A lifelong lover of storytelling, Rachel Drance started performing in Vancouver at a young age. After spending her youth on stages around the city, such at Theatre Under the Stars and Gateway Theatre, Rachel moved to Ontario to pursue further study of Music Theatre. A few years later, she transitioned into the world of film and television, where she ultimately made her home. She has since appeared in series such as Salvation (CBS), Hardy Boys (Chorus/Hulu), Creepshow (Shudder), and The Flash (The CW). Most recently, Rachel has been working on the newest seasons of Netflix’s Virgin River as the character Marley.
After 10 years away, Rachel is excited to be back on stage in Vancouver, performing with the Arts Club Theatre, as Jenna in their summer musical, Waitress.
Rachel is grateful to the many people who have supported her personally and professionally throughout her life – especially her grandparents, Stephen and Betty Drance, whose love for the arts was particularly inspiring. She wishes they could be here for her return to Vancouver’s stage.
When not performing, Rachel enjoys coaching actors, writing, getting out into nature, exploring the world of food and wine, time with friends, family, and her two cats, Quincey and Phoebe.
This photo was snapped by the wonderful Sarah Cantuba (our spectacular “Dawn”) on one of our first days in the theatre. Having the support of such a talented and kind cast has made all the difference over the past few months.Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Waitress. Left to right: Ashanti J’Aria, Rachel Drance, and Sarah Cantuba. Production design by Cory Sincenes; lighting design by Michelle Ramsay.Playing Marley on Virgin River has been such a beautiful experience. Truly one of my favourite sets I’ve ever been lucky enough to work on. Also pictured: Alexandra Breckenridge, Michelle Choi-Lee, and Jay HindleYet another all-time favourite set experience was on Greg Nicotero’s Creepshow. I’m a big fan of the horror genre, and had been waiting my whole career to get to play in it. Between the story, prosthetics, and amazing team, this was truly an experience I will never forget. This episode, “The Hat/The Grieving Process”, was directed by talented local sisters, Kailey and Sam Spear.Writing is another huge passion of mine. When I’m not actively working on a show, I usually spend my days in various coffee shops around the city, working on one of the many drafts of fantasy novels I have on the go. This picture is from a trip I took with a dear friend last year to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, which felt exactly like stepping into one of my novels. My dream is to one day go back there for a few months to finish writing my first series.A fun fact about me: I’ve shot archery most of my life. My father was a champion archer in his 20s and 30s, so as soon as I was old enough, he put a bow in my hands.Spending time in nature is a deeply important part of my life. This picture was taken last summer when I went backcountry hiking and camping in Waterton. Getting to swim in this glacial lake, surrounded by mountains, really reminded me of the might and beauty of the earth.When I was very young, a teacher once said in passing that he had read a book that had really moved him. He explained that as artists, we can forget it is hugely important to recharge by consuming art other than our own. That really stuck with me, so I try to take in art in various mediums any chance I get. Pictured here is my favourite installation from my recent trip to Chateau La Coste, which features installations by some of the most incredible artists internationally. It was a deeply inspiring experience.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in Mount Pleasant, and I have to say, it would be really difficult for me to leave this neighbourhood. The mix of quiet, cherry-blossom-lined streets just a right or left turn off Main Street, with some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, local boutiques, and coffee shops, is a dream.
What do you do?
I work predominantly as a film/TV actor, but as mentioned above, I am spending my summer back on stage after a decade away.
What are you currently working on?
I recently had the joy of playing Jenna in Waitress at the Stanley Theatre with the Arts Club Theatre. This dream role was an incredible honour, allowing me to share a moving story of friendship, motherhood, healing, and resilience—all baked into a beautiful pie!
Where can we find your work?
Much of my past work can be found on Netflix, Hulu, or Paramount+. I also have a film, Inedia, directed by Liz Cairns, having its theatrical debut this summer at the VIFF Centre here in Vancouver and Imagine Cinema in Toronto. You can follow my Instagram (though admittedly inconsistent) updates on my latest projects.
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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