Meet our directors....

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - THE MUSICAL
DIRECTED BY DOUGIE WALKER
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Douglas Walker is looking to build on the success of his first season with the Highlands Summer Festival as the Artistic Producer. After the hilarious absurdity of Urinetown, Douglas is following up with a more classic tale, Anne Of Green Gables. This season builds on his history with the festival, which includes a moving performance in Every Brilliant Thing and his directorial debut with the rollicking 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

His creative talents extend beyond directing and producing, though. Douglas has also showcased his writing and performing chops in Candid Cabaret with R.C.S., and his choreography has been featured in The Rink at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum at the Highlands Summer Festival.

On stage, Douglas has toured extensively across Canada and beyond, appearing in popular productions like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, and The Soul Of Motown (Stage West), as well as Avenue Q on its UK National Tour. He has also performed in The Voice of the Turtle and Affairs of State (Classic Theatre Festival), Miracle on 34th Street (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), and even Scooby Doo Live: The Mystery of the Pyramid (UK National Tour, Warner Bros.). His theatrical journey has taken him across the globe, including performances with The Tenors (Netherlands Tour) and Sesame Street (Universal Studios Japan).
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Beyond the stage, Douglas has appeared in several television productions, including Frankie Drake Mysteries (CBC), A Christmas Exchange (Lifetime), In The Dark (The CW), Jazz Ramsay: A K9 Mystery (Hallmark), and Rabbit Hole (Paramount). He has also lent his voice to Hyperscape (Ubisoft) and the audiobook Unrest by Gwen Tuinman (Penguin Random House).

As he steps into the exciting role of Artistic Producer, Douglas is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement at the Highlands Summer Festival.
All my love to Jocelyn, Lachlan & Kaja for their unwavering support xxx

DORIS & IVY IN THE HOME
DIRECTED BY MYRNA MCBRIEN

Myrna is a seasoned actor and director with over twenty-five years of experience spanning both amateur and professional stages. As an actor, director, and producer, she is recognized for her storytelling, team-minded leadership, and commitment to creating character-driven work. Her years with the Highlands Summer Festival reflect a deep passion for theatre as both an art form and a vital community experience.
Most recently, Myrna appeared as Gingy in her own theatre company’s Toronto production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Delia and Nora Ephron, having played the role previously at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. As a director, she has helmed recent Toronto productions of Norm Foster’s Doris and Ivy in the Home and Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine. Myrna’s producing credits also include Kingfisher Days by Susan Coyne, in which she also starred in Hamilton On.

Her longstanding involvement with the Festival includes performances in Annie, The Goodbye Girl, The Last Resort, Looking, Fallen Angels, and The Ladies Foursome, the latter of which she also directed. She has also directed notable Festival productions such as The Dining Room, The Importance of Being Earnest, Shirley Valentine, and last summer’s Drinking Habits. Myrna is honoured to return to the Festival and to work alongside its dedicated artists, volunteers, and loyal supporters. She extends her sincere thanks to Melissa and Douglas, and to the Board for the opportunity to once again contribute to this vibrant, community-minded theatre.
Special heartfelt thanks goes to her brave and beautiful cast, the behind the scenes teams such as set design, building, painting, tech, light design, all volunteers, and backstage crew. Myrna wants to thank her wonderful stage manager for keeping us all organized, and uplifted every step of the way.
Myrna invites you to enjoy another fabulous HSF season—and believes wholeheartedly that you are never too old to get lost in the magic of theatre.

​Love to the family, and cheers to friends who become family.

TOO MANY COOKS
DIRECTED BY A BRAATZ

A Braatz is thrilled to join HSF's 2026 season. A multifaceted artist, he works as an actor, singer, musician, writer, director, producer—adapting to whatever role is needed. He has performed on stages and screens across Europe and North America, bringing his dynamic talents to diverse projects.
A Braatz believes storytelling unites us, sparking our shared humanity and driving progress through creativity. "Every story is our story," he says, reflecting his commitment to invigorating the spirit of commonality through art.
Grateful for the family and friends who have supported him on this journey. A Braatz looks forward to many more years of creating and connecting.

​Follow on IG: @albraatz)