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Shaun Smyth

Playwright

With three decades of professional experience in the entertainment industry, Shaun has established himself as a prominent and influential figure in the world of theatre in Canada. His award winning career spans over 60 theatrical productions, with standout roles in major institutions like the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canadian Stage, and virtually every regional theatre across Canada. 

A passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre, Shaun has long recognized its potential to reflect and challenge the human experience. Through his  performances, writing, and producing, Shaun has made it his mission to amplify marginalized voices and illuminate the experiences of those often overlooked by society. His dedication to exploring the depths of the human condition is evident in  every project he undertakes. 

Shaun’s versatility as an actor is showcased in a diverse range of iconic roles. His transformative performances include Sharky in the Canadian Premiere of The Seafarer, Mark Renton in the North American Premiere of Trainspotting, George in the Canadian Premiere of Of Mice and Men, Jan in the Canadian Premiere of Tom Stoppard's Rock n' Roll, Tom in The Glass Menagerie, McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nestand his acclaimed solo performance in the World Premiere of Playing with Fire: The Theo Fleury Story, performed entirely on skates on synthetic ice, further exemplifies his commitment to pushing boundaries  and exploring new artistic expressions.  

In an exciting new chapter of his career, Shaun joined forces with renowned Indigenous artist Tom Wilson to adapt Wilson’s memoir Beautiful Scars for the stage. This collaboration marks Shaun’s debut as a playwright and brings to light the painful, often unspoken truths surrounding Indigenous identity and reconciliation. Beautiful Scars is a deeply personal project for both artists, one that celebrates resilience, culture, and the healing process. The world Premiere took place at Theatre Aquarius in April 2024, was met with critical acclaim, and went on to become a finalist for the 2024 Playwrights Guild of Canada’s New Musical Award. 

With Beautiful Scars, Shaun has not only expanded his artistic horizons but also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to creating theatre that speaks to the heart of humanity’s pressing issues. This powerful new work marks a significant  milestone in his career, cementing his place as an Artist who continuously pushes  the boundaries of what theatre can achieve.

 

Works by Shaun Smyth

Beautiful Scars

By Shaun Smyth & Tom Wilson

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