Introducing the Soldiers of Soldier's Tale: Will Fech, The Soldier

After a Rocky Mountain upbringing near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Will Fech has lived in several countries as an on-again, off-again teacher, writer, and performer. Throughout academic stints in Nebraska, Scotland, and Oregon, he has carved out time for vocal and theatrical work in shows including Blasted for the Strathclyde Theater Group in Glasgow; RENT for the Majestic Theater in Corvallis, Oregon; and a concert version of Chess for In the Wings Productions of Montreal. In January 2017, he joined the established Lyric Theatre Singers choral group, where he sings in the baritone section. He is currently a Ph.D. student in film and media at Concordia University and an aspiring immigrant to Canada.

Are you originally from Montreal? If not where are you from and how did you wind up here?

Nope, I was born and raised in a small Wyoming town just outside of Yellowstone National Park called Cody. Lots of people pass through it on their way to the park, so as a kid, I got to meet tourists from all over the world, and vowed to get out of my home town to experience different cultures. I've been in Montreal for over three years now, working away at a Ph.D. in film at Concordia University. I'd always been interested in Montreal from afar, so when I got accepted into the program, it was an easy decision to come here. 

When did you first start performing?

I've been involved in performance since my university days, where I competed nationally for my school's Speech and Debate team. From there it was a gradual escalation into plays, musicals, choirs, voice work, and modeling. I never learned a musical instrument (the biggest regret of my life!), so I had to develop my voice and acting chops.  

Do you have any strange or funny performance stories?

My first two serious plays, Sarah Kane's Cleansed and Blasted, both required full nudity and simulated sex on stage. I got very comfortable with my body in a hurry.

What are some non-film/acting related hobbies and interests?

When time allows, I love reading up on history, writing, singing, learning to dance (better), and studying French. I'm also starting to get into houseplants with an alarming intensity. 

What is one piece of advice you wish you could share with your younger self?

Reconsider the academic road, because deep down you're a performer.

Come check out the talented Will Fech as the Soldier in Stravinsky's L'Histoire du Soldat on August 29th at 8pm at La Sala Rossa (4848 boulevard Saint-Laurent). Tickets are available at the door but if you buy them in advance at the link below you will receive a 10% discount!

Click Here For Tickets

Check back regularly for more updates on the other musicians and performers soldiering through to bring you this new production of Soldier's Tale!