The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) welcomes eight exciting Canadian actors to the 2026 CBC Actors Conservatory, a six-month, full-time program that gives onscreen performers the time, space and creative community to take their practice to the next level. The new cohort begins Monday, September 21, 2026, kicking off an immersive season of training, onscreen work, collaboration and exploration alongside leading Canadian artists and industry practitioners.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Canadian Film Centre as the CBC Actors Conservatory welcomes this dynamic new group of actors,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “We look forward to seeing their creative passion and talent reflected onscreen as they continue to build their careers in the Canadian screen industry.”
Designed for actors ready to deepen their work and expand their experience in film and television, the CBC Actors Conservatory combines practical training, mentorship, creative collaboration and opportunities to connect with the wider screen industry. Residents will have the chance to challenge themselves, experiment with different approaches, and build a body of onscreen work that reflects where they are headed as artists.
“We’re delighted to welcome this extraordinary group of artists to the CFC,” said Kathryn Emslie, Executive Lead, Programs, CFC. “What makes this cohort so exciting is not only the opportunity to watch them inhabit and illuminate stories written by others, but to see what happens when they begin shaping stories of their own. These are artists with ideas, voices and creative ambitions!”
With the support of CBC as Lead Supporter, the Actors Conservatory reflects a shared commitment to providing Canadian actors with meaningful opportunities to develop their craft, build industry connections, and pursue sustainable careers in film and television.
The 8 Actors Conservatory residents are:
ALEXANDRA DAWKINS (she/her)
Alexandra Dawkins is an actor, and musician from ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan) / Edmonton, AB, on Treaty 6 Territory. Her formative training and experience in clowning, and neo-bouffon have deeply impacted her acting and performance career, as well as her music. Her interest in unconventional, non-linear narrative consistently draws her to experimental work in film and on stage.
“I am most interested in contradictory complexities, and the deep, dark, murky grey area of human behaviour. I love unanswerable questions, multi-faceted anti-heroes, and the nuance created through pitting contending truths against one another. Non-linear, unconventional narrative thrills me greatly, and I dream of creating work that stirs difficult conversations and invites nuanced perspectives.”
BECK LLOYD (she/her)
Beck Lloyd is a Toronto-born actor who recently returned home after several years away training and performing across the country. A graduate of Queen's University, York University's MFA in Performance, and the Stratford Festival's Birmingham Conservatory, Beck spent four seasons at the Stratford Festival before returning to Toronto, where they've been building new creative partnerships across the city's theatre and film communities. Curiosity tends to be her starting point, for a role, a rehearsal, or a conversation. Beck likes being in rooms where people care deeply about making something together.
“I love characters who surprise themselves. The ones who think they know who they are until a single conversation, choice, or circumstance changes everything. I'm drawn to stories that make us lean in rather than look away - work that trusts an audience to sit with contradiction, vulnerability, and the messy beauty of being human.”
BLAISE CROCKER (she/her)
Blaise Crocker is an actor and acting coach based in Toronto. She has found that her unconventional cultural mix (Chinese Jamaican, Russian and Newfoundlander) has given her a unique perspective on the world and life, which she hopes to translate into storytelling that broadens ideas and inspires those who struggle to find belonging. She draws from her varied life experience to bring a deep emotional well to her acting roles, along with an endless curiosity and empathy for the human psyche. Blaise has a background in fashion design and worked in both costumes and wardrobe before attending Humber's Acting for Film and Television Program, to finally pursue her longtime love of acting professionally.
Her recent work includes roles in Accused and Saint-Pierre. She is most known for playing the younger version of Jennifer Tilly's infamous "Tiffany" in Chucky. She has a strong affection for short films and has starred in several.
“I love Emma Thompson. I think she is in an incredible actress and a fierce person. I have always been inspired by how she approaches every role with a bravery that allows her to fail, or look silly, or be vulnerable with full commitment. I find her so compelling to watch because no matter what she is doing, it is grounded in a completely honest emotional experience.”
CHLOE MADISON (she/her)
Chloe Madison is a multi-hyphenate force making waves across film, television, and music. Since beginning her acting career in 2019, she has built an impressive resume with credits in major productions like The Boys, Gen V, American Gods, and Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Most recently, she appeared in Harlan Williams’ Wingman and has secured a recurring role in the upcoming third season of Two Brothers on Amazon Prime. Beyond the screen, Chloe is a prolific creator and musician. She is set to release her highly anticipated EP, “The Chloe Madison Experience - Present Airplane Mode,” featuring the lead single “Airplane Mode”. With several of her own independent film projects such as Ophelia (out now!) Chloe continues to solidify her status as a rising star to watch.
“I think off the top of my head… Penny Lane from Almost Famous - or Elisha Cuthbert’s character in The Girl Next Door. Maybe not the most prolific movies but I think the characters have so much realm of depth and guard as well as just personas they put on and how they protect themselves. And I love a woman with a good secret life haha.”
DURAE MCFARLANE (he/him)
Durae McFarlane is a Dora-nominated actor from Mississauga, ON now based in Toronto, ON. Durae is a graduate of the 2023 Soulpepper Academy and the BFA Acting program at the University of Windsor. Recent TV/Film credits include: Committed (CBC), The Miniature Wife (Peacock), Murderbot (AppleTV), and Pretty Hard Cases (CBC) Recent Theatre Credits include: Primary Trust (Grand Theatre/Crow’s Theatre), The Dishwashers (Red One Theatre) Outside (Roseneath Theatre), and The Flick (Crows Theatre/Outside the March).
“There are so many great actors but the one that comes to mind is Ben Whishaw. I think Ben is a tremendous actor. Whenever he is on screen, I can't look away. He's so captivating to watch. In whatever he's in, his performances always feel so alive, vulnerable, layered, and there's a quiet confidence that he brings to his work. I will watch whatever he's in.”
JUSTIN OTTO (he/him)
Justin is a former baseball player, Manitoba hillbilly turned actor, writer, producer. A graduate of countless fancy places. Justin’s theatre performances and writing have been showcased across Canada. On stage he was last seen in Twelfth Night (CanStage: Shakespeare in High Park), Sophia Fabilli’s Liars at a Funeral, and bullying adults as Malvolio in Tim Crouch’s award-winning solo piece - I, Malvolio. On television: Alter Boys; The Miniature Wife (Peacock); Sheriff’s Country (CBS). As a writer, he was part of the Writer’s Reading series at The Vault and the Tarragon Young Playwrights Unit, his play The Manic Pixie Dream Girl won Best New Play at the Winnipeg Fringe, his short film Drunk All the Time will premiere this year and watch out for his new play FULL COUNT. Justin fights for more access to the arts for folks facing no financial safety next; the working poor. He is working class.
“Anything Sam Rockwell. Andrew Scott. Renate Reinsve. Ethan Hawke. Anyone unpredictable and full of heart. And if I'm ever stuck, I'll just watch ANY of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's work. The actors I can tell have spent time on stage."
L.A. SWEENEY (she/her)
L.A. Sweeney is a Dora Award–nominated Canadian actress and writer whose career has steadily evolved from Toronto's independent theatre scene to leading roles in film and some of Canada's most celebrated stages. She is an international Monologue Slam champion and this fall, she joins Canadian Stage in Alice Childress's Wine in the Wilderness. On screen, L.A. portrays iconic Black Panther Party leader, educator, and civil rights activist Ericka Huggins in 2026’s Being Heumann, directed by Academy Award-winner Siân Heder and selected as the Opening Film of the Toronto International Film Festival. L.A. has led four feature films, including Last Resort, which earned her a Best Lead Actress nomination, Secrets of a University, Taken at a Basketball Game, and the upcoming feature film We're Getting Out of Here Alive. Select additional screen credits include Cross, Doc, SkyMed, Village Keeper, Shelved, The Manny, Two Brothers and Nadine Pick Up the Phone.
“Raw. Ripped Open. Unpolished. Characters who are written to display the full scope of their human nature rather than crafted to perpetuate stereotypes. Stories that explore themes of overcoming, thriving after surviving, the resiliency of the spirit. Bonus if a supernatural or sci-fi element can be added in, how fun!”
SAM KROCHMAL (he/him)
Vancouver-based actor Sam Krochmal continues to expand his body of work across film and television, recently appearing opposite Nick Offerman in the Netflix feature Voicemails for Isabelle, which climbed to the #1 spot globally on the platform. His upcoming slate includes a recurring role in the international limited series Yaga, alongside Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, Clark Backo and Hudson Williams. He will also appear in Osgood Perkins' horror feature The Young People and guest star on Global's Private Eyes: West Coast. Additional credits include a recurring role on Netflix's The Vince Staples Show, along with appearances on CBS's Fire Country, Tracker, and Prime Video's Upload.
Originally from Edmonton, Sam is also an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. He co-wrote and starred in the 2024 short film DTF?, earning a Leo Award for Best Screenwriting and a Best Actor award during the film's international festival run. He's represented by Trisko Talent Management.
“I’m drawn to character-centric stories that live in the gray areas. I love embodying flawed people who aren't simply good or bad, but are just trying their best to get what they think they're missing. My goal is to dive into those messy layers with total emotional honesty and real humanity. Stories stick with us when they invite us to challenge our own beliefs. Those moments light me up.”
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About the Canadian Film Centre
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a leading charitable organization dedicated to supporting Canadian creators and the growth of Canada’s screen-based industries. Through its programs, the CFC gives emerging and established talent the opportunity to develop their craft, connect with collaborators and industry, and bring new stories to audiences in Canada and around the world.
For interviews or additional information, contact Alejandra Sosa, Director, Creative Impact, at asosa@cfccreates.com.
