ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
The next generation of theatre artists, born here.
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.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
We invite 4 artists who we feel are a strong representation of our company to join us for a year long residency
We meet with the artists both individually, and in a group context every 6-8 weeks (depending on the participants’ schedules).
We discuss what each of the artists are working on and help create actionable steps for them to keep creating. We share advice, dramaturgical support, producing consultations, and help them connect with other likeminded creatives. This can be for one focused project, or support a myriad of work.
At the end of the year there is a celebration and potential sharing of the participant’s growth or artistic work with our wider community.
This program supports all types of theatre artists from actors, to playwrights, to directors and producers. We adjust the program to suit the needs of the unique artists we work with and the projects that they care about.
Our goal: to create a space for emerging artists to build on their individual practice amongst community and launch amazing creators into the industry with skills, confidence, and strong artistic connections.
Meet this year’s Cohort
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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.
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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_
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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
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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.
WANna be a first born Artist in residence?
Are you the future of theatre? Do you know someone who’d be a good fit for this program? Consider sending us an email to introduce yourself.
To nominate a friend: send us their name and a short description of their work alongside a way to contact them.
To introduce yourself: send over a resume and a short cover letter on WHY you are interested in this program and our company, we’d love to get to know you.
Email: firstborntheatreco@gmail.com
