PERFORMING ARTS

ABOUT US

Pathways to a Performing Arts Career website aims to connect youth and young adults interested in careers in the performing arts with training, programs and other resources in the Greater Toronto Area. The contents of this website emerged from research findings and recommendations for future innovation conducted through the ARIFS (Applied Research and Innovation Fellowship) at Centennial College by performing arts professors Melissa Bartrem and Rosalind Mills with research assistants Grace-Ann Wilmot and Sze Nga Mak.

PHASE 1

As music and dance educators working in various contexts in the Greater Toronto Area Rosalind and Melissa noticed several barriers to young adults interested in pursuing training in post-secondary audition-based programs, and ultimately the ability to pursue careers in the performing arts. The consideration of these barriers led to the first phase of research A mixed-methods inquiry exploring Centennial College students’ prior training and experience in music, dance and theater (M. Bartrem & R. Mills, 2023).

The findings of this research uncovered that awareness of performing arts training opportunities was a significant determinant in the participation in extracurricular performing arts training. Participants of various disciplines (music, dance and theatre) cited awareness as the key factor for not participating in low-cost or free performing arts training in Ontario.

Additional findings supported initial thoughts and hypotheses of the type of barriers that affect college acceptance rates in the performing arts including finances, travel distance, familial values, and the need for specialized learning and accessibility. When focus group participants were asked what they would suggest for future performing arts college readiness preparation they suggested online tools for career navigation and interpersonal skill preparation.

PHASE 2

Following up on research and findings from phase one, we aim to address recommendations for innovation and tackle several identified barriers by creating a performing arts career tool in the form of a website for Ontario students, parents and teachers. We hope that the Pathways to the Performing Arts website will allow users to find quality pre-professional programs they can afford, in areas that they can access.

We also aim to address underserved and marginalized populations by including resources for Indigenous arts, Black, African diaspora & BIPOC arts, LGBTQ2S+ safe spaces and accessible training spaces for persons with a disability and neurodivergent programming. By creating a performing arts career tool with previously identified hard to access information, we hope to create further equity and access for those wishing to embark on careers in the performing arts.

PHASE 3

Planning for the third phase of this research includes:

• Preparation and training opportunities for additional careers in the performing arts that take place off-stage or behind the camera.
• The inclusion of personal practice tools that encourage training beyond the studio or class.
• Additional practical resources to assist youth and young adults interested in careers in the performing arts.

We are also committed to bringing mentorship to those who face barriers to training and professional opportunities.

Please reach out with any questions, suggestions or pre-professional programs to be listed on The Performing Arts Pathways Resources page.

Thank you for your assistance with creating pathways for up-and-coming artists in the GTA!

Yours truly,
Melissa Bartrem and Rosalind Mills

PHASE 1 & 2 LEAD RESEARCHERS

Melissa Bartrem

Melissa is a dance education specialist with international credits as a professional performer, choreographer, teacher and presenter.

Melissa’s International performance credits include Abracadabra (Ciro Tihany Spectacular, Brazil), Showtime! & Chicago (Patrice Marquees Productions, Portugal), Piano Man & Caliente (Princess Cruises, Worldwide) and various commercial dance projects throughout London, England. Melissa’s North American credits include live events with brands and companies such as Divas Las Vegas (Frank Marino), The Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders, RS Divas Creative, Skechers, Red Bull and The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation in addition to roles in commercials, film and TV.

Melissa is a doctoral degree candidate in Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and teaches post-secondary programs in dance and teacher education for The Royal Academy of Dance, The University of Toronto, OISE and Centennial in both the Theatre Arts and Performing Arts Fundamentals Departments. Melissa has presented in-practice research at arts and education conferences in the U.S.A, Greece and Canada in addition to collaborating with arts organizations in China (CISCA), England and South Africa (Solo Dansa). Melissa aims to promote holistic, student-centred learning that supports accessibility and inclusion in dance spaces.

Send an email to mbartrem@my.centennialcollege.ca

Rosalind Mills

Rosalind Mills is a voice coach, music director and composer. She is a professor at Centennial College in the Theatre Arts Department and Performing Arts Fundamentals Department. She is a sessional faculty member teaching voice at the University of Toronto Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies.

She was the resident music director for the professional company at the Rose Theatre Brampton where she conducted: “She Loves Me”, “A Chorus Line”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Blood Brothers”, “Cabaret”, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Forever Plaid” and “You’re a good man Charlie Brown”.

Composition Credits include: “The Auction” CBC/Global, audience choice award Sprockets (TIFF) “Rock Garden”(NFB), and credits on OMNI, Global, CityTV, MenTV, Prime and CBC. Rosalind composed the musical “Ingenew” which ran at the Red Sandcastle and she co-composed and music directed “The Musical McCoy” which is supported by The National Arts Centre, The Shaw Festival, Tand others. As a voice coach, she has worked on “Transplant” CTV/NBC and coaches many of Toronto’s professionals.

Upcoming she is composing the musical “The Eumenides”, which will be performed by Musicata Hamilton, Spring 2025.

Send an email to rmills@centennialcollege.ca

Jin Li

Jin Li is a Professor at Centennial College and a Principal Investigator at WIMTACH with a focus on mobile, web, IoT and healthcare applications. He is trained in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and has over 20 years of experience leading and managing teams. Using Design Thinking practices and the Agile process, Jin leads and manages cross-site teams to create a compelling user experience for cloud-based solutions for vulnerable populations at a Canadian software company. He is passionate about designing for people and especially skilled at connecting and collaborating with people. In his free time, he enjoys storytelling, Chinese medicine, swimming, Tai-Chi, basketball and chess.

PHASE 1 & 2 RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

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  Sergey Dubrovskiy, a lifelong enthusiast of engineering and IT technologies, has built a solid foundation through his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Russia, along with additional studies at Centennial College in Canada. His extensive experience includes internships in Germany and South Korea. Sergey has presented his innovative ideas for enhancing semiconductor technologies at IEEE conferences and remains passionate about learning new things and applying his knowledge to real-world projects. LinkedIn profile
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  Raven Francis-Browning is a recent graduate of Centennial College’s Performing Arts Fundamentals program, and a writer and director for the original production Awake! An ensemble performance created by the Performing Arts Fundamentals class of 2024. Raven is also a graduate of Niagara College’s Acting for Film and Television program, specializing in scriptwriting, commercial voice work and stunt acting. Previous lead vocalist and lyricist for the band Windseeker, a Durham-based metal band.
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  Grace-Ann Wilmot is a seasoned marketing communications professional and research & data analyst based in Toronto, ON. With a strong academic background, including a bachelor’s in business administration and post-graduate certificates in Project Management and Marketing Research & Analytics, Grace-Ann has honed her skills in data-driven decision-making and strategic communication. Her expertise spans a variety of tools and platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, Power BI, and Tableau just to name a few. Currently serving as a Strategic Research & Data Analyst at Centennial College, Grace-Ann supports academic teams by conducting detailed data analysis and providing actionable insights to enhance program quality using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Her efforts have been instrumental in identifying key trends and making data-driven recommendations that have improved program retention and enrollment rates. Her comprehensive use of quantitative and qualitative data has ensured a holistic approach to program assessment. In her previous roles as a Marketing Communications Specialist and Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, she successfully led initiatives that significantly increased engagement and streamlined communications. Grace-Ann is recognized for her analytical prowess, creative approach, and commitment to excellence in all her endeavours.
• Sze Nga Mak (Cindy) is a graduate from Marketing - Research and Analytics in Centennial College and helps data instrument construction, recruitment and in-depth analysis in this research. Cindy is curious about everything and passionate about exploring and analyzing raw data. Driven by a curious persionality, she takes pride in providing the best analysis possible with evidence and logical conclusions. After earning Bachelor in Science degree in Physics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she entered in financial sector to explore passion for analysis. In addition to her undergraduate degree, she pursued further studies to enhance analytical skills. LinkedIn profile

CAST AND CREW

• Jada Huang began her journey at 5 years old at Dance Inc. She received training and education for 13 years and has been competing for 2 years. She started with ballet, then soon after learned tap, jazz, acro, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. She learned foundations and street styles at Keystone Dance Co. After high school, Jada continued to expand her education of different spectrums in the performing arts, such as dance, music, and acting at Centennial College. She learned how to choreograph, lead, and produce a show and aims to continue to grow as an artist throughout her performances.
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• Alessandra Cavallini is an Italian and Argentinian Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist. She has been creating art since she performed her first monologue Mommy Dearest in the eighth grade, which led her to attending Cardinal Carter Academy for the Performing Arts, as well as spending a short period at York University's Theatre Program. She is now a graduate from Centennial College’s Theatre Arts and Performance program. Alessandra has been given the opportunity to debut as Portia from Merchant of Venice through Unchained Theater. She is a retired cosplayer who delves into visual, vocal, and physical expressions [or modalities]. Alessandra is currently in the process of rehearsing as Juliet in Unchained Theatres' rendition of Romeo and Juliet.
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• Ainna Eslava is 18 years old and has been dancing for 6 years. She began by teaching herself K-pop choreography but later shifted her focus to Hip-Hop dance during high school and now in college. Having served as a leader on her high school dance team for the past two years, she continues to refine her dance skills and knowledge while in college. Now enrolled in the dance program, she aspires to utilize her education to emphasize the significance of Hip-Hop dance culture and to continue showcasing her performances on stage. As she continues to improve her krump and choreography skills, she aims to inspire more people to dance.
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• Neu Sun is a Toronto-based producer and rapper who has performed at open mics, beat battles, the musical: AWAKE, and his 20-minute set at BSMT254 with Smol Audio where he performed (rapped) all original songs. In 2023-2024 Neu Sun attended the Performing Arts Fundamentals program at Centennial College where he created his foundation as a performer, and found his love for being on stage.
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  Here is a link to my single on all platforms.
  Here is a link to a YouTube playlist with all the songs I've produced.


• Lenin V.S is a graduate of the Centennial College Theatre Arts and Performance program and is writing a new piece titled the Anastasiad, a Greek epic inspired by his journey towards finding his masculinity. He has been a part of productions of Henry the IV with Unchained Theatre Company and the Laramie Project, with Centennial College. He is currently in rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet with UTC. Lenin is an avid weightlifter and gymnastics ring user. He has a significant interest in Jung’s school of Psychoanalysis as a means of taking care of his mental health, and out of insatiable curiosity.
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• Leila Gauci begun her training at the age of 5 at a local ballet studio in Quito, Ecuador, honing her skills in classical ballet and traditional Spanish flamenco disciplines. Leila strictly focused on ballet until she discovered her love for emotive storytelling through contemporary pieces at age 13. Since then Leila has taken on training of various dance styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, acro, and hip hop establishing herself as a versatile performer. Not only has Leila had dance training but also has a background in aerial arts. Through her teen years Leila trained in aerials silks and hoop lyra and still practices those skills to this day to continue her multitalented career. Leila has successfully graduated from Centennial Colleges Performing Arts Fundamentals program and will attend Centennial Colleges full time Dance Performance Program this fall to continue developing her skills and technique. Whether performing in a grand opera house or an intimate contemporary venue, Leila is excited for where her passion for dance will take her.
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  Email to leilangau@gmail.com


• Herbert Stewart, known as "Steeltown Fro", is an emerging singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer currently based in Etobicoke, ON. A graduate of Centennial College's Performing Arts Fundamentals program, Herbert trained under renowned vocal coach Rosalind Mills to bring out the most of his vocal capabilities. Through the inclusion of a variety of genres, Steeltown Fro depicts stories of emotional self, personal growth, and the ever-nagging question of purpose.
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• Annika Flores is a Filipino theatre performer and producer based in Toronto. She was born in the Philippines and raised in Manila, Dubai, and Riyadh. Being one out of seven children, she often felt crowded. She strived to drown out the noise and express her individuality through art. At 20 years old, she moved to Toronto to pursue theatre at Centennial College. Her works are the result of several methods such as the Linklater, Grotowski, and Overlie’s Six Viewpoints. She finds joy in physical acting and collaborative creation.


• Sadra Eslamian Passionate about visual storytelling, Sadra brings five years of experience in videography, photography, and editing and is currently advancing skills in film, live TV production, and radio through the broadcasting program at Centennial College. Recently honored with the Donny Award for Best Camera Work for his documentary "UBK," Sadra is driven to excel in all aspects of filmmaking until he can tell his own stories.
  Email to sadraeslamian01@gmail.com
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• Liam Cardinell is an emerging artist focussed on the telling of stories through different physical mediums and senses. During his practice and training, Liam has experienced many aspects of the craft from Musical Theatre, to Shakespeare all the way to creating new worlds as a director. Being trained in the Grotowski and Wangh methods of performance, he continues to appreciate how movement exploration can help invoke emotional responses. Liam is passionate about what can be created in space simply with the use of shape, movement, and expression.
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• Katie Hunt: Starting dance at age two, I've dedicated myself to mastering various dance styles, including but not limited to Contemporary, Acro, Hiphop, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Pointe. To expand my technique I took my training to New York City for 2 years under prestigious institutions such as The Joffrey Ballet School, The Broadway Artists Alliance, Tap city, and more which has further refined my abilities. Over 15 years, I've competed extensively, earning recognition for my performances at dance competitions. Now, at 20, I continue to pursue excellence in dance, aiming to captivate audiences with every step and earn recognition within the current dance community by training regularly and seeking out opportunities.