Drama – ESA Alumni Community

Chris Di Staulo

Posted on October 23, 2018March 27, 2019 by Alumni Editor

Chris Di Staulo is an award-winning motion picture director and has established himself as one of the most exciting directors in the industry. He is known for his focused and intricate work with actors, beautiful cinematography and original narrative work. Chris is a natural-born storyteller and this is reflected in his films, which have garnered 23 national and international awards. His unique vision and innovative style have won him awards at the Cannes International Film Festival, Las Vegas Film Festival, National Screen Institute, Canada International Film Festival, and many more. After directing “Dirty Talk” and “Somnolence”, both films were acquired and broadcast by CBC Television and ShortsTV (USA, Europe, Africa, South Asia). A graduate of York University’s Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honors) program in Directing, Chris’ arts education consists of training with some of North America’s top filmmakers. He brings an infectious energy to each set that inspires his actors to make the audience think, feel and immerse themselves in the story unfolding before them. Chris is a member in good standing at the Directors Guild of Canada – Directors Rights Collective of Canada, Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, and Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.

Elizabeth Melanson

Posted on May 31, 2015March 19, 2017 by maestra

After graduating from ESA, Elizabeth moved to Los Angeles to attend the renowned School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. While completing her BA in Cinema-Television Critical Studies, Elizabeth interned for Lions Gate, Independent Artists Agency, and Jennifer Cooper Casting.

Elizabeth has now ventured out as a producer. She co-founded an indie film production company in 2013 with fellow ESA alumni Mouna Traoré. The Mini Films, Inc. debut short film All of Me premiered at the California Independent Film Festival in San Francisco, 2014. It went on to play at Yellowknife International, Toronto International Shorts Film Fest, Women & Minorities in Media Film Fest, and Newport Beach Film Fest. The film has been selected by CBC’s television program Canadian Reflections and will be featured online and on air.

Elizabeth resides in Toronto and is excited to continue her creative journey as an actor & filmmaker.

See:

www.elizabethmelanson.com
www.theminifilms.com

Mouna Traoré

Posted on May 25, 2015March 16, 2017 by maestra

Currently an Actor, Model, Writer and Producer based in Toronto.

Since graduating from ESA, Mouna completed her bachelors of Arts and Science at The University of Toronto, while also pursuing a career as an Actor and Model. Mouna has starred in productions such as Carrie (MGM), Rookie Blue (Global), and The Book of Negroes (CBC/BET). Most recently Mouna has been working on recurring roles in Hemlock Grove (Netflix) and Shadowhunters (ABC).

In 2013 Mouna and fellow ESA alumna Elizabeth Melanson founded The Mini Films, a small independent film production company. She made her screenwriting debut in their first short film ‘All of Me’ (2014), which has played at 5 film festivals in Canada and the U.S. ‘All of Me’ (2014) will also be featured on CBC’s shorts television series ‘Canadian Reflections’ as well as on the programs website as of June 1st.

www.theminifilms.com
vimeo.com/94702934

Jeffrey Thomas

Posted on May 22, 2015March 16, 2017 by maestra

I am currently the English Department Head at Agincourt Collegiate Institute. I am also a judge for the TCTE short fiction competition. I have taken students to many plays and poetry slams.

I am married and have a beautiful daughter.

Paolo Santalucia

Posted on April 17, 2015March 16, 2017 by maestra

Paolo was a member of the Soulpepper Academy from 2011-2012. After graduating, he joined the company, where he is currently performing in his 4th season. In 2013, Paolo helped co-found The Howland Company and was one of the directors in their inaugural show “52 Pick-Up” which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival where it won Best Of Fringe, before being remounted for a third sold-out run in early 2015.

Theatre Credits Include: Hamlet (Upcoming-Driftwood Theatre); Armstrong’s War (Upcoming-Canadian Rep); The Dybbuk, Of Human Bondage, Idiot’s Delight, Great Expectations, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Crucible, The Royal Comedians (Soulpepper Theatre); After Juliet (YPT)

Paolo is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore awards for his work in Soulpepper’s “Of Human Bondage” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead“.

Mark Correia

Posted on February 27, 2015March 16, 2017 by maestra

Mark Correia is a magician and world record holder. Astounding audiences with his magic since the age of 6, Mark is a professional entertainer in every sense of the word. After specializing in comedy at Etobicoke School of the Arts, he auditioned for the National Theatre School of Canada and was accepted as one of only 6 males in his year, majoring in Acting. He is currently in his third year.

When he’s not away at school, he’s usual playing on one of Toronto’s stages (Tarragon, Passe Muraille, Factory). If not on stage, you’ll spot him on television with a few tricks up his sleeves, performing at private parties, or planning his next stunt. Mark was featured on every Canadian broadcasting network last year.

Along with his chosen executive team, Mark is the brains and talent behind Escaping Parkinson’s – a stunt supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and Michael J. Fox himself – raising over $16,000 in one summer. For fourteen days Mark lived (s)trapped inside a straitjacket – no tricks, and no breaks. On the fourteenth day he escaped on live television. He garnered international attention with this stunt, and set a world record for “Longest Amount of Time Wearing a Straitjacket”.

Mark has performed all around Canada and the United States, going as far as Paris both as a solo magician, and as a cast member of a variety of productions. Mark is the winner of the SEARS “Best Actor” award, and was nominated for a MyTheatre “Best Supporting Actor” award, and Summerworks “Best Upcoming Performer” award. He was also nominated for a “Best Magician Award” from A1 Radio.

Mark is currently completing his Acting Degree at the National Theatre School of Canada, writing a book about his experience in the straitjacket, and working on next summer’s project.

For more information, see markcorreia.ca