Dean Bareham is an internationally acclaimed performer, master puppeteer, director, and the visionary founder of Green Fools Theatre Society. A proud Métis artist, Dean has spent more than 35 years bringing his distinctive blend of clowning, buffoonery, stilting, and physical theatre to audiences around the world. His career spans six continents, with performances and teaching engagements across Canada, Europe, South America, Lesotho, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond. Dean is widely recognized for his beloved character Gustavo the Impossibilist, an unpredictable, world-travelled persona that has delighted audiences for decades. Dean’s puppetry and performance work extend into major film, television, and orchestral productions. He is a puppeteer on Fraggle Rock (Apple TV) and Joe Pickett (Paramount+), and he has performed as a clown with Cirque du Soleil at the Luminato Festival in Toronto. His puppetry has been featured in collaborations with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Pro Musica, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Behind the scenes, Dean is a sought-after designer and builder, creating imaginative creatures and large-scale puppets for institutions including the Calgary Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Dean trained at the Alberta College of Art and the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, grounding his work in both visual arts and physical performance. His leadership in the arts community reflects decades of mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to accessible, community-driven artistic expression. A builder, director, mentor, and performer, Dean doesn’t simply make theatre—he creates and animates wonder. Dean is a proud Métis person and honours the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 First Nations: the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut'ina, and Stoney Nakoda Nations, as well as the Métis Nation, specifically Districts 5 and 6. He is grateful to have been born on this land and remains committed to ongoing learning, shared history, and reconciliation, offering respect and gratitude to the elders who have come before him.

Shelley Bareham is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader whose career spans more than 30 years of creative exploration, entrepreneurship, and community impact. She began her professional journey in 1994 when she opened her first studio, Shiny Things, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry and small sculptures. Her craft continued to evolve through hands-on work in bronze foundries, jewelry factories, apothecary arts, and collaborations with independent artists, building a foundation of skill and versatility that defines her work today. After spending two years in Korea teaching English, Shelley returned to Calgary to launch The Painter Chick, a successful solo painting company specializing in murals, colour consultation, and interior/exterior painting. Her entrepreneurial drive and creative problem-solving have shaped every stage of her career. Shelley joined Green Fools Theatre Society in 2011 and has become an integral part of the organization’s growth and artistic identity. Over the years she has contributed as an administrator, art instructor, costume and mask creator, and puppet designer before stepping into her current role as Executive Director. She oversees the company’s strategic vision, finances, grant writing, programming, marketing, fundraising, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. Her leadership blends creativity with thoughtful planning, ensuring Green Fools continues to thrive as a hub for artistry, education, and community engagement. In 2021, Shelley and her husband founded Puppet Maniac Productions Inc., a production company specializing in puppet design and fabrication for film and television—allowing her to bring her unique craftsmanship to the screen. Shelley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the Alberta College of Art and Design. Her artistic expertise spans sculpture, metalwork, fiber arts, and painting, supported by extensive experience in management, budgeting, project leadership, and personnel relations. A creative force and dedicated arts advocate, Shelley leads Green Fools Theatre Society with imagination, integrity, and a deep commitment to community.

Robin Buck joined the Green Fools Theatre Society in 2023 in administration and quickly moved into the role of Sales and Marketing Coordinator. Within a year, she advanced to Company Manager—a reflection of her leadership, organizational strength, and ability to guide complex projects with clarity and care. Robin is profoundly deaf, a lived experience that strengthens her commitment to accessibility and inclusion across the organization. She actively breaks communication barriers within the arts sector, helping Green Fools foster a more inclusive environment for both participants and artists. Her leadership has also supported the company’s growing engagement with deaf artists, expanding representation and accessibility within Green Fools’ performances, programs, and outreach. With a professional background spanning hospitality management, arts administration, event management, and corporate project support, Robin brings a wealth of operational expertise to the team. At Green Fools, she oversees daily operations and serves as the first point of connection with potential clients—guiding them from quotation to contract and often remaining onsite during events to provide seamless support. She is also deeply involved in the company’s Social Circus program, collaborating with community partners to bring free circus opportunities to underserved children and youth. Through her sales and outreach efforts, Robin helps secure the partnerships that make this inclusive programming possible. Prior to joining Green Fools, Robin held leadership and office management roles with organizations such as Holiday Inn and Marriott Hotels, Agrium Inc., Kasian Architecture, Spectacle Blue, and The Liv Daily Show. Across these roles she refined her skills in project coordination, client relations, marketing, and team leadership, consistently demonstrating precision, adaptability, and empathy. Beyond her professional work, Robin is deeply involved in her community. She is a founder of the KAM Support Group, a nonprofit supporting mothers of children with cancer, and has volunteered extensively with organizations including Kids Cancer Care Foundation, Inn from the Cold, and the Mustard Seed. She also manages her son’s soccer team and enjoys staying active herself through hockey, dragon boat racing, baseball and sometimes pickleball! Robin’s dedication to excellence, her commitment to accessibility and community, and her passion for the arts make her an invaluable leader within the Green Fools Theatre Society.

Shawna Toth is a writer, performing arts enthusiast and administrative expert. Shawna earned a diploma from Mount Royal University in Broadcasting, and a degree from University of Calgary in Canadian Studies, Communication and Culture. She worked in television as a writer for national networks CTV, CMT and MTV. She created, wrote and produced a family travel show, KinderJet, before starting a video game party business, and then owning and general managing a School of Rock music school. In addition to being the Green Fools administrator, Shawna currently volunteers on the Board of Directors at Alberta Theatre Projects, and works remotely freelance writing. She spends her spare time camping, watching hockey and taking everyone she knows to theatre productions. She loves the creative energy and supportive atmosphere here at Green Fools Theatre.

Lok Holmes is a passionate performer, teacher, magician, artist, and administrator/right-hand man who found his start with the Green Fools as a student in our Social Circus program. What began as a place to learn, connect, and belong with others whose goals and purposes were like his soon grew into a vocational path—today, Lok has carved out a meaningful place for himself in our office and in our community. Since 2021, Lok has been teaching and mentoring with the Green Fools, bringing care, humour, and authenticity to every class. The young people he has taught have, in turn, taught him—showing him just how transformative, healing, and powerful the arts can be. This reciprocal learning fuels Lok’s unique approach to performance and creative leadership. As he grows into a national voice within the Social Circus movement, Lok is dedicated to using his multi-disciplinary skill set to bring light to the darkest corners of the world. Through meticulously crafted magic, theatre, and circus performances, he creates intimate environments where meaningful, moving art can thrive. His goals are lofty and heartfelt: not only to change lives, but to help change the world.