About Us
WELCOME TO BLUE i RADIOVANCOUVERS dynamic film and theater company. We are dedicated to bringing captivating stories to life through the power of performance and cinematic excellence. Our commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement sets us apart in the vibrant cultural landscape of Vancouver.
At BLUE i RADIO Our mission is to deliver unparalleled excellence in theater, film, and TV production. Through dedication to professionalism and creativity, we strive to elevate careers and enrich audiences with compelling, high-quality productions that set the standard in our industry. We envison a world where the arts are a fundamental part of everyday life, fostering empathy, creativity and a deeper understanding of human experience.
Founded in 2022, BLUE i RADIO has grown from a small local troupe to a renowned company known for its artistic excellence and innovative approach to storytelling. Over the next few years we plan on producing a diverse range of productions, from intimate theater performances to grand cinematic projects.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver unparalleled excellence in theater, film, and TV production. Through dedication to professionalism and creativity, we strive to elevate careers and enrich audiences with compelling, high-quality productions that set the standard in our industry.
Hellal Jawhari
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Hellal always had a flair for the stage and the spotlight. Despite a strict Lebanese upbringing that didn't see theater and film as viable career paths, Hellal's passion never wavered. He had two dreams: to move to Vancouver and to act. After 19 years, two careers, and many setbacks, he achieved both goals. With a one-year diploma in film and acting under his belt, Hellal continued to push towards his dream of "making it" by studying with prestigious coaches in Vancouver. In September 2023, he had the thrilling opportunity to play "Danny" in John Patrick Shanley's Off-Off Broadway play "Danny And The Deep Blue Sea."
Hellal is not one to rest on his laurels. His love for the stage is matched only by his passion for working with dedicated actors. As the Founder of BLUE i RADIO, Hellal is eager to bring more arts to Vancouver, the rest of Canada, and beyond. Hellal will be bringing Jackie, the petty drug dealing addict, to life in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Dark Comedy The Motherf**ker With The Hat. And the quirky writer Victor in John Patrick Shanley’s “Four Dogs And A Bone.” With his eyes set on the big screen, Hellal's journey is just beginning.
Hellal Jawhari “Victor” & “Jackie”
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Hellal always had a flair for the stage and the spotlight. Despite a strict Lebanese upbringing that didn't see theater and film as viable career paths, Hellal's passion never wavered. He had two dreams: to move to Vancouver and to act. After 19 years, two careers, and many setbacks, he achieved both goals. With a one-year diploma in film and acting under his belt, Hellal continued to push towards his dream of "making it" by studying with prestigious coaches in Vancouver. In September 2023, he had the thrilling opportunity to play "Danny" in John Patrick Shanley's Off-Off Broadway play "Danny And The Deep Blue Sea."
Hellal is not one to rest on his laurels. His love for the stage is matched only by his passion for working with dedicated actors. As the Founder of BLUE i RADIO, Hellal is eager to bring more arts to Vancouver, the rest of Canada, and beyond. Hellal will be bringing Jackie, the petty drug dealing addict, to life in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Dark Comedy The Motherf**ker With The Hat. And the quirky writer Victor in John Patrick Shanley’s “Four Dogs And A Bone.” With his eyes set on the big screen, Hellal's journey is just beginning.
Rebecca Brotherwood “Brenda”
Rebecca has had a passion for the arts from a very young age. She was born in Preston, England and moved to Canada when she was four years old. Throughout her high school years, she participated in many theatre productions and student films, and worked part time on film sets as a background performer. She also spent her free time making short films of her own. After receiving her Film Acting Diploma from NIC, Rebecca worked as a lead on the upcoming independent thriller "You Deserve To Die Alone" (2024). Her stage credits include lead roles such as Cunningham in "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" (2023), and Elizabeth Proctor in "The Crucible" (2023). She played Roberta in the Blue i Radio production of "Danny and The Deep Blue Sea" (2023). She has also performed at the 2023 Vancouver Fringe Festival, where she played multiple characters in the political satire "The Duelist". Rebecca is thrilled to be back with Blue i Radio as Brenda in this year's production of "Four Dogs and a Bone"!
Kengo Hashimoto “Bradley”
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kengo developed a passion for the performing arts at an early age after watching his mother's favorite film, 'A Chorus Line.' This early exposure ignited a lifelong love for the stage and screen. In his twenties, he moved to Vancouver to pursue a global opportunity, studying acting at New Image College. Captivated by the stage, Kengo took on diverse roles, including Boochie in 'Den of Thieves' and Satan in 'The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,' both produced by New Image Entertainment.
Kengo's talent and versatility have led to significant opportunities in television, with credits including 'Shogun' (2024), 'Pachinko' Season 2 (2024), and 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' (2023), among others. With a foundation rooted in an appreciation for the craft, Kengo continues to expand his horizons, taking on projects that bring characters to life on both stage and screen.
Fernanda Lobo “Collette”
Fernanda is an artistic Mexican actress whose passion for movies and being in front of the camera began at a young age. After relocating to Vancouver, she decided to follow her dreams and pursue a career in acting, a path that perfectly aligns with her values of empathy and connection. Fernanda's dedication to her craft led her to complete the 2-year Acting Conservatory Program at New Image College. This intensive training honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the art of acting. Eager to continue her artistic journey, Fernanda actively seeks opportunities in both film and theater to further expand her experience and showcase her talent. Fernanda is thrilled to be playing Collette in "Four Dogs and a Bone by John Patrick Shanley.” She looks forward to bringing this character to life and collaborating with other creatives in the industry. Her enthusiasm and commitment to her craft promise a bright future in the world of acting.
James Challis – Director
James’ theatre performances include, The Cherry Orchard & Three Sisters by Checkov, Macbeth by Shakespeare, Emma by Jane Austin and Alan Ayckbourn's Relatively Speaking. He has also had the privilege of performing at the Havana theatre in the independent successes "Don't Forget Your Pants" and "Feelings In the Window". He toured A Midsummer Night's Dream with Shakespeare Canada, James won the Audience Vote at the About Love festival (Tomo Suru Players) for his role in "Carrots Baby". He also played Joey in "A Steady Rain" a 90 minute 2 character play by Keith Huff" And played "Phillip" in the high voltage dark comedy "Orphans". James also performed at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in the " The Duelist" as "Fred Kinnan" & played "Wolfgang" in Artists Revolution. He's has previously directed Blue I radios "Danny & the Deep Blue Sea".
Cassidy Bot-Devire “Veronica”
Cassidy Bot-Devire is a Vancouver based actor and director. She began her journey at the age of eight as she was catapulted into the film and TV industry. Throughout her experience, she soon began to develop a deep passion for theatre and eventually would Appear in productions such as “The Longview” “Emilia” and “The Glass Menagerie”. Not long after, she would go on to and direct projects including “God of Carnage” and “A Dolls House”. Cassidy finds an incredible amount of joy in live performance and is delighted to take the stage as “Veronica” in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Morherf*cker With the Hat” and is equally thrilled to be directing John Patrick Shanley’s “The Wild Goose”.
Alessandro Pekin “Ralph D.”
Alessandro was born in Hamburg, Germany, and grew up in an Italian/Turkish household. Having lived in seven different cities worldwide, he developed a deep appreciation for diversity, culture, film, and theater. Due to growing up in a traditional home, after high school, he was required to pursue a degree in Business Administration and Economics, which left him disheartened. Despite this, Alessandro ventured into entrepreneurship and worked as an FX Dealer for a brokerage in London, UK, for several years. One day he quit his job, informed his parents of his move to Canada and never looked back. Arriving in Vancouver, the second-largest filming location in North America, felt like destiny. In 2021, Alessandro began studying acting at New Image College, where he discovered his true calling. He also trained at Railtown and the East of Orange Academy. Alessandro has acted in several indie productions, commercials, and the play "Den of Thieves," where he played Paul Handelman.
Isabelle Madrigal “Victoria”
Prancing from Kitchener, Ontario to the spotlight, Isabelle’s journey began with dance at age three, inspired by her ballerina mother. After honouring her craft in Eastwood Collegiate’s Enriched Arts Program, she made a grand jeté to Toronto joining the NBA Toronto Raptors Dance Pak and dancing in music videos for artists such as Loud Luxury and Sean Kingston. Isabelle’s passion for storytelling led her to acting in 2019, training with top coaches in Toronto. Big dreams call for big moves, which brought her to Vancouver in 2022, where she expanded her acting skills. Isabelle continued to refine her craft, taking on-camera and scene study classes with renowned instructors Matthew Harrison, John Cassini, Al Miro and more. Her discipline and ambition paid off as she landed starring roles in the short films, "Honeywell" where she played a strong-willed cop named Carrie and "Wave” where she portrayed Melissa, a timid writer facing spousal abuse. Despite her success on screen, Isabelle’s love for the stage never waned. She seamlessly blends her dance and acting talents on stage, ready to break a leg as the curtains rise.
Fabio Russo “Cousin Julio”
As green as Vancouver, BC may be and as old as the Roman Empire surely is, Fabio’s new passion ignited when he landed the lead role as Allen in Yazmin Raza’s play “GOD OF CARNAGE.” Fabio has also showcased his talent in many showcases and short films. Fabio’s chameleonic journey, enriched by both Italian and French cultures, began in Montreal. Surrounded by artists, he had an upbringing that fueled his creative spirit. Seeking to rewrite his story, he moved to Vancouver, BC, to pursue his long-desired acting career. This new path started with training at the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts and Studio For Actors. Fabio stays sharp by attending ongoing classes regularly. When he’s not immersed in the film and television industry, Fabio works as a Support Attendant at a halfway house and addiction facility and also engages in fine renovations. He finds peace through outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
Trudi Ranik “Ramona”
Trudi Ranik is an Australian actor and writer who works across both stage and screen. Trudi played the role of Cavale in Cowboy Mouth at the Waterfront Theatre in 2023. Other credits include the title role of Cherry in slasher-horror feature, My Cherry Pie (2021), The Truru in Peace Yourself: Let Your Peace Flow (Melbourne Fringe 2018) and E in Warmest Regards, E (SNG Film Festival finalist 2023). Trudi finds most joy in collaborating with fellow artists, bringing different characters to life and building worlds for audiences to get lost in. She is a huge fan of John Patrick Shanley and is thrilled to be playing Ramona.
Juan Antonio Olivares “Jameson”
Influenced by movies and fictional stories, Juan Antonio was inspired to pursue acting with the unwavering support of his parents and family. His dream of being on the big screen led him to enroll in acting classes both in and outside his country. Under the guidance of his teachers, he mastered professional techniques to achieve high-quality performances. Following his instincts, Juan Antonio secured leading and supporting roles in student films and theater plays, gaining valuable experience and understanding of what it means to be an actor.
He continues to carve his path in one of the world's most competitive and desired industries, with the hope of one day putting his name and his country at the very top.
Julian Nelson “Renaldo”
Julian hails from the prairies of Saskatchewan, where his dream of becoming an actor took root. His love for storytelling blossomed at a young age, leading him to star in multiple plays during his university career, including “Measure for Measure” and “The King Stag.” Driven by his passion, Julian moved to Vancouver to further pursue his acting career in both film/TV and theatre. His recent credits include a lead role in the horror feature “Amorosa” and principal roles in the series “The Night Agent,” “Resident Alien,” and “Invasion.” Julian has honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned coaches such as Deb Podowski, John Cassini, and Nadine Wright. He constantly looks forward to new projects, eager to collaborate with other talented and creative artists to bring compelling stories to life.
Isaac Leung “Renaldo" Understudy
Isaac Leung is an actor from Hong Kong who has been working on stages, in films, in recording booths, and in a theme park for over a decade. After coming to Canada, he has graduated from the Theatre Acting program at Douglas College and is undergoing the Professional Actor Program at Story Institute. Previous stage performances include: “Taki Aki” in Shalem’s Fair (2023), “Mint”, “Fillet” and “Darvell” in A Vampire Story (2023), “Mihai”, “Securitate” and “Dog” in Mad Forest (2022), “Il Capitano” in Mask Mayhem on Granville Island (2022), European Connexion (2020), Das Prinzip Messe (2018), What a Blissful Encounter, Mr. Ts’ai! (2001). Previous theme park performances include: Moana: A Homecoming Celebration, “Marvel’s Avengers” Dimension of Danger, “Stark Expo” Opening Ceremony, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Sword in the Stone, Muppet Mobile Lab, and Stitch Encounter. Isaac is more than excited to contribute to enhancing the audience’s theatric experience in the upcoming BLUE i RADIO production of The Wild Goose as an understudy for Renaldo.
Nelly MacLeod “Ramona" Understudy
New to Canada, Nelly is a Swedish-Australian actress with a rich background in short films, commercials, and theater. She holds an acting diploma from Skara Skolscen, a prestigious drama school in Sweden, and has completed a Meisner course at the Joanne Baron Brown Studio in LA. Nelly has portrayed various roles, including Olivia in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and the title character in Anton Chekhov's "Platonov."
Nelly is thrilled to debut in Vancouver as the understudy for RAMONA in "The Wild Goose" and looks forward to collaborating with other creatives in the industry as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her acting career.
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