The rich arts and culture community in the Portage area is evidenced by the number of performers that got their start here who have ascended to award winning careers as actors, actresses and musicians. Check out this line up of our shining stars in the visual and performing arts community:
Portage-born Enid-Raye Adams has enjoyed a career as a TV and film actress since 1993 including award-nominated performances from her work on series such as DaVinci’s Inquest, Supernatural, Dead Like Me, Jeremiah and R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour.
With a career that has included work both in front of and behind the camera, our Reagan Neis has been featured on TV shows including Malcolm in the Middle, Material Girls and Joey. Her most visible work came from a starring role as Molly Stage in the series Maybe It’s Me which was syndicated for 22 episodes.
Did you know that Portage la Prairie has a connection to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Local actor David Fraser was born here in 1958 and has gone on to a career in films which has included roles in the third installment of the TMNT movie series. Other film credits include 1997’s Murder at 1600 and Charlie Bartlett in 2007.
Among our most acclaimed contributions to the world of music, Chris Thorsteinson & Dave Wasyliw are founding members of the country act Doc Walker. The multi-time Canadian Country Music Association and Juno award winners have released nine albums during a 20+ year career in music. Local folks might note a nod to Portage la Prairie neighborhood Koko Platz in the lyrics for 2013’s “Shake it Like it’s Saturday Night”.
Richard Comely arrived in the Portage region as a child when his family emigrated from England. After high school, Comely ventured out to launch his career as a commercial artist and is one of the creators of Canadian comic book hero, Captain Canuck in 1975. The serial was published for six years.
The comic book world has enjoyed the talent of another Portage la Prairie artist. Chris Bachalo, has earned a reputation as a versatile artist in the industry and has worked with both Marvel and DC during his career. His work has included art for Batman, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America and the X-Men franchise. Beyond the world of comics, Chris’ artwork has been featured as part of commercial ad campaigns for national chains like Disney, Upper Deck and Taco Bell.
