Cat MacKeigan, Executive Director
Cat (they/them) has 15+ years of professional experience working within Canada’s arts and culture sector,including ongoing sector research, professional theatre practice, arts management, and postsecondary instruction on theatre, government relations, and the connection between culture and economic development. Cat’s work focuses on the creative sector, emphasizing the artist’s lived experience, incorporating an equity lens, and opportunities for strategic sector growth. Just some of Cat’s roles have included Director of External Relations at Strategic Arts Management, Economic and Arts-based Policy Researcher and Lecturer at Dalhousie University, Production Manager with multiple events and production companies, and Project Consultant for various arts-based and queer-focused performance groups throughout the province. Cat also regularly sits on regional and national arts peer juries, cultural boards, and advisory councils and presents on their work at regional, national, and international conferences. With a MPA and a PhD, Cat brings a novel perspective and renewed energy to conversations around arts management, public policy, and regional development.
Direct email: cmackeigan@theatrens.ca
Pamela Halstead, PERFORM! Coordinator
Pamela (she/her) is a director, dramaturg, actor, teacher and arts administrator. She has worked across Canada in a number of capacities. Having started her career training at Dalhousie University, she spent the next decade working primarily as an actor and teacher until focusing her path more towards directing, dramaturgy. During this time she apprenticed under numerous directors exploring a variety of processes including: Dean Gilmour, Bob White, David Kenney, Ruth Smillie, Ron Jenkins and Sarah Stanley.
As an arts administrator, Pamela was the Artistic Producer for Ship’s Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS) from 2004 – 2009 and the Artistic Director of Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary, AB) from 2009 – 2013, returning to that role in 2014 in an interim capacity. Between these two organizations she produced and/or directed over 60 new Canadian works and dramaturged many more. Pamela is co-founder and Co-Artistic Producer for DMV Theatre (Halifax, NS) and Artistic Advisor to Valley Summer Theatre (Wolfville, NS).
Pamela has taught at Forest Heights Community School (Chester Basin, NS), been a guest director and instructor at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS) and was the International Directing Consultant for Petersfield Arts School (Petersfield, UK). She ran Theatre New Brunswick’s Young Company and Youth Theatre Program (Fredericton, NB), has been a teacher and director for Quest Theatre’s Artist in Residency Program (Calgary, AB), instructed at the NS High School Drama Festival (Halifax, NS), expanded the drama camp program at Ship’s Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS) and created the Education Comes Alive Program at Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary, AB).
Pamela is a former Chair of Theatre Nova Scotia and has served on numerous other boards, juries and committees across Canada.
In 2013 Pamela was awarded the inaugural Evans Award at the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Awards. The Evans Award is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the vibrancy of the Calgary theatre community.
Direct email: coordinator@performns.ca
Avery Johnson, Communications Coordinator
Avery Johnson (She/Her) is an emerging designer who thrives working as part of a team with a common goal. Passionate about the power of visual communication, Avery is eager and driven to expand her abilities and understanding of this industry.
Avery is a student at Dalhousie University entering her final year in a BA in Stage Design and Technical Theatre. She is thrilled to be part of Theatre Nova Scotia and its mission to support local theatre, talent and emerging creators.
Direct email- ajohnson@theatrens.ca
Marcus Wong Jun Wei, Administrative Assistant
Marcus Wong Jun Wei (he/him) is a passionate individual who's thrilled to join the team. He is dedicated to helping build a stronger foundation for the local community through theatre, understanding the current business environment, and building lasting human relationships.
Marcus graduated from Acadia University in 2020 with a double major in Theatre Studies and History. Working as an actor and assistant director during his time at Acadia, he has also directed multiple shows both in Hong Kong and Canada. He is very interested in the expanding performing arts scene here in the province and is thrilled to be a part of Theatre Nova Scotia to support our local communities.
Direct email: mwong@theatrens.ca
