Meet the Team
Catherine Ballachey
Managing Director
Catherine Ballachey (she/her) is a Vancouver-based dramaturg and administrator. In 2009, she received her BFA in Performance Theatre and French from Simon Fraser University. After working in the Vancouver theatre community in various administrative roles, she returned school to complete her MA in Dramaturgy and Theatre Theory at the University of Ottawa in 2016. She has worked with many Vancouver-based companies including Neworld Theatre, Pi Theatre, Electric Company Theatre, Canada’s National Voice Intensive, Arts Club Theatre Company, and Théâtre la Seizième. While in Ottawa, she worked with Great Canadian Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre, the Ottawa Acting Company, Ottawa Children’s Theatre, and Horseshoes and Handgrenades Theatre.
Jalen Saip
Artistic Director
Jalen (she/her) is an actor, producer, award winning photographer. She is an impassioned advocate for spreading joy and laughter, both on-stage and off. She has been performing for audiences since the age of three in everything from Shakespeare to Schönberg. She joined the wonderful world of improv in 2016, rising to the ranks of main-stage performer at The Improv Centre within two years.
Since that time, Jalen has enjoyed performing with, and learning from, a great number of talented improvisors and actors, based in Vancouver and around the world. She now revels in sharing the joy of improv with students of her own, ranging in age.
Jalen has worked in Education, Non-Profit, Administration and Human Resources. She has also had numerous volunteer roles with community outreach projects and children’s programs focused on music and performance.
Will Martin
Finance Director
Will (he/him) has been at the financial pulse of TIC since 2019. A chartered accountant (CPA) by trade, Will is also a wizard in the field of IT. With expertise in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, he has a keen understanding of operations and data management processes.
He’ll also be the first to let you know when there’s an error with your accounting paperwork, but won’t let you feel bad about it for more than twenty seconds.
When he isn’t crunching numbers or balancing bank books, you may find Will walking around the Lower Mainland, snapping pictures from behind the lens of a camera.
Brendan Kelly
Technical Director / Bookings Coordinator
Brendan (he/him) is a sound technician, DJ, emcee and improviser from St Catharines, Ontario. Trained in audio production and radio arts at Niagara College in Ontario he has spent many years as a wedding, events and club DJ, sound technician for conferences and events, and lent his voice as an emcee and host.
He joined The Improv Centre as a sound improviser in 2016 after he decided he didn’t like being on stage, the lights are too bright. Since that time he has worked countless shows, created many sound designs, taught workshops and worked with distinguished alumni Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles. He became the theatre Technical Director in November of 2023.
In his free time he’s known for running the occasional marathon, collecting obscure vinyl records, quoting existential literature or referencing Star Trek, The Simpsons and a plethora of forgotten sitcoms from the 90’s.
Michele Roger
Front of House & Theatre Operations Manager
Michele (she/her) joined The Improv Centre team in September 2021. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role from 20+ years in the fashion retail industry as a General Manager, Facilitator, Leader, Teacher, and Coach. Before joining TIC, Michele worked as a Production Coordinator for CircusWest Performing Arts Society where she was responsible for marketing and promotions, front of house operations and overseeing the hair, make-up, costume, and volunteer departments. She studied at the University of Victoria where she graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Psychology (major) and Sociology (minor). Michele is thrilled to be part of the team at TIC. It’s the perfect place for her to continue in her goal to immerse herself in the arts community, to impact it in a positive way, and to thrive doing a job she loves! Outside of TIC, Michele is an accomplished Costume Designer and Seamstress specializing in circus costumes and has her own RTW collection “Belleame Designs”. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, photography, dancing, sewing and singing – you may even see her on a stage near you performing with local choirs.
Kayla Gunn
Office Manager
Kayla (she/her) is ecstatic to be part of this wonderful team here at The Improv Centre! She has spent the last decade away training and working as an actor, receiving a BA in Theatre Acting from Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS) as well as an Acting for Media Diploma from George Brown College (Toronto, ON). On her off-time, Kayla can be found looking for cool rocks, making art, or seeing some great local theatre!
Johnny Hamilton
Marketing Manager
Johnny (he/him) brings over 10 years of marketing experience to his role at The Improv Centre. Comedy is a joy near and dear to his heart, though he’s definitely better one-on-one than in a group setting. He’s glad he’s found a home at TIC, creating a space for creativity and humour to thrive in the city.
Coming from leadership roles within the world of sales, marketing, and operations, his core values are built from a sturdy framework of captivating storytelling and exceptional customer experience.
Originally studying English Literature and Communications at SFU, he keeps busy as a multidisciplinary artist in the Vancouver arts community. No stranger to Granville Island, he has staged many productions there during his work in theatre. He is grateful to be part of the Island’s thriving creative community.
Meaghan Hommy
Artistic Administrator
Meaghan (she/her) is an actor, voice artist and improviser from Calgary, AB. She has a diploma in the performing arts as well as her degree in psychology. Meaghan works to bring joy into everything she does, and has been a performer since she was 4 years old. As a pilates instructor, she loves to teach and lead, which has aided in her work at The Improv Centre. Meaghan is incredibly proud and excited to be a part of this company.
Meghan Danyluk
Digital Marketing Coordinator
A fourth-year English student at Simon Fraser University and former high school theatre kid, Meghan (she/her) is over the moon to be working with The Improv Centre. She brings her experience in writing, video editing, photography, and customer service to the Digital Marketing Coordinator role. You can find her making bad puns and too many Taylor Swift references on TIC’s Instagram and newsletter. Her most prized possession is Janet, her 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Frank Paige
Box Office & Volunteer Coordinator
Frank (they/he) is a performing artist and transplant from Ontario where they studied Film & Television Acting at Humber College (Toronto, ON). After a 2-month trip across Canada that involved some of the most beautiful sights, mountain goats, lots of canned beans and cold showers Frank landed in Vancouver! Originally joining the Improv Centre in 2022 as a box office attendant their new role is supported by their love of the arts, knack for puzzles and problem solving. Outside of TIC you can also find Frank working at Sonder Acting Studio and hear their voice in the Dreamers podcast series. Thriving in a constant state of change and learning Frank is thrilled to be a part of the TIC team and contribute to the amazing work they do.
Talya Nakkas
Communications Coordinator
Talya moved to beautiful Vancouver from the Mediterranean coast of Turkey four years ago. After obtaining her bachelor’s in Linguistics and Philosophy at McGill, she worked as an ESL teacher and then as an arts administrator. Her enduring passion and curiosity for the arts encouraged her to go back to school for graphic design. And she’s proud to have completed her studies at BCIT while working full time. In her free time, she loves to jam skate at the beach, take hip hop classes, and watch arthouse films. Talya is overjoyed to a be a part of this fun and friendly team that’s dedicated to bringing laughter and joy into people’s lives!
Helen Camisa
Training Coordinator
Helen (she/her) is a producer, performer and fat positive yoga teacher. She believes that the arts should be accessible to anyone who wants to explore them, which is why she loves being part of The Improv Centre education program where so many people take their first improv steps. She looks forward to meeting you in class or at the theatre!
Emily Schoen
Interim Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
Emily (she/her) is an Asian, mixed raced actor, improviser, and writer from Calgary. She has a degree in Dramatic Arts in which she graduated with Great Distinction. As a performer, Emily is a member our Mainstage Ensemble, as well as Very Good Improv and Fistful of Kicks (Vancouver’s all Asian Improv Troupe). She has been teaching theatre and improv to all ages for over ten years. Seeing representation and diversity on our stage is something that Emily is incredibly passionate about and she is so excited to help The Improv Centre create and maintain a safe, inclusive environment for everyone involved. Fun Fact: Emily has a flip phone.
Helen Camisa
Training Coordinator
Helen (she/her) is a producer, performer and fat positive yoga teacher. She believes that the arts should be accessible to anyone who wants to explore them, which is why she loves being part of The Improv Centre education program where so many people take their first improv steps. She looks forward to meeting you in class or at the theatre!