County actor makes professional stage debut

Scott Kuipers

A young actor from Prince Edward County is about to make his professional stage debut in a comedy in Port Hope.

Scott Kuipers describes himself as a “Cherry Valley farm boy from Brummell Road, now a Toronto actor.”

He is starring in Two Ships Passing, a romantic comedy opening on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Engine Gallery in Port Hope.

In Two Ships Passing, written by acclaimed playwright Dave Carley, a minister (played by Drew Carnwath) and a judge (Anne Page) decide to resume a relationship that ended badly a decade earlier. But that’s not sitting well with the judge’s son Jason (played by Kuipers). Jason is hell-bent on ensuring that his mother and the minister never resume their relationship.

A bubbly romantic comedy ensues, with lots of humour, twists and commentary on the gap between boomers and millennials.

Kuipers attended Prince Edward Collegiate Institute where he played the role of Seymour in the school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. He has also performed and toured with the Festival Players of Prince Edward County Young Company.

Most recently Kuipers attended Ryerson University, from which he graduated this past spring with a degree in theatre. He is looking forward to playing the role of Jason, a conservative MBA student.

“I don’t necessarily align with Jason’s political views, but I can relate to his drive and passion. He has strong opinions and he’s protective of his mother, and I respect him for that,” said Kuipers. “I can also totally relate to being a young person who wants to be taken seriously – but is often dismissed as inexperienced solely because of my youth.”

Two Ships Passing has a two-week run at Engine Gallery, 32 Walton Street, Port Hope. The play is produced by Ontario Street Theatre. The large back room of the gallery has been converted to a 50-seat theatre. There are six performances between Nov. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. All performances are at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by calling Ontario Street Theatre at 905-885-8042 or by emailing ontariostreettheatre@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased online at ‘Two Ships Passing Port Hope Eventbrite.’