TORONTO (April 9, 2025) – ACTRA is proud to name Sharon Bajer as the inaugural recipient of the ACTRA Visionary Award. Formerly known as the ACTRA National Woman of the Year Award, the ACTRA Visionary Award recognizes a cis woman, trans woman, or non-binary person of notable acting presence who has made significant contributions to advancing gender equity and diversity within ACTRA, the recorded media industry, and society.
Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President, acknowledges Bajer for her ongoing and significant contributions to the arts. “It’s an honour to name Sharon Bajer as our inaugural ACTRA Visionary Award recipient. Bajer’s remarkable career as an award-winning performer, playwright, director, educator, mentor, advocate and the first intimacy coordinator in Winnipeg is a testament to her lifelong dedication and impact in the acting community in Winnipeg and across Canada. She has consistently championed safety, creativity, and inclusivity in her work and within our industry. From her leadership as President of ACTRA Manitoba to her pioneering contributions within the arts, Bajer is a trailblazer who is truly deserving of this honor and recognition.”
Bajer expressed her gratitude for the recognition while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done: “I have always been inspired by the visionary women in our industry who came before me, doing the hard work of advocating for gender equality,” said Bajer. “Experiences in my career have led me to take up the torch to help ensure that our most marginalized members feel seen and safe in our workplace. Being a small part of changing the culture to one of consent and empowerment for all, and particularly for older women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, is a challenge I take on with fierce joy.”
“The ACTRA Visionary Award reflects the intent behind the award itself,” said Jen Viens, Chair of the ACTRA National Women’s Committee. “ACTRA National introduced the Woman of the Year Award in 2010, and our rebranding now better represents the dedication of ACTRA performers who have worked to advance gender equality and representation. With the inclusion of non-binary and trans nominees and the evolving understanding that ‘womanhood’ is vast, complex, and deeply individual, this updated name aligns more closely with our mission.”
With over 30 years of experience in theatre, film, and television, Bajer is an award-winning performer, former President of ACTRA Manitoba, and the first certified Intimacy Coordinator in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has worked on more than 75 productions, alongside renowned actors such as Judith Light, Bob Odenkirk, Malcolm McDowell, Ke Huy Quan, and Ariana DeBose. Bajer has also led theatre and film workshops for organizations like ABC Film Academy, ACTRA Manitoba, OnScreen Manitoba, Film Training Manitoba, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Canadian Actors Equity Association, the University of Winnipeg’s Film and Theatre Department, and the
University of Manitoba. Her groundbreaking work in Intimacy Coordination on projects like The Porter, Little Bird, Skymed Season 1, Alter Boys, Don’t Even, El Toro, and The Long Walk—as well as many others—has set new standards for consent and communication on sets and stages in Manitoba.
The ACTRA Visionary Award recipient will be announced annually on the second Wednesday in April. Additional details about the event celebration will be shared in the coming months.
About ACTRA:
Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 30,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.
Media Contact: Carol Taverner, ACTRA National Public Relations Officer, Email: ctaverner@actra.ca