Scene

Liz MacRae

If you have attended any of the many fine festivals that take place across the West Island each year, chances are that you have likely met, or at least seen, Beaconsfield resident Liz MacRae.

“I have always enjoyed arts of all kinds,” she shares with Arts Ouest via email, reflecting on her formative years. “My mom used to create lovely pottery, and we had a kick wheel in the basement. She showed me how to make beautiful things. She also painted and sketched, and we went to many art exhibits together when I was younger.”

Her mother’s influence remains to this day.

“I love photography and take pictures at every event I attend. I love theater and see as many plays as I can. I enjoy museums a lot too, and I have voiced several audio guides for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and other museums here and for the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa.”

MacRae’s career in the professional arts began at a young age.

“I modelled throughout high school, mostly doing ads for The Bay and flyers for Zellers and other stores. I took part in many fashion shows as well. After taking a break for a few years, and finishing a degree at Dawson College, I got back into it around the age of 20, modelling in Montreal, Toronto and New York City, I did that full-time for many years, before parlaying it into an acting and voiceover career. I did hundreds of cartoon voices, as well as film and television work. These days I mostly do voice dubbing on series and films for streaming services.”

In 2015, MacRae was awarded the ‘Outstanding Voice Performance Award’ at the Montreal ACTRA Awards. In 2020 she was awarded a ‘Life Membership’ in ACTRA.

“I wrote a children’s book as well – Lizzie and the Man in the Moon – which gently looks at ways that both parents and children can be more loving and caring. The inspiration came from sitting in Shannon Park in Beaconsfield and looking up at the full moon on an August night a few years ago.”

Along with her current work as a voiceover artist, MacRae gives back to her community in a number of ways.

“I am an Ambassador with Literacy Unlimited, a great organization right here on the West Island. I am entering my 3rd year with them, volunteering at the Ribfest, the West Island Blues Festival, at other events, and at their workshops. As well, I do some volunteering for the West Island Women’s Centre.”
She is also a member of the Beaconsfield Hooking Crafters Guild, and the city’s Neighbour Connector program.

“We aim to increase belonging by connecting with our neighbours through activities that we create and participate in. I am also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Roxboro Branch #234, to honour my dad’s brother who was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery at Dieppe in WW2.”
As if all of that weren’t enough, she is also the Vice President of the Clan MacRae Society of Canada for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces.

“I really enjoy volunteering because I love seeing people out doing positive things. We need fun in our lives. We need to work diligently, yes, but balance is something that many of us are missing in our day-to-day lives. I recall one of my past acting teachers saying, “If it’s not fun…RUN!” He meant if what you are doing does not bring you fulfillment or joy, change what you are doing.

“The West Island has a very vibrant arts and music scene and is rich with talent. I know so many local musicians, singers and artists, potters and painters, quilters and rug hooking artists who are happy to call this part of the world home.”