artists in residence

The Artists in Residence program is a new, year-long initiative at First Born Theatre, designed to support emerging artists with queer, BIPOC, or multilingual identities that are creating big, bold work – just like us! Each artist chooses to focus on an independent project that is supported by First Born through feedback sessions, community connections, and more.

facilitated by: Reena Goze

2025/2026 cohort: Max Borowski, Alexandra Fiallos, Ameer Idreis, Jenn Tan

the artists

Alexandra Fiallos

Alexandra is a Nicaraguan-Canadian classically trained artist. With nearly two decades of performance training at institutions such as The Stratford Festival, Sheridan College, the Los Angeles Theatre Academy, & RADA. She was recently seen in Antic Theatre’s A Daring Debut, TIFT’s Marriage Festival, & the Toronto Fringe favourite Morning After. Some of her Shakespearean roles include Desdemona, Titania, and First Witch. Known for her avant-garde directing style, Alexandra utilizes her foundation in dance to explore abstract texts through movement and mixed media. Her award-winning work, including Start Swimming at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, reflects her passion for ensemble work and pushing boundaries.

Check out Alexandra's website here.

Max Borowski

Max Borowski is a text-forward stage actor, making curious interpretations to crack open words and let the life pour out. Max is a Dora nominee, and specializes in classics and musicals. Acting credits: Into the Woods, Cabaret (Ovation Productions); Outside (Dora nomination, Roseneath Theatre); Beeautiful (workshop, Bad Hats Theatre); Dion (Coal Mine Theatre); An Incomplete List…: (Maker’s Ensemble/TO Fringe); 33 1/3 (workshop, Theatre Aquarius); Jasper in Deadland, Cry-Baby (Ovation! Nomination, Awkward Stage); The Who's Tommy (Renegade Arts Co.); 2018 National Champion (Canadian Improv Games). Directing: Asst. Director 9 to 5 (Capitol Theatre).

IG: @maxborowski

Ameer Idreis

Ameer Idreis is an award-winning Palestinian-Canadian writer, playwright, and urbanist whose work centres on culture, land, and identity. Writing across forms and genres, he has penned novels, personal essays, poetry, and stories for the stage. His debut play won a Playwrights Guild of Canada Tom Hendry Award, the Hart House Theatre Playwriting Competition, and is currently in development at Theatre Passe Muraille. When he’s not writing, Ameer can be found enjoying a flat white, curating niche playlists, and exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods.

Check out Ameer's website here.

Jenn Tan

Jenn Tan 陳佳琦 (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian actress excited to be a part of the Toronto theatre scene. Jenn has worn many hats in her life, but her favourite so far is this one. This hat is pink, sparkly, and a little spooky with an ‘I <3 Firstborn Theatre’ pin on it! Jenn trained at TMU (Formerly Ryerson) for Performance Acting. Recent credits include: I Was Unbecoming Then (Next Stage), Echo (Next Stage), Featherhead (Toronto Fringe), Untamed (TMU), Hookman (TMU). Jenn earned the Best Actress Award in the Alternative Film Festival for her work in Ruthful (Chrysanthemum Productions).

IG: @jenn.tan_

Promotional photos by Trinity Lloyd.