industry expert judges

John Stevens is one of the most sought-after coaches for audition prep, self-tapes, and developing young actors working in film, TV, and commercials worldwide. His clients can be seen in major productions including The Handmaid’s Tale, Section 31, Resident Evil, and See with Jason Momoa.

Most recently, his students Rosali Annikie and Peyton Anderson landed roles in The Road to Derry, the highly anticipated prequel to IT. He was also the first acting coach of Miku Martineau, star of Kate on Netflix and BET’s F**k It Up, recently greenlit for Season 2.

John is honoured to be a member of the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators (AACE) and is a founding board member of the Act-On Ability Foundation, which provides free acting classes to actors with disabilities and advocates for industry-wide inclusion.

Originally a professional performer from age 7, John toured nationally by 17, trained in NYC at Marymount Manhattan College, and later choreographed for Off-Broadway and the United Nations. He’s collaborated with talents like Ashanti and Wyclef Jean, and continues to write custom material to help actors shine authentically in every audition. He was also the celebrated choreographer for Cotton the Fabric of our Lives Fashion show at the Met in NYC. He is the owner and creator of Act With Purpose International, which holds workshops on line and in person all over the world.

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐎𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎 of Sow, What Now Media, a production company amplifying diverse voices through film, events, and storytelling.

Beginning her career in Toronto’s IATSE costume department in 2009, she has since emerged as a bold filmmaker whose work blends artistry both in front of and behind the camera. Her award-winning shorts include Roni (Audience Award, Toronto Short Film Festival), Out of Order (2021), and Remote Paradise
(CaribbeanTales International Film Festival, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles).

In 2025, she wrote and directed Don’t Worry Be Happy, a biopic short produced through her mentorship with Creative Futures
Collective and Soho House. Currently developing her first feature film, Osbourne continues to create
character-driven stories that center Black female leads and spark meaningful conversations

Erin Michell is an actor, movement coach, and trusted mentor to young talent in film and television. Based in Vancouver, she helps youth performers build confidence, grow their craft, and navigate the professional acting world - from first classes to first bookings through her company First Team Acting.

Her clients have appeared in projects for Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV+, CW, Hallmark, Paramount+ and more.
Erin’s coaching style is rooted in physical storytelling, combining her background in movement with in-depth character work to help actors stay grounded, present, and emotionally honest on screen.

She also works closely with parents and guardians, offering practical tools and guidance to help families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Whether it’s decoding casting calls, preparing self-tapes, or adjusting to set life, Erin brings care, clarity, and a calm confidence to the process. She’s your first team - helping you become first team!

Get ready to be inspired by Troy Crossfield, the award-winning CEO & creative force of Crossfield House Productions (CHP) – the company behind soul-stirring theatre and film that leaves audiences talking long after the curtain closes.

Since 2016, CHP has delivered multiple sold-out shows and earned major accolades, including the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Stage Production of the Year.

Troy is not just a CEO – he’s a multi-hyphenate talent:
Actor. Director. Songwriter. Visionary. Signed with Sony ATV & OAZ Agency, his creative genius spans projects like OWN’s “Sisterly Christmas”, acclaimed films SOAP DISH & Out of Order, and writing for artists and platforms that shape culture.

Honors include: 2023 ByBlacks People’s Choice Director of the Year, 2022 Outstanding Black Men in Canada 2021 Best Actor – Canadian Diversity Film Festival

Troy has also directed & produced branded content for major clients like Sony ATV & TD Bank.

But his impact goes beyond entertainment—Troy is the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron, a life-changing community that fosters healing and safe spaces for Black men.

Troy Crossfield is proof that when passion meets purpose, legends are made.

From a breakout web series success in 2016 to Cannes Short Corner acclaim, Ron Dias has carved out an inspiring path in the world of filmmaking.

His feature film debut, "Bite of a Mango," wowed audiences at the prestigious American Black Film Festival 2022—cementing his reputation as a bold new voice in cinema.

Now, Dias returns with his latest masterpiece, "Morningside," a powerful story brought to life by an all-star cast featuring Fefe Dobson, Lovell Adams-Gray, and Kiana Madeira.

Get ready for unforgettable storytelling from one of Toronto’s finest talents— RON DIAS is just getting started!

You’ve seen her grace your TV screens and shine in international films, and now she’s back where she belongs—inspiring the next generation of stars!

A proud Filipina-Canadian and ACTRA member based in Toronto, Celestine captured hearts and took home Best Actress at the Singkwento International Film Festival 2019 for her powerful performance in Pur Laine.

With roles across TV, film, commercials, and print, her talent speaks volumes—but it’s her heart that truly sets her apart. Outside of acting, she’s a passionate advocate for special needs children and families, always giving back to her community.

An accomplished actress and filmmaker, Angie is known for her impactful and powerful work in film and television. With several films currently in pre-production where she steps in as executive producer, she is a proud supporter of the Canadian entertainment industry — all from her home base right here in Toronto.

A true powerhouse multi-talent, Angie also brings her strong dance background to the stage — having performed at the Juno Awards for Nelly Furtado and cheered for both the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Argonauts!

Catch her latest film, The Diner, screening this year at the prestigious TINFF Festival!

Gabriel Hudson is a multidisciplinary filmmaker and performer working across film, theatre, voiceover, and music. His work explores themes of identity, self-expression, and transformation, with a focus on inclusive storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices.

As a filmmaker, Gabriel co-wrote and directed After Werk, a short film that follows a queer immigrant navigating the dual worlds of corporate ambition and drag performance. He is an alum of the OYA Black Arts Emerging Filmmakers program and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada initiative, sponsored by Netflix. 

Gabriel’s acting credits include work on Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, and DC Comics productions. His performance training includes EVN Film Studios, LB Acting Studio and The Second City Training Center. 

With a foundation in both screen and stage acting, as well as voiceover and singing, Gabriel brings a well-rounded and passionate perspective to storytelling. He currently serves as a judge for this year’s Nova Star awards showcase."

Janice Mendes is a dynamic Toronto-based actor, producer, and passionate public speaker with over 20 years of experience in film and television.

She has worked on more than 100 commercials, TV shows, and films—and brings that same energy to the stage as the producer and partner behind Scarborough’s A Joke, a fast-growing live comedy platform that showcases diverse talent and builds community through laughter. Janice has also led comedy workshops for youth, helping young people find their voice and confidence through performance.

Known for her heart, hustle, and love of storytelling, Janice is proud to support the next generation of rising stars—right here at Nova Star!

Paul "Kaze" Thurton is an international performer, dance instructor, and founder of Simply Swagg Dance Studio, Canada's largest street dance studio, serving more than 600 youth. With over a decade of international competition experience at events including R16 World Finals, Battle of the Year, and Red Bull Beat Battle, Paul has also performed and choreographed for artists such as Drake, Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, NAS, Common, Wu-Tang Clan, and at the Juno Awards.

Born in Langley, British Columbia, Paul developed a passion for music through his father, a jazz musician, before discovering hip hop after moving to Scarborough, Ontario. At 15, he became the youngest member of the renowned Supernaturalz Breakdance Crew, launching his international dance career.

In 2009, Paul founded Simply Swagg Dance Studio to provide high-quality street dance education while mentoring the next generation of dancers through discipline, creativity, and community.

Dalton Derek Amador is a seasoned Canadian actor with over 15 years of experience in film, television, and theatre. Known for his emotional depth, versatility, and magnetic screen presence, he brings authenticity and bold creativity to every role. 

Trained at The Professional Actors Lab and other respected programs across the GTA, Dalton combines classical technique with contemporary storytelling. Dalton is known for his roles in Taken Too Far,  Art of More, and The Strain to name a few and his demo reel can found at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4444541/

A passionate advocate for youth in the arts, he remains dedicated to inspiring audiences and supporting Canada’s vibrant creative community.

Kay Wong (he/him) is a Chinese-Canadian actor, producer, writer, and arts administrator born and raised in Scarborough-Agincourt. A graduate of George Brown Theatre School’s acting conservatory, he’s helped bring shows to life across Ontario and Saskatchewan both as a performer and producer. Selected credits include the Dora Award-winning Romeo and Juliet. And Action (Shakespeare in Action), Living With Shakespeare (Driftwood Theatre), With Fervor Burning (Theatre of the Beat), and Hello, Dolly! (Scarborough Music Theatre).

Most recently, he has begun creation of his first play, The K-Pop Play, and will be entering a Performing Arts Internship as a Creative Producer with support from the Metcalf Foundation. In collaboration with Cedric Martin at Theatre of the Beat, he aims to pursue his passion of creating more equitable workplaces for artists and making accessible, affordable theatre for his home community of Scarborough.
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Born and raised in Toronto's east end, Dylan is an award-nominated actor with an extensive career spanning film, television, and video games. After earning a Dora Award nomination for Bluffers Moon, he made his feature film debut alongside Jeff Bridges in Terry Gilliam's Tideland.

His credits include The Incredible Hulk, Charlie Bartlett, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, The Expanse, Station Eleven, Workin' Moms, Pure, and more. He is also widely recognized by gamers as Hurk and Sharky in the Far Cry franchise.

Dylan can currently be seen in The Madness (Netflix), Motorheads (Amazon), and The Dogs (Hollywood Suite), with his upcoming comedy Dying Seconds premiering at Just For Laughs.

Get ready to be inspired by one of our many multi-talented judges bringing star power, passion, and experience to the Nova Star Awards stage!

Elana Dunkelman is a powerhouse in the entertainment world — a dynamic actor, voice talent, coach, and fierce advocate for the arts!

Over the past 15 years, Elana has played a variety of roles! From voicing a sugar-crazed unicorn in Fingerlings Tales, to portraying a vengeful wife in Murdoch Mysteries, to the quirky best friend in Road Trip Romance,One Delicious Christmas)— Elana’s range knows no bounds.

She is best known for voice behind the legendary Fenyx in Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising, a role that earned her a Canadian Game Award nomination! You can also catch her as a delightfully evil villain in LEGO Dreamzzz Season 3!

 Off-camera, Elana is a Vice President of ACTRA Toronto, championing fair treatment for actors — especially minors — and helping protect the craft we all love.

 She’s also the founder of Sumach Studios, where she mentors actors to elevate their performances and audition like pros!

Nigel Downer is a director, actor, writer and comedian based in Toronto. An alumnus of The Second City Toronto, Nigel recently co-wrote and co-starred in the CBC Gem/Prime Video comedy web-series BIT PLAYAS and won two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Writing and Best Web Series. Film & TV credits include GHOSTS (CBS), TITANS (Netflix), and BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW (CBC). You’ll also recognize him from numerous Canadian and U.S. national commercials for major brands like Desjardins, Tim Hortons and McDonald's. Nigel consistently performs and teaches improv comedy, and lends his critical eye as a director for sketch troupes. He also has extensive experience in writing rooms, adding to such shows as TOTAL DRAMA ISLAND, and commercials for brands like NINTENDO.

Sarah Gnocato is the Head Resident Youth Coach and Head of Youth Outreach and Development at Armstrong Acting Studios, one of Canada’s premier on-camera training facilities. Sarah is best known for her role's in eOne's "The Millenials", YTV's second season of "Undercover High" and Tribeca Film Festival’s official selection “Bunker Burger.” She has been in the TV and film industry since 2010, when she transitioned from stage, after over 10 years of theater training, including five years at Oakville's West End Studio Theater. Sarah has trained at Second City over the past 9 years, performing on the Second City stage and participating in the Big City Improv Fest where she received recognition as a prominent female improviser. Sarah’s enthusiasm and passion for the craft is what drives her current role. She loves guiding young actors breaking into the industry and cultivating a love for the work.

Dwayne Morgan began his career in the spoken word in 1993. Affectionally called the Godfather of Canadian spoken word by his peers, Morgan is the author of 14 published and 9 audio collections of his work. Morgan is a 2022 winner of the Toronto Arts Foundation Celebration of Cultural Life award, 2016 finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and a 2013 inductee into the Scarborough Walk of Fame. To date Morgan has shared his work in 18 countries internationally.

Rhoslynne Bugay is a Canadian-born actress and singer raised between Southern Ontario and Bataan, Philippines. Rhoslynne appears as recurring cast in season 3 of the Apple TV+ produced series Ghostwriter (2022), as Danielle Ramos. Recent credits include Topline (2022), Murdoch Mysteries (2022), Private Eyes (2021), The Parker Anderson's (2021), and Kim's Convenience (2019), with some exciting upcoming projects to be released soon! She has also performed in theaters across Canada. Notably, her favorite performances have been in Miss Saigon (Drayton Festival), Aladdin (Ross Petty), and Nala in Disney's The Lion King (Mirvish).

Linds works hard and laughs louder. Their fun and youthful approach to the casting process has been met with positivity, allowing them to grow their social presence and work on both national and international projects. With traditional casting, Linds has worked on several films, music videos, and ad campaigns. As a “real people” casting professional, they have worked on major projects such as Gillette Venus & Dove campaigns, and reality shows such as Canada’s Got Talent and Family Feud Canada! As a Master of Digital Media, Linds hopes to develop new systems within the casting world to mediate longstanding trust issues between talent and decision makers, and create a more inclusive environment.

Michelle D’Alessandro Hatt is a Toronto-based filmmaker and actor with a background in theatre performance, production and playwriting. Brave Little Army, her directorial debut, was made with an all-female crew under her shingle, Black Lab Film Company. The story of how four girls become lifelong friends in the aftermath of domestic violence, Brave Little Army premiered at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival in 2018 and has since been a selection of over 40 film festivals and garnered several awards. The next film in her trilogy, Brave Rebel Army, is going to camera in 2023 with the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Michelle is proud to be a voting member of the Canadian Screen Academy, and a member of Women in Film & Television Toronto. She has served on the selection committee for Berlin Feminist Film Week and recently joined the board of directors for Breakthroughs Film Festival.

Niqa Bailey is an upcoming ACTRA member Actor known to be originally singing covers, performing and creating music over the years here in Toronto. The Singer decided to take a break & focus on her other passion (Acting). Where in 2019 things took a positive turn for her and has since been in commercials, (GoodLife, Scotiabank, Sobeys to name a few), Print ads, tv show appearances, (2020) seen on OWN’s Song & Story: Amazing Grace TV movie & recently seen in feature film “Bite of a Mango” that was showcased at the Reelworld film festival.

When not working on set or perfecting her craft, the focus has been influencing & inspiring other women, especially mothers, to look and feel their best on her social media platform. As having a child doesn’t mean life is over, learning to balancing the journey is equally as important.

Niqa is excited yet again to be apart of the Nova Stars judge panel for her 2nd year. A goal for her was to continue learning & exploring in the industry and she is doing exactly that. The passionate actor loves her job & has a special kind of love for kids being a mother herself

Jason Piao Pai , with 50 years behind the screen as an actor and stunt performer, he has successfully earned over 80 credits! Jason recently won best supporting actor in Hong Kong Love Stories in 2020!
He is known for countless Big screen and small screen roles, including Seven Swords (2005), Sun diu hap lui (1995) and The Emperor and His Brother (1981). teaches improv comedy, and lends his critical eye as a director for sketch troupes. He also has extensive experience in writing rooms, adding to such shows as TOTAL DRAMA ISLAND, and commercials for brands like NINTENDO.

Victoria (she/her) is a Canadian producer with a passion for children’s entertainment. She has 10 years’ experience in the industry and has faced Alberta winter weather on Airport: Below Zero (Discovery), built the largest outdoor playground in the country for Giver150 (TVO Kids), made mechanical magic out in Labrador on Last StopGarage (Discovery) and ate all the cheese in Quebec while producing Cheese: A Love Story(Food Network). For the last four years, she has specialized in children's content at Lopii Productions, developing and producing unscripted diverse and inclusive content where every kid can see themselves on tv.

Jinny Wong is a Canadian actor, on-camera coach, nd podcast host,

From Disney stages to major screen roles in BlackBerry (IFC), Streams Flow From a River (Apple TV+), Finding Her Edge (Netflix), and True Justice 2: An Eye for an Eye (Hallmark) — Jinny Wong delivers powerhouse performances with soul, strength, and heart. 💥🎭

But Jinny doesn’t just shine on screen — she uplifts others behind the scenes too.

A dedicated coach and advocate for working parents in the industry, Jinny helps actors master self-tapes and small roles through her signature coaching programs, daily affirmations, and online resources. Her platform blends performance with mindset, encouraging artists to show up boldly, book smarter, and “Expect Good Things.”

Whether on set or in a podcast session, Jinny Wong is redefining success by proving that motherhood, artistry, and purpose-driven work can thrive side by side.

Andrew is one of Canada's leading tap dance artists, as well as an accomplished musician, singer, actor, choreographer, and educator. He has performed and taught internationally, with credits spanning stage, film, and television, including Riverdance, Disney's Spin, The Hot Zone: Anthrax, Once, Beauty and the Beast, and Sweeney Todd.

An award-winning actor, writer, and composer, Andrew's self-produced short film earned selections at 12 international film festivals and won four awards, including Best Short Film. His acclaimed one-person show, One Step at a Time, has raised over $11,500 for SickKids Hospital and ErinOakKids while sharing his family's journey with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. He holds an Honours BA in Theatre & Performance and French Literature from the University of Toronto.

Kristen Da Silva was born in Oakville, Ontario and raised in Nobleton, Ontario. She is a graduate of York University where she was a founding member of the Vanier Improv Company at Vanier College. She works as an actor, writer and director and is best known for her plays WHERE YOU ARE (Theatre Orangeville, Upper Canada Playhouse, Theatre Baddeck, Victoria Playhouse (PEI), Peterborough Players (New Hampshire), Theatre Ravensburg (Germany), Festival Borgio de Verezzi (Italy)); SUGAR ROAD (Theatre Orangeville, Globus Theatre, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Cow Patti (Alberta), Upper Canada Playhouse), HURRY HARD (Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Showboat Festival Theatre), BEYOND THE SEA (Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Showboat Festival Theatre, Victoria Playhouse (PEI), Mulgrave Road Theatre, Festival Players of Prince Edward County) and THE RULES OF PLAYING RISK (Theatre Orangeville online). Her recent acting credits include Janine in HALFWAY THERE, Lighthouse Festival Theatre; Beth in WHERE YOU ARE, Theatre Orangeville; Tina in LAST RESORT (Paper Padlock Productions) and Patrice in FUGUE (RockStreet North Films). She is a two-time winner of the Playwrights Guild New Comedy Award.

George is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with over 15 years of experience. Trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and contemporary, he began his career with Carnival Cruise Lines before performing with artists including PSY, Deborah Cox, Kreesha Turner, Fefe Dobson, and Classified.

His film and television credits include Once Upon a Time, The Handmaid's Tale, Schitt's Creek, and PBS Kids' Let's Go Luna. George also performed in the 2015 Pan Am Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies alongside Cirque du Soleil.

As Artistic Director of T.D.C. Entertainment, George creates choreography for major corporate and live events. His theatre credits include Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Newsies, and Kinky Boots. He continues to teach and inspire dancers across the Greater Toronto Area.

A Montreal native, Carly Granovsky graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Her strong interest in storytelling led her to enroll in acting workshops at the Edgemar Center for the Arts as well as the Meisner technique under Jacqueline McClintock. She gained considerable experience casting short films and working as a casting assistant for The Montreal Casting Company. After assisting some of the leading Canadian Casting Directors, Carly relocated to Toronto and set up the eponymous Carly Granovsky Casting.

Carly has a keen eye and an intuitive sense when it comes to finding talent. With over ten years of experience, she brings her unique perspective and sharply honed vision to each project. Carly uses her creativity and ability to draw out genuine and authentic audition performances to bring one’s vision to life.

Her recent credits include: Tales From The Territories (VICE TV), The Unseen (Lakefront Pictures), A Christmas Letter (180 Sisterhood Productions), Woodland Grey (Franky Films), and Infinite Light (Dubois Films).

Eric Bizzarri is an award winning filmmaker based in Toronto, with a passion for exhibiting traumatic events through the experiences of young, Male protagonists and characters. Primarily interested in the nuances of human relationships, Eric’s work investigates toxic masculinity, male-male abuse, friendships and intimacy. His short films The Shallow End, Cold Hands and Pressure Play have been distributed by Amazon Prime (US, UK, Germany), Revry, think shorts and Super Channel, respectively. His latest film, I Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying was a TIFF Next Wave 2021 Official Selection and will be making its broadcast premiere on CBC's Canadian Reflections program.

He is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Future of Film Showcase, a film festival based in Toronto fostering the future of emerging filmmakers. Eric is a graduate of York University with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Film Production with Honours.

Erin Michell is a Vancouver-based movement director, choreographer, and acting coach who works with actors of all levels through LeBlanc School of Acting. She has provided movement direction for Academy Award-nominated actors Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun, and choreographed for film, television, music videos, and stage productions.

Her choreography credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (CTC Award nomination), Cock, Matilda JR., and multiple film and music video projects. Erin is also the creator of The Very First Circus, a touring children's theatre production, and is currently developing an inclusive children's TV series focused on dance and movement. She is passionate about helping performers tell authentic stories through movement.

George Alevizos is a professional actor living in Toronto. Being a graduate of the joint Theatre and Drama Studies program with the University of Toronto/Sheridan College, he has gone to work on multiple on camera projects including the new Gen V show with Amazon Prime, a recurring role on a new CBC TV show coming out in 2023, a guest starring role on Hudson and Rex (CItyTV) and being featured on Star Trek: Discovery, among a lot of commercial work. On top of his on-camera roles, he’s gone to work with multiple live theatre companies in Ontario including Drayton Entertainment, Cahoots Theatre, LemonTree Creations, Shakespeare in the Ruff, EveryBODY on Stage, and the acclaimed queer theatre director Sky Gilbert. On top of being an actor, he also serves as an ACTRA Toronto Council Member, and also an ACTRA National Council Member too.
performers tell authentic stories through movement.

Emerson Wong is an owner of multiple martial arts schools in Toronto, a stuntman, and film producer. Holding a 5th degree black belt in taekwondo Emerson has worked in such movies as Pacific Rim, Deadpool 2, Nikita, Total Recall, and has been the stunt double on the hit TV show Titans for the past 4 seasons.

With over several hundred students, his passion for teaching kids has led to building 2 world champions and videos of his student @savino.quatela garnering over 500 million views. Savino now acts and performs stunts on many productions at the age of 12.

Emerson has also been awarded the Canada 150 Medal for his humanitarian work in Haiti where he has built a 2,000 sq feet taekwondo school that is free to anyone who trains there.

Lisa Michelle Cornelius is an award-nominated actor, singer, and producer with an extensive career in Canadian and American film and television. She earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination for her lead role in Band Ladies and has appeared in acclaimed productions including Black Mirror, The Handmaid's Tale, Star Trek: Short Treks, Chuckie, A Sisterly Christmas, and Robyn Hood.

As a producer, her work has screened at festivals including the Berlin Art Film Festival, Montreal Black Film Festival, and Reelworld Film Festival. Lisa Michelle is also a founding member of Canadian Black Entertainment and serves as ACTRA Toronto's Executive Vice-President, where she champions diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of Black, Indigenous, and racialized artists.

Marisa Rocha studied Theatre, Kinesiology, and Dance at York University and has been teaching drama and dance for over 25 years. Throughout her career, she has directed, choreographed, produced, and written numerous stage productions while using the performing arts to inspire creativity and promote social justice.

Alongside her work as an educator, Marisa has performed in community theatre and is now expanding her professional acting career with on-screen and voiceover roles. She is passionate about sharing her industry experience with the next generation of performers.

Marcus Le is a Vietnamese Canadian actor from Toronto whose career began after being discovered by a casting director while in high school. He has since built an impressive résumé across film and television, with credits including Designated Survivor, Workin' Moms, 12 Monkeys, and a recurring role in Netflix's Spinning Out.

Known for his versatility and screen presence, Marcus continues to work on a variety of television and film projects while expanding his career in the Canadian entertainment industry.

Alan Kinsella began his career as an actor at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre, before moving into directing where he established an extensive body of work across Ireland and internationally. He has directed over 100 productions, including acclaimed works such as Dedalus Lounge, TransEuro Express, and Decadence, as well as an off-Broadway debut with Lunch.

Since relocating to Canada in 2013, Alan has directed numerous productions in Toronto including Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Newsies, and The Woman in Black, with Mary Poppins earning a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Musical. His international work includes touring family theatre across Asia and the Middle East.

Alan is currently Resident Director with Toronto Youth Theatre and Artistic Director of the Markham Theatre Discovery Program.