Our Purpose
Artists in Residence is a new platform which supports artists' mental health and well-being, by providing opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and creativity.
We aim to establish a network for creative people to connect with one another; explore existing work and spark new endeavors; and engage as a community around social, political, and cultural events from an artistic perspective.
With play readings and workshops, Q&A panels, open forums and other special events designed for the virtual platform, all our projects aim to strengthen community and social engagement in a period of isolation.
How will our unique experiences of this moment be reflected in our art? We cant wait to find out.
Our Values
Community.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many performing artists are out of work and isolated from the communities within which they thrive. Artists in Residence aims to give creative people a chance to connect and support one another during this challenging time.
Mental Health and Safety.
For many artists, collaboration and social interaction are not just integral to our work, but to our very survival. Artists in Residence aims to support artists' mental health by creating projects geared towards inclusion, engagement, and active participation.
Social Justice.
In a moment of remarkable societal upheaval, we are challenged daily to learn, question, and reckon with a changing reality. By hosting open forums, panel discussions, and producing work that is progressive and relevant, Artists in Residence is a space to grapple with and take action towards social and political justice.
Your Lockdown. Your Story.
Plays you want to read? Projects you want to launch? Topics you want to discuss? We are here for you. Let's make it happen, together.
Our Team
Olivia Daniels
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Olivia Daniels is a Canadian performer, director, and theatre artist. She earned a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she trained at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School and The New Studio on Broadway. She also holds a minor in Philosophy.
Olivia has worked alongside many incredible artists throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Kent Gash, Shelley Butler, Philip Akin, Michael McElroy, Eden Espinosa, and Chilina Kennedy.
Olivia is committed to using her artistic voice to create and support opportunities for artists of marginalized communities. She is interested in theatre that encourages important discussion and acts as a meaningful tool towards social justice. In all her endeavors, Olivia strives to embody a spirit of openness, discovery, and joy!
Instagram @livadan
Alexandra Anisman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Alexandra Anisman (she/her) is a Canadian actor and creative based in Toronto, ON. As a recent graduate from Ryerson University's multidisciplinary Creative Industries program, Alex has continuously been studying and working in both the film and theatre industry throughout her degree, while working on tools that poetically translate to helping the art community thrive.
Jeremy Ferdman
Co-Founder and Artistic Producer
Jeremy Ferdman (he/him) is an award-winning Actor and Producer from Toronto. He trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City before moving to Los Angeles in 2011. Most recently, he starred in ROBBERY opposite Art Hindle, which earned him a 2019 ACTRA Award Nomination for Outstanding Performance. Some of Jeremy’s Film and TV credits include RACE with Stephan James and Jason Sudeikis, CW’s BURDEN OF TRUTH, MAN SEEKING WOMAN, THEBEAVERTON, WAREHOUSE 13 and NBC’s ANGELA’S EYES. This year, you can see him in the feature film AGAINST THE WILD III: THE JOURNEY HOME, Season 6 of Hallmark's THE GOOD WITCH, and a small role in Universal’s WELCOME TO SUDDEN DEATH on Netflix. Jeremy is currently Executive Producing the feature film LAST CALL, a biopic on the final days of Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. The film stars John Malkovich, Rhys Ifans & Tony Hale. Instagram: @jeremyferdman
Liza Hersh
Associate Producer
Liza Hersh (she/her) is a producer and arts administrator based in Toronto. She first discovered her passion for theatre production and lighting design while studying in Kingston, ON. Her diverse artistic interests then brought her to New York where she worked in production management and development for companies like Second Stage Theater, New York Live Arts, and American Ballet Theatre. Liza holds a master's degree in Performing Arts Administration from NYU and a bachelor's in Drama and English Literature from Queen's University. When not producing with A.I.R. or working her day job at JIAS Toronto, Liza can be found watching The Crown and doing 1000 piece puzzles with her mom.
