Gordon’s social media: www.instagram.com/masteractor

He is very proud of this work and of his fellow students for being able to create documentaries during the pandemic.

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Director Statement

From Broadway to Toronto when the pandemic hit, what happened to the performers?

In 2020 when the world shut down due to the global pandemic the performing arts industry struggled to survive. This documentary is about six actors from Broadway to Toronto. They dealt with the issues of COVID all while trying to navigate financial instability, and the complete loss of their industry. This is their story.

This project was made at Humber College as part of the Film and Television Program.