Isabella Shibuta

About Isabella Shibuta

Isabella Shibuta is a Japanese-Brazilian and Polish actor and writer based in Toronto, ON. Her recent acting credits include Designing Christmas (Discovery+) and a recurring role in Right Under My Roof (BellTV). She is an alumnae of the nationally lauded CBC Actors Conservatory at the Canadian Film Centre, where she wrote and starred in the short film Melanie and starred in the short film Gerry. A Theatre Performance alumna from George Brown College, Isabella wrote and starred in the play The Letters of Jane Austen during her studies and went on to work with established houses like Tarragon Theatre as an actor. Isabella is a graduate of Canterbury High School’s Drama program, where she developed an improv background (Winner – Connors Cup) and was selected to travel to Winnipeg with the Next Act Festival as one of their youngest performers.

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What Inspired you to pursue acting?

In kindergarten, they ask you what you want to be when you grow up. From a young age, I always knew what I wanted to be. A cashier. I proudly proclaimed this in a drawing and shared it with my parents. My parents humbled me. They let me know that cashiers make minimum wage and that I could become a cashier as soon as I was of legal working age. They encouraged me to aim higher and pick something that would bring me greater stability. So naturally, I chose acting. I continue to pursue acting because of how much it teaches me. I get to learn about all kinds of people and places and really get to know myself. I get to connect and share for a living, and it is the greatest honour.

What is your dream role?

I think that comedies can have the most heartfelt moments and dramas can have some of the best laughs. I want to take on a special role that gives us the whole range. Like Alexis in Schitt’s Creek, George in Feel Good, Rue in Euphoria or Janine in The Handmaid’s Tale. Or anything Emma Stone has done ever. Like Bella in Poor Things.