“A Day in the Life” with: Performing Artist Harold Kalinga

May 6, 2026 Bronwyn Bronwyn Lewis Arts, Performing Arts

Harold Kalinga is a musical theatre and film actor based in Calgary. His love for musicals was sparked by the Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants, and since then, he has been passionate about performing. He started focusing on acting in junior high and didn’t perform in his first large-scale musical until four years ago. But his dedication, the guidance of teachers and mentors, and the support of the cast and crewmates he’s worked with, combined with his unique martial arts background, have led to incredible opportunities. This includes a day-player role on Netflix’s My Life with the Walter Boys, filmed right here in Calgary.

Currently, Harold is in rehearsals for Shrek: The Musical at Storybook Theatre. He is extremely grateful to be working alongside such a talented and kind group of individuals and hopes the Calgary community will come out and recognize the cast and crew’s hard work.

When he is not performing, Harold is studying mechatronics and robotics engineering, which he sees as a unique way to be creative—solving problems within the limits of science.

Harold Kalinga
I’m always grateful whenever I have the chance to perform on stage, and after doing the read-through of the Shrek script with the whole cast, it has made me all the more excited to put in the work and create a fantastic show.
Harold Kalinga
Me working away on a component for the robot I helped to make for one of my mechatronics classes.
Our final project for our second year in mechatronics engineering was building a robot to carry packages and transport them. With how unique everyone made their designs to complete the challenge in different ways, it shows how engineering design is just a different type of creativity.
Me getting to use a robotic arm that was used to shake hands at the Juno awards.
Whether that be building a set or building a robot, I enjoy being able to get in the shop and bring an idea in my head to life.
As someone who started out primarily doing theatre, it has been very fun to continue to branch out and learn to perform in different mediums.
Harold Kalinga
Performing in Once on this Island in a cast full of individuals, all part of the BIPOC community, was such a special experience that I will never forget.
Harold Kalinga
Being able to do a film, let alone for a Netflix show, is so incredibly fun, especially once you get to see the final product.

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Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in Cougar Ridge in Northwest Calgary with my family. I have lived there my whole life up until university, and I have so many fond memories biking around, playing sports in my backyard, and going to the Dairy Queen for a sweet treat!

What do you do?

I am both a university student studying to be a mechatronics and robotics engineer and an actor! While they seem different, the skills I have gained from engineering, such as immense focus, have definitely helped me become a stronger performer and vice versa. Living in Calgary as well is such a privilege because there are so many film and theatre performance opportunities year-round, giving me the chance to always grow my performance skills.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on Shrek: The Musical at Storybook Theatre! The cast and crew are some of the most talented people I have had the privilege of working with, and I am so excited to share this show with the Calgary community.

As well, I have a proof-of-concept short film that I was a part of last summer coming out this year that I am excited for the world to see.

Where can we find your work?

The best place to find what I am up to currently is on Instagram!

 

About Bronwyn Bronwyn Lewis 36 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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