Honours

On the national stage, Donna Fletcher has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Equity through her service on Council and dedication to numerous committees which examined harassment guidelines, senior artist issues, policy, education as well as honouring artists and lifting up our members through the In Memoriam. Over her many terms on Council, Donna served four times as Vice President, diligently working to bring the voices of all regions & disciplines to the table. In Manitoba, her legacy is woven into the fabric of the artistic community through her leadership, artistry, mentorship, and steadfast dedication to the well-being of others. Her contributions have enriched the Association, strengthened her community, and inspired countless artists. Her legacy of leadership and service makes her a deserving recipient of the Larry McCance Award.

As a performer, Donna Fletcher has enjoyed a remarkable national career spanning musical theatre, opera, theatre, and concert work. As co-founder and artistic driving force behind Dry Cold Productions, she has championed bold artistic programming while creating opportunities for Manitoba artists at every stage of their careers for more than two decades. Through her leadership, she has championed Manitoba performers both at home and nationally, cultivating an environment where collaboration, mentorship, and artistic excellence flourish. Her artistry is matched by her professionalism, discipline, and deep love & respect for the craft.

Sophie-Thérèse Stone-Richards joined Equity in 2023 and has already made a significant mark in her community and beyond. She brings to her work not only remarkable skill and professionalism, but also a distinctive artistic voice shaped by her experiences, perspective, and commitment to authentic storytelling. With an already impressive body of work and an unwavering commitment to artistic growth, Sophie-Thérèse is poised to make an enduring impact on the profession and is a worthy recipient of Equity’s Emerging Artist Award.

At the heart of Deborah Williams’s work is a belief that every voice matters. Through her creativity, teaching, and community engagement, she harnesses the transformative power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and empower. Her work illuminates the human experience, fosters empathy, and creates opportunities for individuals to see themselves—and one another—with greater understanding. Stories have the power to change how we think, and through her dedication to helping others tell theirs, Deb has demonstrated how storytelling can be a catalyst for connection and change—truly embodying the spirit of the Changemaker Award.

Jillian Rees-Brown is a professional actor, an Equity member since 1979, and a longstanding contributor to Newfoundland and Labrador’s theatre community. Over her career, she has supported the performing arts not only as a performer, but also through stage management, directing, writing, and founding her own theatre company. Her dedication to the craft and to the theatre community has made her a respected and influential presence among artists and audiences alike.

James Fagan Tait is an actor, director, and playwright whose work has been seen on stages across Canada. A two-time Jessie Richardson Award recipient with eighteen nominations, he has earned the respect of colleagues and audiences alike through his exceptional artistry. Beyond his accomplishments on stage, Jimmy is a compassionate and creative force whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to the theatre community have left an indelible mark.

After joining the National Ballet of Canada in 1959 at just sixteen years old, Lorna Geddes built an extraordinary six-decade career with the company, serving as a dancer, assistant ballet mistress, pointe shoe manager, and principal character artist. Best known for her signature portrayal of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, she also became a trusted mentor and source of support for generations of dancers, supernumeraries, and colleagues. Her dedication, generosity, and artistry have left a lasting legacy within Canada’s dance community.

John Koensgen has been an actor, director, producer, and teacher for nearly five decades, appearing in more than 100 productions and directing dozens of professional theatre productions. An Equity member since 1978, he has received the Prix Rideau Award for Best Direction, the Capital Critics Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, the Lorraine Ansell Award from ACTRA Ottawa, and the Audrey Ashley Award for his contribution to the theatre community. Throughout his career, John has combined artistic excellence with a deep commitment to fostering theatre in his community.

Tracy Dahl is a world-renowned Canadian coloratura soprano who’s remarkable 44-year international career has showcased extraordinary vocal artistry and dramatic range across opera and musical theatre. Equally significant is her legacy as an educator and mentor, generously sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of performers. Her influence extends well beyond the stage, enriching Canada’s operatic community for decades.

Since coming to Edmonton in 1979, Maralyn Ryan has made a significant contribution to the theatre community by developing new plays, inspiring and mentoring actors, supporting playwrights, and leading children’s theatre organizations. As an actor, she has performed on stages across Canada, including the Shaw Festival, the Belfry Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, and virtually every professional theatre company in Edmonton. Her many honours—including the Award for Women in the Arts (Edmonton), a National Award for Recognition of Excellence in Innovative Programming, and the Sterling Award for Most Valuable Contribution to Edmonton Theatre—reflect the profound impact she has had on Alberta’s artistic community.

Billy Merasty has captivated audiences on stage and screen for more than 40 years, with a career spanning productions from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. A chance meeting with Gary Farmer in 1983 led Billy to audition for the Native Theatre Summer School. Monique Mojica, the Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts quickly plucked Billy out of the summer troupe and asked him to join Native Earth, starting his professional career. An Equity member since 1987, he is celebrated for his remarkable versatility—one of only a select few Equity members to have performed in Dance, Opera, and Theatre under the DOT policy. Billy’s outstanding artistry has earned him the James Buller Award for Aboriginal Theatre Excellence, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt in recognition of his artistic achievements, leadership, and enduring influence as an Indigenous role model, a Dora Award nomination, and a Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in Rain Dance at the Purple Rose Theatre Company. Beyond his distinguished career as a performer, Billy has been a dedicated champion of Equity, helping strengthen the Association’s relationship with Indigenous performers.

“I’m ecstatic, and so very grateful, and over the moon w this wonderful announcement.  My first love is the Theatre, and being a member of Equity has been a true privilege, which I’ll be eternally grateful for.  And I’m also very proud to have contributed to the growth of Indigenous Theatre in our Country, which I hope will continue far into the future! 

Tinikii, Equity! Thank You For This Honour!”

Micheline Chevrier is an award-winning director, dramaturge, artistic director, and teacher who has worked across Canada and abroad for more than forty years. She has directed more than 90 productions, earning numerous honours, including the Betty Mitchell Awards (Calgary), Capital Critics Circle Awards (Ottawa), the Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto), and Montreal English Theatre Awards. Micheline’s career is a testament to her exceptional artistry and leadership, her belief that collaboration is the foundation of meaningful art, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of theatre artists.

Kent Allen has been an artistic anchor not only for Saskatoon, but for Saskatchewan’s theatre community as a whole. His work with Persephone Theatre alone spans more than 50 productions. He has also performed with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, GTNT, Dancing Sky Theatre, the Station Arts Centre in Rosthern, Burnt Thicket Theatre, the Globe Theatre in Regina, and numerous independent productions. Recognized with the Henry Woolf Award for Continuing Achievement in 2018 and multiple Saskatoon and Area Theatre Awards, Kent’s enduring artistry, generosity, and commitment have made him a cornerstone of Saskatchewan theatre.

Doug McKeag has worked as a performer and producer in theatre for more than 45 years. His career as an actor has taken him to theatres and concert halls across Canada and around the world. Beyond his work on stage, Doug has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the next generation of artists. In 2019, he transformed an industrial property in Calgary into a multi-purpose arts creation facility, providing a home for creativity, collaboration, and artistic development.

Laurie Champagne has been an Equity Stage Manager for nearly 50 years, collaborating with hundreds of artists throughout an extraordinary career. Her work has taken her from Stratford to the early days of the Blyth Festival and, most notably, to The Shaw Festival, where she served as Production Stage Manager for many years during the Christopher Newton era. Known for her professionalism, generosity, and deep commitment to artists and the craft, Laurie has been a trusted collaborator, mentor, and friend to generations of theatre professionals.

Wade Nott has been a member of Equity for more than 35 years, performing in more than 100 productions with Vancouver Opera and the Canadian Opera Company. Throughout his remarkable career, he has brought his artistry and dedication to the operatic stage while also contributing deeply to the Association through agreement negotiations, mentorship, service as an Equity Liaison, and multiple terms on Council. A passionate supporter of live theatre and cultural events, Wade remains one of the most dedicated champions of live performance, and his signature white locks are likely to be spotted in the audience at a theatre near you.