Toronto, September 5, 2023 – The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and CBC are pleased to announce the newest crop of diverse talent who will participate in the 2023 cohort of the CBC Actors Conservatory, an immersive acting program designed to enhance the participants skills, network and experience to develop successful careers in the industry.
Eight gifted actors with an array of experience in writing, film, TV, theatre and more have been selected to participate in the 2023 program, which begins today at CFC’s campus in Toronto and runs until February 28, 2024. Throughout the course of the six-month program, the actors will receive tailored mentorship and participate in a series of intensive workshops, industry sessions and on-camera opportunities to strengthen their skills and expand their business knowledge of the screen industry.
“The CBC Actors Conservatory has become an influential and esteemed program for emerging Canadian on-screen talent, and we’re proud to partner with the CFC for another year of mentorship and learning,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “This year’s dynamic group of performers have already reached amazing milestones in their careers, and with support from the program, we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”
Thanks to the generous support of program partners CBC, the RBC Emerging Artists Project and the Government of Ontario, the CBC Actors Conservatory has helped catapult the careers of close to 100 actors, who have since landed exciting break-out roles including Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek), Eli Goree (One Night in Miami), Varun Saranga (Wynonna Earp), Humberly González (Ginny & Georgia), and more.
“We’re proud to continue partnering with CBC on this impactful program that helps to nurture and guide the next generation of exceptional Canadian actors,” said Kathryn Emslie, Executive Lead, Programs, CFC. “We’re pleased to welcome these talented artists to be part of the CFC community and look forward to witnessing the amazing journey their careers take them on.”
Meet the 2023 Actors Conservatory residents:
Ryan Rosery (He/Him) was born in Scarborough, Ont. and has had a passion for the arts since the age of eight. Ryan has had the opportunity to appear in various projects such as Mayor of Kingstown, Riverdale and Batwoman. He also starred as Tray in the feature film Bite of a Mango, which had its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Miami and was licensed by AMC (available via Amazon Prime Video). Ryan is also a co-founder of BDB Productions inc. along with six dedicated members and can currently be seen in Lenz Films’ upcoming feature It Comes in Waves.
Sam Asante (He/Him) was born and raised in North York, Ont. and discovered his passion for acting while studying film at the University of Windsor. His love for the craft was ignited during his job as a movie theatre usher at age 16. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Marcus Garvey in the CBC drama The Porter and has appeared in popular shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Reacher, The Handmaid’s Tale, Star Trek, Most Dangerous Game, and What We Do in the Shadows. With his exceptional talent and dedication, Sam continues to captivate audiences and establish himself as a rising star in the industry.
Dorrett White (She/Her) is an actor and writer from Toronto of Canadian-Jamaican descent, Her select credits include What We Do in the Shadows (FX), The Boys (Amazon Prime), Stolen By Their Father (Lifetime) and her first leading role in the short film SIT is currently in post-production. She is a graduate of the Acting for Film & Television program at Humber College.
Gwenlyn Cumyn (She/Her) is an award-winning actor and creator based in Toronto. After appearing in the series All for One (Corus/ABCSpark) and the film Chasing Valentine (Best Actress, MIFF), Gwenlyn developed two seasons of the digital series, Barbelle (KindaTV, Revry), produced by her company, Boss & Co. She also co-created, showruns, and acts in the softball mockumentary, Slo Pitch (IFC/OUTtv). Most recently, Gwenlyn co-created, wrote, and co-directed the CBC Gem series, Homeschooled, based on her own experiences with home education.
Christine L Nguyen (She/Her) is a Pan-Identifying Vietnamese/Chinese storyteller based in Tkaronto. She is a graduate of TMU’s Theatre School Acting program and a Factory Mechanicals Alumni. Christine is a second generation Canadian artist who is continually working to deepen her craft. Her select film/TV credits include Simulant (Wango Films/Mongrel Media), Pawsitively Perfect (Reel One Entertainment), A Christmas Melody (Lifetime), The Bold Type (NBC), Nurses (Global) and Star Trek Discovery (CBS). She is unceasingly holding space and gratitude to her mentors and community that have fueled her fire on this journey thus far.
Rebekah Miskin (She/Her) is an award-winning actor and creator. Recipient of The Rockie for Emerging Talent (Banff World Media Festival 2022), Rebekah created the web series, Night Owl, which had its World Premiere at SXSW to stellar reviews and sold out screenings. She received her Masters in Media Production from Toronto Metropolitan University. Some recent acting credits include 9 Films About Technology (Hulu/FX), Kim’s Convenience, (CBC/Netflix), Art & Life (CBC Gem). Her most recent writing credit is for the upcoming season of Doomlands, premiering later this year on Roku.
Ali A. Kazmi (He/Him) was born in Scarborough, Ont. and moved to Karachi, Pakistan with his family shortly after. He grew up in Karachi until the age of ten, before returning to Scarborough where he was raised. He attended the University of Toronto, studying English Literature, Creative Writing, Film, and Psychology. He has appeared as the lead in several short films, including My Father’s Name, Sweet Tooth, and Junior. He will be seen in the 17th season of Murdoch Mysteries this fall and stars in the feature film The Queen of My Dreams, which will have its world premiere at TIFF 2023.
Milcania Diaz-Rojas (She/Her) is a Toronto based actor, of Dominican descent. She played a supporting role in the coming-of-age drama Share (HBO/A24), which premiered at Sundance in 2019. She can be seen as a guest star in the Universal Television series The Bold Type and in the Roku series Slip. Milcania has starred in leading roles in several Canadian indies and Homekilling Queen (Lifetime NOW). She can next be seen as the lead in the independent film Fat Lady Sriracha. Her commitment to her craft and truthful storytelling has shaped her into the artist she is today.
Learn more about the CBC Actors Conservatory here.
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About the CFC
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
Media Relations
Michelle Brykman (For CFC)
Touchwood PR
michelle@touchwoodpr.com
Tanya Koivusalo
CBC PR
tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca
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