Diversity & Inclusion
Who we are
The ACTRA Toronto Diversity & Inclusion Committee began as the New Standing Committee on Equal Opportunities, founded in 1984 to address the challenges faced by the Physically and Culturally Diverse artistic community within the film and television industry in Canada. We are dedicated to initiating policies and advocating support structures in order to provide a better understanding of the need for change both within ACTRA and the industry at large.
Vision
The ACTRA Toronto Diversity & Inclusion Committee is a volunteer committee made up of ACTRA members who are professionals in the media industry, supported by ACTRA staff. As committee members, we envision a better working environment and more opportunities for Physically and Culturally Diverse actors who are ACTRA members. We draw from our personal experiences as members of the Physically and Culturally Diverse community, and/or our knowledge and understanding of the administration at ACTRA to identify and articulate the contemporary challenges in order to then create policy and circumstances to support change. We will use our work to contribute to the long term goal of shifting the consciousness of colonial thinking with the hopeful outcome of an industry and association that is inclusive of all its membership no matter what culture or diverse background.
Mission
The ACTRA Toronto Diversity & Inclusion Committee supports the following objectives:
- To build policy and initiatives within ACTRA that will help to create a national agenda that includes issues of Diversity.
- To liaise with the Physically and Culturally Diverse communities to help identify and articulate current challenges.
- To liaise with industry personnel to ensure that they are aware of the issues faced by members of ACTRA who are from Physically and Culturally Diverse communities.
- To initiate support structures within ACTRA that directly support the Physically and Culturally Diverse communities in dealing with these challenges.
Sub-Committees
ACTRA Toronto’s Accent Discrimination Sub-Committee is examining the barriers experienced by performers who speak with accents when working in Canada’s screen-based media industry.
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ACTRA Toronto’s Disability Alliance is examining the barriers experienced by persons living with disabilities who work in Canada’s screen-based media industry.
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Co-Chairs
Krystle Ferdinand is a Canadian Actress of Caribbean descent, an award-winning Producer and Intimacy coordinator. As Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair, Krystle will continue her work advocating for policies and initiatives that remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities to uplift our members. She wants to ensure our screens authentically represent the rich diversity of our communities.
“As performers, we are the voices and faces that bring diverse narratives to life, playing a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond. When we work together and encourage all levels of our industry to take action and engage in diverse and authentic storytelling, it serves to strengthen our industry by reaching wider audiences hungry to see themselves represented on screen. The strength and beauty of our diversity needs to be celebrated. I am committed to safeguarding performers rights and championing initiatives that provide more equitable treatment for our members. I am passionate about collaborating with organizations who are already doing this meaningful work and those who want to learn, so we can amplify the voices of our members and make lasting change to ensure the industry does not return to the status quo.”
Dorly Jean-Louis is an actor and multi-disciplinary artist with formal training in television production and broadcast journalism. She loves to bring main
characters to life in front of the camera. Over the years she’s had several
breakthroughs but has never lost sight of the importance of filling our
screens with real inclusion, equity and representation. A mandate she’s
excited to continue to defend as Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion
Committee.
She is poised to use her platform to champion the cause of marginalized
performers within the union. She is lending her voice to the voiceless. Dorly
plans to address grievances and advocate for change while devising
solutions with her team to forge access, room, fairness and equitable work
for all Canadian actors in the industry.
Our world is diverse and diversity is power. Our screens should reflect that,
period. There’s so much unseen talent, creativity and meaningful stories
that need to be unveiled, discovered and celebrated. It’s empowering and
important to applaud the influence, impact and significance we’re making
collectively. As we liaise with key decision-makers, we have a responsibility to teach and inspire the next generation of artists to take pride in our craft through cultural integrity, acceptance and truth.
Roy Urbanozo, a Filipino-Canadian actor and interdisciplinary artist, made his debut in the industry with his role as Tam in the 1994 production of Miss Saigon. Beyond his artistic prowess, Roy is no stranger to advocacy and actively participates in ACTRA rallies, meetings, and hearings to effect positive change. His mission transcends mere representation; for him, it’s about amplifying unheard voices, dismantling barriers, and creating narratives that resonate with every individual. Now, as the Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, he is confident that together with Dorly and Krystle they can continue to create a future where our screens reflect the kaleidoscope of humanity.
“This is our moment to shape a legacy that transcends generations — a legacy of unity, understanding, and celebration of the voices that make us who we are. As we navigate this path, remember that each decision, each initiative, contributes to the narrative of progress we are collectively crafting. I am honoured to take on this endevour and look forward to a future where diversity and inclusion are not merely ideals, but woven into the very fabric of our storytelling.”
Resources
Initiatives
Discussions
Hosted by ACTRA Toronto Councillor Kevin Hanchard, this Virtual Town Hall on June 18, 2020, included a panel of past and current Diversity & Inclusion leaders who talked about the Union’s efforts to advance anti-racism and equality initiatives within ACTRA Toronto and the industry.
Connect with us
Email Us
Interested in joining or have a question? Please e-mail us at: torontodiversity@actratoronto.com.
Social Media
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Recent D&I Committee e-newsletters
A Legacy of Leadership
Many thanks to the former D&I Co-Chairs and Diversity Advocates whose work and contributions we continue to build upon:
D&I Co-Chairs 2022-2023
Chattrisse Dolabaille
Janet Rose
D&I Co-Chairs 2018-2021
Lisa Michelle Cornelius
Samora Smallwood
During Lisa Michelle and Samora’s tenure as Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chairs, they created and executed the first Demo Reel Initiative, called “A Different Lens”, pushed for and supported the creation of the new ACTRA staff position of: “Industry Relations Specialist: Anti-Black Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” and grew and expanded on initiatives handed down from previous co-chairs including the Sandi Ross Awards, Working the Scene in Colour, and Actors Workshops of Canada events. They also organized interactive Master Classes during past ACTRA Conferences, where performers had the opportunity to act out scenes, receive notes, and build relationships with notable filmmakers such as Sudz Sutherland, Jennifer Holness, and Winnifred Jong.
D&I Co-Chairs 2014-2018
Sedina Fiati
Farah Merani
During Sedina and Farah’s four years as Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chairs, they led the committee in the creation of the Sandi Ross Awards, liaised with Jessica Meya and Louis Taylor in the creation of the committee’s partnership with Working the Scene in Colour, led the committee in the creation of the Share the Screen Advocacy video (written by Joella Crichton and Connie Wang, co-produced by Gugun Deep Singh), and created several networking initiatives and social events.
Jani Lauzon – Diversity Advocate
During Jani Lauzon’s tenure as Chair of the Diversity Committee and Diversity Advocate, she created the Education and Outreach Initiative by developing partnerships with various films festivals. This initiative included panels, screenings, script development readings and the creation of the August Schellenberg Award of Excellence. The Access-Ability DVD was created to help our physically diverse members gain access to casting directors and agents and to advocate for access to casting facilities and a more supportive audition environment. She helped produce several casting go-sees including the NBC open casting call, along with several events that focused on pairing local casting directors with ACTRA Toronto members from culturally diverse backgrounds. Jani partnered with Second City to gain access to improv training for film actors and stunt performers. Along with Sue Milling, Jani created the digital database diversity.ACTRAonline.ca to help casting directors, directors and producers discover a range of diverse talent within the ACTRA membership. As the Diversity Advocate for ACTRA National, she also created the Advocacy Film Challenge, the Aboriginal Filmmakers Forum, supported the IAMPWD (SAG/AFTRA campaign) and helped create a digital platform called Practical Tips for Auditioning Deaf Actors.