THE ENSEMBLE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Andrew Ritchie (he/him) is a director, theatre maker, and teacher born and raised on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwaciwaskahikan (Edmonton). He has directed across Turtle Island (North America) and his work has ranged from new Canadian plays, immersive, mask, clown, theatre for young audience, western classical canon, and improvisational. He has a MFA in Directing & Creation from York University, a BA in Drama from the University of Alberta, and is a graduate of the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre program. He is a co-founder of Thou Art Here Theatre, an ensemble member with Rapid Fire Theatre, and Program Coordinator with Theatre Alberta. Previously he was the Sandbox Series Coordinator & Theatre School Director at Globe Theatre in Regina, and festival director of Common Ground Arts’ Found Festival. Learn more about him and his upcoming projects at www.andrewritchie.net

ARTISTIC COUNCIL

Alyson is an Edmonton based producer/artist and graduate of the BFA Acting class of 2012 at the University of Alberta. She is a founding member of Girl Brain Sketch Comedy and is proud to write and perform with a troupe that celebrates and promotes the strength of women. Alyson is also a producer with Punctuate! Theatre and Kids Fringe Coordinator at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. Previously she was the Volunteer Coordinator & Administrative Assistsant for the multidisciplinary arts festival featuring women-identifying and non-binary artists, SkirtsAFire. Alyson believes strongly in encouraging young women to take on leadership roles, set and achieve goals, and develop confidence in their voices and abilities.

Neil is an Edmonton artist, born & bred, and holds a B.F.A in Acting, and a BEd in Drama from the University of Alberta where he received the Universiade ’83 and Poole Awards for excellence in Fine Arts. He now proudly teaches at Victoria School of the Arts in the theatre department. Previously Neil was the Citadel’s Artistic Associate for Education & Outreach and a faculty member for the Young Companies. Neil has been lucky to work with many theatre companies across the province and feels blessed by the community that surrounds him in Edmonton. Co-founder of Thou Art Here, he is proud of the team for all the accomplishments in the past 12 years.

Mark is a theatre artist and teacher in Edmonton, AB. He loves to develop new works and has a passion for clown, physical comedy, and improv – all of which he has performed and trained internationally. Mark has been performing musical improv shows with The 11 O’Clock number since and has worked with Thou Art Here Theatre as an artist and creator since 2012. Mark has created original physical comedy/clown pieces for a number of companies including: Thou Art Here Theatre, Freewill Shakespeare, Fort Edmonton Park, Nextfest, Kaliedo Festival, Trickster Theatre, and Play the Fool. A performer turned high school drama teacher, Mark helps direct the school’s 60‐person yearly musical, 3 improv teams, one‐act festivals ‐ school, cities, and provincials, and the Cappies program. Mark trained at the University of Alberta and at Dell Arte International.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS