THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

*Steven Thomas (Artistic Director and Resident Stage Director)

Steven Thomas will pass his forty-third year milestone in theatre. Since 1964, he has worked at the professional level in dramatic theatre, opera and musical theatre as an actor, stage manager, production manager, administrator and as a director. He has worked with companies as the National Arts Centre, Canadian Opera Company, Calgary Opera, Edmonton Opera and Banff Festival. Acclaimed for his work in Canada, Steven has enjoyed a successful international career in the USA, Italy, Germany, Spain and Great Britain. As the founding Artistic Director and General Manager of Opera Hamilton through a seven-year tenure, he produced twenty-one operas for television which garnered national and international awards for excellence in television production. Mr. Thomas was appointed Artistic Director of Theatre Collingwood in the fall of 1997.

Irene Thomas (Executive Producer, General Manager)

With over 30 years professional experience in the live entertainment industry, Irene has contributed to major cultural organizations such as the Ontario Arts Council Touring Office, Hart/Murdoch Artists Management and Canada Council Touring Office. For the decade 1980-90, Irene managed the COC Ensemble, a one million dollar young artist training program of the Canadian Opera Company. Responsible for community and school tours, concert engagements and symphony orchestra appearances, she was a leader in developing "community residency" visits. Since 1997, Irene's efforts have been dedicated to rebuilding the marketing, box office and general administrative infastructure of Theatre Collingwood.

Marian Russell (Box Office Manager, Database Manager)

Mrs. Russell has enjoyed a 34 year career as a High School teacher qualified to teach French, English, Phys. Ed. and Typing. In partnership with her husband, she has administered and taught a Cruising Sailing School, has operated a Cross Country Ski Business and a park for the Ministry of Natural Resources. A founding member of the Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts, she served on their board as Chairman of the Performing Arts Committee. Marian has been the glue that holds Theatre Collingwood’s administration together for the past ten seasons. We love you Marian!

 

Mary Beth Sharpe (Bookkeeper)

Mary Beth has managed her own bookkeeping business for eighteen years, representing a variety of clients in Toronto. Having spent many years as “weekenders”, Mary Beth and her husband Peter left their sons in Toronto to retire and become full time residents of the Town of the Blue Mountains in May 2006. Both Mary Beth and Peter now give back to their new community by volunteering for Theatre Collingwood, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Meals on Wheels and several social clubs. Mrs. Sharpe has just accepted the responsibility of Chair for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Monica Wilson (Box Office Assistant)

Monica, the newest member of the box office staff, is a retired secondary school teacher (English & Library) and mother of three adult children. Monica has had a life-long interest in the Arts. As a member of the Collingwood Collegiate staff for 34 years, she has taken part in several stage productions, most recently “Grease”. In the past, Monica has been aCub Leader, Collingwood Public Library trustee and Western Line Dance Instructor. Her current volunteer activity is administration of Chow Rescue Ontario. A subscriber for many summer seasons, it is a thrill for Monica to join the Theatre Collingwood team.

Deb Piggott (Development Manager)

The newest member of our team, Deb brings more than 20 years experience in administration, marketing, project coordination and management, and most recently fundraising for not-for-profit organizations. Since moving from Vancouver 11 years ago, Deb immersed herself into the community volunteering as president of Mountain View Elementary School and then joining Parent Council at Jean Vanier High School where she lead committees and organized many events.  Deb helped raise significant dollars in our community for youth initiatives with the Blue Mountain Village Foundation and the YMCA. Deb looks forward to working with our theatre community and feels we should all “Put more PLAY in our lives”.