I think a life in the theatre primes you for various forms of not knowing. It makes theatre people good in a crisis. But I miss the very spaces and projects that help us get good at dancing with the unexpected. The helpful edges that keep the sand in the sandbox

More than ever, I’m glad that to be a working actor, at least in Canada, one must develop one’s talents in many areas, and learn many mediums. I’ve come from the theatre and my delight and curiosity continues to lead me back to the theatre…

I would hope that future audiences can feel changed from my work, and that it’s an experience. It’s not merely coming in to watch a show or film, it’s an experience they can take with them and it sparks change, a way to care, to love people more, to be more empathetic.

“Ask questions. Work smart. Say “Yes.” Be kind. Say “No.” Drink water. Read books. Repeat.”

I often quote Eleanor Roosevelt who said you should do something every day that scares you. I would like the audience to know that I gave it my absolute ALL and was scared to write and compose a whole show…but I did it.

When things get back to normal, I will be even more aware of how precious time with friends and family is. I think we all will be.

“In school, we learned a pretty narrow idea of what "succeeding" in this career looks like, but in reality, there are endless ways of pursuing your artistry that might be different from what you initially set out to do.”

…As much as I hear, “everything has been done” I’m going to keep finding my own personal loopholes. Even in my popular work, I will smuggle my eccentricities as much as I can get away with into my work. That’s what I want my future audience to remember.

One thing specifically that I really want to see changed when we get back to the industry is young adults stepping into leadership roles of positions and power within theatre companies, whether it be as Associate Artistic Directors

Live theatre? I miss everything. The artistry, of course. The energy communicated between the performers onstage and the audience. The 3D-ness of it all – watching a filmed play on a screen doesn’t come close to being at the play…

“I've found that many don't understand the role of casting. Our job is to find the best talent for a project regardless of where that person comes from.”

“Don’t be afraid of judgment. Not everyone will love what you do, and they will tell you so. Don’t let that throw you.”

This year-long absence from theatre has not been an escape for me... It definitely has caused me to reflect and re-evaluate my life and my work in a healthy way. As actors and theatre artists, so much of our identity is wrapped up in our creative lives…this year forced me to cultivate an identity outside of those parameters

I’m not without hope. I think a lot of the thinking and the re-considering and the attempt to change the way theatre is structured and administered will be hugely positive in the end. It will be…Right now, mostly it’s a profound sense of how we’re going to move forward.

Crisis reveals character. Some say it builds character and yes, over time that can be true. And what has been interesting to me is that the people who have been able to flourish have found a way to take their creative energy and be of service.

Personally, I believe there will be a great hunger for live theatre and for any kind of live performance that’s actually the way we used to enjoy it in a crowded room. I think it’s still the reason people go to the movies as opposed to watching them at home alone. There’s something about a shared experience…

“I think we need to open up the pool. The oft-heard ‘well we didn’t cast an actor of color, because no actors of color came in’ just doesn’t fly.”

I miss the dust on the floor in the rehearsal hall. I miss having to wear pants. I miss awkward conversation with incredible people. I miss trying to avoid opening nights. I miss eating weird snacks in tech. I miss watching actors work. I miss going into the room at the beginning of a process and coming out into a lobby just before an audience is about to come in and asking myself “How exactly did we get here?”…

“With a crystalline tenor and natural grace, Alvin Ing fought headfirst against racial discrimination, becoming a legend to those who have had the honor of knowing him. Last month, I had the honor of speaking with Mr. Ing about his career, his legacy, and his hopes for the future.”

…Digital theatre is now a part of the industry along with the live element. Also, the day we can get back into the theatre and see the mish mash of technology and live at the same time, it’s exciting. Yes, it might appear frightening and unnerving, but I like being frightened, I like being unnerved. That means something will come out…