Legacy Fellowship
This program makes creative partnerships to help advance the careers of early career creatives from marginalized communities. It was inspired by a provocation that Obsidian Theatre Company artistic director Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu stated: “What happens if the assistant director is the most senior person in the room?”
The inaugural year of this program launched the professional careers of three artists: directors Vanessa Sears and Jordan Laffrenier and choreographer David Andrew Reid.
Read on to get to know our newest Legacy Fellows: Composer & Music Director Alexandra Kane, Choreographer Shakeil Rollock, and Director Fiona Sauder
Alexandra Kane
Music Director & Composer (The Grand Theatre London)
An artist living in London, Ontario Alexandra Kane focuses on telling stories of Black joy through music and theatre. As a founding member of Black London Network and a lead activist for Black Lives Matter London, she advocates for racial equity and champions local Black culture.
Fiona Sauder
Director (The Shaw Festival)
Fiona Sauder is an Ottawa born Director, Writer, Performer and Educator. Select directing credits include: Holiday Inn (Shaw Festival, Asst. Dir, Upcoming); Uncovered: The Music of Dolly Parton / Baapii Roho (Musical Stage); Afro-Peruana (Canadian Stage); Sunshine Boy (Randolph College); Mamma Mia! / American Idiot / Les Miserables In Concert (YES Theatre); Life In A Box (Bad Hats Theatre). As a performer she’s had the pleasure of working with companies like Canadian Stage, The Blyth Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, Young People’s Theatre, and Driftwood Theatre. Fiona is a multiple Dora Award winning creator/performer and nominated director. She is the Artistic Director of Bad Hats Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre’s Associate Company.
Shakeil Rollock
Choreographer (Musical Stage Company)
Shakeil Rollock is a dancer, choreographer and instructor. Starting dance late at the age of seventeen, he graduated from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Shakeil has developed his experience through working with artists such as Draico (Step Up Franchise), Hollywood Jade, Julie Pérron and Debra Brown (Cirque du Soleil), Esie Mensah and Lua Sheyenne. Most recently Shakeil has been working with Emilio Dosal (In the Heights) and Ebony Williams (Beyoncé) on a new Disney plus project.
Alumni
2020/2021
David Andrew Reid, Jordan Laffrenier, Vanessa Sears