The Fools

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Kate Smith - Artistic Director

Kate Smith (she/her) is an award-winning theatre creator, director and performer. Kate holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre from Dalhousie University’s Acting Program. Directing credits include: The Understudies by Kate Smith with William Shakespeare (a Company of Fools), Beowulf in Afghanistan by Laurie Fyffe (Great Canadian Theatre Company), Macbeth by William Shakespeare (a Company of Fools), Machines and Moss by Sanita Fejzic (National Arts Centre), Deluge by Kate Smith and Scottie Irving (National Arts Centre), and Me, Vivien Leigh and the Roller Rink by Lucy van Oldenbarneveld (undercurrents festival), among others.

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Caity Smyck - General Manager

Caity Smyck (she/they) is a creator, actor, and director originally from Calgary, Alberta. She is currently based in Ottawa after completing her BFA in Acting at the University of Ottawa. She is the current Artistic Director of Skeleton Key Theatre, General Manager of a Company of Fools and the co-founder of Levity Theatre, an emerging non-men queer led theatre company. As a passionate advocate for the growth of independent theatre in Ottawa, she co-created and manages the Ottawa Arts Database, a free website to connect local arts workers, and where they can post opportunities and events.

An image of Sam eating hotdogs, one in each hand. He is finally happy.

Sam Woods (he/him) is a performer and arts marketer living in Ottawa. Sam has helped build and strengthen brands for SubDevision Ottawa, Fresh Meat Fest, and the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation. Sam takes his Fooling very seriously and strives to bring an air of Foolishness to all he does. One time he saw a turtle.

Sam Woods - Marketing & Communications Manager

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Michelle Gendron - Development Officer

Michelle Gendron (she/her) is an Ottawa-based musician and performer, and the Development Officer for a Company of Fools. When she isn't charming you with a song or convincing you to support the arts (you should totally donate today!) , she is sitting outside with a hot coffee and her cat. 

Our Board of Directors

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    Milana Karaganis

    BOARD CHAIR

  • A woman with white curly hair in a denim jacket and colorful scarf holds a bouquet of flowers while standing in a field of vibrant flowers.

    Jennifer Covert

    SECRETARY

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    Ewa Celinski

    MEMBER AT LARGE

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    Matt Conley

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Person with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a dark top, standing in front of a wooden cabinet.

    Laurie Fyffe

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Headshot of a woman with short, dark hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a navy blouse with ruffled collar and a dark maroon cardigan, against a plain green background.

    Christine Hecker

    MEMBER AT LARGE

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    Axandre Lemours

    MEMBER AT LARGE

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    Kathryn McLaren

    EX OFFICIO