Equiflash Archive

After 17 years of dedicated service to Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan has announced that she will be retiring May 30, 2025. Over the next few weeks, Equity’s National Council will form a Search Committee to work in conjunction with a recruitment firm on finding the Association’s next ED.

“I’ve been working in this business in one facet of another full time since I was 19 and after 17+ years with Equity, I’m looking forward to moving on to new challenges and opportunities. There is always more to do in terms of improving and defending working conditions for artists - that job will never be finished - but it’s time for someone else to take up that task,” said Arden. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful people, both in the office and in the membership (most particularly those who have sat on the many negotiating committees over the years) and I am sure they will make the new ED feel welcome and well supported as they start their new job”

Arden walked on to her first film set at the age of six and has since worked over 50 years in the arts in a variety of capacities, a range of disciplines, and with an array of organizations. She was on the Board of Directors of the Dome Theatre of Dawson College and was a faculty member in the drama department. After some years at both ACTRA (as Eastern Regional Executive Director) and the National Film Board of Canada (as Assistant Director General of the English Program), she moved to Toronto to become the Executive in Charge of Directors Affairs for the Directors Guild of Canada, where she was responsible for negotiations, lobbying and international representation for Canada’s film and television directors. She has been Executive Director of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association since 2007, where she is chief negotiator, responsible for lobbying and advocacy activities, as well as the day-to-day operations of the organization.

“It’s impossible to overstate the contributions Arden has made to our Association during her tenure. Under her leadership, we have seen significant improvements in our agreements and positive changes in our industry. She’s guided us through some of the toughest times we’ve faced, and she’s helped make Equity a leader in arts organizations, both nationally and internationally,” said Equity Council President, Scott Bellis. “On behalf of Equity’s Council and its membership, I want to thank Arden for her many years of tireless service and wish her the very best in her next adventure.”

For more information, please contact communications@caea.com.