Biography

Irene Karas Loeper is a Canadian Actress, Producer, and Podcast Host with a lifelong passion for storytelling and performance. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, she is the daughter of Andrée Karas, Artistic Director Emerita of United Players Theatre Company. Irene trained as a performer at Circle in the Square in New York City, Gastown Actors Studio, and Vancouver Film School. She began her production career on set as a Production Assistant, eventually becoming one of Vancouver’s most in-demand Production Coordinators. As the founder of ITQ Productions, Irene has built a vibrant career both on stage and behind the scenes. Her acting credits include lead roles such as Violet Newstead in "9 to 5 The Musical", Sissy in the world premiere of "Talking Sex on Sunday", Tanya in "Mamma Mia", Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes" (earning her the Ovation Award for Best Lead Actress), and Daniela in "In the Heights." She has also received nominations for the Jessie Richardson Award and the Ovation Award for other roles. She has received Leo Award nominations for Best Performance for her lead role as Deb Wideman in the original comedy series "The Dressing Room" in both 2025 and 2026, and was thrilled to return for Season 2 both as a Co-Producer and as hilarious leading lady Deb alongside the show’s wonderful cast and crew. The show is now available on OUTtv. Irene has been a professional working actor for over 25 years and has collected more than 75 credits on stage and screen. Her earlier producing work includes three web series with a Leo Award win for Best Web Series. She also served as Production Supervisor on a documentary film recognized by the Leo Awards with 3 nominations. She has worked on over 200 commercials on various production teams in BC. Irene is the Creator and Producer of "The Heritage Project", a collaboration with Moonrider Productions that creates personalized biography films celebrating family history that clients can cherish forever. Now in its fourth season, Irene’s podcast #ilo_onlocation features candid interviews with inspiring women from her creative community. Whether on stage, on set, or in service to others, Irene brings passion, professionalism, and purpose to everything she does. She is a full union member of Canadian Actors’ Equity and UBCP/ACTRA, and is represented by Elena Kirschner at RED Management Inc.
- IMDb mini biography by: Alex Mitchell

Irene is a member of the Canadian Actors Equity Association.

Irene sings, plays the piano, and picks up languages and dialects quickly.