From the Obsidian Theatre and Stratford, to Broadway, here are a list of women you should know who are raising the bar in Canadian English theatre.
The National Arts Centre is partnering with SHIFTER to spotlight Canadian women of colour in live performance with its first ever Innovators & Icons lists. As a part of this groundbreaking article series, every month the NAC and SHIFTER will be honouring Canadian women of colour who align with the NAC’s various disciplines―Popular Music & Variety, Dance, Indigenous Theatre, English Theatre, French Theatre, and NACO (the NAC Orchestra). These women are not only stellar live performers, representing the geographical and ethnic diversity of Canada, but they are pushing the envelope and breaking barriers in their craft, on the way to becoming Canada’s future stars.
Next in the series, we are honouring Canadian women of colour who are making a difference on and off the stage in English theatre.
Canadian women of colour like Da Kink In My Hair writer/producer Trey Anthony have been making their mark in live theatre over the past few decades. More recently, women like the CBC’s Amanda Parris has jumped into theatre with her play Other Side of the Game which won the Governor General’s Award for English-language drama in 2019 after it was published in book form.
So without further adieu, here are a list of outstanding women of colour doing their thing in Canadian English theatre.
ANDREA MACASAET | WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
City: Winnipeg, MB
Instagram:Â @andrea.cesyl
Previous work: 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee, Miss Saigon, Heathers: The Musical, Prairie Nurse, Six: The Musical
What started with karaoke, a central part of her family life, has blossomed into a successful theatre career for the Grammy-nominated Andrea Macasaet. Before launching into her professional career, she attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2019, she took her talents on the road appearing in  Six: The Musical in at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. She also performed the same role at the American Repertory Theatre, Citadel Theatre, and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She later made her Broadway debut when the show moved to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre before departing the show this past December.
More about Andrea Macasaet
How were you first introduced to your creative discipline (i.e. music, dance, comedy, etc.)?
“I started out singing in local Filipino karaoke contests at a very young age which eventually introduced me to the world of musical theatre.”
How has your city, region or places you were raised impacted you artistically/creatively?
“Because Winnipeg is rich with creatives, the biggest impact and learning my city has given me is to continue to surround myself by people who elevate others by sharing their gifts through inclusivity and collaboration. Art is stronger when we all work together from a place of respect and love. My hometown has gifted me the best friendships and wonderful opportunities to explore the different ways there are to give back to people. There is no better reward than having a community that loves you and supports your dreams.”
What has been your biggest professional achievement(s) so far?
“Originating a principal role on Broadway. Performing at the Tony awards with that show and also being a Grammy-nominated artist for the original Broadway cast album.”
