Artistic Director

 Sina A. Suren is a multidisciplinary performance artist, specializing in writing, directing and acting. Born in Iran to a doctor family, he had the opportunity to experience the many professional fields such as programing, chemistry and biology but he vigorously followed a profession in performance arts. Feeling repressed in that community and seeking the best training possible, he and his family migrated to Canada where he continued his education and received his technical degree in professional acting from John Abbott Theatre program. He followed his training by spending multiple semester studying acting in Sheridan College and English literature at University of Toronto. He finished his Bachelor degree at University of Concordia in Performance Creation.

Sina is an avid and passionate fan of history and a believer in the strong capacity of performance artist and storytellers in bringing social change. He is an author of multiple social essays, fictional stories and plays, short and full-length, with his play “Gracchi” becoming a finalist in Infinitheatre Write-on-Q competition. He has had the chance to direct theatres and short films of multiple genre, in multiple languages and international texts, with his projects gaining international recognition. After graduation, Sina founded the Rise Theatre Company, with the goal of offering visibility to new performance artist and allowing them to showcase their talents in the many disciplines of theatre. Currently he spends his professional time acting as the artistic director of Rise Theatre Company as well as collaborating with different artistic groups across the island of Montreal and writing.

Costume Designer

Adrienne Gantenberg is a costume designer and recycled fur artisan who is passionate about creative reuse. She studied Fashion Design in her hometown of Chicago before moving to Brussels where she worked for a fashion label, exhibited her visual art, and made costumes for student films at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion in Louvain-La-Neuve. In 2017 she came to Montreal to further pursue her costume career through the Design for the Theatre program at Concordia University graduating in May 2020. She has worked as a costume designer and wardrobe technician on many theatre productions throughout Montreal. In 2018 she won the Montreal Broadway World Regional Awards for Best Costume Design for the Addams Family (WISTA), and again in 2019 for her work on Bonnie and Clyde (Contact Theatre).

Light Designer

You Chen Zhang is a scenic designer with an MFA from UCLA and a BFA from Concordia University, specializing in immersive storytelling through dynamic sets. Known for work on productions: Something Rotten! and Natasha (Freud Playhouse), Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Freud Playhouse), The Opposite of Love (Hudson Theatres), and Keffiyeh/Made in China (UCLA’s 1340 Theater), You Chen blends technical precision—mastering tools like Vectorworks, Maya, and Unreal—with a playful, inventive approach honed through years as a magician and street performer. Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, his designs often bridge cultural narratives, whether for theater, films (Bank Yung, Grey Cascade), or experimental projects, creating spaces that are as visually striking as they are emotionally resonant.

Composer and Sound Designer

Arash is a film and theatre composer creating music that brings stories to life. His work blends orchestral depth with modern electronic textures, resulting in emotionally rich and immersive soundscapes. Having composed for a range of films and stage productions, he collaborates closely with directors, producers, and editors to shape each project’s unique sonic identity.

Performer

Michael’s motto is, “Believe in yourself and others will BELIEVE in you!”   Born and raised in Montreal, Qc. and after living in Halifax and Toronto for a few years, Michael returned to Montreal in 2012 and relaunched his passion of acting in 2015. Michael has performed as a voice over artist (PEPSICO, Saint Gobain, Moet Hennessey to name a few), and as an actor, playing characters in film, tv, and theatre. From playing Prince Escalus in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for Montreal’s Shakespeare Theatre Company (Now Shakespeare Canada), to recent performances in Acts to Grind Theatre’s, Glengarry Glen Ross as George Aaronow, David in True Love Lies, and Danny in Cherry Docs. Michael also had the privilege to perform at the Montreal Fringe Festival, twice. Both for Mapscastle Theatre’s THE Get Together, and T’was the 1 st Xmas in July after Covid. His most recent theatre performance was in Sina Suren’s THE Keeper, where he’s played multiple characters. An experience he will always cherish. His film credits include work in The Target, voice over work as Megatron in Transformers: Arrival to Earth (Downfall Studios Fanfilm). He also has been in multiple short film projects for Reidframed Studios and Paradigm Studios. His TV credits include multiple episodes of Somebody is Hiding Something 2 and an episode of Les Armes 2. He is currently working on an independent film project to be released in 2027. Michael once again is very proud to be part of Colours of the Night, playing multiple characters for you on stage. Michael enjoys spending time with his kids as they are his motivation, and a special shout out to Janna, “Who is my rock. I love you.” Michael would like to sincerely thank all those people who have supported him on this personal journey. “I AM TRULY GRATEFUL”.

Performer

Laura Medina Pitts is a performer born and raised in Montreal. Growing up with a Canadian and Colombian background influenced her style of music, art, fashion, and dance. Unable to pick between singing, dancing and acting, she chose theatre because it allowed her to experience all three, making her feel unlimited. She started performing at a young age with her sisters as background dancers for her mother's belly dance performances and would later perform in school plays such as The Lion King jr. and Aladdin jr. She studied in her highschool drama department, then later studied professional acting at John Abbott College, where she performed in Pity, Heathers The Musical, The Orphan Sea and Alias Grace.

Performer

Sean Stafford-Voyer is a graduate of John Abbott College’s Professional Theatre Department, where he honed a versatile and deeply committed approach to performance. With a foundation rooted in rigorous classical training and contemporary scene study, Sean brings a compelling physical presence and emotional authenticity to every role he undertakes. Whether navigating the complexities of heightened text or the raw vulnerability of modern drama, he is known for his collaborative spirit, sharp instincts, and a quiet intensity that captivates audiences. An emerging talent with a passion for storytelling, Sean continues to seek challenging and transformative work on stage and screen.

Performer

Mark Attalla is a Montreal-based actor and graduate of the John Abbott College Acting Program. With a commanding presence and a focus on emotionally charged work, he gravitates toward roles that explore tension, power, and transformation. He continues to refine his craft while building a growing body of work in film and theater.

Performer

Anisa Hashemi is a Montreal-based performer and editor working at the intersection of theatre, and science. She performed in The Keeper by Sina Suren during its 2024 Montreal premiere and reprised her roles on tour in both Montreal and Toronto, including at the Hart House Theatre. She had contributed behind the scenes as an editor on Gracchi, refining and correcting the script of the historical play, also by Rise Theatre. Alongside her work on stage, Anisa served as the editor for both the Arts and News sections of Bandersnatch, the student newspaper at John Abbott College. She also delivered a 45-minute talk on Iranian culture and an analysis on the changes of women’s rights from Ancient Iran to modern times, delivered twice at Victoria Hall and the Hôtel de ville de Montréal-Ouest. Beyond the arts, Anisa is deeply engaged in humanitarian and community initiatives. Through being the president of the Rotaract club at JAC, she organized and led a conservation-focused service trip to Costa Rica, planned charitable events like masquerade balls, bingos, and volunteering with her club of cegep students working with groups like SPCA and Starlight Foundation. Anisa holds an Arts and Science DEC from John Abbott College and she is currently completing a degree in Computer Science and Biology at McGill University.