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 Projects
How can we use art to make good of this moment?
On the A.I.R. - Our series of panel discussions and Q&A's with industry professionals, focusing on issues specific to artists.
Let's Play - We put a call out to our community for suggestions of plays and roles they wish to explore, and organize virtual play readings every weekend. All are welcome!
Clearing the A.I.R. - Our monthly open-forum, inviting artists to come check-in with one another, pitch ideas, meet collaborators, and talk with special guests
. . .And more - We schedule special events such as concerts, master classes, and showcases of new work.
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
Jeremy Ferdman
Co-Founder and Artistic Producer
Jeremy Ferdman 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