“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver Perfoming Artist Maia Beresford

April 23, 2025 Bronwyn Lewis Arts, Performing Arts

Maia Beresford (she/her) is a Vancouver-based actor, singer, dancer, and musician who holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre from Capilano University and a Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree from Douglas College. She has worked with several theatre companies in the Lower Mainland such as Theatre Under the Stars, Royal City Musical Theatre, URP, and most recently with Play on Words Productions as Judas and Dance Captain in the musical Godspell. In addition to performing in live theatre, Maia also is a member of The Dimes, a vocal-trio specialising in music from 1950s all the way to Y2K. You can also find her in the home-grown Hallmark Christmas movie “Leah’s Perfect Gift,” which aired this past December. To follow along her various artistic and creative pursuits (or send her cute photos of cows, also appreciated) you can find her @maiaberesford on Instagram. Her next role is sweet n’ southern Doralee Rhodes, one of the leading ladies in Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5 The Musical,’ which runs at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster April 25th-May 11th, 2025.

Maia Beresford
Rehearsals for ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ are well underway. I’m having a blast with the cast, but especially with these two ladies by my side! It’s truly such a privilege to act alongside such talented and fabulous women. Maia Beresford as Doralee, Irene Karas Loeper as Violet, and Madeleine Suddaby as Judy.
Maia Beresford
Photography by Emily Cooper | Costumes by Deborah Basterfield. R to L: Maia Beresford as Doralee, Irene Karas Loeper as Violet, and Madeleine Suddaby as Judy
The current set-up at my own 9 to 5! Yes, both of my computer screens are dedicated to my cat. His name is Lupin and he’s a little prince. His favourite colour, just like his mamma, is also pink (probably)
I also like to dip my toes into the world of film and TV. Being on set is such a different experience than rehearsing and performing in a theatre project, but I truly adore both. I’ve met some of the most hard-working, talented, and kind people in both industries and I’m continuously inspired.
I’m incredibly lucky to be able to occasionally pose in front of the camera for still shots too! I recently did a shoot with QE Home and the experience was nothing short of wonderful. I used to be incredibly camera-shy, but I’ve now developed the confidence to put myself out there!
Sometimes I trade in the character shoes for some glass slippers. On the weekends, you may be able to find me at various events spreading some magic! People often think that I’m joking when I say that I’m a princess, but the joke is really on them… Exhibit A:
I recently got invited to JRFM to record a lil somethin’ to promote 9 to 5 The Musical. Honestly, I was a little nervous about it, but the entire team was so supportive and encouraging and I’m super happy with the result. I keep having friends send me recordings of it asking “IS THAT YOU?” – sure is!
Maia Beresford
Self-tapes are something that every actor has to become familiar with. When submitting an audition, on top of the scene work, we also have to do something called a “slate”. This is basically where you introduce yourself and say information like your height, location, etc. I don’t even want to attempt to guess the number of videos on my camera roll that start with me saying “Hi, my name is-” but I’m assuming it’s probably a lot at this point!
Maia Beresford
I have been volunteering with The BeaYOUtiful Foundation since 2023, and I truly believe the work that they do has greatly impacted the lives of so many young girls and non-binary youth. The Foundation’s goal is to build worth and self-esteem in young people. I feel deeply honoured to be a contributing member of BeaYOUtiful – a community committed to sharing confidence, mentorship, and kindness with others. You can learn more about the charity and the programs they offer at www.thebeayoutifulfoundation.com

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Which ’hood are you in?

I’m a born n’ raised Vancouver gal! I live in the Fairview area – just a hop, skip, and a jump to Granville Island and the seawall. I’ve lived here for the majority of my adult life, but I grew up in Kerrisdale.

What do you do?

During weekdays, I work doing administration with a sprinkle of accounting on top. I’m a big fan of organisation and numbers, so it’s a perfect fit. I also have some flexibility with this job, and it’s been a huge blessing when various gigs or performance opportunities come up. I’m also a mentor/Soul Sister with the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, and have worked with the charity as a volunteer since the Fall of 2023. I do my best to have a balance of work and play – luckily for me, a large majority of what I do combines both! From taking the stage singing retro music with The Dimes, to performing as a real-life princess for magical events, to auditioning for and working in various theatre and film, I definitely have a lot of things on the go. My plate may be packed, but my cup is certainly full.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently in the thick of the rehearsal process for 9 to 5 The Musical with Royal City Musical Theatre. The show is based on the popular 1980 movie with the same name, and its entire score is written by the fabulous and legendary Dolly Parton. I’m playing Doralee Rhodes (the character Dolly herself played in the movie!) and it’s been an absolute honour and dream come true thus far. The music is incredible of course, but the script is high energy, hilarious and full of heart – a perfect mix, I gotta say! Perhaps I’m a little biased…I cannot confirm nor deny. You’ll just have to come see for yourself! The show runs at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster from April 25 to May 11. See y’all there!

Where can we find your work?

You can find me on Instagram at @maiaberesford and follow me along my various performing arts + creative endeavours.

You can purchase tickets to see 9 to 5 The Musical @rcmtheatre | royalcitymusicaltheatre.com

 

About Bronwyn Lewis 103 Articles
Bronwyn Lewis is a food writer for the Vancouver Guardian. She’s also a screenwriter and producer. Born and raised in Vancouver, Bronwyn lives in Mount Pleasant and you can follow all her food adventures on Instagram.
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