Beyond Black Squares is a workshop to address anti-Black racism in theatre and live performance. 

Facilitated by Black Pledge Collective members, skilled facilitators and Black artists who have worked extensively in theatre, each workshop features case studies tailored to different groups/disciplines who work in theatre as well as an introduction to Black theatre in Canada and social justice frameworks. To date, we have facilitated workshops in collaboration with TAPA (Toronto Alliance of the Performing Arts), PACT (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres), SMArts (Stage Managing the Arts) and a self produced workshop for directors. Sign up for the newsletter for more information.

Meet the facilitators


  • Naomi Bain is a multifaceted artist, blending activism, writing, performance, community education, futurism, and textile design into a vibrant tapestry of creative expression.

    Naomi’s artistic journey was nurtured at the renowned Watah Theater during the Black Box Season, where they honed their craft under the mentorship of the esteemed actor and creator, d’bi young anitafrika. With an unwavering commitment to community, Naomi found their purpose within the Sherbourne Health Center’s Supporting Our Youth (SOY) initiative. Here, they became an integral part of the Human Equity Access Team, acquiring invaluable experience in addressing LGBTQ+ issues within diverse communities. Beyond their artistic and LGBTQ+ advocacy roles, Naomi is a dedicated educator and facilitator at Freedom School Toronto. Through this program, they passionately champion the rights and advancement of Black students within the educational landscape.

    At the core of Naomi’s being lies an unshakable dedication to effecting positive change, not only within their immediate communities but also on a global scale. With an unapologetic spirit, Naomi continues to be a driving force for transformation and empowerment.


  • Sedina Fiati is a multi-award-winning, Toronto-based performer, producer, director, creator and activist for stage and screen. Proudly Black, queer and femme, Sedina is deeply invested in artistic work that explores the intersection between art and activism, either in form or structure or ideally both. Sedina holds a BFA in Music Theatre from the University of Windsor and is a proud graduate of Etobicoke School of the Arts. Favourite and recent artistic projects: The World Goes ‘Round (Nightwood Theatre, director), Peace Camp (Children’s Peace Theatre, director 2019 - 2021, 2023), Every Day She Rose (Nightwood Theatre, co-director), Switch: The Village (collective member, QTBIPOC street performance, SummerWorks 2020 - 2023), Feminist Fuck It Festival (multidisciplinary festival, co-creator and co-producer), Tokens (performer, web series, Canadian Screen Award Winner - Best Supporting Performance). Sedina recently completed 2.5 years as Artist-Activist in Residence at Nightwood Theatre. Upcoming projects: Last Dance (a web series).

    Photo credit: Robert Obumselu


  • Velvet Wells (they/them) is an award-winning producer-creator living in Ottawa, the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg. In the last few years, they've produced-performed "All Request Radio", "(Re)Tired Magical Black Man", "Djinn Joint", and "Personal Demon Hunter". They are currently writing "Anansi Discovers His Reflection" They are the 2023 IBPOC Emerging Artist laureate (Ottawa Arts Council), winning awards for their creativity and accessibility advocacy. In addition to facilitating workshops worldwide, they’ve mentored producer-creators through the Youth Infringement Festival and Toronto Fringe Festival. Most recently lauded as the Emerging IBPOC Artist by the Ottawa Arts Council for their accessibility advocacy, Velvet is a proud Black Pledge Collective and International Theatresports Institute member and a returning mentor for Ottawa's Youth Infringement Festival.

    Photo credit: Curtis Perry