MISSION & VISION
Compete. Collaborate. Create.
Monologue Slam Canada is North America’s largest acting showcase. Together we are a supportive, passionate, and diverse community that promotes inclusion and free expression through the performing arts. We believe having a safe, nurturing and consistent space to perform is vital for the growth of Canadian talent.
In addition to producing a monthly showcase, we offer development programs, mentorship, and resources to anyone looking to pursue acting for television, film, or theatre. We aim to provide opportunities and foster relationships that enrich the actors’ journey.
We engage with other arts organizations, unions, and community groups, in order to promote and develop and advocate for initiatives that create a more vibrant, diverse, and dynamic industry in Canada.
HISTORY
Co-Founded by Canadian Actor/Producer Oluniké Adeliyi and Executive Director Andre Newell, Monologue Slam launched in 2010 with the inaugural event at the Kingdom Covenant Centre as part of a youth theatre program started by Oluniké. Focusing on youth engagement and training, the event continued to evolve to meet the various needs of up and coming artists.
In 2011, Monologue Slam migrated to downtown Toronto, with an event at the now defunct Trane Studios on Bathurst Street. Now a monthly showcase, the Monologue Slam has become Toronto’s premiere networking event, attracting the industries top casting directors, agents, producers, and of course, actors.
In 2014, Monologue Slam launched the Jamaica Monologue Slam at the Redbones Jazz and Blues Café, in Kingston, Jamaica. The event was part of an acting retreat, which brought actors from Canada and the U.S. to study in Jamaica and engage with local artists. This included a two-day workshop at the Edna Manley School of the Arts, Jamaica’s top performing arts school.
In 2017, Monologue Slam launched in Vancouver at Café Deux Soleils. The inaugural event brought in a capacity crowd and provided a much needed platform for Vancouver actors. The Vancouver Slam has grown into a bi-monthly showcase, currently taking place at Vancouver Film School.
In 2018, Monologue Slam opened in both Ottawa and Montréal during a weekend tour, at Live on the Elgin and Montréal Improv respectively. In each city, the event brought together local actors, casting directors, agents, and acting coaches. These events would become quarterly additions to the Slam schedule.
In March of 2020, the Monologue Slam closed its live events, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and moved online. The virtual edition included weekly workshops, live streams, and engaged actors Canada wide, with a record 5,000 actors, 40 casting directors, agents, coaches, and producers participating. We also crowned an unprecedented 80 gold, silver and bronze champions in four categories.
We look forward to bringing actors together again when it is safe to do so.
