AABP Caucus
Welcome to the AABP Caucus
As your representatives, we aim to bring empowerment through knowledge and awareness regarding AABP rights under ACTRA’s IPA, with mythbusting, community support and engagement.
Between the four of us, we have 3033 collective hours on set – almost 2 full credits of BG experience!
We envision a supportive environment where background performers are meaningfully connected to the broader Toronto film community.
We strive to foster a work environment that embraces curiosity, encourages positivity, and is grounded in mutual respect, kindness, and inclusivity.
We are excited to be representing our membership and look forward to chatting with you.
Mission statement:
Our mission is to strengthen AABP members’ position within the Union and elevate the voices of members at large. We are committed to developing actionable plans that bridge gaps and foster positive, open communication among background performers, ACTRA, agents, casting directors, and productions.
Through collaboration, education, and accountability, we aim to empower and unite our members, uphold the IPA, and actively enhance and contribute to the Canadian film industry
Who we are
Catherine Beyer, Chair
I have been working as a background performer for just over 2 years, and have been an AABP member since May 2025. My favourite BG experiences involve blood and gore, the more the better!
Jess, Vice-Chair
On-camera personality highlights include (but not limited to): The Real Housewives of Gilead, activist, dog walker, FBI agent, journalist/reporter and aspiring vampire.
Off-camera, I am a proud mom to a spicy pomeranian named Ziggy, who periodically earns his keep as a working BG dog.
Jacob, Secretary
Jacob has been involved in the film community since 2017 and became an AABP member of ACTRA in 2024.
Marcy, Member-at-Large
Marcy has been a background performer and AABP member of ACTRA since 2022.
What we can do for AABP members as Caucus Execs:
- Report to AABP membership on matters of interest of AABP members discussed at the monthly ACTRA Toronto Council meeting
- Help you understand how ACTRA works and what your AABP membership entitles you to
- Gather your feedback about changes you’d like to see in the IPA to contribute at bargaining time
- Listen to concerns about issues that affect all AABP members
- Collect ideas on how to improve the on-set experience of all AABP members
- Hear your input on defining what AABP membership means and how you’d like to see AABP membership opportunities develop
- Bring all of these ideas and concerns to the ACTRA Council for discussion through the Executive Liaisons
- Point you in the right direction if we aren’t able to help with your concern