Gideon Arthurs is named CEO of the National Theatre School of Canada

MONTREAL, June 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The President of the Board of Directors of the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS), Bernard Amyot, is pleased to announce today that Gideon Arthurs has been named Chief Executive Officer of the School. Currently Managing Director of the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, Mr Arthurs will assume his position as of August 4, 2014. He will become the 10^th leader of the NTS and will take over from Simon Brault, who has held the position for the past 17 years.

"Gideon Arthurs's track record is very well suited to manage the NTS. Active in Toronto for a number of years, in institutional as well as independent theatre, he has acquired a reputation as an open, resourceful and disciplined manager. His commitment towards new play development and his desire to promote the role of theatre in society are in line with the School's strategic plan — Horizon 2020 —, which was launched last November," declared Bernard Amyot. Mr Amyot presided over the selection committee, composed of members of the School's Board of Directors and an external advisor.

"I am honoured and delighted to be joining the National Theatre School and to be part of the important conversation about the future of theatre in Canada. For over 50 years, the NTS has been training extraordinary artists who contribute in many ways to the theatre sector — they form the bedrock of one of the most vibrant artistic communities in the world. Thanks to a forward-thinking strategic plan put in place by Simon Brault and the Board of Directors, the School is prepared to equip artists to take on the changes that are happening all across the country in both English and French theatre," said Gideon Arthurs.

GIDEON ARTHURS
Born in Toronto, Gideon Arthurs, who is bilingual, has over 10 years of experience as a theatre producer. He has led many important theatre institutions, like the Tarragon Theatre and the Toronto Fringe Festival. At the Toronto Fringe, he was responsible for greatly increasing attendance and launching The Creation Lab, a subsidized space for independent artists.

He is currently the Interim President of STAF (Small Theatre Administrative Facility) and the Vice-President and Chair of the Audience Working Group at TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts). He is also an active member of PACT (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres).

THE NATIONAL THEATRE SCHOOL OF CANADA
Since 1960, the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) has been recognized as a leading institution for anyone wishing to pursue a career as a playwright, director, actor, set and costume designer, or production professional. The NTS is unique: it offers high-level training programs in all aspects of the theatre arts, in both French and English. Many of its 2,000 graduates are among the country's most active and versatile artists and designers.

Image with caption: "Gideon Arthurs. (CNW Group/Ecole nationale de théâtre du Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140618_C3885_PHOTO_EN_3739.jpg

SOURCE: Ecole nationale de théâtre du Canada

Stéphanie Brody, Publicist and Outreach Manager, 514-842-7954, ext. 165, [email protected]