Biography
Tess Degenstein is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, director, improviser, and voice-over artist who originates from Saskatchewan and has established herself as a versatile performer across multiple entertainment mediums. Hailing from Saskatchewan, she relocated to Vancouver where she has built a multifaceted career that spans theater, television, film, and voice work. Her theatrical foundation was established through performances on stages across Canada, including notable venues such as Western Canada Theatre, The Citadel, Theatre Aquarius, and The Globe Theatre. Degenstein's commitment to improvisational comedy became a defining aspect of her artistic development, leading her to perform and teach internationally across diverse cultural landscapes. Her international experience encompasses performances and teaching engagements in Vienna, Berlin, Athens, London, Oslo, Atlanta, and New York, demonstrating her adaptability to various theatrical traditions and comedic styles. The breadth of her improvisational work culminated in her involvement with Spontaneous Theatre's acclaimed production Blind Date, which achieved significant recognition during its off-Broadway run. Recognition for her theatrical contributions includes nominations for multiple ensemble Canadian Comedy Awards and a Sterling Award for Best Actor for her performance in the world premiere of Nicole Moehller's An Almost Perfect Thing. Her comedic talents earned further acknowledgment when she received a Jessie Richardson award for her performance in Noises Off at the Arts Club. Transitioning into screen work, Degenstein developed a television presence through appearances in various productions, with featured roles in New Eden, So Help Me Todd, and Murdoch Mysteries, alongside work in commercials and music videos. Her film career expanded to include both independent and mainstream projects, with appearances in the indie feature The Players and Osgood Perkins' horror film The Monkey. Beyond acting, Degenstein has pursued creative writing and directing, having written several feature scripts and developed an IPF series. Her directorial ventures include two short films and the recent completion of How Brief, a short film she both wrote and starred in, directed by Kelly McCormack. This evolution from performer to multi-hyphenate creator reflects her comprehensive understanding of storytelling across different formats and her commitment to developing original content within the Canadian entertainment landscape.
