A not-for-profit organization
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Proud Member of:
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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.
STAF TEAM
Kate McConnell, Executive Director is a professional arts manager dedicated to providing increased resources and opportunities for the theatre community. Prior to joining the STAF team, she worked with the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) in various administrative positions related to marketing and audience growth. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Bishop’s University and a post-grad certificate in Arts Administration / Cultural Management from Humber College.
Jennifer Halliday, Financial Administrator brings to STAF a fifteen-year background in financial administration, successfully managing hundreds of clients while maintaining personable accessibility. Writing lyrics/poetry and playing acoustic drums as a hobby, Jennifer understands the motivating nature of the arts and enjoys helping the independent theatre community reach their financial goals.
Emma Mackenzie Hillier, Grant Writer is thrilled to join the STAF team again, having previously worked with STAF as an administrative assistant, then mentored in grant writing by Beth Horton. Also an actor, aspiring director and playwright, Emma has an intimate understanding of the pressures of fundraising, and brings this knowledge to every client relationship.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAF's Board of Directors, a collective of dedicated Toronto theatre professionals, provides regular guidance and leadership to the STAF team.
Sara Meurling, President (Managing Director of Factory Theatre)
Camilla Holland, Treasurer (General Manager of Tarragon Theatre)
Alan Dilworth, Secretary (Artistic Director of Belltower Theatre)
Mark Cassidy, Director (Artistic Co-Director of Threshold Theatre)
Sandra Lefrançois, Director (General Mgr. of Cahoots Theatre Projects; Dora Mavor Moore Awards Mgr.)