The Story: Interview with Esther Vallins on Half-Pint Theatre

Halfpint go BOOM!
by Cassie Muise

Esther Vallins is a born and raised Torontonian trained extensively all over Canada, including Randolph Academy and The Banff Centre. Her company, Half-Pint's first show, 'tick, tick... BOOM!' opened to excellent critical claim, and is now nominated alongside the likes of Stratford and Shaw for nine BroadwayWorld Awards. One of those nominations includes one for Vallins as Best Leading Actress in the production. (source: company website)

CHARPO:  Why start a new company?

VALLINS: One of the most valuable things I've learned being in the industry, is if the work is not there, create the work yourself. So that's just what I, and the ladies of Half-Pint Theatre did. As recent graduates of three different theatre schools, all of us found ourselves striving to succeed and get recognition, in a very competitive, tight community. We want to create the work not just for ourselves, but also for new artists who find themselves in a similar position to us. We're also all just so passionate about our wonderful city. Toronto has so much amazing talent, and there needs to be more companies showcasing what this town has to offer!