ACTRA Toronto welcomes Rob Halpin as its new Executive Director

Dear ACTRA Toronto members,

We are excited to announce Rob Halpin will be joining ACTRA Toronto on Monday, April 20, 2026, as our new Executive Director.

“I’m truly honoured to join the team at ACTRA Toronto as Executive Director. I’m excited at the prospect of working with a membership that makes such an extraordinary cultural and economic contribution to Canada. Let’s come together, activate and take charge. ACTRA Toronto members have already built a strong union, now it’s time to take it even further,” says Rob Halpin.

Rob brings extensive experience from across the labour movement, most recently through his work as General Secretary of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), where he has led major campaigns and built broad coalitions among affiliates across the province. Many of us first worked with Rob during the planning of ACTRA Toronto’s We Rise Up Rally in spring 2024, where he helped secure the support of labour leaders and brought esteemed OFL President Laura Walton to speak on behalf of performers.

Throughout the interview process, Rob impressed us with his strategic clarity, respect for staff and members, and a collaborative leadership style grounded in the understanding that staff operationalize the vision of elected leadership and serve as stewards of members’ dues. He spoke passionately about building the collective power of our membership and ensuring that ACTRA Toronto is organized and ready to meet the challenges of this rapidly shifting industry.

We spoke at length about emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, an area where Rob has already been supporting ACTRA member leaders through his work at the OFL. His experience navigating complex policy, government relations, negotiations and campaigns will be invaluable as ACTRA Toronto members continue to collectively assert our power and rightful place within this industry – in Robs words: “Safely, respected and well compensated.”

Rob shares our belief that performers are not only workers, but essential contributors to Canada’s cultural identity and democratic life. At a time when our industry is undergoing profound change, he recognizes the moment calls for vision, courage and collective action.

I am personally looking forward to working alongside a proven leader with Rob’s reputation and integrity as we build the next chapter for ACTRA Toronto and the performers whose labour helps to move this $2.6 billion industry.

Please join the ACTRA Toronto Council & staff in welcoming Rob Halpin to ACTRA Toronto. We will see you on set soon.

In solidarity,
Kate Ziegler
ACTRA Toronto President