The Program
The program is intended to support artists that are at the early stages of a creation. The mentorship will support unpacking the catalyst for a new artistic work and approaches to moving into the next stage of the artist's artistic practice.
The mentorship prioritizes interdisciplinary, cross cultural and intergenerational learning.
The Mentor
Leslie Ting (she/her)
Mentor Statement:
Mentorship is a funny word. I feel everyone has wisdom and acts as a mirror if you are open to it. But, spending time with another artist in this way is a rare thing, and I look forward to contemplating questions, learning about Tony’s process and discussing making something only you can make in the world.
Bio:
It has been my pleasure to share my process and learn from artists and students at York University, Dalhousie’s Fountain School for the Performing Arts, and WhyNot Theatre’s ThisGen Fellowship.
2026 Participant
tony adams
Mentee Statement:
It is rare (for me) to be supported this early on in a new process. I am excited to work with Leslie, and see where our practices intersect and see how ideas might blossom or get lost and twisted, or totally redefined altogether.
Bio:
tony (they/them, he/him) is a performer and creator. In the summer of 2026 they toured 3 new shows across the Canadian Fringe circuit to great critical acclaim. They are currently looking for presentations for their solo show, tony wrestles a stranger.
IG @anthnoone
Past Participants
2025
Zane Allison
Alynne Sinnema
Mentors:
the Wonderheads
2024
Julian Legere / Cocksure Productions
Cheyenne Scott
Mentor:
Adrienne Wong
2023
Lee Ingram
Mentor:
Pam Tzeng
2022
Hilary Ho
Sierra Megas
Mentor:
Andrew Barrett
2021
Colette Habel
Sophie Underwood
Ryan Wilcox
Mentor:
Stewart Legere
2020
Howard Dai
happy/accidents
FromTheCorner Productions
Mentor:
Adrienne Wong
2019
Embrace Arts: Performance
Re:Current Theatre
SNAFU Dance Theatre
Administrative Mentor:
Clayton Baraniuk
2018
Rose Cotton
Broken Down Bus Productions
Milton Lim + Patrick Blenkarn
