History

ACTRA began more than 60 years ago when Toronto performers came together to fight for better fees and working conditions. This group formed the Radio Artists of Toronto Society in 1943. The movement spread across the country and became ACTRA National - a national union fighting for the rights of professional performers working in English-language recorded media.

ACTRA pioneered the establishment of residual rights as part of payment for a performance and set up the first comprehensive retirement and insurance plan for performers in Canada. ACTRA was also responsible for groundbreaking protections for children working in the film and television industry.

Today, ACTRA Toronto is the largest branch of ACTRA, Canada's national union of performers working in English-language recorded media. We are a strong voice and advocate for Canadian culture and Canadian professional performers.