Marissa Otto July 31,2017

101 Charles Street E

Toronto, ON,M4Y 0A9

807 629 4497

marissa_otto@hotmail.com

Factory Theatre

125 Bathurst Street

Toronto, ON, M5V 2R2

Re:General Audition

DearMatt McGeachy,

As an emerging female artist in Toronto and a recent graduate, I applaud factory theatres commitment

to fostering talent and nurturing the creativity of young theatre creators. Programs like the Factory Theatre

Mechanicals program is essential to the theatre community. I believe mentorship opportunities as such are

invaluable to a growing actor. By utilizing collaboration centered around a workshop process, emerging

actors are given a safe place to fully explore their potential while gaining an artistic and cultural supportive

network. Personally, I believe there is no other learning opportunity comparable.

Throughout my undergraduate training at the University of Toronto and Sheridan Colleges joint

Theatre Specialist Program, Factory Theatres productions were a constant inspiration to my developing

theatrical voice. I am constantly motivated and influenced from the authentic and gritty performances, that

both challenge and awaken the audience on a emotional and political level. I feel connected to Factory

because of its dedication to social and cultural awareness, which is the type of theatre I hope to create and

develop. Theatre that confronts the audience is the most compelling. Throughout my years as a patron I have

seen Factory do this in ways that are both subtle and forthright. My favorite production at Factory so far has

been 2016s, David Yees, Acquiesce. I was moved by the subtle ways Yee chose to showcase a compelling

and complicated relationship with his father. The play was both relatable and current. I loved how it

demonstrated real thoughts and feelings of todays young adults and felt in touch with its audience, without

pushing for a connection.

Becoming apart of the Factory community would be a dream as it would be a chance to create theatre

that has a voice and prokes change in Toronto, a mandate I myself believe in as a theatre creator.

Sincerely,

Marissa Otto