The Young Emerging Actors Assembly (YEAA) is a committee of ACTRA Toronto performers who play between the ages of 17 and 30. YEAA unites young talent in Toronto’s screen-based entertainment industry. Together, we forge a powerful community for networking and sharing resources, and stand out as a fresh new voice promoting Toronto’s rising stars and a Canadian star system. To become a YEAA member, you should be a Full ACTRA Toronto member or ACTRA Toronto Apprentice who plays between the ages of 17-30.
Learn about the Young Emerging Actors Assembly (YEAA)!
Chair
Mercedes Morris is a multi-disciplinary artist from Scarborough, ON. She’s an accomplished actress who has appeared on screens and stages across the country. In addition to her lead role on SkyMed for Paramount+/CBC, Mercedes can currently be seen recurring on CBS’s Ghosts. Recent credits include: The Amityville Curse (Incendo), Y: The Last Man (Hulu), American Gods (Starz/Prime), Hudson and Rex (City), Killjoys (Temple Street Productions) and as the series lead on Slasher season 3 and season 5 (Shaftesbury/Netflix). Mercedes also has extensive motion capture experience, appearing in multiple Ubisoft video game titles, including Far Cry 6 and the upcoming, Star Wars: Outlaws. Beyond her various artistic pursuits, this Actra member since 2016, is deeply passionate about activism and mentoring youth. Her goal is to help usher in a confident, creative, savvy and engaged generation of Actra members via this committee. She is proud to serve as your co-chair!
Initiatives
Young Filmmakers Party Ticket Giveaway (September 3, 2025): Ten lucky members won tickets to celebrate TIFF and network in style.
YEAA Movie Day in the Park (August 24, 2025): Members watched the closing film of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show “10 Things I Hate About You,” at Christie Pits park, with snacks provided.
YEAA Movie Day (June 5, 2025): Watched Canada Russia ’72 and participated in a Q&A with director T.W. Peacocke; snacks provided.
YEAA Movie Day (April 30, 2025): Members celebrated ACTRA-nominated films One Must Wash Eyes and We Forgot to Break Up, with a cast Q&A and snacks
Next Wave Film Festival Ticket Giveaway (April 12, 2025): Members attended “Young Creators Co-Lab: Actors in Focus” panel at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Opening Night Film “Fight Like a Girl” Ticket Giveaway (February 12, 2025): Committee members attended the Toronto Black Film Festival’s opening night film with complimentary tickets.
YEAA Holiday Giveback Party & 1st Toy Drive (December 19, 2024): Hosted a highly successful inaugural holiday party with games, prizes, and snacks for minor members and members with children.
Additionally, we collected over 50 gifts during our Toy Drive and donated them to The Redwood Women’s Shelter.
YEAA Beach Day (September 14, 2024): Members enjoyed a day of sun, sand, and networking at Woodbine Beach.
YEAA Video Game Showcase (July 26, 2024): 10 participants presented their video game audition to the group, received feedback from three esteemed industry panelists, and enjoyed complimentary snacks.
BYOPicnic (June 9, 2024): Members gathered at Trinity Bellwoods Park for a fun, community-building picnic.
TIFF Next Wave Festival Screening (April, 13, 2024): YEAA members were able to enjoy a free screening of Power Alley and Q&A with filmmaker Lillah Halla.
Black History Month Social Mixer (February 23, 2024): YEAA Socials Subcommittee, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and The Disability Alliance co-hosted a Black History Month Celebration Networking event at The Duke of Cornwall (400 University Ave, Toronto).
Demo Reel Screening Event (March 24, 2023): The first YEAA meeting in 2023 was an in-person event where nine actors had the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their acting demo reel by a panel of Casting Directors and Associates.
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Connect with us
Email Us Interested in joining or have a question? Please email us at: yeaa@actratoronto.com.
Social Media Follow us and stay up-to-date about events and social mixers!
