“Jon’s legacy is a deep rooted one. You don’t experience theatre in this city without hearing about Jon Kaplan and the love, passion, and life that he poured into this community. I am grateful that his legacy lives on through these awards and through all of our memories. As we continue to celebrate, recognize, and amplify diverse and new voices, I believe Jon’s legacy will never die.”

“I am so grateful to be the recipient of the Jon Kaplan theatre student award. This award reminds me that I am on the right path. It is the path paved by the giants before me. It’s a reminder that the way I’m living/loving is aligned with the way Jon Kaplan did when he was with us. So I receive this award recognizing that it is about much more than one person. It is encouraging me to continue the race for us all. It is ‘out of the self’ and ‘into the other’ – pursuing the objective that’s not within us but rather, ahead of us. I am immensely grateful to the fund for their support and faith in young voices and artists.”

“I am honoured to have been chosen for the 2021 Jon Kaplan Canadian Stage performer award. This award is very special to me; I am forever grateful to Jon for always seeing and acknowledging my work, and I truly love what I get to do.”