Tova Arbus

Background

About Tova Arbus

Of European settler descent, I am grateful to live as an uninvited guest in Bawaating, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, and home to the Michif Piyii. This land is Turtle Island. Ancestral home of Indigenous peoples. They have always been Nations. I honour their land rights, respect their sacred laws, support land-back claims, and stand against the continued colonisation of peoples and lands. Having been involved in the arts since childhood, Tova’s passion for the arts was nurtured by several incredible mentors, motivating her to attend Laurentian University and successfully achieved her BFA (HON) in Theatre Performance and Music. She has participated in over 50 productions as an actor, director, producer, stage manager, technician and stage hand, working with multiple theatre companies and projects across the province. She has successfully served as a member of the board of directors with the QUONTA Drama Festival, and currently sits on the boards for the Sault Community Theatre Centre and for the Fringe North Theatre Festival. She frequently consults with local arts organizations to further learning and growth, and help develop sustainable practices. In addition, she is one of the co-founders of Fringe North, and previously held the position of Artistic Director from 2016 -2018. Since 2004, Tova has taught a number of dedicated workshops for both high school and university students, with a focus on creative movement and the body in performance. A student of the Alexander Technique and Baby Clown graduate from The Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance, Tova remains an active theatre practitioner and voice within the Northern Ontario artistic and theatre communities. She is committed to the vibrant creativity that is developed when working with various performers, practitioners and productions, and to the challenge and enjoyment of reaching diverse audiences through her work. After completing her post-graduate studies in Public Relations and Event Management (Sault College), Tova has successfully merged her passions for creating amazing theatre & building new opportunities in the arts and culture sector in her community, and continues to be heavily involved in many productions and events. Tova is committed to prioritizing justice, equity, equality, diversity and inclusion in any and all work that she does. She believes in doing the necessary work to centre diverse voices, hold space for those who are fighting for equity and equality, and to stand in solidarity with folks who are marginalized, criminalized and othered.