The Experts present
“The World Is Ending…and It’s All Your Fault.”

The 21st century is a scary time.  Political and environmental issues draw closer and closer to a breaking point, doomsday prophecies fill our movies and music, and people seem increasingly disconnected from the comforts of community and spirituality.  The Experts can’t ignore it any longer: confronted with an imminent apocalypse, five clowns are driven to action.  In 40 minutes, they explore issues of survival, international relations, natural disasters, and, ultimately, their own mortality. 
The Experts (Britney Francis, Jonathon Sousa, Stephanie Bye, Jesse Stanley, and Anika Johnson) are a socially driven physical theatre and red nose clown company that aims to explore, develop and push the boundaries of conventional clown work.

Artist Bios

Brittney Francis is a recent graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. Memorable Ryerson credits include Lady Anne in Richard III, Biddulph in Serious Money, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Brittney has also appeared at Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park as Miranda in The Tempest and Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Brittney is a founding member of The Experts and The Giggle Gang and is excited to be a part of this year’s Toronto Clown Festival. She would like to thank Leah Cherniak for her inspiration and wisdom.

Jesse grew up in Vancouver BC and moved to Toronto in 2005 to attend Ryerson Theatre School. While there, selected credits include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Erichtho in Sophonisba or The Tragedy of Women, and Kattrin in Mother Courage. She performs regularly with The Beggar's Bag, most recently appearing as Vicky in the premiere of Matt O'Connor's Stalemate. Jesse is a founding member of The Experts. 

Stephanie Bye is a recent graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. Credits there include Metamorphosis, Mother Courage, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Since graduation, she has had the pleasure of working with Project Project, The Giggle Gang, and The Beggar’s Bag.  She is a founding member of The Experts.

Jonathon Sousa is a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School, where credits include Richard in Richard III and Nigel Agibala in Serious Money.  He performers regularly with The Giggle Gang, and this summer will appear in Peter Wilde’s production of The Chester Cycle.  Jonathon is a founding member of The Experts.