YEAA (Young Emerging Actors Assembly)

About YEAA

The Young Emerging Actors Assembly (YEAA) is a committee of ACTRA Toronto performers who play between the ages of 17 and 30. YEAA unites young talent in Toronto’s screen-based entertainment industry. Together, we forge a powerful community for networking and sharing resources, and stand out as a fresh new voice promoting Toronto’s rising stars and a Canadian star system. To become a YEAA member, you should be a full ACTRA member or ACTRA apprentice member who plays between the ages of 17-30. You can send us an email at yeaa@actratoronto.com to be added to our membership and mailing list!

https://youtu.be/qsR2cyF_z9k

Current Projects

Demo Reel Screening Event – March 24, 2023

The first YEAA meeting in 2023 will be a Demo Reel Screening – an in-person event on March 24, where 9 actors have the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their acting demo reel by a panel of Casting Directors and Associates.

WHERE: Toronto Public Library: Palmerston Theatre 560 Palmerston Ave, Toronto

WHEN: March 24^th at 6:30 – 8:30pm. Doors open at 6pm.

PANELISTS: Kalene Osborne of Lewis Kay Casting and Emily Johnston of Lisa Parasyn Casting

COST: Free

We will begin to develop a relationship with young directors and producers by extending invitations to the recent graduates of Reelworld Black Entrepreneurs Program and current students of select film schools in Toronto.

After the screening there will be time to mingle and network.

Demo Reel submissions are now closed.

To RSVP as an attendee, fill out the YEAA Demo Screening Event Sign Up Form below.

YEAA Demo Reel Screening Event Sign Up Form

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Name*

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ACTRA ID*

Please enter your ACTRA number, as it appears on your ACTRA Toronto Membership Card [e.g., 04-XXXXX, AM-XXXXX or EX-XXXXX]

Phone

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Email*

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Would you be interested in volunteering to help organize the Demo Reel Screening event?

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Get Connected to YEAA!

YEAA Contact Information Form

Use the form below to get updates about YEAA’s plans and projects or get involved with our committee.

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Name*

First Last

ACTRA ID*

Please enter your ACTRA number, as it appears on your ACTRA Toronto Membership Card [e.g., 04-XXXXX, AM-XXXXX or EX-XXXXX]

Phone

Please enter the telephone number you would like us to use to contact you.

Email*

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Tell us about yourself

Here's a chance to give us a brief (600 characters) overview of your interests, issues, and skills.

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@yeaatoronto

Co-Chairs

Tavia Pereira (she/her) is a multidisciplinary actor of Afro-Caribbean and Portuguese descent. She has been a proud ACTRA member since 2017. Some of her credits include Falling Water, Odd Squad, The Boys, TallBoyz , The Division 2: Warlords of New York and Bakugan: Battle Planet. She has also been involved in many indie projects that have gone to compete (and win) in festivals. She is super excited to be the co-chair of the YEAA committee. She strongly believes in self-advocation and strives to create a strong network of peers. Her goal is to provide young actors with the tools to succeed!

Oshini Wanigasekera is a Sri Lankan-Canadian actor, animator, and filmmaker who is passionate about breaking down barriers for young people in the arts. She became an ACTRA member in 2019 after transitioning from a career as a dancer. Oshini is excited to co-chair the YEAA Committee with Tavia Pereira to build a community of inspired performers and a safe space to grow in the film industry.