Enter password to access site.

Film and Video Production

Acting student featured by CBC News for overcoming his disability and pursuing his dreams

Published on March 27th, 2012. Last updated April 20th, 2023.

Ken Harrower overcame a severe physical disability and a painkiller addiction to enrol and take part in Toronto Film School’s Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre program. Program coordinator, Hart Massey, was initially hesitant to admit Ken into the exclusive acting program, but Ken’s audition proved him wrong. Ken is now a star pupil in the acting program, and has landed a gig with the Ontario government for a PSA on accessibility.

Ken was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) at a young age, but has pushed through many barriers to get to where he is today. Ken uses his minor speech impediment, and use of a motorized chair as unique assets that are integrated into the characters he plays.

Ken’s story caught the attention of CBC News and the footage of his feature is available on their website: Link.

For more information about the Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre program, click here.

Post Views: 325
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Email
WhatsApp

Blogs

TFS Names Carolina Cortez Paz as Latest Recipient of BIPOC Creative Achievement Award

Toronto Film School has named Carolina Cortez Paz the latest recipient of the BIPOC Creative Achievement Award – a platform the Latina artist plans to use to elevate and inspire her fellow creatives from marginalized communities. Presented in partnership with BMO, the quarterly bursary – which recognizes full-time BIPOC students with $1,250 awards towards their tuition …Read more

Graphic Design Student Larissa Stanley Brings Indigenous Art to Life at Prestigious Atelier Artist Residency in France

Larissa Stanley just returned home to the Liard First Nation in Yukon following a whirlwind, monthlong trip to Europe that included a prestigious two-week artist residency in France. The Online Graphic Design & Interactive Media student, who belongs to the Kaska Dena people and Crow Clan, was selected as one of just eight artists to …


Read more
TFS Creative Success Award Winner Patrick Parenteau Carves New Path in Video Game Design at 50

From the alpine slopes to the animation studio – this term’s recipient of the Creative Success Award, Patrick Parenteau, is carving out a whole new path for himself – and at the age of 50, no less. “After spending over 25 years working in sports performance and Alpine skiing, I decided it was time to …


Read more
Alumni Guest Blog | Yeimy Daza on Toronto-Based Shorts Film Festival

Toronto Based Shorts (TBS) was started by Paul Villenave and Dylan Posgate, a co-director duo who couldn’t find screenings in the city that were Toronto-focused, affordable, and showcased high-quality films. So, they created one – a festival for emerging filmmakers like us. I met Paul back in 2022 during the first edition of TBS, and …


Read more
TFS’s Steven Hoffner Celebrates Broadcast Premiere of 'The Cannons' Documentary on TSN and NHL Network

Toronto Film School’s Steven Hoffner is celebrating the acquisition – and upcoming broadcast premiere – of his debut documentary feature, The Cannons (Brothers on Ice). The film, which the director of TFS’s Film Production program co-directed, produced, shot and edited, was recently acquired by TSN and the NHL Network, where it is slated to mark …


Read more
Toronto Film School Grad Franklin Briceño Making Waves with Viral Music Videos

Less than a year after graduating from Toronto Film School, Franklin Briceño is already being touted as “Toronto’s Next BIG Director” – a title the Class of 2023 Film Production grad is determined to earn. “Being recognized by Creatives Canada was an incredible honour and a huge surprise. It’s amazing to see the work I’ve …


Read more
TFS Grad Kat Anielak Lands Jury Chair Role at Toronto Polish Film Festival

Kat Anielak has always been more interested in immersing herself in the behind-the-scenes action than getting caught up in the spotlight – which is why, when all her peers were busy applying to film festivals, she was dreaming of how great it would be to sit on a festival jury. Luckily for her, it didn’t …


Read more