Issuu

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Ever wondered about your parents’ sex life? Neither did Molly and Elle until coming out and divorce forced them to learn about their parents’ new sexcapades. After a lifetime of dating men, Molly (31, a grade eight teacher) surprises herself when she falls in love with a woman for the first time. When she finds the courage to come out as bisexual to her suburban parents, they empathetically reveal their own admission - they’re swingers and throw sex parties. Meanwhile, Elle (33, a creative director) is reeling after learning her parents are divorcing and her mother, who also happens to be her boss, had an affair with a dude young enough to be Elle’s

Perrie Voss

Elle

Avocado Toast the series is an intergenerational sex comedy explo it comes to millennials and baby boomers, thes 2

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brother. To avoid the wrenching pain of her exploded family unit, Elle wages revenge in an eyefor- an-eye corporate takeover against her mother. When Molly gets dumped, she reluctantly heeds dating advice from her sexually blossoming parents and clumsily embarks on the bisexual dating world while navigating her broken heart. As life as they knew it crumbles away and their love lives and careers become precarious, it’s their codependent friendship that takes all the heat. Finally, when the pressure cooker blows, they are shocked to realize that the nuts haven’t fallen so far from the tree. —Heidi Lynch and Perrie Voss

Heidi Lynch

Molly

oring the comforts and awkwardness of sex from age 25 to 69. When se nuts haven’t fallen so far from the family tree. www.avocadotoasttheseries.com

DIRECTOR Sam Coyle

PRODUCERS Charlie David Heidi Lynch Perrie Voss

CAST

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Brad Danks Philip Webb Katherine J. Frost Jefferson Mappin

SCREENWRITERS Heidi Lynch Perrie Voss

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Cameron Roden

PRODUCTION DESIGNER Kiki Divic

EDITORS

Heidi Lynch - Molly Perrie Voss - Elle Kristian Bruun - Jake Scott Cavalheiro - Hunter Faye Marsay – The One Mag Ruffman - Meredith Nelu Handa - Rosie Brenda Robins - Patricia Jefferson Mappin - Francis Andrew Moodie - Roger Austin Ball - Howard Alexander Nunez - Jordan Leighton Alexander - Dave Birva Pandya - Sarah Benjamin Luborsky - Student Athena Reich – Mrs. Peterson Caroline Toal – UK Waitress Wayne Burns – Katharine Hepburn Geoff Stevens – Greta Garbo

Anna Catley Perrie Voss

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Watch Trailer

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OUTtvGO introduces its brand-new and highlyanticipated sex comedy Avocado Toast the series following the story of two millennial friends, Molly and Elle, who are forced to learn about their parentsâ€™ new sexcapades after coming out and a divorce. The show is set to make its worldwide premiere May 18th, 2020 on OUTtvâ€™s digital platform OUTtvGO (Canada) and Amazon Prime (USA/International).

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The 10 x 15-minute sex comedy series is produced by Charlie David, Heidi Lynch and Perrie Voss. Executive producers are Jefferson Mappin along with Brad Danks and Philip Webb from OUTtvGO. Avocado Toast the series is funded with the participation of the Independent Production Fund (IPF), the Bell Fund and Ontario Creates IDM Production Fund.

After a lifetime of dating men, 31-year-old teacher Molly (Heidi Lynch), surprises herself when she falls in love with a woman for the first time. When she finds the courage to come out as bisexual to her suburban parents, they empathetically reveal their own admission - they’re swingers and throw sex parties. When Molly gets dumped, she reluctantly heeds dating advice from her sexually blossoming parents and clumsily embarks onto the bisexual dating scene while navigating her broken heart. Meanwhile, 33-year old creative

director Elle (Perrie Voss), is reeling after learning her parents are divorcing and her mother, who also happens to be her boss, had an affair with a dude young enough to be Elle’s brother. To avoid the wrenching pain of her exploded family unit, Elle wages revenge in an eyefor-an-eye corporate takeover against her mother. As life as they knew it crumbles away and their love lives, and careers become precarious, it’s their codependent friendship that takes all the heat. Finally, when the pressure cooker blows, they are shocked to

About Guts and Gall Productions Inc. Guts and Gall Productions Inc. is a sister company of Border2Border Entertainment with a focus on creating underrepresented stories through a female lens. Avocado Toast the series is Guts and Gall Productions’ debut production.

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realize that the nuts haven’t fallen so far from the tree. “We are so excited to finally share Avocado Toast the series with the rest of the world. This is the show I desperately needed at a time in my life when I didn’t see bisexual representation anywhere.” says Heidi Lynch. “I had never seen a bisexual coming out story. My parents are some of my best friends, but I still got so caught up in the fact that coming out to them would be hard. In the end they were extremely accepting. I wanted to create representation for how coming out as bi was confusing

and challenging and also representation for accepting, modern, baby boomer parents.” “Avocado Toast the series takes assumptions and flips them on their head. Who our protagonists think they are, and they think they know is challenged at every turn in this series. I think we’ve created something that will open dialogue between generations, communities, and female friendships.” says Perrie Voss. “It’s hilarious, heartbreaking and relatable. Yes, it’s a comedy, but there’s a lot of heart and truth within it. I have always

been amazed at how tears and laughter can be so closely related in times of grief, growth and change. This is that show!” Avocado Toast the series was created by screenwriters and stars Heidi Lynch and Perrie Voss and directed by Sam Coyle (Hazy Little Thing, Darkside, The Definites). The principal cast features Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black), Nelu Handa (Workin’ Moms), Scott Cavalheiro (Good Witch) and Mag Ruffman (Alias Grace).

About Border2Border Entertainment Border2Border Entertainment produces and promotes award-winning, critically acclaimed film, television and digital projects for the LGBTQ+ audience. Dedicated to making each production experience enjoyable for our artists, business and broadcast partners, co-workers, and ultimately our audience. Our ongoing relationship with TV networks, film festivals and digital platforms keep our content in demand making our homegrown Canadian content watched by millions around the globe.

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Meet Creators & C

Cast

Photo by David Le

eyes

Heidi is a Canadian/Swiss actor, writer, and producer residing in London, England. The ability to create, produce and sell content with representation she feels is lacking in the world, quickly become the most important thing she has done creatively to date. Tell us about Heidi Lynch. “To quote Jake from Avocado Toast the series she is a “neat, swell gal”. ahhaha. I live in Canada/London England. I am Canadian/Swiss and I play Molly in Avocado Toast the series. As one of the writers for Avocado Toast can you tell us did you what parts did you write? I think initially we had a Perrie writes Elle, Heidi writes Molly guideline but Elle’s bratty moments were so fun to write for. The Diner was a very fun

scene to create. We had to imagine it many different ways because of budget. Perrie and I always gave each other notes/suggestions on the section we wrote. I generally took a first pass and left gaps in the sections where we needed Elle’s/Perrie’s personal experiences to be tapped into and then we would send the scripts back and forth until we were happy. You play Molly in the show, is she all you, a person you wanted to be like, or what was your motivation behind her?

want to be like …until Episode 10. Her situation is based on mine, but I am a very direct person - figuring out how/if to come out shook that part of my personality for a time - but I am not a sit my own filth kind of girl. Even if I am having a problem, I am quite the opposite - action driven, busy body. Molly became an amalgamation of my personal experiences and research into anxiety and depression in the bisexual community. I wanted to explore the effects of feeling a lack of community and biphobia and how that informs a character’s personality.

She is definitely not a person I

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Do you like producing more over writing or is it the other way around? Why?

unavailability, cost ,takes a lot of mental energy.

Writing and producing feel like they use completely separate parts of my brain. I didn’t realize how much I liked producing until I did it. I have always liked writing. It is very fun to be a writer/producer. It’s like cutting out the middle man. When I am just producing, trying to find an artful way to get a creator/ writer to cut budget or reimagine something because of a liability,

As one of the writers of the show, you help create the storyline and the characters do you have a favorite character besides Molly? I fell in love with a woman unexpectedly and realized Tell us why? What episode was your favorite either for I was bi, just like Molly. My parents were very supportive the writing or for the way it and loving when I came out, turned out on film? Tell us like Molly’s, but they have a 44 why? year monogamous marriage. I love Jordan. He was such a People constantly assume I’m

Did you ever have some of the same things happen to you in real life as Molly has had?

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straight and seemed shocked that I have a female partner, like Molly.

tiny character and Alexander Nunez brought him to life. We are already imagining a big character arc for him to Season 2.

*Questions for Molly

The moms were such a joy to write and shoot. We shot a scene where Molly thinks that her parents are having an orgy. We asked the actors to dance. It was incredibly to watch them roll with everything we asked them to do like absolutely champs. It was so fun and so free.

Molly: Elle’s mom is best friends with mine so I actually don’t remember the first time. We were babies. She’s just always been there, like an old boot. A sassy, red headed, old boot.

This is a question for Molly - Tell us how you and Ellie met?

Molly, I would have lost it too if my parents and my friend’s parent and love were together

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doing things, but tell us what your first thought was? My first thought was…”There is no way in hell this is actually happening!”. A couple of weeks later, after I calmed down and really listened to my parents I realized that everyone was just dancing, I over reacted. BUT I MEAN COME ONE. That is totally what it looked like. I was just too wrapped up in my own shit to see the reality of the situation.

Hello Perrie can you tell us about yourself? Hey! I’m Perrie, I’m one of the creators of Avocado Toast the series. I grew up in Toronto and I still live here, quite close to where I was born actually. I have a theatre background - which is actually how I met Heidi! I love downhill skiing, running, swimming and I’ve been walking everyday by Lake Ontario which has been a welcome relief from during this strange time with isolation during covid-19. For Avocado toast the series you are one of the writers, one of the editors and one of the producers can you tell us what you like about taking part in those areas the show? And tell us if you like one part of the other and why? Yes! I have always wanted to create my own work, and I think I always knew that I would. But i didn’t know how I would make that happen, or that it would be

on the scale that it ended up being. So in some ways I needed to take part in all of those things so that it could happen. My dad always says ‘if you want something done, do it yourself’ and that’s exactly what we did. I don’t think I have a favourite of any of these roles because what I like the most is that I’m constantly able to switch gears. It’s extremely stimulating to be able to switch into different gears, from writing to producing to editing. We do think we’ll each take one thing off our plates for season 2 and for me, that will be editing so I can fully invest in the other aspects. Besides being Elle is there another character you like or is your favorite of the show? I absolutely love Jordan, who plays

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Perrie is an actor, writer, film editor and producer. With great passion for powerful visuals and diverse stories Perrie is drawn towards underrepresented and unexpected narratives which is reflected in all avenues of her filmmaking.

Photo by Sam Coyle Photography 17

Elle’s mom’s assistant. I adore Alexander Nunez, who plays him, and he brought and incredible life to the role. Jordan was written as a somewhat subservient, enthusiastic, suck-up to his boss, but Jordan brought this incredible sassiness to it which makes him entirely endearing. I adore him. How much of Elle are you? How much of Elle would you like to be in real life? I think there is definitely a crossover at some base level. She was based on some of my life experiences, but how I dealt with them is very different. But I think she is a combination of me at different ages. I think I’m more of a gentle person than Elle but there is definitely areas that I recognize in me from my 20s, or how I imagined myself. What episode is your favorite either for the writing or the way it came out once filmed? There are honestly so many, but I absolutely love the double date scene in episode 2. This scene was actually one of the only scenes that lasted from draft 1 through the many, many drafts into actual production. I think Heidi and I both had a lot of excitement about being able to actually sit in that scene and watch it happen around us was incredible. The actor we cast as Howard, played by Austin Ball, was incredible. He brought exactly what we wanted to the audition and so much incredible improvisation. It was incredibly satisfying, and hilarious. It still makes me laugh to watch it. *Questions for Elle Holy f$#& your mom is really something Tell us what you like the best about her? Ya she’s completely selfish, but the crazy thing is that I’ve always looked up to her for that. She has been a constant source of inspiration because when she wants something she goes after it.

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worst thing is that she is so swept up in the good feelings of new love she refuses to acknowledge the reality of that pain she caused. Tell us how you and Molly first met?

Tell us what is wrong with her? Well I wouldn’t say there’s anything wrong with her, but exactly what she’s good at is what made her break my heart. Her selfishness and need to follow her heart made her act in a way that was extremely hurtful to everyone around her. My poor dad and me, who have done nothing but love her and she acted in a way that hurt us so deeply. But the

We met as kids! Our parents were best friends and we started being given play-dates together. We forged a friendship and we ended up making that last until today! Molly moved away to London, England to pursue her teaching career which had us lose touch slightly. But we’ve been really close for our entire lives. She’s like a sister. I really liked it when you walked right in and told your mom you were going out on your own. Was that easier

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than you thought or harder? Why? Thank you! It was harder. She made it so hard on me. I wanted to tell her how much I looked up to her, but her inability to connect with me recently made it almost impossible for me to handle it in the way that I wanted to. It pushed me into a place of aggressiveness so I could re-assert my power. But I felt like she finally was able to see me as her equal and not someone she can walk all over or someone who is less than her. I can match her and I am taking my place in the world.

Sam is a film director, writer, producer, known for choosing edgy projects that pushes boundaries. Sam continues to develop her vision to create unique stories that reflect strong female perspectives with a focus on challenging the norm and highlighting the weird and amazing of the underrepresented.

Photo by Kayla Rocca

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What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experi

I love the intergenerational aspect of the series. Not only are we speaking from the millenn really tried to incorporate the baby-boomer perspective. Our parents were young once too was excited to explore the relationship of our parents in the theme of ‘finally accept them f was thrilled to show the complex relationship between the different generation as they tack

Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted in Avocado T it important to continue sharing these types of stories today?

Media has dictated a certain standard of living and if you are outside of that, then it’s wron heard for so long. I believe there is no one way to live, and as storytellers we have an opp narrative, it’s important to show all types of love on the screen, no matter gender, age or c Who is a major influence for you and on your creativity?

Jill Soloway was a massive inspiration for me for this show. They have an incredible sense storytelling and knows how to balance comedy and drama in an effortless way. I pulled ma references from Transparent. But above them being an incredible creator, they take pride and respectful set. I listened to interviews talking about their process and it was something set, treating my team with positivity and respect.You don’t have to be a dick to get things d

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ience or discover?

nial point of view but we o, we tend to forget that. I for the people they areâ€™. I kle big life decisions.

Toast the series. Why is

ng, is the narrative weâ€™ve portunity to change that colour. Love is Love.

e of organic, authentic any style and tone in running a supportive, g I aspired to do on our done.

What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover? I’m excited to share the fact that Avocado Toast the series was created by, produced by, directed by, written by, edited by, and starring women. It’s important to point that out because the caliber is really high and I think we’ll continue to have more dynamic, well rounded and wonderful shows on our screens when we have more women in key storytelling and technical positions. Are baby boomers and millennials often having the

same conversations but just using different words? Oh my gosh yes. Well actually I often have the same conversation with my mom but I’m not sure if I should blame her memory or mine. I got lost in my own neighborhood recently so I’m not actually sure if she should be more concerned for me or me for her when it comes to aging. I actually feel extremely lucky to be able to talk about anything and everything under the stars with my mom and did with my dad as well before he passed. They’ve both been on set for the shows I produce and questions and

Charlie has extensive television experience predominantly exploring the LGBTQI2S experience. He is the lead producer on the new scripted web series Avocado Toast. A love of storytelling led Charlie to start Border2Border Entertainment and the female creator focused Guts and Gall Productions Inc.

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conversation definitely come up but I’ve never felt that I had to hide something I’ve created from them. What makes baby boomers so awesome? They’ve really done everything we have already –sometimes in even more wild, weird and wonderful ways–just without the internet! I mean, imagine that. They were able to locate each other and reproduce –without the internet. They were able to go from one end of a city to another –without a stranger picking them up in a car. They were able to catch up with a friend on the phone and get stuff done around the house –while attached to an extremely long curly cord plugged into a wall. They had fashion choices that we’re now imitating as best we can by shopping at Value Village. They were actually way cooler than us –but they had no idea what an avocado was until we came along. What makes millennials so wonderful? We’re going to save the planet and our species from environmental destruction. We’re going to equalize rights between humans of every stripe. We’re going to

see each other. We’re going to speak to each other but more importantly, we’re going to listen. And we wear really weird clothes and devour healthy fats. Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted in Avocado Toast the series.Why is it important to continue sharing these types of stories today? Our companies Border2Border Entertainment and Guts and Gall Productions Inc. have a passion for telling storiesthat aren’t being created elsewhere and that mission includes putting conversations around sex, sexuality, gender, diversity, disability, and age front and center. For most of us queer kids, we felt on the margins in one way or anothergrowing up. By giving voice and the spotlight to people and stories who’ve rarely been handed the mic, we believe we’re practicing empathy ourselves and encouraging it to take root and grow in our audience’s minds and hearts.

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Who is amajor influence for you and on your creativity? Each and every actor, writer, director, editor, painter, costumer, designer, grip, gaffer, sound person and collaborator who joins our team and has the ‘yes, we can’attitude and driving enthusiasm to make each episode and each series the very best we canmake. That inspires me, it fires me up and it’s incredibly contagious. What’s next for you as a producer? We are currently finishing the second season of our documentary series Drag Heals which follows drag artists working with theatre director Tracey Erin Smith to mount a show inspired by personal experiences and stories. It’s such an exciting second season and I can’t wait to share it with everyone! There are so many episodes that pull at my heart every time I watch. Like Avocado Toast the series, I think it’s something very special. And of course, we’re busy planning a second season of Avocado Toast because one serving of this show is definitely not enough!

Actor Andrew Moodie, who plays Roger (Elle’s dad) in Avocado Toast the series says he’s honoured to be a part of storytelling - stories are the result of centuries of collected wisdom.

Andrew Moodie

Roger (Elle’s dad)

Why is the series titled Avocado Toast? (if you don’t know, take a guess!)

Are baby boomers and millennials often having the same conversations but just using different words?

in Avocado Toast the series. Why is it important to continue sharing these types of stories today?

I’m Gen X, so I’m too cynical to care.

Because that’s the world we live in.

What makes baby boomers so awesome?

Who is a major influence for you and on your creativity?

I never have fears about a role. I love the character. I have two awesome daughters in real life, and I love being a dad, so...

They make good grandparents.

My daughters. They give me strength.

How much of yourself goes into a character?

They make great avocado toast.

Because it’s delicious! Tell us about your story in Avocado Toast. What were the main challenges and fears you had in your role?

Do you find it hurtful or funny when baby boomers refer to millennials as ‘snowflakes’ or when millennials dismiss baby boomer advice with a ‘Okay, boomer.’

I don’t think about acting as putting yourself in a character. I see myself as a lens and a character is projected through that lens. How much were you able to relate your own experiences to create your character? And how much did you have to research or imagine? Oh, my wife hasn’t cheated on me... yet. What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover? Really amazing characters. Great dialogue. And the twist that we are all robot superheroes. I didn’t see that coming.

What makes millennials so wonderful?

Oh it’s been ever thus, from the dawn of time. What are some of your favourite baby boomer slang or sayings and why? The only saying I would know is groovy? Is that a boomer thing?

With so much going on in the world today, what’s your motivation to be a performer? Do you act to explain? To get away? To move past? To widen our knowledge? To incite a conversation? I believe that storytelling is crucial to the survival of the human race. Stories are the result of centuries of collected wisdom. It’s an honour to participate in this ancient art form. What’s next for you as a creator/actor/performer? Oh, you’ll see.

What are some of your favourite millennial slang and why?

Something else you want to share, explain, expand upon? Here’s the place!

Oh, I wouldn’t know any.

I’m not wearing socks right now.

Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted

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Actor Scott Cavalheiro who plays Hunter (Patricia’s love interest) in Avocado Toast the series had the production team laughing throughout his scenes. His approach to acting is - let the character do the talking. I don’t want to recognize myself when I’m done.

Scott Cavalheiro

Hunter (Patricia’s love inte

isn’t always discussed in pop culture. I was concerned that I would make the relationship as serious and delicate as it was written. Since it was a comedy, I feared that I would take the jokes too far, taking away from the real and very human nature of Hunter and Patricia.

Why is the series titled Avocado Toast? (if you don’t know, take a guess!) Its a nod to the ubiquity and presence of millennials which is synonymous to the verrrrry millennial brunch dish. Tell us about your story in Avocado Toast. What were the main challenges and fears you had in your role? I play Hunter, who is in a romantic, meaningful relationship with Elle’s mom Patricia — younger man with an older woman — a relationship that

Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted in Avocado Toast the series. Why is it important to continue sharing these types of stories today? Most of what is discussed in the show was taboo when baby boomers were having their hay-day. In pop culture there is a lot of content on sexuality and mental health and diversity but not much that focuses on the dichotomy of opinions, like Avocado Toast. Especially, in my unbiased opinion, the relationship of Hunter and Patricia. Too often do we see men dating younger women but we never really see the

reverse. But it’s also more than that, their relationship is also one of compatibility: It is a true love relationship of two people who are at the same level in their lives, age aside. Now that’s special. Did I tangent? Probably. But it’s true! How much were you able to relate your own experiences to create your character? And how much did you have to research or imagine? Hopefully none! I have a penchant of playing douche bags and assholes so let’s hope that’s not really me.... Hunter is a nice guy, so I guess i would okay being associated with him. In terms of process, the goal for me is always to let the character do the talking. I don’t want to recognize myself when I’m done. I don’t think i’m that interesting! Do you find it hurtful or funny when baby boomers refer to millennials as ‘snowflakes’ or when millennials dismiss baby boomer advice with a “Ok, boomer.” “Snowflake”: Say whaa? What’s this mean? I’m on the edge of millennial so I can still be offended by this. But I choose not to be because I DONT KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!

erest) www.avocadotoasttheseries.com

Beloved Canadian actor Mag Ruffman plays Meredith (Mollyâ€™s Mom) in Avocado Toast the series. She acts to uplift, to inspire and to help people relate to experiences beyond the scope of their own lives.

Mag Ruffman

Meredith (Mollyâ€™s Mom)

Tell us about your story in Avocado Toast the series. What were the main challenges and fears you had in your role? My role is Molly’s mum, Meredith. When Molly finally admits to her mother that she’s bisexual, her mother one-ups her by revealing that Molly’s parents are in an open marriage. The news doesn’t go over well. As an actor, a challenge I always face is that I won’t be believable. Or that I’ll make dumb choices and then my scene partner will say, “Are you going to do it that way?” How much of yourself goes into a character? I share a bunch of characteristics with Meredith – open-heartedness, extreme Liberal-ness, and an abiding love of welding. There are some characteristics that are completely foreign to me, like the choice to be in an open marriage, so I had to do a little reading about that.

is fantastic for Avocado Toast the series to offer a roadmap for honest conversation and selfacceptance. What was the hardest scene for you to do and why? I was nervous about the smoking marijuana scene because I don’t smoke marijuana and I don’t know how to act stoned. Who is a major influence for you and on your creativity? My Australian acting guru, Lindy Davies, plays an enormous part in my ongoing development as an actor. She has taught me to be freely in the moment and emotionally present on camera and onstage. Is there a type of role you dream of playing but haven’t had the opportunity yet? I’ve always wanted to play a nun. I have no idea why.

With so much going on in the world today, what’s your motivation to be a performer? Do you act to explain? To get away? To move past? To widen our knowledge? To incite a conversation? I act to uplift, to inspire and to help people relate to experiences beyond the scope of their own lives. What’s next for you as a creator/actor/performer? My show is Mag Ruffman’s Self Help Cabaret, because I’ve spent my entire life trying to fix myself with self-help products. Do you have interesting hobbies or a creative pursuit outside of acting? Tell us about it! Welding (as seen on Avocado Toast!), knitting, novel-writing, singing.

What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover? I’m excited that the series will spark conversations and demystify sexuality. There is such an intense need for people to understand the vast spectrum of human sexuality. Witness the popularity of the British show, Sex Education, I think the timing

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A little insight into Brenda Robins who plays Patricia (Elle’s Mom) in Avocado Toast the series, she has performed in major roles across the country, often playing strong women. Read below to find out why millennial sayings are so confusing.

Why is the series title know, take a guess)

I’m pretty sure it’s called an avocado and spread toast”, is probably the m culinary invention.

In fact, if you were to se from a gourmet food tru bomb chaser or a mat chance that person

How much w experien how m imag

My rela tha bu

W t a

Brenda Robins

Patricia (Elle’s Mom) www.avocadotoasttheseries.com

ed Avocado Toast? (if you don’t

d Avocado Toast because mashing ding it on a slice of toast, i.e. “avocado millennial’s most popular/ubiquitous

ee someone ordering avocado toast unk and then following it with a Jager tcha tea latte there’s a very good n is a millennial.

I work is mostly in theatre. I find gathering in a space, to share a collective experience with 10,100, a thousand people very moving and essential. I’m grateful to work in a profession which fosters that sense of communion. What makes millennials so wonderful? Because my kid is one!

were you able to relate your own nces to create your character? And much did you have to research or gine?

character Patricia is having a ationship with a man 20 years younger an herself. So, my research was limited ut my imagination was exhaustive.

What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover?

What are some of your favourite baby boomer slang or sayings and why? “No way, Jose.” “No shit, Sherlock.” -- Classic! What are some of your favourite millennial slang and why?

I think that Perrie and Heidi have written an extraordinary script that is smart and funny and heartbreaking and current and sexy and complex and highly relatable to both millennials and baby - boomers! And I’m thrilled and honoured to be working on it.

I don’t know if these would be considered favourite sayings maybe to the contrary. “Whatever!” That would be in reply to almost anything. “Sick” Which doesn’t actually mean what you think it means. In fact it means the opposite. “ Like” You can say “like” anywhere in a sentence, like, right here. Follow that with “I know, right?”, which isn’t really a question, even though it looks like one. It’s more of an affirmation. Is there a type of role you dream of playing but haven’t had the opportunity yet? Yes, the lead in a rocking musical! But I don’t really sing so…..

With so much going on in the world today, what’s your motivation to be a performer? Do you act to explain? To get away? To move past? To widen our knowledge? To incite a conversation?

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The Creators Behind Avocado Toast The Series wanted to create an opportunity for you to learn a bit more about our amazing cast, crew and musicians. Here is a little insight into Alexander Nunez who plays Jordan.

Tell us about your story in Avocado Toast. What were the main challenges and fears you had in your role? My poor, sweet character Jordan is Patricia’s personal assistant throughout the series. He works at the advertising agency with Elle, who is... let’s just say, curt with him. Elle also constantly calls him by the wrong name. Despite all that, he sweats his little turtleneck off to get stuff DONE. I’m a shy person and my sense of humour is very subtle, so I was initially a little concerned about giving Jordan his high-energy personality. But I’d say it came through (I hope)! What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover? I can’t wait for people to watch this story unfold. It’s hilarious and smart, but it’s also extremely honest. The characters portrayed are more than just archetypes — they have depth. There’s a character for everyone to relate to.

Aleander Nunez

Jordan 36

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How much were you able to relate your own experiences to create your character? And how much did you have to research or imagine? I didn’t have to do much! I’ve been in Jordan’s place. I’ve had jobs where I wanted to tear my boss to shreds, but opted to grin and bear it because I didn’t want to seem like an “aggressive black person” or a “sassy gay guy.” Thankfully, I feel confident in voicing my opinions now, but I think Jordan’s still stuck behind that smile. Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted in Avocado Toast The Series. Why is it important to continue sharing these types of stories today? It’s so important! There’s more to know about these topics today than ever before. There’s new information, new terminology... and it scares people! Shows like Avocado Toast the series shed light to these topics and show people that we’re all more similar than we are different, regardless

of who we are or how we identify, we all want the same things — to be loved, to have great friends, and to find success in our careers. What are some of your favourite millennial slang and why? It’s a tie between “shook” and “lit.” You can literally use them for anything and you can add things to them! Check it: Shooketh. Shaking and Quaking. Litty. Litmas. Lit-up. Lit like my soul. You’re welcome. What are some of your favorite baby boomer slang and why? I unfortunately use “take a chill pill” unironically. I’ve also just decided I’m going to start a campaign to get “neato” back on the map.

Actor Athena Reich plays Mrs. Peterson in Avocado Toast the series. Read the hilarious interview below as she speaks to why we need all forms of media to reflect that new reality and celebrate the new variations.

Why is the series titled Avocado Toast? (if you don’t know, take a guess!) The series is called Avocado Toast because millennials think they can change the world by eating healthy fats. And who knows, maybe they can. We have to let each generation give it a shot. For the boomers it was “Give Peace a Chance” and for millennials it’s “Give fats a chance”. Peace didn’t work out so well so why not try nutrition? No one knows anything, really. Let’s just throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. At least they are trying. Tell us about your story in Avocado Toast. What were the main challenges and fears you had in your role? My main fear is the same fear I have with every performance… that I suck and have no talent and will look like a fool. Luckily, I have enough training to realize every performer feels this way, on a regular basis.

Athena Reich

Otherwise, I love playing villains (well this character is a microvillain) because, I mean, just look at my face. I have this huge smile but when I don’t smile, I look very sad and traumatized. There’s no middle ground. So, it’s pretty easy for me to look really intense. And, as a mom to young kids, I know ‘those moms’ (heck sometimes even I am one of those moms) who are totally stressed and panicked about all the wrong things. Parenting today is insane, so I have empathy for Mrs. Peterson. Also, as an out queer woman, it’s fun to play a homophobe. Opposites are cool. How much of yourself goes into a character? It’s always a mix of me and memories of other people who are like the character. It’s very organic and it’s best when I don’t over think it, but

Mrs. Peterson 38

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just tap into that energy and channel someone I know who embodies the character. I’m not telling who I channeled for this, as she’s a friend of mine! But hey, if you aren’t stressed out as a parent, you are probably stoned. What aspects of Avocado Toast the series are you excited for an audience to experience or discover? I love how it conveys multiple generations and hope that this attracts a wide audience. But mainly I’m just happy if we can make people laugh. For me, personally, as a single mom of two young kids I can hardly tolerate watching anything that doesn’t provide comedic relief so I’m thrilled to help others release tension from their day in a way that doesn’t require Xanax. However, if you do use Xanax while watching this show, keep in mind you cannot drive for 24 hours afterwards so be sure to have a friend pick you up. Are baby boomers and millennials often having the same conversations but just using different words? Boomers said “We” but meant “I” and millennials say “I” but

mean “We”. Boy doesn’t that sound clever? Let’s ferment on that a bit. What makes baby boomers so awesome? They are so confident and anti-establishment! They never doubt themselves! They just let their babies cry in the cribs and babysit themselves after school while they drank scotch and went to the opera. They enjoyed life much more than my generation (the X’ers) ever did. Hey… why is Generation X not even mentioned in this show? Man, we are the lost generation. What makes millennials so wonderful? Millennials have the confidence to take as many personal days as they want from work even when they are not sick. They have the idealism to fly across the country for love. My generation (X’ers) were so afraid of recessions we always burrowed our noses in the sand and worked like dogs. On the other hand, we are awesome that way and can move mountains.

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Do you find it hurtful or funny when baby boomers refer to millennials as ‘snowflakes’ or when millennials dismiss baby boomer advice with a ‘Okay, boomer.’ I think boomers need to be put in their place. They are way too confident that everything they did was ‘right on’. I think millennials are way to ‘snowflakey’ and think they can change the world by feeling hurt all the time. While it’s good to express your feelings, sometimes it’s also important to try to understand what the other person is saying and intending, even if they aren’t up to speed with the latest politico-speak. I think my generation has it perfect. We embodied feminism by having hairy armpits and worked hard to build billion dollar start-ups. Ya’ll suck and my people rock. Sex, sexuality, gender and different kinds of relationships are depicted in Avocado Toast the series. Why is it important to continue sharing these types of stories today? Colonial North America was founded by mainly puritans who wanted to escape the ‘looseness’ of Europe. So,

we need to be reminded that sex is a good thing, even if it’s messy and imperfect. And, we are going through an incredible gender revolution at the moment. We need all forms of media to reflect that new reality and celebrate the new variations.

I want to be the host of a TV show about alternative families that celebrates family building in all its forms, from LGBT to IVF to fostering to sperm donors.

Who is a major influence for you and on your creativity?

I also perform as a Lady Gaga Impersonator. I do corporate events and have a show I created where Gaga is pregnant and wants to do a live onstage birth as performance art, as a gift to her fans. The show, “Lady Gaga: #artbirth” will be touring internationally in 2020.

My major influence is all the overwhelming emotions and thoughts in my head that need to get out. Is there a type of role you dream of playing but haven’t had the opportunity yet?

What’s next for you as a creator/actor/performer?

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Do you have interesting hobbies or a creative pursuit outside of acting? Tell us about it! Trying to practice ‘peaceful parenting’ (vomit) when my 4 year old tests me. Seriously though… a lot of energy does go into trying to be a good parent… Also, I am enjoying my 5 month old, and all the love/zen vibes that come along with a newborn. I’m also pathetically trying to figure out how OK Cupid works and trying to find love in the laziest way imaginable.

Actor Leighton Williams plays Dave in Avocado Toast the series. He believes that there are so many great stories out there that make us see ourselves, see our flaws, our strengths, and who we want to be.

Leighton Williams

Dave

With so much going on in the world today, what’s your motivation to be a performer? Do you act to explain? To get away? To move past? To widen our knowledge? To incite a conversation? I act for many reasons. Selfishly, I act to increase my empathy; I believe that having an abundance of empathy makes us better humans. As artist we sometimes have to defend the “legitimacy” of our craft, because at face value we’re just entertainers. Acting is not rocket science, or brain surgery; however, it does have the power to change minds and save lives, so I beg to differ. There are so many great stories out there that make us see ourselves, see our flaws, our strengths, and who we want to be. I want to be apart of that. Who is a major influence for you and/or your creativity? I know it’s such a cliche answer to say Meryl Streep...but she really is brilliant. I’ve always been drawn to the actors that seem to fully disappear within a character: Meryl

Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, etc. I also just watched the Laundromat on Netflix, and while I didn’t connect with the story, I connected with Meryl’s performance; she’s so nuance driven. Finding different character nuance, and breathing truth into that is what I aim to do in my work. How much were you able to relate your own experiences to create your character? And how much did you have to research or imagine? Embarrassingly enough, not a lot of research was required to create Dave. He’s a rich fuckboy, and I’ve had my fuckboy phase, I’d be lying if I told you otherwise. In his, well I guess “our” defence, our current dating landscape conditions men into being fuckboys....so... yeah. (<p.s- that was the most fuckboy thing I’ve ever said‍♂️) What are some of your favourite millennial slang and why? YOLO, which means: You only live once. I know it was birthed in a popular rap song by Drake, but it has the potential to be profound. Yolo can be used

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in a way that’s dismissive, or apathetic; but I like to think of it in a more positive light. You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough...so Yolo, bro. Is there a type of role you dream of playing but haven’t had the opportunity yet? I would love to be in a live action movie of a popular video game series. My favourite video game has always been Mortal Kombat, and I really think it would be a challenging and enriching experience to play the sorcerer Quan Chi. At face value, he’s quite onedimensional, a power hungry backstabber who grows tired of serving better men before him; however, I think there is room to humanize him. What’s next for you as a creator/actor/performer? I’m currently in Obsidian Theatre’s Playwrights unit, so I’m in the process of developing and publishing my first ever play! My production company BDB Productions Inc, is also in pre-production for a web-series written by Xavier DeGuzman, which I’ll be acting in as well. I’ll also be featured in Netflix’s Spinning Out in 2020.

Experience the Music of:

Niina Rosa Joe Jacobs Stacey Kay Colleen Dauncey & Julia Appleton Dayle McLead Memorecks

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