ROYAL MTC APPOINTS KELLY THORNTON AS NEXT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Royal MTC’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Kelly Thornton as the new Artistic Director. With more than 25 years of professional theatre experience, including 17 years leading Nightwood Theatre in Toronto, Kelly will bring her artistic leadership to Royal MTC. Kelly will move to Winnipeg with her family and assume her new role in June 2019. Steven Schipper remains as Artistic Director until May 31, 2019.
Kelly Thornton, Artistic Director Designate: “I am so very honoured to join Royal MTC and to build upon Steven’s powerful legacy. As Canada’s oldest regional theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is deeply symbolic not only as a national institution but as a local treasure. Winnipeg is a beautiful city with a dedicated and intelligent audience base and a community of talented local artists, many of whom are my peers. As the leader of the largest theatrical institution in the province, I will be committed to creating a deep bond with the many stakeholders of Royal MTC, to nurture the talent, seed the next generation, and cultivate a personal and lasting relationship with the artists, audience and donors of the theatre. I look forward to setting the course for the future of Royal MTC, and to bringing powerful and representative programming to our stage. I am thrilled to join Camilla, and the amazing Staff and Board in this immensely exciting position.”
“I’ve long admired Kelly’s dynamic leadership as Artistic Director of Nightwood Theatre. I know she will honour Royal MTC’s essential values of quality and balance, while charting a bright new course for the future. I look forward to a smooth transition, and to introducing her to the artists, audience members and stakeholders who have made my tenure such a joy,” said Steven Schipper, Artistic Director.
Executive Director Camilla Holland is excited to welcome Kelly to her new role. “Kelly and I started our professional careers in Toronto around the same time, and I have always been in awe of her talent, determination and drive. In her championing of new plays at Nightwood, Kelly has been a voice of empowerment. I know she has the skills, sensitivity and smarts to lead this theatre. After my good fortune of working alongside Steven for eight years, I look forward to partnering with Kelly, and helping ensure that Royal MTC, and indeed Manitoba, embraces her in her new role.”
For more info: http://royalmtc.ca/About/Artistic-Director-(1).aspx
