Trey Anthoy Visits CTS
By Yasmeen Finjan

It was my first week here at Central Technical School, along with countless other students, when we heard the news of a welcome back assembly. I was unsure as to what that would even consist of, being new to the school. Once we had all piled in the auditorium, we were introduced to a strong and vibrant woman named Trey Anthony. When Trey began to speak, she instantly captivated the entire audience. There was a very distinct spark to her personality and her presence that drew us in closer and allowed us to connect with each word.

Growing up in Brampton, Trey had dreamed of becoming an actor but felt discouraged her family. She was told that she couldn’t possibly be an actor because she didn’t fit the mold of how most actors looked, being both curvaceous and a woman of colour. Rather than internalize the pessimism, she continued to push onwards and got involved in the dramatic arts throughout high school. She was then able to get an internship at the Chris
Rock Show where she eventually became a writer.

However, this didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t easy. Trey would work just a little bit harder than the other interns and got better acquainted with the writers on the show. She told the students of CTS “don’t give up, go the extra mile.” This line has stuck with me and many other students because it felt like a whole new way of thinking. At school we’re always expected to do the work given to us, but those who truly stand out go above and beyond all their peers and are recognized for their dedication.

No matter how hard she looked, Anthony didn’t have much luck landing an acting role that she felt was at her level. All the roles that were offered to her were stereotypical and minor. She then decided that if she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she would make her own production.

Da Kink in My Hair, a play centralized around a Toronto hair salon, was her first production and was debuted in 2001 at the Toronto Fringe Festival. It was a big success and was later turned into a television production in 2007. It was the first television show to feature an all black cast on a major network on primetime.

The story of Trey Anthony’s path to success and her never stop fighting attitude both charmed and inspired those at CTS. When students were asked what they thought of the presentation, Alissa Saieva said, “I now feel like anything and everything is achievable.” “I was motivated to take charge of my life. Chelsie George replied, “Hearing it come from someone being real and honest with you, it makes you feel like you can do it yourself”.

Many speakers and inspirational figures enter our lives, some long enough to leave a lasting impression that we carry with us as we grow and tread in unfamiliar water. Trey Anthony is a truly unforgettable and influential figure of Canadian theatre. It’s quite easy to spot someone who has faced diversity and pushed toward his or her ultimate goal. They almost seem to glow when they speak to an audience. Trey has proved that sometimes when no one has your back, you have to motivate yourself and prove everyone wrong. Then you will truly earn the respect of those around you.