Madam president

Sandi Ross, former actra Toronto Performers Branch vice-president, has been elected president. She is the branch’s first woman president.

Six new elected positions were also announced: Martin Doyle as first vice-president, Gina Clayton as second v-p, Neil Dainard as third v-p and Ferne Downey as fourth v-p. Peggy Mahon will serve as v-p of finance and Sylvia Lennick as vice-treasurer.

Ross says the new expanded executive is aimed at ‘trying to expand just who has authority, in order to create a more democratic system.’ Adds actra alliance president Sandy Crawley: ‘The new political structure of the union reflects the increased complexity of issues in the industry.’

actra is also getting ready to launch its 1994 Talent Catalogue dedicated to more than 600 disabled, visible and audible minority performers on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racism. Now in its third edition, the catalogue has been Ross’s pet project since its inception in 1990.

The launch will also feature a promotional video, Reel Players – Ontario Performers, produced by Colin Strayer of Northland Pictures for the ofdc.