Centre Stage: Theatre and Acting Workshop Series

Black actors have played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity, stories and experiences of Toronto’s art industry. With our newly renovated performance space, we are continuing our mission to create multifaceted spaces and opportunities where Black young creatives can deepen their understanding of their cultural identity, discover and amplify their stories and voices. 

It’s time to take these voices Centre Stage! In February, we are launching an eight (8) week intensive workshop series that provides Black young creatives with an in-depth and engaging exploration of theatre and acting.

Centering storytelling and improvisation, Centre Stage creates an empowering and dynamic space for young creatives to learn how to express their unique perspectives, narratives, emotions into theatrical performances.

You will work with program facilitator and artist Rais Clarke – Mendes to build your knowledge, skills and create a performance that is ready for the stage.

Important Workshop Series Details

Meet the Facilitator

Rais Clarke – Mendes

Rais Clarke-Mendes is an emerging director and actor from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. She is a recent graduate of the Acting Program at the National Theatre School of Canada. Rais was thrilled to have her directorial debut of X and Da Spirit by Donovan Hayden at the 2022 Fringe Festival, winning Patron’s Pick, which was then recently remounted at Theatre Passe Muraille. She was also the Assistant Director to Cherissa Richards for the Crow’s Theatre production of Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti. When she is not directing or acting, Rais works in arts education, working with various organizations such as the Nia Centre for The Arts and Soulpepper Theatre. She is intrigued by intersections within cultural identities and their manifestations in the ways we love and empathize with one another. Throughout her artistic career, she intends to collaborate with innovative artists to reimagine and reinvent the boundaries of what art can look like. Rais recently joined the ensemble at The Shaw Festival where you can see her performing in their upcoming season.