John Chase

John Chase is the Artistic Director of Merlyn Productions Theatre Company, and an instructor at the Winnipeg Theatre School. As a Winnipeg actor, director, producer and stage manager, he is pleased to be marking his 100th production with “Wind of a Thousand Tales”!

John is a veteran of theatre for young audiences, having produced multiple Kids Fringe best-sellers, staged last season's “Through the Looking-Glass”, and worked extensively in children's theatre with Fantasy Theatre for Children, both on and behind the FTC mainstage for twenty seasons (1991 - 2011). He directed multiple shows for G.D. Productions (FTC's adult arm), and is an alumnus of The Theatre School, where he obtained five years of formal training under Tony Frost in the early-to-mid 1990s.

John founded Merlyn Productions after his Co-Artistic Director at C.G. Productions departed Winnipeg in 2000, and has produced full seasons of plays at the Ellice Theatre, Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and other local venues since 2009. As one half of Chase & Hamill on the local comedy scene, John can also be found portraying quintessential straight man Bud Abbott of Abbott & Costello fame, alongside performing partner Kevin Hamill (Lou Costello).

Today, he is delighted to be staging a long-standing FTC favourite with Merlyn's dedicated cast, staff, and crew – and hopes you enjoy the show!