Janis Mayers

Toronto born Janis Mayers brings together her passion for self-expression through writing, poetry and movement. Growing up in Regent Park in a mixed-race household (Caribbean, French, Ojibwe and Mi’kmaq) she has firsthand experience in overcoming adversity and found benefits with Cadet training, Roller derby and bodybuilding. Training to heal herself and others. The arts has added another layer for her. Most recent review in the Toronto Star for “The Solitudes” performance: “Mayers’ physicality is fierce and impressive”- Carly Maga. Upon graduating from Seneca College in the Corporate Media Production program, she worked behind the scenes with staging companies shifting from corporate events to more artistic projects. During that time, she also completed her personal trainer certification and founded “Janis’ Fitness” a mobile and online training service. Three years ago, she began working in the Toronto Arts scene.

In 2017, she was contracted to consult and perform with “The Boonstan Multicultural Collective” in a Zimba Zumba workshop at the Trigan Nowruz Festival. In 2018, she was selected to model for the “RUTAS” campaign ad poster, an international multi-arts festival. During which she participated in a writing workshop run by international artist Conchi Leon Dramatizing Memory. As well as a movement workshop “The language of dance” with Wilson Pico a renowned indigenous and modern dance master from Ecuador. In 2019, the training continued at the Banff Centre for a two-week residency training with Toronto based artist Victoria Mata developing a character “the land” for the 2020 production “The Solitudes”, a collective ensemble creation with Aluna theatre where the actors were also creators and writers. This production went on to receive 3 Dora Mavor Moore nominations. Upon returning from Banff she was casted as a secondary dancer for “Derives” a choreographed dance instillation at “The Bentway” under the direction of Noemie Lafrance. Following that she participated in “Force Majeure productions” Mura Buai creation workshop. The remainder of 2019 was dedicated to workshops with Aluna theatre developing “The Solitudes” under the direction of Bea Pizano. Private training with Victoria Mata and Wilson Pico continued as well as voice workshops with Stratford based Cathy Mackinnon and private acting sessions with Anita La Selva. In 2020 “The Solitudes” had a two-week run at the Harbourfront Centre. Most recently Janis was awarded the “Stay at home residency” from Aluna theatre to begin the development of “Park Life”.

Wrapping up 2020, she continues to train others, currently facilitating a wellness workshop with Aboriginal Legal Services. Continuing with the development of her writing skills with playwright workshops. Most recently she was accepted to “The year I learned to right plays: The Fornes method of creative freedom” with Marilo Nuñez. Through her work Janis wishes to share the stories of the silent majority and continues to develop as a writer and performer. Building bridges with artists and strengthening communities and reclaiming her lost indigenous culture along the way.

Watch this page for project updates.