Katy Finlay, founder of Vancouver Performing Stars and VanPlay Stage Society, is a passionate advocate for young artists and a lifelong believer in the power of community.
Born and raised in Vernon, B.C., Katy was inspired early on by her father, Greg Schroeder, who led efforts to raise $350,000 to build Teen Junction, a safe space for local youth. That legacy of care and connection became her foundation.
Trained in all aspects of the performing arts, Katy studied at The Banff Centre, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Randolph Academy in Toronto before performing at the Stratford Festival. She later earned a degree in Theatre Production and Directing at UBC while managing a bar, which provided her with vital leadership and business skills.
After losing her father at 25, Katy channelled her grief into purpose. She launched a small performing arts program that has since grown into Vancouver Performing Stars, a trusted, inclusive arts school with over 1,500 weekly students and a brand-new 5,000-square-foot facility in Mount Pleasant that includes an 80-seat theatre.
For 14 years, Katy has built more than a school—she’s built a space where children feel seen, safe, and free to express themselves. Her story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of creating something meaningful.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I recently moved to Ladner into what we lovingly call our “forever fixer-upper.” We’re excited to explore our new community and look forward to our girls being able to walk to school, enjoy the nearby beach, and spend more time with friends and family.
What do you do?
My life is a constant balancing act between being a full-time mom and running my business as a studio director. With my husband working 24-hour shifts as a firefighter, we’re always coordinating around his schedule and my performance commitments. My days are packed: preschool drop-offs, office administration, rehearsals, costuming, tech work, interviews, meetings, performances, competitions, and events. It’s a little bit of everything. When we’re together as a family, you can usually find us at Boundary Bay, at a playground or having a dress-up dance party and charades.
What are you currently working on?
Musical Director, Eliza De Castro, and I have founded VanPlay Stage Society to provide opportunities and financial support for young aspiring artists in our city. This spring, Vancouver Performing Stars (VPS) celebrates its 15-year anniversary with its biggest productions to date: Seussical Jr. and Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical Jr., taking the stage at the historic York Theatre.
Where can we find your work?
The productions we create at VPS showcase the incredible talent of the young performers we’re fortunate to work with in this city. My team is truly exceptional—they create magic on stage, and we feel privileged to provide these performance opportunities for them.
