“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver-based Actor Carol Chu

February 5, 2025 Emilea Semancik Arts, Performing Arts

Carol Chu first tried acting at age 12 when she auditioned for her grade 7 school play, Peter Pan. Despite getting hit in the face with a pan and chipping a tooth, Carol discovered her true passion that year and has never looked back. She successfully auditioned for a role in the school theatre show each year and life as an actress became part of Carol’s identity.

Her involvement ramped up even more in high school as she dedicated herself to the school musical, full-credit drama class and student-created plays. Drama was a space for her to explore who she was and helped guide her through her toughest days. By the end of high school, Carol had been part of nine performances.

Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in the theatre industry, Carol completed her post-secondary education at MacEwan University’s Musical Theatre Program.

In the community, you would find Carol at the Edmonton Fringe Festival volunteering as a member of the Kids Fringe Youth Troupe, watching as many shows as she can get tickets for and performing herself. Carol was also part of the inaugural Improv Conservatory at The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro.

In 2022, Carol enrolled at Studio 58 at Langara College to begin her journey into the unknown. This was a turning point for her and her friends and family. It took a lot of courage to leave home, and although it’s been difficult to live alone while in a rigorous program, Carol remains steadfast in her love for the arts and will graduate in the spring of 2025.

In her spare time, Carol Chu is an avid manga reader, annual cosplayer, a lover of anime, K-drama and music and likes to try new ice cream and food spots.

-Written by her younger sister, Noella Chu

Carol Chu
My set-up when working on my script during a long break. I love to snack and stay hydrated with healthy foods. I also always try to find a spot outside or by a window because I love nature and it’s very grounding to me.
Carol Chu
Eating outside on a meal break during rehearsal. Trying to absorb as much sunlight and fresh air as I can.
Looking over my script in rehearsal.
My days can be quite long and tiring so I love to nap when I’m able to! This is me in between a two-show day during East Van Panto: Robin Hood.
I’m from Edmonton, AB, so I’m used to full-blown winters. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss the snow until after moving to Vancouver. This is me and one of my housemates during my first-ever snow day last year. I try to find as much joy in my day-to-day as I can!
One thing about me is that I’m always down for a challenge and doing something new. This is me midway through my first-ever backpacking camping trip to Ribbon Lake, AB this past summer.
Carol Chu
A baby blanket I made for my best friend’s newborn. I love to learn new skills and give thoughtful gifts, so I decided to combine the two. This was my first crochet project!
Carol Chu
This is a photo of my family’s two cats and the sense of peace I get when I’m home. When I’m lucky enough to get to visit home, I spend time with my family and friends that I miss dearly. Living alone can be hard, but their support means the world to me. I try to find this sense of peace every day.

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

I’m in the Killarney neighbourhood of East Van.

What do you do?

I’m an actor and currently finishing up my second theatre program at Studio 58!

What are you currently working on?

Most recently, I had the absolute delight of being Squirrel in East Van Panto: Robin Hood. Now, I’m in rehearsals for Heathers: The Musical, directed by Julie Tomaino, at Studio 58, where I get to wear yellow and play Heather McNamara! It’s been such a wonderful and rigorous process and I can’t wait for everyone to see the show.

Where can we find your work?

Tickets for Heathers: The Musical can be found here! If you’d like to follow me and stay up to date on my latest endeavours, you can follow me on Instagram!

 

About Emilea Semancik 241 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram:
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