“A life of theatre is a life of variety.”
- Arlene Bedster (1970-2025)
Words from the late Arlene Bedster (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’94) still ring true to this day, and her sentiment is now turning into action, as Arlene’s closest friends and colleagues raise funds to establish a memorial scholarship dedicated to her legacy.
A Local Theatre Mainstay
Arlene Bedster, affectionally referred to as ‘Lar’ and ‘Larlene’ by her friends, was a “force” in Lethbridge theatre in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for her unforgettable characters, vocals and presence at the New West Theatre organization.
In an interview with the U of L Journal in 2005, Arlene described her life as a “patchwork” of theatre and other jobs that “pay so she can play.” Joining New West in 1991, Arlene became (in)famous for her appearances in the organization’s annual summer and Christmas productions and non-musical performances.
“Arlene was an amazing actress and singer,” says Scott Carpenter, one of Arlene’s closest friends and co-stars, and the Theatre Coordinator for the City of Lethbridge. “Her ability to draw an audience in through pure emotion was a tremendous skill. It was natural to her, like breathing.”
Jeff Carlson (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’92), former city councillor and a close friend of Arlene, adds that the variety of theatre not only encompasses who you get to work with, it also is the experiences you have.
“Arlene and I worked together for many years in many different jobs. You’re always learning something new, and then as an actor, you get to be so many different people,” Jeff says, adding that his first introduction to Arlene was seeing her in character as a blonde bombshell on a surfboard, wig and all.
“It’s always something new, and that was very important to Arlene. She loved challenges,” Jeff adds.
Arlene’s Impact
Arlene passed away in June 2025, at the age of 55, following a courageous battle with cancer. Her loss is indescribable to her friends and family, but her memory is strong in Jeff and Scott’s minds.
“In theatre, when you do a show with a bunch of people it is quite common to become quite close with the cast and crew,” Scott says.
Through repeated performances, his connection with Arlene grew deeper. “Arlene quickly became one of the most important people in my life. I miss her with all my heart.”
“Arlene is family,” adds Jeff. “My family has always had a criteria that everyone gets judged by and it's, simply, are they nice? And when I first met Lar, nearly 40 years ago, she was nice, and she immediately became family. We worked together, lived together, travelled together, vacationed together — we did everything together.”
Images of Arlene throughout her life.
Arlene’s ULethbridge Legacy
Scott and Jeff note that Arlene frequently spoke about the joy she received from her ULethbridge education — both for its liberal education focus and the foundational theatre skills she built.
“Liberal education gives you a different view of the world, a look at humanity and different people and places and things and perspectives. It’s amazing and builds much more well-rounded humans,” Jeff says.
“Arlene always talked about her experiences at ULethbridge as foundational. She learned about theatre from the inside out. From directing and acting, to costuming, set design, lighting, sound and playwriting — they are all disciplines explored at the University,” Scott says.
“It’s the ultimate way to experiment and find out what you’re good at and what disciplines you take to. Plus, you develop an appreciation of the many disciplines that come together to create theatre,” he adds.
Arlene’s love of education, her legacy and her impact continue in the form of a new, endowed scholarship for Dramatic Arts students.
Jeff, Scott and Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) have joined together to raise funds to create the Arlene Bedster Memorial Scholarship, an annual award that will give at least $1,000 to Dramatic Arts students with financial need and a demonstrated commitment to performing arts.
“The thought of being able to ease the financial burden on students is amazing,” says Jeff. “My hope is that this scholarship can make it easier for someone to take the time to explore their education, enjoy their undergraduate experience and explore the Fine Arts. It’s a unique, awesome time of life.”
So far, the award has raised over $27,500, with additional matching support provided by the Board of Governors. As the trio continues to raise money for the scholarship, students are at the heart of the campaign.
“It’s so cliché, but the youth are our future. If you can help students become better, become less worried, less stressed — try and do it, because it really will benefit all of us in the long run,” Jeff says.
“On Arlene’s award, I just hope it allows students in the Fine Arts to try some new things, have a little bit less stress, a little bit more comfort, to go explore, go create, without financial stress.”
To contribute to the Arlene Bedster Memorial Scholarship, please visit the ULethbridge giving page.