meet our team.
Operations Manager
Ariana Bissky
Ariana handles communication with Xtreme Theatre families and tons of behind-the-scenes details we’re not really sure about, but we know there are a lot of spreadsheets and emails. She keeps the XT filing cabinets and inbox very organized and will send you polite emails if your payments are late.
Ariana is a home-educating mom of four with a background in editing, administration, and music — just the right combination to help families get the best possible experience out of XT and keep things running like a well-oiled machine.
Program Director & Production Manager
Janelle Dunford
If you think of Xtreme Theatre like a school, Janelle is basically our principal. She’s present in classes to support our instructors and students and keep things running smoothly (and occasionally keep everyone in line). She also oversees all aspects of our productions, from theatre rentals and rights acquisitions to production committees and reminding kids to bring all their costume pieces.
Janelle holds a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta and a BC teaching certificate, and began her career in elementary music, directing choirs and producing musicals. After several years in the classroom, she began homeschooling her two daughters (who are both still XT students!). She’s a steady, trusted presence in the XT community and brings both heart and structure to everything we do.
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Riley Di Prata
Riley is the creative force behind XT’s productions. She develops the artistic visions for both our Senior and Junior/Mini shows and brings them to life through choreography, visual storytelling, and a love for entertaining. Riley began teaching with XT in 2019 and has loved the opportunity to stretch her imagination with such wonderful students.
Riley is a lifelong dancer with extensive training in ballet as well as a keen appreciation and understanding in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. She has loved the difference in dance styles each musical brings and the varied creativity they allow for. Riley is an XT alumna who met her husband through the program, and they now have two beautiful children of their own.
Showcase Class Lead Instructor
Sarah Goerzen
Sarah leads our Showcase Classes, developing curriculum and teaching acting, singing, and performance skills. She also plans and directs our twice-yearly showcases — fun, variety-style performances where students get to shine for the people who love them most.
With 14 years of professional dance training and over 20 years of combined performance and teaching experience, Sarah brings heart and expertise to everything she does. She was an XT student in the very first years of the program and met her husband, Elijah, here when they were just kids. Now their own children are XT students too — we love that XT has been such a big part of their family story!
Performance Coach
Shana Pritchard
Shana leads vocal instruction across our Production Classes and assists with vocals in our Showcase Classes. She’s also on hand to remind everyone to stop yelling and please listen (for the sake of all our sanity and also your vocal cords). Shana also supports our Junior Production students in developing character and performance skills.
Shana has been singing and acting since before she could talk. She is a recent graduate of Trinity Western University’s vocal performance program, and has described her role at XT as her dream job. Outside of Xtreme Theatre, Shana also does princess parties, creating magical memories for kids of all ages!
Performance Coach
Elijah Goerzen
Elijah works with our Senior Production students, blocking and directing scenes, helping them develop character and making sure they're being the funniest versions of themselves!
With over 20 years of combined experience as an XT student and alumnus, Elijah understands this program from just about every possible angle — as a performer, a parent, a brother, and one of the most enthusiastic people in the audience. He first met his wife, Sarah, here at XT when they were just kids, and now they're raising four kids of their own who are part of the XT family too. Stepping into this role is truly a dream come true.
Assistant Instructor
Trinity Ramsami
Trinity supports both our Showcase and Production classes, assisting with teaching acting, singing, and choreography, as well as getting in the mix to keep students energized and engaged. She is an XT alumna who grew up doing theatre and is passionate about the arts, and especially about passing that love on to the next generation! Our classes would be at least 45% less fun without Trinity’s enthusiasm and endless supply of theatre games.
