Rena Altman (Audio Describer)

Rena Altman (she/her) is a lifelong Torontonian, cyclist, and cat person. She is a TMU graduate and has spent the last decade working in television broadcasting accessibility in both closed captioning and described video, and is extending her passion to the incomparably exciting world of live theatre. Previous live audio description credits include work for The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (2022) and Seventh Method Production's "Without Whom" (2023). She is delighted to be part of the Toronto Fringe Festival this year and hopes that the world of theatre accessibility only continues to expand. Special thanks to the Disability Collective and to her husband, as none of this would be possible without his endless patience and skill for audio equipment.

Joy Castro (Director)

Joy Castro is a Filipina-Canadian actor & singer originally from Winnipeg, MB. She grew up on the West Coast and graduated from Studio 58, a professional theatre training program in Vancouver, BC. She is currently based in Toronto, ON. The last Toronto Fringe show she was in was “Through the Bamboo” in 2019. Joy is very excited to be returning to this year's Fringe as the director for "PAZ". She hopes you enjoy our show at maraming salamat po!

Christine Cortez (Paz)

Christine is a multifaceted Filipina-Canadian Actress, Writer, Director, Producer. She was born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. 

Christine graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biological Sciences then moved to Toronto to train as an Actor and pursue an Acting career. Her debut short film, Cranes, garnered a Best Screenplay award and she is a Canada Council of the Arts grant recipient for her short film, Yellow.

"This is the first time I've stepped back on stage since the pandemic and collaborating with a Filipino director to share a story, considerately written, with a Filipino in mind. I am so excited to work on this project to hone into and represent the Paz's of our community. I am so grateful for this opportunity and hope you all enjoy the show!"

Diana Laalkaei (Kim)

Diana Laalkaei is a 9-year-old rising star in the world of acting and performing arts. At the age of 7, Diana's passion for acting ignited, leading her to embark on an impressive career that belies her young age. With a wealth of experience gained from her early start, Diana has honed her skills through various acting classes and private coaching.

Diana's talent has been showcased in a series of commercials, digital series, and a short creative film, allowing her to demonstrate her versatility and natural ability to embody different characters. Her talent and dedication recently earned her the Nova Star Award for her monologue performance.

As a passionate salsa dancer, Diana has graced the stages of salsa congresses and festivals, captivating audiences with her energetic performances. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Diana has recently embarked on a musical journey, learning to play the piano for the past year.

Donald Molnar (Co-Producer)

Don is a bilingual playwright/producer living in Toronto. He has won several playwrighting competitions and awards.  As a producer, Don co-founded Arbez Drama Projects with Alicia Payne where they have produced many staged readings and workshop productions of new plays in Canada and the United States. Don is excited to be back at the Toronto Fringe co-producing Alicia’s one-act play PAZ!

Alicia Payne (Playwright/Co-Producer)

Alicia Payne is a multi-disciplinary storyteller from whose credits include theatre, film, television and radio. Professional memberships include, ACTRA, CAEA, Dramatists Guild of America and Playwrights Guild of Canada where she served as president. Alicia co-facilitates youth leadership workshops and has facilitated workshops where youth co-created graphic novels and short operas inspired by their neighborhoods. Alicia conducts professional simulations in leadership training sessions and facilitates adaptive change workshops with arts organizations.  Alicia is the audiobook narrator of Flower Diary by Molly Peacock and a co-founder of Arbez Drama Projects. A reading of Justice for Maurice Henry Carter (co-written with Donald Molnar) took place in the Play Lab at the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference in Alaska. Alicia believes in the power of storytelling to build community.