The Deception of Kathryn Vask

Directed by Carrie Shogan
Produced by Frances Quick
Venables Theatre - February, 2024

This year, in addition to our usual spring production, SOAP Theatre also took The Deception of Kathryn Vask to Theatre BC's 2024 Okanagan Zone Theatre Festival, held in Vernon. The play was very well received by the audience and the adjudicator, ultimately bringing home two rewards:

Special Merit 'Jump Scare' award (special effects) to Ashton Gludovatz, and
Special Merit Award for Actor Adjustment to Craig Bjornson

What our audiences said:

"It was a great show - thoroughly enjoyed it. Great job everyone!!" - Lfj Oliver

"Great show! Loved it!" - Veronique Bolduc

""...the talent was phenomenal!" - Heather Lowry

"We were there opening night and yes I jumped. Thanks for all your hard work entertaining our community." - Rain Christine Doern

"It was an amazing performance. Incredible acting and the stage setting was perfect." -

'The South Okanagan Amateur Player (SOAP) production of 'The Deception of Kathryn Vask' written by Mark Steensland is EXCELLENT!! The plot was intriguing and well acted. Kudos to EVERYONE involved with this Production!! Don't miss the opportunity to see it....You won't be disappointed!!!"
- Helen Ship

What's the Story?

Blaming herself for her son’s death, Kathryn Vask agrees to hold a séance in her home. Encouraged by her husband, Jonathan and the local priest, Kathryn asks for her dead son’s forgiveness to help her cope with the tragedy. The story has some unexpected twists and a final turn of events which makes the audience sit on the edge of their seats. This drama speaks to motherhood, spirituality, and family bonds.

Director's Notes

When producer Frances Quick approached me last summer and asked me if I wanted to be involved in SOAP's next production, I had no idea what she had in mind. Having just come off the massive and multi-award-winning success of her directorial debut, “7 Stories”, I was keen to keep the energy flowing. When she suggested I direct the next play, I was hesitant. I had never directed before, but I was confident that we could pull it off and agreed readily and began looking for plays. I wanted to try something different than what SOAP's usually known for, and when I ran “The Deception of Kathryn Vask”, by Mark Steensland, past Frances, she caught my excitement immediately. With a cast and crew this talented, I knew we were about to create something special. T.S. Eliot may have declared April to be the cruelest month, but February has to be up there too, with grey skies, still too-short days, cold nights and biting winds. It's a wonderful time for a ghost story. We're still curled up by the hearth, waiting for warmer weather, and as the wind outside howls, we can delight in the shivers from guessing if it's simply Mother Nature, or a Banshee come calling.
While there are no Banshees in The Deception of Kathryn Vask, it is a thrilling ghost story all the same. With masterfully woven tension, and dialogue that never has a dull moment, it explores the depths we will go to while dealing with our grief, and our guilt, and how the two intersect. This play will keep you on the edge of your seat as we watch a play unfold within the play, and we ask ourselves who really are the players? I hope you have as much fun watching The Deception of Kathryn Vask as I had directing it. Oh, and one favour, I ask of you, dear friends. Once you know, please share our story, and encourage your friends to join us too, but be sure to keep our secret. Half the fun is trying to guess the mystery!
Happy watching.

Rehearsal Photos

Playwright Mark Steensland

Mark Steensland self-published his first book while in fourth grade and has been telling stories ever since—some of them true. He became a professional journalist before graduating high school, writing about movies for such magazines as Prevue, Millimeter, and American Cinematographer.
He holds a bachelor's in film studies from UC Santa Barbara, a master's in creative writing from CSU Sacramento, and an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman University. His award-winning films (including Peekers and The Ugly File) have played in festivals around the world. His first novel—Behind the Bookcase—was published in 2012 by Random House. A movie based on The Special, a novella co-written with James Newman, was released in October 2020. He most recently wrote Jakob's Wife, starring Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden, and Bonnie Aarons.

Cast & Crew

Producer ------------- Frances Quick
Director -------------- Carrie Shogan
Stage Manager ------------ Roberta Barens
Set Design & Construction------ Craig Bjornson
Head Costumer -------------------- Bernice Myllyniemi
Assistant Costumer ---------Marilyn Johnson
Propsmaster ---------------- Nancy Gunnlaugson
Sound -------------------------- Ashton Gludovatz
Hair and Makeup ----------- Linda Davreux
And Special Thanks to
Masimo Furlan as the Face of Timothy Vask

Diane Gludovatz - Kathryn Vask
Diane Gludovatz, Best Actress winner of the 2023 OZone festival for “7 Stories” is expanding from comedy to drama for this production. Although not her first foray into drama (she played Molly Ralston in Mousetrap In 2003), and having been involved with SOAP for 40 years, she is better known for her comedies.
The biggest challenge Diane is facing this go-round is convincing the audience she’s only in her early 30s.

Craig Bjornson - Jonathan Vask
Craig has appeared in numerous productions with SOAP . He last appeared in SOAP's award winning production of “7 Stores”, playing a somewhat peculiar window observer. His current role of Jonathan Vask also requires close observation and he hopes everyone enjoys tonight's marital, spiritual rollercoaster! Craig would like to thank everyone involved in "The Deception of Kathryn Vask" and would like to thank you for supporting community theater.

Donna Macbeth - Leslie Harmon
This is Donna’s 5th appearance with SOAP and she is very grateful to be given the opportunity to entertain you. Big thanks to her family and friends for their continuing support and thanks to everyone for supporting community theatre. Enjoy the show - and leave a light on tonight!

Joe Rupcich - Albert Harmon
He is looking forward to sharing the stage with some of his favorite actors, who he has admired for their creativity , professionalism and craft. Joe hopes the patrons enjoy the show and are encouraged to see more productions put on by SOAP.

Dale McNeil - Father Michael Cadigan
Dale has been performing with local theater groups for two years. Doing plays with such talented actors has helped him get more skills for live theater. After the wonderful and memorable production of “7 Stories” at last year’s OZone Festival, Dale’s desire to perform has grown! He looks forward to inspiring with more work! Enjoy the show!