ACTRA Manitoba

07/10/2026

It is harmful to our Canadian workers and film industry, and deeply disappointing, to learn that BMO while claiming to be the Official Bank of Canada is hiring AMERICAN UNION actors to play Canadians in ads for Canada Soccer - all because BMO has been using an ad agency has been locking out CANADIAN UNION actors for FOUR YEARS.

Read ACTRA National's full statement and find out ways to express your feelings as Canadian artists. ACTRA National condemns BMO for representing itself as the Official Bank of Canada, while contracting with an ad agency that refuses to work with Canadian Unionized actors. ELBOWS UP, FRIENDS!

ACTRA National Council Condemns BMO, calls on Canadians to Give Bank a “Red Card” - ACTRA National https://www.actra.ca/give-bmo-the-red-card/

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Congratulations to all the filmmakers at this year's ACTRA MB MIP showcase. The turnout was incredible so thank you also to members who showed their support

Shoutouts to the winners of this year's showcase go to:

Rob Macklin Audience Choice Award: A TIE!

OLD COUCH - John B. Lowe
RAW MEAT - Sydney Sabiston & Sarah Luby

And the Golden Boy Award (Jury Choice):

HOT NEW THING - Suzanne Pringle & Lauren Messervey

Congratulations to all of you!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆

06/03/2026

EDIT: The Showcase is SOLD OUT! Thanks to all who reserved a ticket! Looking forward to seeing you on Friday!

This year’s Member Initiated Production Showcase takes place Friday, June 5th at Prairie Theatre Exchange in Portage Place. Come out and see what amazing stories our members have created this year!

Doors are at 7:00 pm, screening is at 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening immersed in new stories, surrounded by fellow artists. Reserve your FREE ticket using the link in the bio!

The Golden Boy Award will be selected in advance by an independent jury and the Robert Macklin Audience Choice Award will be selected by the audience on the night of the showcase.

Indigenous Prize sponsored by Eagle Vision

Diversity Prize sponsored by the DEIB Committee of ACTRA Manitoba.

Please note: The access to the theatre is impacted by the construction at Portage Place Mall. Please refer to the Prairie Theatre Exchange website for more information.

06/02/2026

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!!!

Happy Pride everyone! For years, ACTRA Manitoba has marched in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at this year's Pride Parade, not just in celebration of what has been overcome, but in solemn recognition of the history of the adversity faced along that road.

We are pleased to announce that ACTRA Manitoba has coordinated for the Entertainment Industry Unions to be participating in the June 7, 2026 parade. Come join ACTRA, and as we march together, rain or shine. More details to come about arrival time, where to find our group, and what to bring with you.

03/10/2026

Kristen Sawatzky named ACTRA MB's Woman of the Year

A message from the ACTRA Manitoba Women's Committee:

Kristen Sawatzky has long been a powerful force within Manitoba’s film and television community, making her an exceptional and deserving recipient of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kristen has dedicated more than 26 years to the industry, building a remarkable career that spans multiple disciplines including dance, acting, puppetry, choreography, movement coordination, stunt performance, stunt coordination, and photography. Her versatility and longevity reflect not only immense talent but also a deep commitment to her craft and to the Manitoba film industry.

Kristen’s influence goes far beyond her work on set. She has been a passionate advocate for women in the industry, especially in the male-dominated world of stunts. Through her work as a stunt coordinator, her time on the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s Committee, and as a speaker at SWIFT (Supporting Women in Film Trades) Conference, she has helped challenge barriers and create space for more women to step into roles that once seemed out of reach.

Kristen’s generosity extends into every corner of her life. She teaches women’s self-defence through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, volunteers with animal rescue organizations, supports community initiatives, and donates through her photography business to charities that help women in crisis. Kristen has also photographed countless headshots for actors in our local membership. In 2024, she was recognized with a Winnipeg 150 Award for her leadership in The Front Steps Project, which raised over $7,000 for Harvest Manitoba during the pandemic.

Through her talent, her advocacy, and the way she continually lifts others up, Kristen embodies the spirit of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Her career is impressive, but it’s her heart, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community that make her truly deserving of this honour.

ACTRA Manitoba is honoured and proud to present Kristen this award.

03/02/2026

02/25/2026

INTIMACY FOR PERFORMERS INFO SESSION

1-4 pm on Sunday, March 1

De-Mystifying Intimacy On Set: A discussion and info session with Prairie Intimacy Coordinators


Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to submit for projects with intimacy and nudity. Join this informational panel discussion and presentation with Prairie Intimacy Coordinators and ACTRA about how actors and background performers can work effectively with intimacy coordinators. We will demystify the process of auditioning, preparing and performing roles that require nudity and intimacy, and explain how intimacy coordinators support and advocate for performers through all stages of the process.


When: 1-4 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026
Where: Artspace Boardroom (4th Floor at 100 Arthur St.)


You need to register for this session! Please email [email protected].

You will receive confirmation of your registration and instructions for submitting questions (anonymously) in advance.
intimacy.coordinators