The Free Willies
The Free Willies are a local mix of actors and musicians joining forces to create a FREE 20 minute show touring to parks, farmer’s markets, and front porches with a blend of music, comedy, and, of course, Shakespeare.
Family Friendly Entertainment and following Alberta Health Regulations.
The Free Willies
The Freewill Song
What A Rogue Am I
The Free Willies were created with the collaboration of Thou Art Here to travel safely to parks, porches and other outdoor venues to spread a bit of comedy, songs and Bard-inspired antics all over Edmonton.
We also filmed some music videos to tide us over until we can be together again under the amphitheatre!
Special Thanks to:
Epic Photography
Theatre Garage
The City of Edmonton.
Meet the Company
Billy Brown
Performer
is an actor/singer from Edmonton, Alberta. In 2014 he graduated from the Musical Theatre Program at MacEwan University, and in 2018 he graduated from the BFA Acting Program at the University of Alberta. His most recent theatre credits include Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Theatre Calgary’s Shakespeare by the Bow), Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Theatre Calgary’s Shakespeare by the Bow), John in John & Jen (Imagine Performing Arts), Speed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Theatre Calgary’s Shakespeare by the Bow), Lyngstrand in The Lady from the Sea (Studio Theatre), Moth in Love’s Labours Lost (Freewill Shakespeare), Sampson in Romeo and Juliet (Freewill Shakespeare), and Skip Goldman in Rumpelstiltskin (Alberta Opera). Billy has had an absolute blast working with Freewill Shakespeare and Thou Art Here on this very fun and charming play. He hopes everyone watching enjoys the performance and feels as comfortable as possible during these unprecedented times.
Jameela Mcneil
Performer
is an Afro-Canadian performer based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is a MacEwan Theatre Arts Alumnus, most recently seen in As You Like It and The Color Purple (RMTC/Citadel Theatre). Other credits include: Sister Act, All Shook Up, Soul Sistas (Mayfield), and John Ware Reimagined (Workshop West). You can also see her perform in the Citadel's Road Shows this summer. Jameela is thrilled to be working with the Freewill/Thou Art Here team as Shakespeare in the Park has become one of her summertime traditions. You can typically find her volunteering in the concession tent or taking tickets. As we are in uncertain and troubling times we hope this provides a moment of joy for anyone watching/listening. In these times, and always, we must fix our eyes and centre our hearts on love, equity and goodwill.
Chariz Faulmino
Performer
is a Filipinx-Canadian performer based in Edmonton, Alberta and an alumnus of the MacEwan Theatre Arts Program. Upon graduating she embarked on a theatrical journey touring Alberta Musical Theatre Company’s, Pinocchio! around the province. Chariz was seen at the Citadel in the 2019 production of A Christmas Carol and Cafe Wanderlust (Citadel House Series/Plain Jane Theatre Company). During this state of a global pandemic, she is blessed with opportunities to continue working safely/healthily on a few socially-distant gigs. Catch her in parks, streets, neighbourhoods with The Citadel Road Shows and see her shake-shake-shaking it up with Freewill Shakespeare/Thou Art Here mini pop-up concerts. Chariz hopes to share love and joy with you all!
Alyson Dicey
Writer
is an Edmonton based actor and graduate of the BFA Acting class of 2012 at the University of Alberta. She has worked with Thou Art Here Theatre since 2012 and became co-artistic director in 2020. Alyson is best known for writing and directing their annual puppet show at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. Alyson is also a writer and performer with Girl Brain Sketch Comedy and is proud to work with a troupe that celebrates and promotes the strength of women. Alyson believes strongly in encouraging young women to take on leadership roles, set and achieve goals, and develop confidence in their voices and abilities. Since September 2016, Alyson has worked as an artist with Trickster Theatre, a physical theatre company that does residency programs in Alberta schools. Artists work with the students to create original performances based on their curriculum and themes the school feels are important. Alyson has sat on the board of directors for Common Ground Arts Society since 2018. The Society produces the Found Festival which Alyson is passionate about, having been either a performer, volunteer or audience member since its first year in 2012. Common Ground Arts Society is a not for profit organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of local artists. CGAS creates opportunity for artists of all disciplines and brings distinct audience experiences to the Edmonton community.
Find the next performance by following us on our socials