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A non profit organization
funded by:

In the early ‘90s, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council made a joint call for proposals to create an arts administration service to assist the independent theatre community. A number of committed individuals answered that call and STAF was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1992.

Our mission is to provide you, the artist, with tangible support services so that you are free to concentrate on what you care about most — your art.

We are a dedicated team of arts administrators who share a passion for the independent theatre community. Over the past 17 years we have come to thoroughly understand the many obstacles that artists face in bringing their work to audiences. There is a long list of administrative tasks to consider including funding, marketing, publicity, box office, and bookkeeping, all of which can compromise the valuable time and energy it takes to create and rehearse a show! That’s where we come in.

STAFF TEAM

 

Jackie McAlpine, General Manager has a thirty-year background in financial administration, most of those years assisting non-profit organizations to establish consistent administrative and financial systems. Jackie received a National Millennium Excellence Award in 2002, in recognition of many years of social justice work. A seasoned guitar player and graphic designer, she won a 2006 Director’s Award for Design Contribution to the City for her environmental design of community gateways, orphan spaces and green roofs.

Beth Horton, Client Service Manager has spent the past ten years immersed in the theatre and non-profit sectors. A graduate of George Brown Theatre School, Beth's professional experience as an actor led her to South Africa where she spent a year as a Project Manager for the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust. Upon her return she began part time studies in International Development at York University and shortly thereafter became the General Manager of Mixed Company Theatre. In Jan. 2007 Beth co-founded the World Playground Project, a non-profit organization that uses interactive arts activities to engage youth. Beth oversaw the implementation of projects in both Toronto and Cape Town.  
Erika Rueter, Publicist comes to STAF as a graduate from Queen's University where she completed her Bachelor of Music with Honours. Described as “one of the best publicists in the city” by a respected theatre critic, Erika has worked and volunteered at numerous arts organizations, building a strong background in arts administration and public relations. As a musician and performer, Erika relates directly to the client’s needs and has a working knowledge of the Canadian arts and entertainment scene.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This past year, STAF was pleased to welcome three new members to the Board of Directors, including Sara Meurling, one of the members of the steering committee that saw the launch of STAF. Their collective expertise rounds out this group of seven dedicated theatre professionals who provide regular guidance and leadership to the staff team. 

Sara Meurling, President (former General Mgr. of Young Center for the Performing Arts)
Jim LeFrançois, Past President (Producer of Topological Theatre; former Producer of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
Craig Morash, Treasurer (Director of Finance/Operations at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People)
Alan Dilworth, Secretary (Artistic Director of Belltower Theatre)
Mark Cassidy, Director (Artistic Co-Director of Threshold Theatre)
Kelly Thornton, Director (Artistic Director of Nightwood Theatre)
Sandra Lefrançois, Director (General Mgr. of Cahoots Theatre Projects; Dora Mavor Moore Awards Mgr.)

MISSION STATEMENT

Small Theatre Administrative Facility (STAF) supports the artistic vision of independent artists by providing affordable administrative, financial and marketing services with professionalism, passion, and respect.  STAF is unique. These essential support services allow artists to create and present their art, regardless of limited resources. We are committed to the long-term health and vitality of the independent theatre community.
Genral Management  |  Publicity & Marketing  |  Financial Administration  |  Grant Writing