Pete Kytwayhat - Director





 

Pete from Makwa Sahgaiehcan, Treaty 6, Pete Kytwayhat’s journey into theatre began in Regina as part of a university class—an experience that sparked a deep passion for storytelling and performance. This early exploration evolved into his involvement with the Making Treaty 4 Collective, where he contributed to productions showcased at the Globe Theatre and fostered partnerships within Saskatchewan’s arts community, including collaborations with Curtain Razors.

Beyond directing, Pete has pursued work as an actor, bringing his talents to various projects. Currently, he is working toward completing his film degree, expanding his expertise in visual storytelling. His experience also extends to film editing, having worked as both a video editor and assistant video editor in Vancouver, refining narratives through the lens of cinema.

With a commitment to Indigenous storytelling and a growing presence in both theatre and film, Pete continues to explore new creative avenues, bridging performance and visual media in innovative ways.

CAST
Car Rokeby - Simon

Car Rokeby-He/Ze/Fae

Car Rokeby is a 13 year old actor born and raised as a settler on Snuneymuxw territory. Performing arts have been a huge part of his life, doing diverse things such as writing, singing,  drag, and acting.  Car sings and plays guitar at The Vault open mic nights, and was the Grand Marshall of the 2025 Nanaimo Pride Parade.   Reconciliation theatre is a very special place for him to work with his real family and his theatre family during unforgettable summers. He hopes you enjoy this performance of The Boy In The Treehouse.

Tom Rokeby - Father, Producer








Tom is a settler on Snuneymuxw territory along with his wife Lisa and two kids.  As co-founder and  current Artistic Director of  Reconciliation Theatre, he is incredibly grateful for the community of creatives that have come together to explore live theatre and Indigenous voice.  Beyond his passion for theatre, Tom is a Trustee on the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School Board, a 2025 graduate from the University of Victoria’s Masters of Public Administration program, and wiles away his spare time at home on the South Wellington Art Farm.

Ezekiel Schleede - Patty  

Ezekiel Schleede is excited to take on the role of Patty in The Boy in the Treehouse, presented by Reconciliation Theatre. A proud member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Treaty 4 Territory (Saskatchewan), Ezekiel now lives in Nanaimo, B.C., where he’s heading into Grade 9 at Nanaimo District Secondary School. His recent stage credits include Dragon Claws is Coming to Town and The Wizard of Oz with Nanaimo Young People’s Theatre. Ezekiel is passionate about acting and storytelling, and he’s honoured to be part of a production that uplifts Indigenous voices.

Damon Mitchel - Reporter, Uncle Clyde

Damon's theatre journey started back in his grade 12 year when he joined John Barsby Secondary School's Bulldog Theatre. Since then, he has been part of numerous productions in Nanaimo's theatre scene, including Trailer  in Reconciliation Theatre’s production of The Berlin Blues, and Paul in This is How We Got Here with Western Edge Theatre.  Damon has also helped start up Reconciliation Theatre Society, serving on its board of directors. He's a very proud member of the Society and cannot wait to see where it goes from here…..not that it hasn't gone pretty far already!

Jesse Wilson - Neighbour, Cameraman

Jesse discovered theatre back in high school, where it helped him make friends, express himself, and learned that it was okay to be himself.  Jesse has performed with Reconciliation Theatre before, appearing in both The Berlin Blues and Nice While it Lasted.   After being involved in local community theatre and professional productions for the last ten years, he wants to help underserved communities in finding their voice in the arts, especially in reconciliation and neurodiversity. Huy tseep q'u for supporting RTS!

Kenneth Chalifoux - Musician

Ken is a Cree-Métis folk musician born on the territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and is a member of the Michel Band in Edmonton, Alberta. Descending from a long line of Métis fiddlers he has been fiddling for 3 years as a way to reconnect with his culture.  The Boy In The Treehouse touches on the subject of identity loss, and this is something Ken has experienced himself. He will be playing a blend of traditional Métis/Canadian, American, and Celtic fiddle music.

CREW

Ward Norcutt - Technician Director and Set Design









Ward Norcutt is a writer of prose, poetry, and stage plays. He also works professionally in set design, lighting design, acting and directing (he also educates the willing in various technical and performance modalities of the theatre).  Before he became a teacher of Dramatic Arts and English, he worked in theatre and Television – Danger Bay Productions, Citadel Theater, Arts Club, SCTV.

 He taught high school from 1992 to 2018, directing, producing, designing and building over 100 shows - 20 musicals and many one-acts and full-length plays.

Sierra Clark - Stage Manager

Sierra has a deep-rooted passion for theatre, which has been a part of her life since high school. With excitement and dedication, she approaches her first formal stage management role for 'The Boy In The Treehouse' after two seasons on running crew. Recognizing Reconciliation Theatre as a sanctuary, she finds solace from the otherwise chaotic world and her work as a paramedic. Sierra expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Snuneymuxw Nation for the privilege of working, learning, and embracing the lands she now proudly calls home.

Michelle Hall - Properties/ Assistant Stage Manager

Michelle began her theatre journey in high school, where she discovered a passion for storytelling and performance. She continued to participate throughout university, working closely with Reconciliation Theatre to support meaningful, community-based productions that centre Indigenous voices and stories.  Michelle currently serves as RTS Secretary and recently graduated from Vancouver Island University with a degree in Criminology.

Dan Puglas - Sound Design

Dan is the co-founder and President of Reconciliation Theatre Society.  A Kwawkwaka'waka artist who tends to work on many projects all at once, Dan is a director, actor, designer, playwright and just a chill guy.  In 2024, Reconciliation Theatre produced his original play “Nice While it Lasted”.  He hopes everyone loves The Boy In the Treehouse and has a good time!

Franklin Rokeby - Lighting Design










Franklin has been working with reconciliation theatre since it began as both a backstage crew member and an actor. When he's not doing theatre he loves running races and triathlons. After trying his hand at running lights in last year's production, Franklin is excited to start his new role this year as Lighting Designer.

Ruby Rain - Costumes 

Ruby was born in downtown Vancouver and has lived all over BC and Alberta. She has a deep passion for sewing, fashion and design, bringing creativity and detail to every piece she creates. Ruby is thrilled to be working with Reconciliation Theatre for the first time, embracing the opportunity to collaborate and bring stories to life through costume design.

Leila Sadeghi: Costumes










Leila recently played Saifi in Western Edge’s The Untold Legend of Imogen Flight and is currently producing her first TV series, Drug Lawyer. This summer, she stars in Between Trains and makes her writing and directorial debut with The First to Stand, a gripping psychosexual drama premiering at the Port Theatre as part of the Nanaimo Fringe Festival. Earlier this year, an excerpt of The First to Stand was featured in Reconciliation Theatre’s Winter Performance Writers Intensive, and Leila is thrilled to be collaborating with them once again—this time bringing The Boy in the Treehouse to life through costume design, adding magic to every little detail.

Daniel Puglas Sr. - Set Dressing Artwork










Daniel Puglas is a descendant of the Gwawaenuk Tribe on his mother’s (Sally Williams) side and Mamalilikulla First Nation on his father’s (Daniel Puglas Sr.) side. His Kwakwaka’wakw name is Gwe Ek Kalis. His grandparents are late Hereditary Chief Fred Williams and matriarch Elsie Williams (Wamiss) Daniel was groomed by his late grandparents, a very compelling hierarchy amongst the Potlatch System. Both grandparents were well-known for wooden carvings and designing traditional wardrobes. Danny has been mastering his art since the summer of 1998 and has become well-known both locally & across North America. Although mostly known for his wooden carvings, he also creates bent boxes, plaques, masks, drawings & paintings. Danny currently resides in Nanaimo BC, where he lives with his wife Tami and their two sons Daniel Puglas Jr. and Samuel Puglas.

Mauricea Panchenko - Publicity and Promotions












Mauricea Panchenko is a passionate fourth-year Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies student at Vancouver Island University of mixed Cree descent. Passionate about amplifying Indigenous perspectives and voices, they lead the RTS team on promotions and serves on the Society’s Board of Director.

Flynn Maher - Sound Operator




Flynn Maher is very thankful to have been brought on to this project to do sound for the first time. Flynn has been in theatre for most of their life, they were born into it, and now that they have done acting, lights, and sound they are really happy that they can continue to learn and grow through these experiences.