Stuart Bentley is a multifaceted virtuoso who has been enthusiastically immersed in the vibrant world of entertainment since the dawn of his adolescence. With a diverse array of acting and singing credits to his name, he has successfully navigated both the stage and screen with ease, effortlessly oscillating between dramatic, comedic, and farcical roles.
Stuart's odyssey in the realm of theatre commenced during his formative years in Edmonton, where his drama teacher and seasoned thespian Orest Kinasewich ignited a profound passion for the performing arts within him. As his family relocated to various cities across the vast expanse of Canada, Stuart's ardor for theatre remained unwavering, ultimately guiding him to Calgary in the year 2001, where he discovered a profound sense of belonging and community at the esteemed Workshop Theatre.
Stuart's tenure at the Workshop Theatre spanned a decade, during which time he made significant contributions to the organization, ultimately ascending to the presidency, a position he held for four years. His commitment to the theatre company and the broader Calgary arts community was marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious CAT Award for Best Supporting Actor, which he received for his outstanding performance as Tommy Quick in the production of "Bedtime Stories". Additionally, Stuart's remarkable portrayal of George in David Mamet's "The Duck Variations" earned him the Best Actor Award, a testament to his exceptional acting abilities.
Stuart has accumulated a diverse range of recent credits, showcasing his versatility as a talented thespian. One of his most notable roles was that of a gritty family lawyer in the esteemed AMPIA award-winning feature film "Common Chord". This critically acclaimed production demonstrated Stuart's ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters, earning him widespread recognition within the industry.
In addition to his work on "Common Chord", Stuart has also had the opportunity to portray the imprisoned Irish journalist Edward in the production "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me". This powerful performance not only showcased Stuart's impressive range as an actor but also garnered significant attention, as the production went on to win the prestigious 2012 Acting Irish International Theatre Festival in Dublin.
Stuart's impressive repertoire also includes his portrayal of the complex and intriguing figure of Richard Nixon in the production "Frost/Nixon" with Scorpio Theatre in Calgary. This challenging role required Stuart to tap into his inner reserves of emotional depth and intellectual curiosity, ultimately resulting in a performance that was both captivating and thought-provoking.
