Following a months-long search, Eastern Front Theatre (EFT) has announced it has found its next artistic leader in Halifax theatre-maker Kathryn (Kat) McCormack.
“Kat’s strong artistic vision, deep commitment to EFT’s mandate and to the Atlantic Canadian theatre community, and collaborative approach to leadership position her to build on EFT’s strong history and lead the organization into a new era,” says EFT board and search committee chair Karen Gross in a media release.
McCormack is no stranger to Eastern Front, having worked with the indie company several times over the years, including as a co-creator and performer of The Perfection of Man in 2013 and, most recently, on tiny, a co-production between Zuppa Theatre Co. and EFT. A Merritt-nominated performer, McCormack has co-created multiple shows with other companies, including Shakespeare by the Sea, and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.
As part of the selection process, McCormack proposed a season of activities for EFT, including its Micro Digital Creation Project, the first component in the company’s 2020-2021 season. The initiative will provide twenty commissions for Atlantic Canadian artists to create new digital works with dramaturgical and other support from McCormack.
“I feel so strongly about the talent and creativity of Atlantic Canadian theatre artists, and am very much looking forward to facilitating and supporting the creation of new and exciting Atlantic Canadian work,” says McCormack in the release. “There are many stories yet to be told.”