Toward Parenthood
Description
Overview
Whether you’re thinking about starting a family, navigating life as a new parent, or looking for ways to better support parents in the creative workplace, this transition can bring big questions about work, identity, finances, and the future. In an industry built around unpredictable schedules, project-based work, and uncertainty, how do you make room for parenthood without losing sight of your career? Becoming a parent shouldn’t mean having to leave behind the career you’ve worked so hard to build.
Join Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks and Ella Cooper, alongside Susie Burpee from Balancing Act, for a webinar that explores the realities of navigating parenthood in the entertainment industry. Through lived experiences, honest conversation, and practical guidance, our speakers will explore the challenges, possibilities, and individual nature of this life transition, offering tools and perspectives to help participants on the road ahead.
This session will offer an opportunity to connect, learn, and feel less alone.
Who Should Attend
Anyone thinking about parenthood, navigating life as a new parent, or looking for ways to better support their colleagues with children in the creative workplace.
Key Takeaways
Explore the realities of parenthood in the entertainment industry, including the challenges of balancing family life with an unpredictable, project-based career.
Gain practical tools, guidance, and perspectives to help navigate the transition to parenthood while sustaining the career you’ve worked hard for.
Build connections and learn to foster supportive workplaces by better understanding the diverse needs and experiences of parenthood.
Important Note
Our workshops provide general information and strategies and do not offer personalized advice. The speakers may not be able to answer all participants' questions.
Accessibility
ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available.
Recording
This event will not be recorded.
Facilitators
Susie Burpee
Susie Burpee is the Executive Director of Balancing Act Canada, a national non-profit organization that supports and advocates for artist and arts worker parents and caregivers. Over the past five years, Susie has led Balancing Act’s flagship Level UP! initiative, stewarding more than 150 arts organizations and employers nationwide to develop caregiver-inclusive workplace policies and practices. Drawing from her own experience as a professional contemporary dance artist who brought her toddlers to rehearsals in order to continue working, Susie is deeply committed to building a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable arts ecology in Canada.
Ella Cooper
Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks
Cynthia is a theatre artist and mama from Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). She is navigating the ever-changing landscape of parenthood while sustaining a career in the arts - spoiler alert: she’s tired and grateful! After graduating from acting at NTS, Cynthia has had a full career as an actor from TYA tours to Stratford to Broadway. In the 18 months of pregnancy / new baby, she kept a foot in the door by transitioning to directing and choreographing. Now that the baby is bigger, Cynthia’s recent credits on stage include ‘Spelling Bee’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (Citadel). Upcoming: ‘The Cottage’ (Teatro Live!), ‘Annie’ (Citadel).
In partnership with Balancing Act Canada
Balancing Act Canada
Balancing Act Canada supports and advocates for artists and arts workers with caregiving responsibilities, aiming to increase access to employment and opportunities for parents and caregivers working in the arts sector.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
