ACTRA Manitoba is seeking proposals from interested members to contract as Producer, ACTRA Manitoba Awards Gala This year the Awards are being held Saturday November 7th at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The ACTRA Awards Gala celebrates outstanding performances by ACTRA Manitoba members in productions filmed over the previous two years. Award recipients are selected by juries and honoured during the ceremony, followed by a soirée for all (400) guests. Prior to the Awards program, Sponsors and nominees receive a VIP reception. We are issuing this call in accordance with our Conflict of Interest Policy. Responsibilities include: Liaising and coordinating with ACTRA President and Branch Representative on all event details and decisions. The Branch Rep is responsible for budgeting and spending approval. Establishing timelines in cooperation with the Branch Representative who oversees the Event Design overall event theme and coordinating decorations Collaborating with graphic designer on all event branding for print and digital materials. Assembling and managing committee leaders and volunteers Selecting a technical editor to create reel of nominees Create and manage special videos for the event Organizing event registration, ticket sales and ticketing systems Liaison with venue manager in planning phase and during event Development of host script and presenter notes Coordinating and managing presenters, speakers, and host during the ceremony. Planning and overseeing: Live show flow Venue setup and traffic flow Seating arrangements Technical rehearsals and technician responsibilities If you have experience in Mid-size or large Event Producing, we would like to hear from you by 4PM Wednesday July 29th. Please include your name, your resume detailing relevant experience and a brief description (200 words max) of why you believe you are the best person to Produce the ACTRA Manitoba Awards Gala, 2026. Please send your submissions to Branch Representative Rea Kavanagh.
Archive: 2026
Congratulations to the MIP Grant Recipients for the 2026-27 season: House 416 – Sam Hutchings & Taryn Edgeworth Something Good – Darcy Fehr Harper & Molly – Ciera Fredborg & Olivia Raine Last Return – Kara Swayze Stuck – Michelle Boulet & Sarah Constible Speed Dating – Kevin Longfield (55+) One Thing at a Time – Kathleen Gallagher…
The Robert Macklin Audience Choice Award and the Golden Boy Award were presented.
June 5, 2026 @ Prairie Theatre Exchange
ACTRA AWARDS GALA – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS AND NEW AWARD CATEGORY! If you haven’t yet, mark your calendars- our next Awards Gala is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED (INFO BELOW IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES) Please consider the best performances by yourself or other member(s) in a short production, Feature, Movie of the Week or TV episode released or screened for the first time in 2024 or 2025. NEW AWARD CATEGORY: Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist The purpose of the Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist is to recognize ACTRA Manitoba members who have not previously been recognized through the receipt of an ACTRA Manitoba performance award. Criteria: The Member being nominated must not have been the recipient of an ACTRA Award, in Manitoba or in other ACTRA jurisdictions, in prior years; and The performance for which they are nominated: –Is that of a Principal Performer; and -Is in a production that qualifies for that year’s series of awards ACTRA Members and Industry officials (producers, directors, broadcasters and distributors) may submit up to three (3) PRINCIPAL performances in any category per production, free of charge. Submissions must be emailed to manitoba@actra.ca using the form found below. The performer needs to be contracted in the production as a Principal or upgraded to Principal. An eligible performance is one within a production released in the eligible time frame by a Member of ACTRA Manitoba in good-standing at the time of submission and in good-standing at the time of production. Performances may also be submitted by Manitoba Members who were in productions produced in other jurisdictions and released in the qualifying time period. ACTRA Manitoba reserves the right to modify the…
A message from the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s CommitteeKristen Sawatzky has long been a powerful force within Manitoba’s film and television community, making her an exceptional and deserving recipient of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kristen has dedicated more than 26 years to the industry, building a remarkable career that spans multiple disciplines including dance, acting, puppetry, choreography, movement coordination, stunt performance, stunt coordination, and photography. Her versatility and longevity reflect not only immense talent but also a deep commitment to her craft and to the Manitoba film industry.Kristen’s influence goes far beyond her work on set. She has been a passionate advocate for women in the industry, especially in the male-dominated world of stunts. Through her work as a stunt coordinator, her time on the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s Committee, and as a speaker at SWIFT (Supporting Women in Film Trades) Conference, she has helped challenge barriers and create space for more women to step into roles that once seemed out of reach.Kristen’s generosity extends into every corner of her life. She teaches women’s self-defence through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, volunteers with animal rescue organizations, supports community initiatives, and donates through her photography business to charities that help women in crisis. Kristen has also photographed countless headshots for actors in our local membership. In 2024, she was recognized with a Winnipeg 150 Award for her leadership in The Front Steps Project, which raised over $7,000 for Harvest Manitoba during the pandemic.Through her talent, her advocacy, and the way she continually lifts others up, Kristen embodies the spirit of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Her career is impressive, but it’s her heart, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community that make her truly deserving of this honour.ACTRA Manitoba is honoured and proud…