By Joy Tanner
(3-minute read)
Tell us about your award-winning role in The Players and what inspired you about playing Emily.
When I read the script, I felt it so deeply. Emily is a 15-year-old girl searching for connection and a safe space outside of home, and she finds herself in this avant-garde theatre company where the dynamics quickly become complicated – especially with the director, who’s much older.
What drew me in was how true Emily’s experience is. So many young girls are eager to grow up, to understand themselves and the world, and to find somewhere they feel they belong. But that kind of searching can lead them into dangerous, disorienting situations. It’s a story about vulnerability, manipulation and how easily power can be abused.
I felt a real responsibility in playing Emily; to be a vessel for that emotional turbulence so many girls face. That gave me a lot of purpose and inspiration in telling this story.
The Outstanding Performance award nominees and winners are decided by a jury comprised of ACTRA Toronto members. How does it feel to be honoured by a jury of your peers?
I’m so grateful. It’s so special to be recognized by people who understand the work, the effort and the heart that goes into what we do. It’s such an honour, and it really feels like a message from them, and the universe, to keep going.
The ACTRA Awards in Toronto celebrate and applaud the outstanding performances, achievements, and artistic accomplishments and contributions of unionized performers. What does being a member of a professional performers’ union mean to you and why is it important to honour union performers?
Fun fact: I made up a little song to memorize my ACTRA number and I still sing it to this day whenever I have to write it down!
I feel so lucky my passion led me to acting and I’m so proud I became an ACTRA member at such a young age. It’s a career that happens to be supported by such an incredible union. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to really understand what a privilege it is to be part of a union like ACTRA. To be represented and protected, especially by a community of your peers, is so important.
Do you have any advice for performers just getting started in the industry?
Stay endlessly curious, empathetic, and observant of yourself and the world. Ask questions. Feel deeply. Let life shape you, move you, and teach you. It will all inform your work.
What is the most significant role you have ever had and how has it impacted your life or career?
I don’t think I could choose just one. Every role has arrived at a different moment in my life, and each has brought its own lesson. I learn something new every time; about my acting practice, the world, and myself. They all shape me in little ways.
Have you ever had a specific challenge with a role and how did you work to overcome it?
I try to approach any challenge with patience and gentleness. If I’m having a hard time finding the answer to a question about a character, I’ll ask it and then give it space. I let the character come to me and find me in its own time.
And then there are more physical challenges, like pretending it’s summer in freezing weather. I feel all Canadian actors understand what it takes to do a whole bunch of takes in a T-shirt, while freezing…it basically becomes a breath-work exercise.
Can you share anything about any upcoming projects?
I can’t reveal too much just yet, but I’m excited to be returning to set this summer,
getting to do the work I love, and embracing whatever stories come my way.
