VERTIGO THEATRE welcomes new ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE KATHRYN SMITH
Vertigo Theatre is excited to introduce Kathryn Smith as the Artistic Associate for the company’s 2019/2020 season. Jenna Rodgers will return on a part-time basis as Associate Artistic Director. This marks the first season where Vertigo Theatre’s artistic staff expands to three, a landmark event in our company history.
Smith (pronouns: she/her, they/them) is a director, designer, and creator who has worked with companies across western Canada, including: Theatre Calgary, Downstage Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre, Calgary Opera, and Alberta Musical Theatre Company. In recent years, they have spent their time forming a strong bond with the Calgary theatre community, focusing on scenic and lighting design, music, composition, and most recently projects with a focus on social conversation and community engagement. They have been a co-facilitator/director for outreach productions such as SAFE SITE SESSIONS, THE BOTTLEPICKER MONOLOGUES (Downstage Theatre) and inVISIBLE, inVISIBLE: TOO (Handsome Alice Theatre). During the 2018/19 season, they had the distinct pleasure of being Lunchbox Theatres RBC Emerging Director, as well as creating the new musical BABA YAGA alongside Camille Pavlenko with AMTC.
Vertigo’s Artistic Director Craig Hall says, “I am very excited to welcome Kathryn to the Vertigo team. We received over 40 applications for the position from across the country, and interviewed some incredible candidates. Kathryn was chosen for their broad skillset, their passion for Calgary’s arts community, and their leadership potential. I look forward to working closely with them in executing our 19/20 season, and in laying the groundwork for future seasons”
“Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and bond with many artists in Calgary and gain an understanding of what drives us as a community.” says Smith. “I am inspired by the upcoming initiatives that Vertigo Theatre has to offer, and am entering into this position with clear eyes and an open heart.”
While at Vertigo Theatre, Kathryn’s responsibilities include artist coordination, outreach and education initiatives, and steering Vertigo Theatre’s new artistic development program, The Agency. Kathryn and Jenna will support Artistic Director Craig Hall with the programming Vertigo’s 2020/2021 season.
