YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Artistic Director
- Director
Allen has been directing for over 30 years at theatres from coast to coast across Canada, including: Belfry Theatre, Victoria; Globe Theatre, Regina; Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary; Shaw Festival, Ontario; Centaur Theatre, Montreal; and Neptune Theatre, Halifax. Past productions include: The Secret Garden, Beauty and the Beast, To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie (TYA), Blue Planet, Cinderella - a RATical retelling (2013 Dora Award for Outstanding Direction), A Year With Frog and Toad, Touch the Sky, The Wizard of Oz, Seussical (2007 Dora Award for Outstanding Direction), Bunnicula, Hana's Suitcase, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Princess & the Handmaiden, all for YPT. Other favourite productions include In Good King Charles's Golden Days (Shaw Festival); The Stone Angel (Centaur Theatre, Montreal); A Doll's House, Walking on Water, fareWell, Crackpot and Joni Mitchell: River (Prairie Theatre Exchange). Allen spent eight years as Artistic Director of Winnipeg's Prairie Theatre Exchange. He was the Artistic Director of Young People's Theatre from 2002 to 2021.
Amy is thrilled to be back teaching at Young People's Theatre, her beloved home away from home. In addition to performing here (You and I, James and the Giant Peach, Cinderella, Here to Hear, The Invisible Girl, Hana's Suitcase), Amy has assistant directed (Annie, Emily's Piano), and taught thousands of students through her work as a Resident Artist Educator. She is Co-Artistic Director of U.N.I.T. Productions and plays Jasp in the Dora and Canadian Comedy Award-winning clown duo Morro and Jasp, which has allowed her to tour all over the globe making people laugh. Amy most recently performed in Appropriate at The Coal Mine Theatre. She has also played at Factory Theatre, Theatre Columbus, Theatre Brouhaha, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Carousel Players, and more. She has mentored with the Paprika Festival, the AMY Project, and taught clowning to people across the country. When not teaching, creating and performing, Amy spends her time playing with her daughters, Sadie and Pearl.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Artist Educators
Andrea is a Winnipeg-born director, actor, and arts facilitator. As an actor, Andrea's work has been seen across the country, with such companies as Mirvish Productions, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Western Canada Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and many others in her home province. Most recently, Andrea directed four new plays at the Newmarket National Play Festival, and was Associate Producer for Expect Theatre's Beats + Intentions in Toronto. Andrea also frequently leads arts and communication workshops for young people and professionals. Upcoming: Director for You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Randolph College. More about Andrea here: www.andreahoussin.ca.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Artist Educators
Andrew Tribe is a director, educator and theatre administrator. He built self-expression, collaboration and confidence for 9 years as Artistic Director of the Original Kids Theatre Company, directing over 25 productions and overseeing over 225 more. He empowered professionalism and creativity as Director of the Grand Theatre's High School Project for three seasons. Andrew believes in passionate storytelling, wholehearted vulnerability, and a clear vision that engenders understanding and provokes empathy. Andrew dives headfirst with ample research to enhance conversations and ensure his work is informed, accurate and exciting.
His work has been seen in professional A-level proscenium houses: The Phantom of the Opera, Titanic (Grand Theatre); outdoor jungle gyms: Peter & the Starcatcher (Original Kids); high school gymnasiums: The Awesome 80's Prom (London Fringe); large musicals in intimate black boxes: Matilda (Original Kids); thrust stages: Grease (Mainstage Theatre Company); and online platforms: One Song Glory (Musical Stage Company). As an educator, he has taught workshops and camps for the Stratford Festival, The Musical Stage Company and Young People's Theatre.
Andrew is a life-long student, committed to continual professional development and paying it forward to the next generation of young artists he mentors. He brings an informed approach based on a foundation of education: Master in Theatre Education (University of Northern Colorado), Bachelor of Education (Western University), and as an alumnus of Theatre & Drama Studies program at the University of Toronto/Sheridan College. He can do funny, he can do sad, he can do serious but above all, his work is joyful and celebrates the human spirit.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Investment Banking, Financial Sponsors Group
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Technical Director
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Development Officer
- Member of the Contact Our Team
- Development Officer / Foundations & Corporate
Breanne is a passionate arts educator, administrator, and advocate who is currently independent as the Covid-19 pandemic turns our arts education world upside down. She currently resides in Stratford, but spread her ambition far and wide in Toronto before that working for Young People's Theatre, Canadian Opera Company, oaks ‘n acorns, Artistic Edge Dance Company, and Children's Arts Theatre School among other GTA companies. She received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours from York University after studying Theatre with a focus on Arts Education. Now, as an arts administrator, she has played an integral role "behind the scenes" at Stratford Festival, Evolve Educational Tours, oaks ‘n acorns and at YPT where she served as Drama School Coordinator and had the opportunity to interact with the youngest of theatre participants by creating and teaching a program called Baby Drama Time. As a member of the PAONE Board of Directors, Breanne is eager to advocate for arts education and bring our passionate community together. She has an appreciation for theatre at any level and confidence for the role it can play in a child's social growth and development.
An award-winning arts leader and advocate for the Canadian theatre industry, Camilla came to YPT after serving as Executive Director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC) since 2011. She officially began her tenure at YPT in September 2024. Camilla's strong personal connection to YPT began in 1987, when she saw The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. "I was fourteen years old, and the experience was electric," she says. "I became a YPT superfan." Thereafter, Camilla became professionally involved with YPT - first as an usher in the late 1980s, followed by roles in YPT's Drama School, education and fundraising departments. Her two children were introduced to theatre through YPT's productions. Now that she is serving as the theatre's Executive Director, she has come full circle.
For three decades, Camilla has built a career in theatre in various positions as general manager, producer, grants officer, fundraiser, community volunteer, board member, educator and advocate. She was the General Manager at Tarragon Theatre and has worked for a number of professional theatres, including Canadian Stage Company, Factory Theatre and Volcano Theatre. A Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award winner, Camilla sits on the board of the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation. She recently served as a board member of the National Theatre School and was a member of the National Arts Centre's Creation Fund Advisory Council.
Christopher James St. Aubyn Williams is a Jamaican-Canadian university graduate with a double major in Studio Arts and Theatre and Performance Studies. Since high school, Chris developed a keen interest in community engagement through the lens of creative arts and has since pursued many positions in recreation and community services with municipalities, art galleries and theatre groups. With over 10 years of experience in various instructor roles, Chris has researched, planned and facilitated a variety of programs that led to inclusive, healthy and engaging programming for the public, especially for children and youth.
Job Titles:
- Patron Services Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Scenic Carpenter
Following 16 years at the helm of YPT, outgoing Executive Director Nancy Webster completes her tenure on May 28.
Daniel Yeh (he/him) is a performer and artist of Chinese/Mohawk descent currently based in Toronto. Earning his Honours Bachelor in Musical Theatre from Sheridan college he strives to develop his artistry and grow as a young performer in Ontario. Having previously performed at Young People's Theatre Bentboy (2022) he is thrilled to be returning to develop more as an arts educator, learning and growing alongside students who have a passion for curiosity, understanding, and the ability to play.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Tech & Innovation Banking / National Bank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Partner / Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Job Titles:
- Board past Chair and Chair of the Committee
"Our search committee interviewed exceptional candidates across Canada for the position of Executive Director at Canada's largest theatre for young people," says David Scandiffio, Chair of the Search Committee and YPT Board Past Chair. "We are so thrilled to have Camilla Holland's passion and expertise as she steps into this leadership role at YPT."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Golf Classic Co - Chair / Senior Vice President
Actor, author and storyteller, Djennie Laguerre is a graduate of the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory (New York) and the University of Ottawa (BAC in Art; Theatre, and Literature). She has been acclaimed as the performer and author of Manman la mer at Thé tre la Catapulte. She is the author and performer of Rendez-Vous with Home/Lakay at the SummerWorks Festival, 2008, and at the Thé tre français de Toronto, 2010, also presented in several storytelling festivals such as Les contes nomades (NAC) and Le Festival du loup de Lafontaine and Festival Les vieux m'ont conté. She is proud of the ambitious tour of both English and French versions of Rendez-vous with Home/Lakay with the iconic Black Theatre Workshop (Montreal, February 2018 and November 2019) and the English version with Roseneath Theatre in Toronto 2020! She just finished a 3-year tour with Manman la mer in Ottawa, Ivory Coast, New Brunswick, Québec and Ontario. An English version called Mother Sea is to come.
In 2020-21, she won the Best Actress Prix Rideau Award for her performance in Manman la mer, and the production team won "Best Production". She received the Spotlight Award at the SummerWorks Festival in 2008 for Rendez-Vous with Home. She is a Dora Award- nominee for "Outstanding Performance - Individual" for Rendez-Vous with Home 2020, and "Outstanding Performance - Individual" and "Outstanding Performance - Ensemble" for Les Zinspirés. Djennie was also nominated for "Best Actress" at the METAs Awards 2018 for Rendez-vous Home/ Lakay. Children may know her as an Artist in schools /Artist Educator with OAC, YPT and Theatre Direct. Djennie is also the storyteller and dancer Madame Bonheur at MiniTFO/CBC.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- SVP & Head of Commercial Products
Gabrielle Casha (she/her) is a versatile Maltese-Canadian theatre artist, located in the GTA. A graduate of the Regional Arts Drama Program at Cawthra Park Secondary School, Gabrielle has performed in and outside of school including Senior Company at Young People's Theatre where she played the principal role of Cameron Huntley in It Snows. She will be attending York University in the Bachelor Fine Arts Theatre program this fall. Her creative style blends classical techniques with comedic storytelling. Gabrielle continues to dedicate her time to supporting the growth of young people in Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer / Equitable Bank
Hannah graduated with an MFA in Performance from York University and has written, directed and produced two shows, Lighthouse and Fifteen both of which were mounted in Hamilton, Ontario. Her recent acting credits include Boeing Boeing, Crimes of the Heart (Watermark Theatre); King Lear, Twelfth Night (Canadian Stage); Living With Olivia Cadence Donovan (Red Wit Theatre), Merchant of Venice, Dream Play, Three Sisters, Richard II, Alkestis (Theatre @ York). This summer she'll be appearing in A Midsummer Night's Dream as Puck at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
Heather has been teaching theatre for over twenty years, specializing in performance, collaborative creation and clown, and is excited to be part of the YPT team. She is an actor, playwright, theatrical and therapeutic clown, Co-Artistic Director of U.N.I.T. Productions, and "Morro" of the Dora Award and Canadian Comedy Award winning clown duo, Morro and Jasp. Most recently Morro and Jasp premiered their new show, Morro and Jasp: Save The Date, and released their video game Morro and Jasp: Unscripted. Heather is a graduate of York with a BFA in Theatre and Masters in Environmental Studies.
An Anishinaabe theatre artist from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Herbie Barnes was raised in Toronto. His theatre career began in 1989 with Debajehmujig Theatre Group, touring Ontario with the first run of Drew Hayden Taylor's Toronto at Dreamer's Rock. Since then he has collaborated with some of North America's largest theatre companies and was nominated for a John Hirsch Director's Award. His new play, Bent Boy, was workshopped at YPT and shortlisted for the Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award in 2020.
Herbie has a long and storied association with YPT, where as a young audience member, he had his first theatre experience. "My first taste of what would be a life-long passion for theatre started in the old streetcar barn on Front Street," said Herbie of YPT's 123-year-old heritage theatre. Years later, he began his professional association with YPT when he appeared in The Secret of Shhh in 1993. He has been making an impact at YPT ever since, both on stage and in classrooms as a playwright, performer, director and artist educator.
As Artistic Director, Herbie aims to build on the successes of the past and to move the theatre into a new era; one of continued inclusion and innovation. "Allen MacInnis's legacy as YPT's Artistic Director has made it possible to give space to someone such as me. Not only furthering inclusion, but true representation - to have a strong voice in the circle."
"The Search Committee was very excited by Herbie's intercultural, inter-generational programming ideas, both in show selection and educational activities. I personally am really looking forward to partnering with him for the next phase of our company's development. I know Herbie's positive leadership style will inspire YPT's staff and Board well into the future," said Executive Director Nancy Webster.
Herbie Barnes also had his passion for theatre ignited by YPT as a child. "Camilla's theatrical roots are firmly planted in our building, as she started her journey here at YPT," says Barnes. "I'm happy to see her complete the circle and I look forward to beginning a partnership with such a talented leader."
For three decades, Ms. Holland has built a career in theatre in various positions as general manager, producer, grants officer, fundraiser, community volunteer, board member, educator and advocate. Ms. Holland was the General Manager at Tarragon Theatre and has worked for a number of professional theatres, including Canadian Stage Company, Factory Theatre and Volcano Theatre. A Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award winner, Ms. Holland sits on the board of the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation. She recently served as a board member of the National Theatre School and was a member of the National Arts Centre's Creation Fund Advisory Council.
Ms. Holland looks forward to bringing her expertise to the world of TYA once again. "I feel incredibly fortunate that I started my career in TYA, watching first-hand the impact of live theatre on our youngest audiences," she says. "I am a huge believer in the transformative power of arts education, and the importance of ensuring access for all."
An Anishinaabe theatre artist from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Herbie is an accomplished playwright, performer, director and arts educator whose 30-year-career spans stages across North America. Herbie was raised in Toronto and was among the generation of young Indigenous artists in the 1990s breaking down barriers to forge professional careers in Canadian theatre. His theatre career began in 1989 with Debajehmujig Theatre Group, touring Ontario with the first run of Drew Hayden Taylor's Toronto at Dreamer's Rock. Since then he has collaborated with some of North America's most prestigious stages - whether appearing in productions such as Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing (Mirvish - Royal Alexandra Theatre) or collaborating with the Stratford Festival on development workshops. He was nominated for a John Hirsch Director's Award and his new play, Bentboy, was shortlisted for the Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award in 2020. Learn more about Herbie here.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head Scenic Artist
Jeff Ho is a theatre artist, originally from Hong Kong. As an actor, he has toured as Ophelia in Why Not Theatre's Prince Hamlet across Canada and the United States over five years. Other credits include: Hana's Suitcase (Young People's Theatre, tour: Toronto, Montreal and Seattle); I Forgive You (Artistic Fraud/NAC); Orestes (Tarragon Theatre); trace (Remount - NAC/Factory Theatre); Box 4901 (Buddies in Bad Times); camera obscura (hungry ghosts) (the frank theatre/QAF - Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Production - Small Theatre); Kim's Convenience (CBC); The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu); and Orphan Black (BBC America).
Job Titles:
- Learning Programs Coordinator
Hello! My name is Jennifer. I'm an actor, singer, arts educator and mom. As an actor and singer, selected credits include James and the Giant Peach, Hana's Suitcase, Seussical, A Year With Frog and Toad, Blue Planet (YPT); Wedding at Aulis, Animal Farm, Alligator Pie, As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera (Soulpepper); Vietgone, Top Girls, My Fair Lady (RMTC). As an arts educator, I have been the lead artist instructor for Soulpepper's City Youth Academy for the past 5 summers and I've also taught with the same company's In The Schools Program for almost 10 years. As a mother, I have a 7-year-old who continues to fill my life with awe and wonder. I love theatre and it brings me so much joy to share something I love to as many people as I possibly can.
Joelle is an Indigenous (Anishinaabe/Miami) actor and playwright from Walpole Island First Nation, Bkejwanong Territory. She is currently based in Toronto and has worked at many great theatre companies and festivals across Canada including Factory Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Theatre Northwest, The Toronto Fringe, Summerworks Festival, and more. Joelle recently presented a staged reading of her play in development Niish at the Paprika Festival and will be continuing to write and workshop the piece throughout 2020. Follow her on Instagram @joellepeters.jpg.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Vice President & Group Treasurer / George Weston Limited
Job Titles:
- Associate Artistic Director, Learning
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Member of the Contact Our Team
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Kevin is an actor, director and educator. As a theatre educator, Kevin has worked with Canadian newcomers in community organizations, led workshops in group homes and taught hundreds of students in theatres and schools across the city. Kevin is passionate about using drama and theatre to inspire personal growth, creativity and collaboration in various communities. Outside of his work in theatre and acting, Kevin leads mindfulness/meditation groups and is currently doing his Master of Education in Counselling Psychology.
Kevin Dyer lives in Wales. He is Artistic Associate at Farnham Maltings and Associate Writer for Action Transport Theatre. He writes, directs, leads writing courses, is a poet and a story-teller. He has been awarded the ‘International Inspirational Playwright Award' by ASSITEJ at their World Congress in Cape Town, won the UK Writers' Guild Award for Best Play for Young People, and has been shortlisted a dozen times for other awards. His adaptation of The Hobbit won the UK Theatre Awards ‘Best Production'. He has a long association with YPT. He wrote The Monster Under the Bed, Minotaur and Under the Stairs for them. YPT is currently developing his latest play The Fixing Girl - an adventure in a shed with pirates, buttered toast and a man who isn't there.
Khadijah Salawu is an actor, arts educator, creative producer and DJ. She is a graduate of the Arts York drama program at Unionville High School, and holds a HBA in Drama, Theatre and Performance from the University of Toronto. She is the founder and editor of The African Diaspora Literature and Performance Toolkit, a forthcoming online adaptable list of resources that provides examples about African diasporic literature and performing arts with a focus in African-Canadian creation. It is designed to be used by high school English and drama teachers in their classrooms.
She has served as the Artistic Director and co-founder of FreeUp! - an annual nation-wide youth-led Emancipation Day celebration, wherein the CBC Gem Emancipation Day 2020 Special received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performing Arts Program at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards.
Khadijah brings her love for imagination and storytelling to young people as an arts educator at Young People's Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre, St. James Town Community Arts and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Kimmy D'Souza (she/her) is a performer and arts educator based in Toronto. A recent graduate of the joint St. Lawrence College and Queen's University Bachelor of Music Theatre program, she is a singer, actor, and dancer who loves to keep growing as an artist, with a passion for directing and choreographing. Children's theatre is one of her many passions, and she loves bringing theatre into children's lives, believing it has the power to shape who we become. She feels strongly that arts education is an essential part of every child's development and is committed to creating opportunities for young people to explore the performing arts. When she is not on stage or in the classroom, Kimmy loves going to the ballet, spending time with her dog, and curling up with a good TV series or movie.
Lauren Wolanski (she/her) is an actor, writer, theatre educator and coach. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto's joint program with Sheridan College, where she received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama Studies, and a diploma in Acting. She is currently pursuing her professional coaching accreditation through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) at Toronto's ADLER Graduate Professional School. Lauren began her career as an arts educator directing youth musical theatre productions at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Upon graduating from university, she became the Program Director at Electric Moon Theatre Company where she designed arts education programming from the ground up, and led workshops and classes in schools throughout the GTA. Lauren has loved being a teaching artist at Young People's Theatre for the past three years! Through her instruction, Lauren strives to build her students' confidence, creativity and self-expression. Lauren's notable theatre credits include "Anna" in Vitals (nominated for Best Solo Performance by My Entertainment World), and the Queen of Hearts in the Guild Festival Theatre's production of Alice in Wonderland.
Lee Stone (they/them) is a queer, trans and non-binary, multidisciplinary theatre practitioner with a focus in directing, producing, and teaching. Their inspiration has always been about engaging with stories and voices of and for social change through the lens of intersectional feminism. They are a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and are the founder, artistic director-producer of Dead Name Theatre, which uplifts and centres the voices, experiences and talents of trans, non-binary, and queer creatives in Toronto (deadnametheatre.weebly.com). They have been a director and teacher with YPT's Drama School since 2021 for both the Junior Ensemble and Senior Company. Lee has taught a range of theatre classes for youth including acting/scene study, directing, fight choreography, stage production, and playwriting/performance for ESL students.
Job Titles:
- Finance Associate
- Member of the Contact Our Team
- Finance Associate / Development Financial
Job Titles:
- Administrator, Artist
- Artist Educators
- Member of the Mississaugas of Curve Lake First Nation
Leslie is a proud member of the Mississaugas of Curve Lake First Nation. Leslie is an arts administrator, artist, performer and educator who is dedicated to raising cultural awareness, while supporting community any way she can. Her work is driven by her past, passion to educate and the motivation to empower others. Leslie is the Administrator for Chocolate Woman Collective, the Coordinator for the Royal Ontario Museum Youth Cabinet, an Indigenous Knowledge Resource Teacher and both a Resident Artist Educator and Drama School Teacher for Young People's Theatre. Recent projects include: Artistic Curation for the Indigenous Arts Festival at the Historic Fort York and The Children's Garden for WeeFestival; General Manager for (The Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts) ANDPVA, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and Paprika Festival; worked for Toronto's Indigenous Fashion Week and Nuit Blanche, while always finding time for family and friends. Leslie has been asked to perform and speak at many venues across North America and Europe. Some highlights include: The Vancouver Winter Olympics Athletes Village and Pavillions (British Columbia), Museum of Civilization (Quebec), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Holland) and Juno Beach Museum (France).
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Communications
Job Titles:
- Chief Accountant
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager / Production
Maja has been working in Canadian theatre for 50 years. She wrote and performed One Thing Leads to Another (YPT, two Dora Awards); and the hit shows You Fancy Yourself (Dora Award) and The Cure for Everything (Dora Nomination). Maja has toured her shows to the UK, the US and across Canada. Additional writing credits include: HER2 (Nightwood Theatre); The Hero of Hunter Street, Wishful Seeing (4thLine Theatre); and Prisoner of Tehran (in association with Theatre Passe Muraille). Maja was the Artistic Director of Young People's Theatre from 1990-98, and spent seven seasons with CBC Disney's Road to Avonlea as Mrs. Potts. She travels with Talk is Free Theatre to Australia's Adelaide Festival this Spring with For Resting and Breeding. Maja makes her home in Muskoka where she runs the writer's group "Voices of Muskoka Women". Maja appears in Canadian Stage's Dream in High Park this summer and her play Wishful Seeing will receive its world premiere at 4th Line Theatre this August.
Makenzie (she/her) is a performer, writer, costume designer and arts educator living in Toronto. She recently graduated from the Second City Conservatory program where she was part of an ensemble that wrote, produced, and performed the original sketch show End of an Error. She attended Etobicoke School of the Arts where she majored in Drama, and Musical Theatre, all the while taking dance at her mom's studio. This dance studio was where her passion for teaching sparked, and her very first job was assisting dance classes with kids ages 2+. Makenzie is an avid crafter, aspiring cat lady, and passionate movie watcher. She is excited to continue her journey at YPT and watch kids find fun and sanctuary in the beautiful world of theatre.
Mari (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based out of Toronto. Fueled by a passion for performing, Mari attended Randolph College for the Performing Arts and obtained a master's degree in Musical Theatre Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. There, she co-wrote and produced the new musical entitled X:1969 The Musical, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022. Mari began her teaching journey in her hometown of Georgetown, ON with Ensemble Kids! and has since worked with many students, honing their craft as artists. Mari is passionate about sharing her love for the performing arts with young artists and is thrilled to continue this work at YPT. Mari is an avid Office quoter, big time napper, and irreparable chocoholic.
Born in Toronto, Marina Gomes is a storyteller who aspires to create work that is innovative, thought provoking and entertaining! Holding her BFA-Acting from the University of Windsor and Master of Teaching from OISE, Marina is excited by how theatre can create community and help us learn from each other. As an artist, she has trained with members of the SITI Company, at Stratford, the Festival Players Academy and has had the privilege of being one of Nightwood's Young Innovators. Marina has also performed original work throughout Canada; selected acting credits include: Tara in Eraser a New Normal (Theatre Direct); Lexi in Lexi and the Flying B's (Toronto Fringe); Nora in If the Shoe Fits (Alumnae Theatre); and Tara in Eraser (Eraser Theatre) that was nominated for Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Production, and Outstanding Ensemble at the 2019 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. She feels fortunate to have the best job in the world- working as an Artist Educator with companies like Young People's Theatre and throughout the GTA.
Job Titles:
- Artist
- Artist Educators
- Member of the International Teaching Artist Collaborative
Marjie is a professional theatre artist, educator and administrator who works in partnership with diverse communities and schools across Canada to create meaningful opportunities for learners of all ages to engage with the arts.
Marjie has held many leadership roles at Young People's Theatre (YPT) including Lead Resident Artist Educator; Acting Associate Artistic Director, Education; Curriculum Associate; Interim Community Volunteer Manager; Interim Drama School Director; and Director of the Junior Ensemble. Currently with YPT, she facilitates Play Companion Workshops in schools and trains emerging theatre artists in arts education at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre.
Along with designing and facilitating a variety of school and community drama programs with other organizations and mentoring emerging arts educators, Marjie supports established teaching artists with professional and program development. She is also a professor in the Arts Education and Community Engagement Graduate Certificate program at Centennial College where she teaches the Foundation and Program Planning and Facilitation courses.
Marjie is a member of the International Teaching Artist Collaborative and was selected to participate in the Teaching Artist Leadership Lab at the Lincoln Center Education. As an active member of the Ontario College of Teachers, Marjie also works as an occasional teacher and collaborates with educators to integrate drama into non-arts curricula and to support social literacy in schools
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President, Operations / Realstar Corp.
Melissa is an actor and teaching artist from New York. She has worked with Manhattan Theater Club for more than 17 years as well as NYU's Dramatic Writing Dept. Theatre credits include Lincoln Center, Hudson Theatreworks, Fire This Time Festival, New Perspectives Theater, Women's Playwrights Festival, The New Ohio Theater, Shaker Bridge Theater. Film/T.V. credits include The Umbrella Academy, Law and Order: SVU, Sesame Street. She is a member of CAE, ACTRA, AEA & SAGAFTRA.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Learning
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- VP, Philanthropy / SickKids Foundation
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Partner / Deloitte
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Administration & Producer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Partner & National Leader
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Director, Enterprise Strategy, Corporate Governance and Strategic Procurement / Investment Management Corporation of Ontario
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Imaginarium Co - Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chief Client Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Co - Chair / Managing Director, Canada
Job Titles:
- Box Office and Ticketing Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Contact Our Team
- Senior Development Officer
- Senior Development Officer / Marketing & Sales
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Arts Patron
Job Titles:
- Intergenerational Programming Producer
Job Titles:
- Associate Artistic Director & Literary Manager
- Support
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice Chair & Governance Chair / Head of M & a Execution, Canada
Job Titles:
- Director of Production & Planning