#405 – Tahirih Vejdani

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Toronto-based performer, voice educator, and multidisciplinary artist Tahirih Vejdani. Born in Saint John, NB, and raised in Regina, Tahirih shares the inspiring and non-traditional journey that led her from classical music training in the Prairies to becoming a sought-after artist and educator in Canada’s theatre scene.

They discuss her early connection to choirs, her work as a singer and actor at Stratford Festival, and the founding of Ground Floor Team, an organization devoted to care-based rehearsal practices and conflict transformation in theatre. Tahirih also reflects on returning to school for vocal pedagogy and the evolving nature of her touring career. This episode explores:

• How classical music shaped Tahirih’s performance journey
• Transitioning from musician to actor in the world of Shakespeare
• The founding and mission of Ground Floor Team and the ARCS methodology
• Touring across Canada with Catalyst Theatre’s The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare
• Her return to school to complete a Master’s in Vocal Pedagogy
• Insights on fostering healthier rehearsal spaces in Canadian theatre

Guest: 🎭 Tahirih Vejdani

Tahirih Vejdani (she/her) is a Toronto-based performer, educator and multidisciplinary artist of Persian and South Indian heritage. With a career spanning over 15 years, she has worked extensively in theatre, music, and television, bringing a deep commitment to storytelling, collaboration, and equity in the arts.

As an actor and singer, Tahirih has performed on stages across Canada and internationally, including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Citadel Theatre, Grand Theatre, Globe Theatre, Factory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse Square and Timbre 4. She’s also toured with acclaimed vocal ensembles such as The Nathaniel Dett Chorale and The Elmer Iseler Singers. Her on-screen work includes appearances in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Kim’s Convenience.

In addition to her performance career, Tahirih is a passionate voice educator and choral conductor. She has taught voice at Sheridan College's Bachelor of Musical Theatre program and worked with choirs such as Echo Women’s Choir, Univox, and the Community Music Schools of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Regina and is currently completing a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy from The University of Essex and The Voice Study Centre.

Tahirih is also a co-founder of Ground Floor Team, an organization dedicated to improving working conditions for artists through mentorship, education, and facilitation. Her artistic practice is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and a drive to build supportive, care-centered spaces both on and off stage.

Connect with Tahirih: 🌐 Website: https://www.tahirihvejdani.com 📸 Instagram: @tahirihvejdani

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