Mark Ferraro-Hauck, Executive Director
Mark (he/him) most recently led the merging of two theatres in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the largest arts mergers in the history of the region. The partnership brought together the theatre for young audiences programming of SteppingStone Theatre for Youth with the 40-year professional history of Park Square Theatre to create a “ Theatre for Life.” In addition to extensive administrative and producing experience, Mark comes to Theatre Nova Scotia with many years of work in youth development and arts education. He is passionate about providing young people and adults the opportunity to grow and discover their strengths and their world through the arts. Mark is also an experienced director and designer, with over 70 plays to his credit at both professional and educational theaters. Mark founded the Public Theater of Minnesota in 2010, a program focused on professional Shakespeare productions featuring young actors, and he was a founder and Executive Producing Director of the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota. In addition to his work in the arts, Mark spent 15 years as the principal designer and co-owner of a nationally (US) recognized residential and commercial remodeling firm, and is a graduate of the Organizational Coaching program at the University of British Columbia.
With this extensive and varied portfolio, Mark has a compassionate, community-driven approach to leadership, and a demonstrated ability to support our theatre community's growing needs. As Executive Director, Mark will be a strong voice and advocate for TNS members and the sector at large. "It's a pivotal moment for theatres and for the arts, and we really look forward to Mark leading us through at the helm of TNS," say the Co-Chairs.
Direct email: mferraro-hauck@theatrens.ca
Pamela Halstead, PERFORM! Coordinator
Pamela (she/her) is a director, dramaturg, actor, teacher and arts administrator. She has worked across Canada in a number of capacities. Having started her career training at Dalhousie University, she spent the next decade working primarily as an actor and teacher until focusing her path more towards directing, dramaturgy. During this time she apprenticed under numerous directors exploring a variety of processes including: Dean Gilmour, Bob White, David Kenney, Ruth Smillie, Ron Jenkins and Sarah Stanley.
As an arts administrator, Pamela was the Artistic Producer for Ship’s Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS) from 2004 – 2009 and the Artistic Director of Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary, AB) from 2009 – 2013, returning to that role in 2014 in an interim capacity. Between these two organizations she produced and/or directed over 60 new Canadian works and dramaturged many more. Pamela is co-founder and Co-Artistic Producer for DMV Theatre (Halifax, NS) and Artistic Advisor to Valley Summer Theatre (Wolfville, NS).
Pamela has taught at Forest Heights Community School (Chester Basin, NS), been a guest director and instructor at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS) and was the International Directing Consultant for Petersfield Arts School (Petersfield, UK). She ran Theatre New Brunswick’s Young Company and Youth Theatre Program (Fredericton, NB), has been a teacher and director for Quest Theatre’s Artist in Residency Program (Calgary, AB), instructed at the NS High School Drama Festival (Halifax, NS), expanded the drama camp program at Ship’s Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS) and created the Education Comes Alive Program at Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary, AB).
Pamela is a former Chair of Theatre Nova Scotia and has served on numerous other boards, juries and committees across Canada.
In 2013 Pamela was awarded the inaugural Evans Award at the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Awards. The Evans Award is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the vibrancy of the Calgary theatre community.
Direct email: coordinator@performns.ca
Chelsea Dickie, Interim Administrator
Chelsea Dickie (she/her) is a community-minded professional theatre producer, with a passion for drama education and mentorship!
Working as an arts manager and educator based out of Kjipuktuk/Halifax (originally from South Maitland, NS), Chelsea has worked all across Mi’kma’ki with different theatres, organizations, and schools of all sizes, and in a wide array of roles. Stage and production manager, arts administrator/manager, drama educator, outreach coordinator, and festival planner. She is also a founder and producer for her own indie theatre company Matchstick Theatre, which has staged 14 major productions since 2017, all of which Chelsea stage managed.
When not producing her own shows or planning festivals, Chelsea has been a go-to stage manager around Kjipuktuk/Halifax, having worked with such companies as Neptune Theatre, Nestuita’si Storytelling, 2b theatre, Villain’s Theatre, Workshirt Opera, Theatre New Brunswick, The Doppler Effect, and Festival Antigonish.
In her previous line of work as a high school Drama teacher, Chelsea developed a passion for outreach, education and mentorship for young artists entering the arts community. This led to her work for three years as the provincial coordinator of the Nova Scotia High School DramaFest, and as the Education Director of the Halifax Fringe Fest. She has also spent over a decade volunteering and contributing to boards around town, and is incredibly proud to sit as the Chair of the Board for the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op.
Chelsea is so excited to finally be a part of Theatre Nova Scotia team, and is ready to get to work to serve and uplift our provincial theatre community!
Direct email: chelsea@theatrens.ca
Jarod Monk, Communications & Membership Coordinator
Jarod Monk (He/Him) is passionate about theatre and the arts and is overjoyed to be joining the team at TNS. He is excited to meet many like-minded individuals throughout Nova Scotia's theatre community and build lifelong relationships.
A graduate of Mount Allison University, Jarod received a Bachelor of Arts in Drama with a minor in Religion. Upon graduation, he moved out to Halifax to begin pursuing a career in the arts. He has worked in various film, theatre, and commercial projects since moving to Halifax and loves everything he does.
Jarod is excited about helping Theatre Nova Scotia with their summer reactivation campaign and looks forward to all the adventures the summer will bring.
Direct Email: communications@theatrens.ca
Deepali Gupta, Marketing Associate
Deepali Gupta (She/Her) A Fine Arts graduate with a specialization in Applied Arts from Delhi University, she is truly passionate about bringing ideas to life through visual storytelling. With 15 years of experience in the field of design, she has lent her creative touch to IT companies, publishing houses, and numerous independent clients. Painting, movies, and theatre are another one of her interests.
If you were to ask her about her life philosophy, she would emphasize the importance of seeking out challenges, thinking innovatively when confronted with them, and enjoying the entire creative process.
Direct Email: deepalig@theatrens.ca
