In Focus | Elana Bizovie

Meet Elana. She has lived in Kelowna for two years. Elana is a practicing actor and director who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both drama and anthropology from the University of Alberta. She also works as an arts administrator for Cool Arts Society and is currently completing her studies in Arts & Cultural Management through MacEwan University.



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Alberta. Spent 2013-2015 in Kelowna, went back to Alberta, have been back since late 2016.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
He's not really a 'person' but I love spending time with our family's poodle, Benny. He is the sweetest, chillest little dude and I always feel so much better after quality snuggle time with him.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Milkcrate Records. I don't even have a record player or turntable (which is probably good, because I'd no doubt spend far too much money on records). I really appreciate how Milkcrate showcases artists in the community and makes that art accessible.

Describe yourself in one word.
Curious.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland. I like green, moody, rainy weather and I've always had a pull to the place.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I like seeing as much performance art as I can, whether it's theatre, dance, music, poetry, etc...

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing major stands out - I don't know if that means I'm too cautious or just shameless.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Again, nothing major stands out. I think that any time someone takes a risk creatively, regardless of how 'successful' it's deemed, I'm inspired and motivated to take more risk as a performer and creative.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in a small farming community in Alberta and I have very fond memories of that simple life. Playing with my sisters and cousins in the yard, helping my grandmother in the garden, bringing meals to the farmers during harvest, or just sitting and laughing at my grandfather's stories on the porch - those memories give me the best feelings.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have done some volunteer work with CMHA over the past few years. I also do a lot of volunteer work with some of the theatre companies in town, helping out with administrative and marketing, which I think is important. Everyone wants to be on stage but people don't realize the work that goes into getting them there. I'm also really fortunate that my job as an administrator at Cool Arts allows me to give back and support the disability arts community, which is pretty spectacular.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd somehow increase every living person's ability for empathy and compassion. I think we need to all make greater efforts to understand each other more.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I haven't done nearly enough exploring in the area since I've moved here. I like sitting on the lakeshore, near some grass and trees, listening to the water when I can manage to sneak away.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd like to see this community get out to support local artists and a lot more. I think that arts and culture really help to create a stronger community at large by making us more aware of the people around us and their stories. People flock to huge, travelling events, but smaller organizations struggle to get people out to their shows, whether it's performance or visual art. We think of businesses when we hear 'support local', which is great and incredibly important, but the arts sector needs that support too.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I think we're lucky to be surrounded by so much of nature's beauty and to be able to breathe fresh air while also enjoying most of the amenities that larger, more industrial centres have.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Get my Class 6 license, a motorcycle, and hit the open road from here to California.
2. Study Flamenco dance.
3. Learn to speak Spanish fluently.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a pretty open book.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I'm on Instagram and Twitter @ebizovie and people can find me on Facebook by my full name.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I grew up dancing and had dreams of becoming a choreographer, but some life events took me down the path of passion for film and theatre. The small town I grew up in didn't have much opportunity but I hit the ground running after studying theatre at uni.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life? There is a lot of stigma about chronic illness out there, which I struggle with. It comes with many challenges and can make you feel like you are running uphill every day, but it's also taught me a lot about resilience as well as the importance of rest.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Tricky question, because I wouldn't be where I am without some of the struggle; but it's tempting to say I wouldn't let some not-so-nice people into my life if I could go back and do it again. Wouldn't we all like to avoid that if we could?

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Oh well..."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
“I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes.” - Jean Vanier. I'm always struck by how much we feel we need to hide, when we're often experiencing so much of the same.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Dame Judy Dench. She is a badass of the highest order. As an actor and a woman, I have great respect and admiration for her. I'd love to pick her brain for the day!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a community, we must take care of each other - shopping locally is the most basic way we can start to do that.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I think pursing my passion for the arts, in general. We're often told it's pointless and a waste of time and energy, but I couldn't agree more, and I'm glad I stayed the course.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Luci Parent-Papi. She's the President of the board at Cool Arts Society. I can't begin to tell you of all the hard work she puts in and the compassion she possesses. If anyone in town deserve a shout out, it's her!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Angela Lavender. Mortgage broker, educator, actor, director, all around beautiful, sassy soul!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!