Bio

Dreaming of being an actress is one of Barbara’s earliest memories. Born in Kelowna, BC and raised in Calgary, AB, Barbara went to youth drama camps, volunteered for community theatres and participated in school plays. At the age of 15, she began to search local newspapers for open auditions, the same year she signed with an agent and was cast in her first independent film.

After graduating from high school Barbara spent a year traveling throughout Europe. It was while attending the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland that she saw Poi for the first time. When Barbara returned to Calgary she expanded her performance repertoire; in addition to working in film and television, Barbara began to act regularly with the murder mystery company Pegasus Performances, she became an active member of The Curiously Canadian Improv Guild and performed throughout the city as a Fire Dancer and Poi performer.

In 2008 Barbara relocated to Vancouver with her husband and performance partner, Charles Heffernan. Together they operate Chameleon Productions, a corporate entertainment company. Some of their acts include Stilt Walking, Impersonations and Fire Duets. It was also in 2008 that Barbara made her directorial debut at the 15th Annual Big Rock Eddies. Her project, Don't Worry, was selected as a national finalist. In June 2010 Barbara stepped into the role of writer / director once again for "The Vino’s" at the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Film Festival. Her entry, A Little More Local, won First Place as well as Fan Favourite.

Barbara is currently in her final year of the BFA Acting program at the University of British Columbia. She is the recipient of the Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant, the William & Nona Heaslip Scholarship, and the Trek Excellence Scholarship. Barbara can next be seen in Theatre at UBCs September production of The Madwoman of Chaillot.