Writers — Kingston Theatre Alliance

Amanda Lin (She/Her) is an emerging Taiwanese-Canadian theatre artist who specializes in writing, directing, performance, and marketing/outreach. She currently works at Nightwood Theatre as the Marketing and Development Assistant and has previously worked with companies such as Cahoots Theatre, fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company, Single Thread Theatre Company, and Young People’s Theatre. Amanda has a BAH in Psychology, Theatre, and Business from Queen’s University, and is particularly interested in creating accessible and inclusive theatre, focused on providing a platform for underrepresented people and stories. Visit Amanda online at amandamlin.wordpress.com

Ben Sterlin (He/him) is a theatre practitioner, with a focus on performance and direction. He recently obtained his BA in Stage and Screen Studies from Queen’s University, and is now a candidate for the MA in Arts Leadership at Queen’s University. During his undergraduate career, Ben had the opportunity to produce, direct and act in multiple plays of various styles. Ben likes to create theatre that is provocative to its audiences, and places a thematic focus on the exploration of otherness

Cindy Ci (she/they) is a Chinese-Canadian drama student in her 5th year at Queen’s University in Katarokwi/Kingston who has spent over ten years working in all aspects of theatre. Some of her theatrical experiences include working with Queen’s Players as an actor and stage manager and with Theatre Kingston as their summer marketing intern. Besides watching movies and staying up way too late, Cindy enjoys engaging in endless conversations about theories surrounding theatre and shows that challenge our notion of humanity. She hopes to use this position to continue her advocacy for Asian-Canadian artists in this discipline.

Freddy Van Camp is currently pulling double duty as a Theatre Critic with the Kingston Theatre Alliance and acting as Assistant Designer of Sets and Props at the Stratford Theatre Festival! With a BFA in Performance Creation from Concordia University, Freddy is constantly testing the limits of what that degree can do! She is thrilled to be returning to the Kingston Theatre Alliance in 2023 and keeping tabs on the Kingston Theatre Community! Instagram: freddy.vancamp

Hamza Syed Ali serves as the KTA’s Executive and Administrative Assistant. He lived in Kingston to attend Queen’s University, and received his bachelor's degree in 2021; majoring in Political Studies and minoring in Religious Studies. The bulk of his theatre experience flows from his time within the Queen’s theatre community, mostly as an actor. Hamza originally joined as a writing intern on the Blog team and has since become intrigued with the organization’s nature and mission of community-centric sector development. He is currently working on receiving a JD from the University of Windsor.

Returning to Kingston, Jeff (he/him) is a recent master’s graduate of applied theatre studies with a passion for collaboration and community-based arts initiatives. In addition to studying at Queen’s University, his theatrical experience in Kingston includes seasons spent at Theatre Kingston, SpiderWebShow, H’art Centre and Bottle Tree Productions. With a keen eye for contextualization and considering the full scope of a project, Jeff is thrilled to be writing for the Kingston Theatre Alliance and facilitating dialogue on what he considers to be a vital art form.

Jordan (She/Her) is a 4th Year Film and Media student at Queen’s University. Pike is passionate about all things film and theatre - both on and off-stage, issues surrounding representation, production and reception. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in Arts and Entertainment Journalism.

Kemi King is a writer, director, performance artist, and divisor. She is the Artistic Director of YIKES Co. Working within her practice, theatre of critical care, Kemi emphasizes relation and exploration in her work. She believes there are better ways for arts institutions and artists to co-exist, allowing for the true liberation and the radicalization of community consciousness.

Stefan is a dynamic writer for the theatre critic blog, balancing a Major in Computer Science and a minor in Film and Media Studies. He is passionate about the arts and technology and how one can use both mediums to display creative narratives that captivate audiences. He has joined the blog this summer and is excited to see what Kingston performing arts has to offer.

Stephanie Fung (they/she) is an interdisciplinary artist and arts worker from Tkaronto/Toronto wondering why, how, and who it is that gets to contest culture. She is also a recent graduate of Queen's University with a BAH in Drama and Indigenous Studies. As Blog Editor, Stephanie is fascinated by the concept of convention and excited to bear witness to the individuals and innovation that will emerge.

Over the last twenty-five years, Will (He / him) has been involved in well over a hundred theatrical productions as producer, director, designer, stage manager and/or performer - and has had the privilege to work with the vast majority of our local theatre groups in doing so. Now taking a break from theatrical production efforts, Will is excited to be engaged by both the Kingston Whig Standard and the KTA to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how to grow, unify and celebrate Kingston’s remarkable performing arts community.

William Bartley (he/him) is a theatre artist from Tkaronto/Toronto currently based in Katarokwi/Kingston. Having trained extensively in writing, acting, and directing at York University and the Toronto Theatre Academy, he is fascinated with how classical works can be meaningfully adapted for the modern stage and contemporary audiences. William staunchly believes that at the core of great art there is a call to action, a burning question, a notion to be challenged, and a conversation to be involved in.