Who we are

First Born Theatre is an award-winning, queer, immigrant-led theatre company that strives to make the transition from artistic womb to world less scary. A Toronto-based theatre company built by emerging artists, for emerging artists, who aim to create the next generation of Canadian theatre.

Our mission is to follow artists' ideas from their conception to their birth through community feedback and peer support. Our model follows three artistic phases; the conception, the gestation, and the birth. Each period is dedicated to supporting theatre artists in artistic play, creation, and career building. At its root - First Born Theatre is a space for young creatives working on the development of new work for a new generation.

What does that look like?

Supporting brave, bold, and risk-taking work
Diversifying what stories we witness on stage
Building community-led spaces that are kind and welcoming

Meet the team

Mercedes
isaza Clunie

Artistic Director

Mercedes (she/her) is a queer, Chilean-Canadian playwright, actor, and poet from Toronto. Mercedes’ writing explores topics such as girlhood, culture, sexuality, and language through diverse formats that both disrupt traditional conventions and celebrate the essence of theatre. Her play 'Gringas' is a six-time award winning play that’s been showcased across Canada. She’s worked with companies like Factory Theatre, Aluna Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times, Paprika Festival, and is currently Tarragon Theatre’s RBC Emerging Playwright in Residence. Her friends and family refer to her as ‘Meche’, colloquially.

Zoe
Marín

Artistic Producer

Zoe (she/her) is an Argentine-American theatre artist and comedian. She recently directed KILLY WILLY (First Born Theatre) at Toronto Fringe, which will be remounted at the Second City Theatre ‘73 in the Fall. For First Born Theatre, she also directed GRINGAS at Toronto Fringe (Patron’s Pick, Toronto Star’s Top 10 productions of 2024) and Hamilton Fringe (Critics’ Pick). Other directing credits: Souffle (Theatre of the Beat/ Glitter Pop Productions), Internet Sensation (Paprika Festival), Thistlepatch (Alumnae Theatre). Assistant directing credits: What the Constitution Means to Me (Soulpepper Theatre/ Nightwood Theatre), 1184 (Phoenix Arts Productions/ Aga Khan Museum). Zoe is the Artistic Producer of ‘First Born Theatre Company’ and Co-Creator of sketch-troupe ‘Small Friend Tall Friend’.

Reena
Goze

Associate Producer
& Outreach coordinator

Reena (they/she) is a Filipino-Canadian theatre artist, arts educator, Dora-nominated actor, and a graduate of the Theatre and Drama Studies program with the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Reena finds inspiration in interactive theatre and mixed mediums, and is passionate about creating accessible artistic spaces for young audiences, equity-deserving communities, and new artists. They love: green tea, karaoke, free samples, and hot bowls of pho. Select projects: “From Stardust” (Producer, Theatre of the Beat); “Killy Willy" (Toronto Fringe Festival 2025); “Hare & Tortoise" (Carousel Players); “FAST. FASHION." (Paprika Festival, Rhubarb! 46); “All That’s Been Said” (Tarragon Theatre); "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls" (Roseneath Theatre). IG: @reenagoze.