Matthew Rettino Naïma Philips is this year’s recipient of the Gloria Mitchell-Aleong award given to an emerging artist between 20 and 35 years of age who has demonstrated commitment and exceptional talent in the performing arts in Montreal.

Philips studied ballet at École supérieur de danse du Québec and graduated from the International Baccalaureate program in 2001. She joined YouthWorks at the Black Theatre Workshop and studied in Paris in 2006 at the Pantheatre ACTS Voice Performance School.

Her play Night Spell had a main-stage production at Nextfest 2008 in Edmonton. She has performed in productions of Black Knickers (Myth and Theatre Festival), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Fine Arts Core Education) and My Fair Lady (Champlain College).

Toronto-born Sean Mayes is the recipient of the Victor Phillips Award, which is presented to a black youth under 20 who is enrolled in an academic program and has achieved excellence in the performing arts. Mayes – a member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists – performed in Urinetown, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and Music Man before to moving to Montreal.

Sean is studying Music and Education at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music.