After getting her start with Theatre Under the Stars in Stanley Park, Diana Kaarina graduated to Broadway shows. Her resume includes Les Miserables, Anne of Green Gables and Rent; you can also hear her as the voice of Barbie! Now she’s returned home and is educating the future stars of stage.
How long have you lived in Greater Vancouver?
I was born in Vancouver, but raised in Richmond. I’ve lived here almost my whole life, with the exception of the times I was on tour (7.5 years) and in New York (3.5 yrs). I returned home when my daughter was born to raise her with my family around.
How did you get involved with Theatre Under the Stars?
I had done a show at Theatre Under the Stars when I was a teenager, years ago! It was “The Boyfriend”. I had also done some community theatre as a teenager with one of the directors at TUTS, Shel Piercy, who made the connection between TUTS and myself when I expressed an interest in running a theatre camp with the organization. That same year, I also played “Millie” in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” for TUTS. It was double duty!
What shows have you gone on to do since then?
Since my TUTS show as a teenager, I’ve played “Anne” in “Anne of Green Gables” at the Charlottetown Festival, “Meg Giry” in Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, on the International Tour and in Vancouver (we opened the then Ford Centre for the Performing Arts), “Eponine” in Les Miserables on the Broadway tour and in the original closing cast on Broadway, I created the role of “Miss Dorothy” in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” for the Broadway National Tour & I was the “Mimi/Maureen” swing for RENT on Broadway, playing every female role but Joanne. Phew! After that I played “Eponine” for the outdoor premiere of Les Miz in St. Louis & “Millie” in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in San Diego. Here at home, I did “Millie” here for TUTS, “Miss Dorothy” at the Gateway & I did a couple of fantastic co-ops: “Christmas on the Air” at the Pacific Theatre & “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at the PAL. Outside of that, I did a lot of workshops, recordings and readings of new and exciting musicals and I always am!
Is it strange that people know you as the voice of Barbie?
It is kinda neat! Especially for my little daughter, who just turned 6! I absolutely LOVE doing voiceovers – I’ve had the opportunity to make so many interesting voices and play characters I could never play without an animator: little boys, talking animals & insects, and really tall blonde icons!
What is it about TUTs that makes it so special?
I think TUTS has so much history, and such an amazing and extended family of performers, musicians, artistic staff, crew, volunteers and so many more, that combine to make it one of those magical theatrical places. It brings together so many people for the joy of entertainment, challenge & a great evening out in beautiful Stanley Park.
Tell us more about the Summer Musical Theatre Camps:
I run the Intensive Musical Theatre Camps, which focus on triple threat training. We do work in acting, singing, dance & combining all three to make a seamless performer. Most importantly, we work on creating confidence – which a performer needs most of all. All of this while on the outdoor stage in Stanley Park, enjoying our gorgeous Vancouver summers! The most unique thing about these camps is that the students then get to perform their showcase on the stage as a preshow to the evening’s TUTS performance and their regular audience.
Do you have any other projects coming up?
I am always doing voiceovers, which I absolutely adore, and I own and operate a Musical Theatre school called Broadway Edge Studio. I have a few things lined up, but I’m not really allowed to say! Right now, I am concentrating most on being a mom to my amazing daughter.
What is your favourite Vancouver experience?
I’ve had so many!! This is almost impossible to answer since I’ve grown up here — but what I can say is that I have traveled to & lived in so many places in my career & there was no place that could compare with Vancouver. I always longed for the day I could come home.
What is your favourite vantage point in the city?
I love the view of Vancouver from the top of Grouse Mountain. Amazing!!
Plug a small business or organization that more people should know about:
Can I plug my own? Broadway Edge Studio – www.broadwayedgestudio.com – which provides Musical Theatre training and coaching for all ages and levels. I also Artistic Direct Encore Musical Theatre, which is a non-profit theatre program for kids Gr. 4-9.
Share something brilliant:
The arts is one of the most amazing gifts you can give your child, or yourself! It is an outlet to explore ideas, talents, theories & challenge yourself. It is also a venue that connects people and helps us realize how much of our life experiences are shared. It’s an outlet for all kinds of emotion and energy – a healthy one. It builds character in more ways than one!
Theatre Under the Stars runs July 8th through August 18th at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.
