Company’s artistic associate/administrator, this summer’s “Torchlight Shakespeare” director to take the reins of long-running theatre org
Apr. 11, 2019
A familiar face will take the helm at a Company of Fools, Ottawa’s longest-standing Shakespearean theatre company announced today.
After a highly competitive search process, the Company’s artistic associate/administrator Nicholas Leno has been appointed interim artistic director.
Leno takes the spot vacated this past January by former artistic director and longtime Fools contributor Catriona Leger. Leger will work with Leno as an artistic consultant as he directs this summer’s Torchlight Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet, as previously announced.
“This is an organization that I hold very closely to my heart,” says Leno. “I’ve seen first hand the impact it has on communities by bringing people together to experience theatre in their own neighbourhood.”
“We are thrilled to have found our interim artistic director in our own backyard,” says Kathryn McLaren, chair of the Fools’ Board of Directors. “Nick knows this organization inside out, and he’s earned this position. We’re looking forward to seeing his work over the next nine months.”
Leno first collaborated with the Fools as assistant director of the highly popular Torchlight Shakespeare production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream in 2017. A graduate of the MFA Theatre Directing program at the University of Ottawa, Leno has since been a fundamental figure behind-the-scenes with the Company as artistic associate/administrator.
“I’ve worked with the Fools for the past two seasons to ensure that our art form is accessible to all patrons, regardless of where they live or how much income they have.” Leno says. “I’m both honoured and excited to take on the responsibilities associated with this new position.”
Leno also brings extensive experience in Ottawa’s theatre community to the role, having staged plays for the Undercurrents Festival, the Ottawa Storytellers, Ramshackle Theatre in collaboration with the National Arts Centre, and currently co-producing the Fresh Meat Festival.
Leno’s interim term will end this January, when the Fools plan to hire a permanent artistic director.
