About The Legacy Project

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Our first show, Vol. 1, and our upcoming show, Vol. 2, are part of our commitment to community arts philanthropy in support of the remarkable Reena Foundation. The Reena Foundation raises funds to improve the lives of individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and diverse health needs. As the fundraising arm of Reena, we support transformational housing projects and vital programs including Day, Respite, and Employment initiatives that form part of the Legacy Project.  

Your support has made a significant impact, allowing us to fund important initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals supported by Reena. From Vol. 1, we proudly donated almost $65,000 to the Reena Foundation, enabling 60 Reena residents to participate in summer camp in 2025!  

To learn more about the Reena Foundation, visit www.reena.org.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Andrew Ball is a Toronto-based performer and musician, as well as a proud graduate of York University. He has taken on various roles in musical stage productions, including Roger in 'Rent' at the Lower Ossington Theatre, Joseph in 'Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat' at the Al Green Theatre, and in Stage West Calgary's popular music review '80's Solid Gold'. Andrew has showcased his talents internationally, performing in countries such as China, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates with Creativiva Inc. He has also toured with Nickelodeon's 'Paw Patrol Live' in Canada, France, and South Africa. Recently, he has been focusing on local creative opportunities, including musically directing shows for various companies, which aligns with his commitment to community arts philanthropy. Additionally, Andrew teaches piano and voice to students of all ages and imparts his knowledge of musical theatre at George Brown College, contributing to initiatives like the Legacy Project with the Reena Foundation.

CHOREOGRAPHERMarny Florence is a professional Choreographer and Host based out of Toronto. She has had incredible opportunities in the entertainment industry throughout her career thus far; from starring in Alessia Cara's "Scars to your Beautiful" music video, to opening for Prince Harry's "Invictus Games", to performing in the "MMVA's", to choreographing for "The Toronto Rock Cheerleaders", to Audience Coordinating at CTV as well as "Canada's Got Talent". Currently, Marny is co-hosting the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live United States tour, choreographing the production "The Little Mermaid" for Crestwood students, motivational speaking, and leading "Real Talk Community" weekly; a women's empowerment group. Her dedication to community arts philanthropy shines through as she continues to spark energy, inspire, and create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime! Marny is honored to be choreographing for The Legacy Project Vol. 1 and 2 and is proud to collaborate with the Reena Foundation in her efforts to uplift the community.

ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Herbie was so excited to return to the stage as a part of the Legacy Project, Vol. 1. Now, he is thrilled to join the leadership team as the Assistant Creative Director, contributing to community arts philanthropy through his role. He is the owner of Manhattan Trophies, an awards company based in Toronto. Before he became a trophy husband and father, Herbie graduated from the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. As the self-proclaimed 'Uta Hagen of children's theatre,' Herbie performed across Canada and the US with the Doodlebops and Strawberry Shortcake. Other favorite credits include Mark in Rent (Lower Ossington Theatre), AZ Mouse in Angelina Ballerina (Al Green Theatre), and Georg in Spring Awakening (LOT). With experience directing almost 30 shows, he can't wait to make some magic with The Legacy Project Vol. 2 and support the Reena Foundation.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Jeff is thrilled to join the Legacy Project Volume 2 Leadership Team as Technical Director for the 2026 Season—where he will gladly say... "Have you tried turning it on and off?" lol! Jeff has been involved both on and off stage since he was three years old, singing first with the Dell Family Singers touring North America, on Inside Track, a television show in the 80s, and in several major and minor theatrical productions since, including leads in Les Mis and Man of La Mancha. As a Television Producer and owner of Dell Video Productions, he understands the logistics of mounting a show and bringing a director's vision to life. With his experience in community arts philanthropy, Jeff knows that tech can make or break a performance, but when done right, it enhances the audience's experience—yet it should never overshadow the art. He brings his enthusiasm and expertise to this role and is looking forward to working with an amazing group of people for a wonderful cause, including the Reena Foundation.

STAGE MANAGER Andrea has been involved with 50+ productions in the Greater Toronto Area, predominantly as a stage manager. She has also produced, worked as a master carpenter/painter on multiple productions, sat on three executive boards for various groups, and has been onstage in five musicals and two straight plays. Andrea began her foray into the theatre world in 2002 when, on a whim, she auditioned for a production of Anne of Green Gables. At that time, it was unknown that this fun experience in the ensemble would lead to 20 years working in theatre in so many different capacities. While Andrea has enjoyed all her theatre experiences, it is stage management that has become her focus and where she thrives. She appreciates how her involvement in community arts philanthropy has enriched her life, as well as her contributions to the Legacy Project with the Reena Foundation. Andrea is grateful for all the experiences and friends that theatre has brought into her life. The support and understanding of those closest to her have helped her reach goals and expand her theatre journey beyond anything she could have imagined. She looks forward to the shows, the people, and the places that theatre has yet to bring into her life.

FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR Jennifer Small is thrilled to be part of the Legacy Project’s leadership team as fundraising director. Since 2021, Jennifer has been re-connecting with her artistic side and pursuing her lifelong passion for singing and dancing by engaging in community arts philanthropy through charitable fundraising shows such as Unsung Heroes Productions and 3starsconnect. Having studied classical Russian ballet and Royal Conservatory of Music piano throughout her youth and into her 20s, Jennifer has always had a deep love for the arts and music. Right after completing her undergraduate studies in Industrial Engineering, she showcased her talents during her travels in the South Pacific, South America, and the Caribbean while working for Club Med Cruises. Her goal-oriented upbringing and passion for leadership inspired her to pursue an MBA. For the past 23 years, she has served as President and CEO of Screenco, a multi-national manufacturing company that she continues to own and operate today. Jennifer is also a proud mom to four amazing kids, who, along with her supportive husband Allan, are her biggest fans. Additionally, she is involved with the Reena Foundation, further contributing to her commitment to the arts and philanthropy.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Jori is an authentic and forward-thinking leader with an impressive career journey that spans marketing, communications, employee engagement strategy, and change management. Known for her creativity, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, Jori is a skilled communicator and presenter, celebrated for her ability to craft compelling narratives and content that connect deeply with diverse audiences. With a commitment to fostering cultures of continuous improvement and high performance, Jori consistently brings energy and fresh perspectives that inspire those around her. Her passion for community arts philanthropy naturally drew her to The Legacy Project, where she is eager to contribute her communications expertise to this exciting initiative. Jori has recently been captivated by productions like Stratford’s Something Rotten and Mirvish’s & Juliet, yet she never tires of her favorites, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, and The Greatest Showman. If you spot her with AirPods in, she’s likely engrossed in a personal growth podcast, deep-diving into a true crime YouTube channel, or blasting the Spotify playlist she created with her teenage daughter, featuring a lively blend of Broadway hits, musical classics, and Disney anthems. Additionally, she has a strong interest in supporting initiatives like the Reena Foundation, which aligns with her dedication to community engagement.

PROPS MANAGER Back in the infancy stage of the Legacy Project, I was approached to be part of the executive production team in a props/costume role. Round two here I come! I am an amateur prop mistress by hobby and a multifaceted crafter. My most recent propping job was with the Scarborough Theatre Guild under the guidance of Heather Hyslop Lowe in their production of the Full Monty. This project, supporting the Reena Foundation, is especially important to me as I am Neurodiverse, proving that stigmas and barriers can be broken. I love live theatre as a patron, singing and performing in small roles, and from a backstage perspective, I am always willing to help out wherever and whenever needed. A big thank you goes out to Heather Lacey for introducing me to the world of propping and backstage work, and a special shout out to Andrea Wicken, Jeff Dell, Heather Hyslop Lowe, Caryn Ladovsky, Karen Hecker, my mentors and team who I have had the pleasure of working with in various roles and settings over the years. Thank you to my family and friends, and the Legacy Project Family for this meaningful opportunity that supports community arts philanthropy.