Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies at U of T

05/28/2026

🎓⚽ Congratulations to undergraduate alumna and drama major Hannah Chown!

Hannah will receive her master’s degree in teaching from OISE this June. Alongside her passion for theatre, she has been deeply involved in soccer— playing as a semi-professional athlete with Simcoe County Rovers FC and previously serving as captain of the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team.

We’re thrilled to see her achievements recognized in U of T News!

👉 Read her story: utoronto.ca/news/teaching-grad-makes-history-u-t-soccer-pitch-pro-career-next

05/28/2026

05/19/2026

🎭 CDTPS Alumni Spotlight: Marley Kajan (MA 2020)

From the Niagara Region to Toronto’s stages and screens, Marley Kajan is making her mark as an actor, writer, and producer. Since completing her MA at the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies, Marley has co-created and produced the original comedy series Like Comment Subscribe—which recently premiered at Toronto Sketchfest after a year on the festival circuit.

At CDTPS, Marley developed her skills as both an artist and critical thinker, culminating in a hybrid thesis project and shaped by mentors like Djanet Sears.
Now, Marley is building her on-camera career, working across film, television, and even virtual reality production.
💬 “Creating your own work and opportunities is a superpower in this industry.”
📖 Read the full Q&A:
cdtps.utoronto.ca/news/cdtps-alumni-spotlight-marley-kajan

05/08/2026

We’re proud to begin our new Alumni Spotlight series with Gabriella Sundar Singh.
As we celebrate the start of our 60th anniversary year — coinciding with the University of Toronto’s bicentennial — we’re highlighting the achievements of our outstanding graduates.

Gabriella’s feature marks the first in a series that will share the stories and accomplishments of our alumni community.

Read her spotlight here:
cdtps.utoronto.ca/news/alumni-spotlight-gabriella-sundar-singh

Stay tuned for more throughout the year.

05/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to CDTPS PhD Candidate Keira Mayo on receiving the 2025/26 Saddlemyer/Parker Award!

Selected by the CDTPS Graduate Student Union executive, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to life at the Centre and is awarded through a highly competitive process, with many nominations submitted each year.

Keira’s selection reflects the depth and impact of her contributions across the Centre’s theatrical, social and academic communities. Her engagement has helped foster a more supportive and caring environment, making a meaningful difference to her peers.

We extend our sincere thanks to Keira for her ongoing contributions and are delighted to celebrate this well-earned recognition.

Please join us in congratulating her! 👏

05/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to CDTPS PhD graduate Munia Debleena Tripathi on receiving the Teaching Assistants’ Training Program (TATP) Course Instructor Teaching Excellence Award!

This prestigious tri-campus award recognizes exceptional graduate student instructors across the University of Toronto. Munia was selected through a highly competitive adjudication process, standing out among an outstanding group of nominees.

Her nomination highlighted sustained excellence in teaching, educational leadership, and meaningful contributions to course development. Student feedback underscored her inclusive, engaging approach and her strong positive impact on student confidence and success.

Munia’s achievement reflects both her dedication as an educator and the vibrant culture of teaching excellence at CDTPS.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment! 👏

05/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating Professors Baņuta Rubess and T. Nikki Cesare Schotzko on being selected for the 2026–27 Jackman Humanities Institute Program for the Arts.

Their projects are part of an exciting series of artistic events designed to enhance and elevate the profile of the arts at the University of Toronto, aligned with JHI’s annual theme, Doubles, Doppelgangers.

🔹 Professor Cesare Schotzko’s project, Building the Possible: From Local Wins to Structural Change, will be featured through the 6th Symposium of the Impossible Projects Working Group, taking place March 19–21, 2027.

🔹 Professor Rubess’s project, Echo Location: Parade and Ritual Beginnings, will be presented as a parade and performance in May 2027, as part of CDTPS’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

We are delighted to see their work recognized and look forward to the important conversations and creative work these projects will generate. 👏

04/30/2026

❄️ ON STAGE NOW ❄️

Brilliant Traces by Cindy Lou Johnson, directed by John Gordon and produced by Slip Trap Theatre Company, runs April 24–May 10 at Theatre Passe Muraille — featuring alum John Shubat on stage!

In the remote wilds of Alaska, a woman stumbles out of the snow with no destination and a need to keep moving.

A storm rises. Roads vanish. Car batteries die. The isolated cabin of an oil rig worker becomes the only refuge left.

At the edge of nowhere two strangers collide, each carrying a past they refuse to name. As the storm tightens its grip, stories fracture, truths slip, and what begins as mercy transforms into something else entirely.

Desolate and haunting, Brilliant Traces is about isolation, loss, change and the rarest of intimacy. When a life is in free fall, what is there to grab on to, and at what cost?

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.sliptraptheatre.com/synopsis/tickets
💥 Use code BRILLIANTARTS for $25 tickets

04/28/2026

🎭 Work-Study Opportunity with the CDTPS – Summer 2026 🎭

The Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies is hiring an Assistant to the Technical Director for a paid, flexible work-study position this summer.

Position details
• Job title: Assistant to the Technical Director
• Job ID: 261058
• Pay rate: $17.60/hour
• Hours: 6–15 hours/week (up to 100 total hours)
• Employment period: May 4 – August 14, 2026

Eligibility
• Undergraduate students enrolled in at least 0.5 FCE
• Graduate students registered for the summer session

How to apply
Sign into clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm, search for the job ID and title, and submit a cover letter and résumé.

📅 Application deadline: May 11, 2026
A great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working with the CDTPS this summer—please share with students who might be interested!