Breaking Free: Writers Studio

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2023 Cohort

2024 Cohort

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About

Workshops

Portfolio

2023 Cohort

2024 Cohort

Resources

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Meet Lamesha Ruddock

Lamesha (she/her) is a cultural producer, stage manager, performance artist, and historian specializing in 20th-century Black British feminist history. She creates immersive theatrical experiences engaging with Black diasporic history.

Starting with a 2021 internship at Hamilton West End, Lamesha advanced to stage management roles in Cherry Orchard, Baghdaddy, and as Company Stage Manager for Breeding. She completed the Rosetta Arts Cultural Producers Course, securing placements at Theatre Royal Stratford East and Battersea Arts Centre. In 2023, she became Boundless Theatre's inaugural Co-Executive Director.

Residing in Toronto, she was part of the Black Theatre Workshop's 2024 Artist Mentorship Program, including a Producer for Luminato Festival 2024. She’s currently researching Jamaican Patois, and is the Development Coordinator at BAND Gallery.

Meet Madeline Cain

"Hi! My name is Maddy, and I’m really excited to start with Breaking Free: Writers Studio.

I’m a huge fan of video games and especially the narrative driven ones with a lot of lore and world building. Even as a kid, I’ve always been amazed by games that could incorporate thought-provoking stories but also be fun, and ideally this is the industry I’d like to pursue as a career. I’ve always loved to write stories, poems, songs, etc.

Other than that, a few other things about me are that I love dogs (especially my sister’s shih tzu,
Lola 🐶), I love the Spider-Man games and the Spider-Verse movies (ATSV soundtrack goes CRAZYYY), and I really enjoy trying out new experiences!"

Meet Florian Montague

Florian is a Black, Non Binary artist who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of a variety of art forms. These include, but are not limited to, piano, writing, drawing, singing, acting, dance and bookbinding.

They have worked as a volunteer for Soulpepper Theatre, as well as Toronto Youth Theatre (TYT). They are currently employed as an Assistant Director on The Bee's Knees at the Theatre Center.

In their very limited spare time, they enjoy fantasy novels, thrift shopping, anime, animated films and audio-dramas.

Meet Ahmed Jama

Ahmed is based in Toronto and works at an eye clinic where he applies his biomedical engineering diploma and his ongoing bachelor’s degree in health science.

Driven by a goal to become a physiotherapist or physician assistant, he blends his technical expertise with a deep commitment to patient care. Outside of his professional pursuits, Ahmed is an avid reader and enjoys staying active through running, biking, and swimming. He also dedicates some time to volunteering as an English tutor. His interests and academic background drive his ambition to advance both his career and personal growth.

A fun fact about him is that he is a major geography nerd.

The letters I should have sent

This collection of letters captures a journey through personal growth and emotional turmoil over the span of a few years. The narrator reflects on different phases of life in various neighborhoods of Toronto, each representing a different stage of self-discovery. In Rexdale, they struggled with isolation during COVID-19 but found a spiritual connection. The Village was a place of youthful exploration, love, and fleeting flings. Campus was a confusing yet pivotal point that led to career growth, while Wexford marked a time of self-doubt and coping with unhealthy habits. Finally, Riverdale Park symbolized a moment of clarity and unconditional love from friends, offering peace and reassurance. Throughout the letters, the narrator contemplates existential questions, personal healing, and the importance of self-love. They conclude with a message to themselves, emphasizing the importance of seeking happiness and resilience amidst challenges. There are also polaroid photos included to show the aspects of growing and the importance of memories.

Click the HERE to read the full story.