GCTC announces appointment of Hugh Neilson as Managing Director, effective October 2014

The Great Canadian Theatre Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Neilson as the company’s new Managing Director, effective October 2014. Mr. Neilson is currently General Manager of Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, he also attended Lisgar Collegiate before breaking into Ottawa’s arts scene as a performer – notably on the improv comedy circuit. A founder of the Canadian Improv Games, Mr. Neilson continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the association. He takes over the reins at GCTC from Nancy Oakley who served as General Manager for nine years.  Along with managing financials, human resources, core operations and governance, Ms. Oakley led GCTC’s move from its Gladstone facility to the new Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre on Wellington Street. Mr. Neilson is a senior arts administrator who has worked with Theatre Passe Muraille, Young People’s Theatre, and as Deputy Director for the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). He continues to serve on PACT’s Board of Directors as Chair of its Labour Relations Committee. The Chair of GCTC’s Board of Directors, Nhanci Wright, is looking forward to working with him as GCTC celebrates its 40th anniversary: “Nancy Oakley led GCTC through a period of incredible transformation and we are looking forward to working with Mr. Neilson as he leads us into our fifth decade”. No stranger to Ottawa’s theatre community, Mr. Neilson’s relationship with GCTC dates back to 1992. Reflecting on his upcoming return to Ottawa, he says, “I am very happy to be joining the passionate board and staff of GCTC as this company embarks on its next 40 years. I am also excited to be returning to the city and people who were so very influential in the early years of my career in the arts The Great Canadian Theatre Company opens its 40th Anniversary Season on September 18, 2014 with the world premiere of by Emil Sher, based on the book by Ian Brown. About the Great Canadian Theatre Company:  GCTC is celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season in 2014 – 2015.  GCTC has developed from a small group of five people who joined together at Carleton University with little more than an idea, to become a vibrant independent professional theatre company.   GCTC is committed to the production of new Canadian work and artist development. We continue to commission and workshop new plays by emerging and established playwrights. We mentor emerging companies and artists through our undercurrents festival, masterclasses, and internships. MEDIA CONTACT: Sheilagh D’Arcy McGee Media Relations, GCTC media@gctc.ca 819-827-7443