From the stage to the sound booth, from script to screen, members of the Class of 2025 are turning their passion for the arts into post-secondary pursuits. Whether it’s acting, directing, composing, producing or designing, these graduates have spent their time at SMUS honing their craft—and now they’re taking the next step.
This year’s arts-bound students are heading to programs that help their pursuits across theatre, music, cinema, and technical production at top schools across North America and beyond. Their paths may differ—some will stand in the spotlight, while others will thrive behind the scenes—but what unites them is a deep commitment to creativity, expression, and storytelling.
We caught up with a few of them as they prepare for curtain call on their high school years and look ahead to new stages, studios, and sets.
Sonja Ayala
Day student, originally from Moscow, Russia
School: Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, New York)
Program: Liberal Arts (Intended Major: Theatre and Music)
Sonja has been a cornerstone of SMUS performing arts, participating in every school musical since Grade 9 and co-founding the Musical Theatre Club. She has been a dedicated choir member and has spent all four Senior School years in drama and theatre classes. Highlights include performances in Murder on the Orient Express, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Something Rotten!, and The Prom.
She credits Mr. McLeod and Ms. Banman for their mentorship and feels grateful for the growth opportunities SMUS provided.
“It takes time to find your footing, but once you take the first step into something new or scary, the opportunities to learn and grow are endless.”
Yule Choi
Boarding student from South Korea
School: University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Program: Arts, Linguistics
Yule’s passion for the arts grew through performance and technical theatre at SMUS. She participated in Something Rotten! and The Prom, served on Art Council, and was a boarding prefect. Starting as stage manager on Something Rotten! sparked her interest in technical theatre, which she hopes to pursue professionally.
She values the friendships and lessons SMUS gave her. Yule plans to study sociolinguistics in graduate school and work as a theatre technician.
“I’m excited to graduate and study subjects that truly interest me.”
Cohen Labrecque
Boarding Student from Qualicum Beach, BC
School: York University (Toronto, Ontario)
Program: Cinema and Media Arts Production
During Cohen’s time at SMUS, he was a leader on Service Council, head of Film Club, played volleyball throughout high school, and served as Head of Barnacle House in Grade 12. His passion for film was fueled by experiences like producing the Best School Year Ever ads and creating house videos for chapel. SMUS courses such as Digital Art 11 and Media Studies 10 helped shape his storytelling and production skills, setting him on his current path.
“I’m excited to pursue film production and make connections in Toronto, but I’m also a little nervous. I’m really grateful for the opportunities SMUS gave me to grow as an artist.”
Julian Gale
Lifer and Day student
School: University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
Program: Theatre Production and Music Performance
Julian’s artistic journey at SMUS has been self-directed and collaborative. He co-led VOICES and The Jag, edited performance pieces and scholarly articles, and performed original poetry in competitions. He was a founding member of two bands—Wang and the Gang and Screw the Changes—and played pit drums in The Prom. He wrote and directed two original Theatre Company plays: For Elise and Automatic, which he cites as a highlight for its creative depth.
Julian values SMUS as a place where artistic endeavors are facilitated and credits Mr. and Mrs. Edgington for shaping his writing voice.
“I gave back through my many performances and, now, I will give back by entering the world and representing my school long after I've completed my formal education.”
Ben Kuzminski-Parry
Day Student
School: Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario)
Program: Drama
Ben was a dynamic presence in the SMUS arts community, playing lead roles in Something Rotten! and The Prom. He also wrote and directed original scenes and one-act plays in Grade 10 drama classes. Beyond the stage, Ben led three clubs, competed in the 2022 International Independent School Public Speaking Competition, and attended the 2023 CAIS Conference. He is a recipient of the Queen’s Chancellor Scholarship and the District Authority Scholarship.
Reflecting on his time at SMUS, Ben credits the mentorship of Mr. McLeod and the resilience he gained on stage as key to his growth.
“I've gone from a shy, directionless kid to where I am now—ready to start the next chapter of my life. I'm so thankful to the teachers who challenged me and helped me grow.”
Owen Sandquist-Sherman
Lifer and day student
School: University of Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia)
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Music
Owen has been deeply involved in the SMUS music community, co-heading Law Club and Spoken Word Club, and rehearsing early mornings for jazz band, orchestra, and original projects. He has played guitar and bass in Wang and the Gang since Grade 8, bass in the pit orchestra for Something Rotten!, and starred on stage in The Prom. His musical skills span double bass, cello, percussion, and multiple genres, including country.
He credits SMUS’s music community with his personal and artistic growth and looks forward to exploring music education or entertainment law at UVic.
“As a lifer, I am ready to move on but still somewhat melancholic. SMUS has been my home, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”
He thanks Ms. Guillen and Mr. Farish for their mentorship and support.
Emily Wu
Day student
School: Western University (London, Ontario)
Program: Psychology and Music (Double Major)
Emily is an accomplished songwriter who earned runner-up honours in Western University’s national High School Songwriting Competition for an original piece reflecting on childhood and shifting perspectives. She combines poetic lyrics with music production and leads the SMUS Songwriting Club, creating a space for young musicians to grow.
Supported by SMUS’s music community and mentors, Emily plans to pursue a double major in psychology and music, blending creativity with academic study.
“Find a mentor. Ignore the noise. And surround yourself with people who understand the process.”
