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Announcements

Theatre Direct announces the appointment of Lisa Marie DiLiberto as Artistic Director

The Board of Directors of Theatre Direct is pleased to announce the appointment of respected theatre maker, arts educator, producer, and community arts facilitator, Lisa Marie DiLiberto as its next artistic leader.

Lisa Marie is the founding Artistic Director of FIXT POINT Arts and Media and co-creator of The Tale of a Town, a site-specific theatre project developed in collaboration with the National Arts Centre. This multi-year initiative has toured to every province and territory in Canada and has inspired FIXT POINT’s animated series for TVO now airing its second season. Ms. DiLiberto is currently completing her graduate studies in Theatre and Performance Studies at York University, and on faculty at Centennial College where she teaches Clown and Acting. Past posts include Playwright-in-Residence at Theatre Passe Muraille, Associate Artistic Director at Jumblies Theatre and Education and Audience Development Coordinator at Canadian Stage. Lisa Marie is a graduate of George Brown Theatre School and École Philippe Gaulier in Paris, France.

Lisa Marie DiLiberto, Artistic Director Designate says:

“I am so honoured to be following in the footsteps of Lynda Hill, a brave, bold and innovative theatre artist whose reputation of being open, generous, inclusive and entrepreneurial precedes her. I only hope that I can leave such an inspiring legacy. As a mother and theatre artist, I know firsthand the transformative power theatre can play in young people’s lives. I look forward to leading Theatre Direct in the development of new forms, the creation of  innovative models of engagement, and igniting youth across the country through digital storytelling.”

Ms. DiLiberto will take the helm of Theatre Direct in January 2019 and collaborate with current Artistic and Executive Director Lynda Hill in the development of the company’s 2019/2020 season before Ms. Hill moves over to lead the company’s growing WeeFestival of Theatre and Culture for Early Years in March of 2019.

Fanny Martin, Chair of Theatre Direct’s Board of Directors says this about the announcement:

“We’re delighted that Lisa Marie is bringing her inspiring vision and energy to Theatre Direct to continue the company’s long tradition of pushing the boundaries of Theatre for Young People while setting the course for new and innovative approaches to touring and presentation models. We are so grateful to Lynda for her unwavering leadership that has seen the company grow and innovate in an ever-changing social and policy context, and we’re excited to see where she will take the company’s groundbreaking WeeFestival.”

Artistic and Executive Director Lynda Hill says:

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the appointment of Lisa Marie. Her boundless energy and passionate belief in theatre as a force for change and empowerment for young people is inspiring. I look forward to working closely with her over the coming months!”

About Theatre Direct

Now, in its 42nd season, Theatre Direct Canada is one of the Country’s leading theatres for young audiences whose award-winning productions have reached audiences in schools and theatres across Canada and overseas. Theatre Direct’s work has been recognized with multiple Dora Mavor Moore Awards and nominations as well as 10 Chalmers Canadian Play Awards, and the Canada Council Theatre for Young Audiences Prize. In addition to its extensive history of producing and touring theatre for school aged children and youth, Theatre Direct launched the international WeeFestival of Theatre and Culture for Early Years in 20014. In 2019, the festival will move from a biennial to an annual event.