December 18, 2020 (Edmonton, AB) – It is with great excitement that Concrete Theatre’s Board of Directors announces new artistic leadership for the company, after the departure of Mieko Ouchi as Artistic Director in November. They are thrilled to return once again to a Co-Artistic team leadership model, this time made up of two wonderful and multi-talented Edmonton based artists: Tracy Carroll and Corben Kushneryk.
Both come to the company with long term relationships already built with Concrete, including working previously with the company as directors, stage managers, performers, educators and facilitators.
In particular, Tracy Carroll is well known for her work across the city as a director and dramaturg, and her passionate focus on TYA and new play development. Her background includes work as Artistic Associate at the Citadel in charge of the ATCO KidsPlay @ The Citadel Series, as well as work as the Artistic Associate-North for APN. She currently co-helms Script Salon with Katherine Koller.
“I am thrilled and honoured to be joining Concrete Theatre as Co-Artistic Director with the amazingly talented Corben Kushneryk,” said Tracy. “With a relationship that goes back 20 years starting as a workshop facilitator, then director of the award-winning Lig & Bittle, creator of Concrete’s school residency program Acting Our Colours and writer of many a study guide, I’ve been a part of almost every aspect of Concrete over the years with the great support and encouragement of Mieko Ouchi and Caroline Howarth. I am humbled to be stepping in to a company with such a rich history of high quality Theatre for Young People, and look forward to continuing the development and presentation of new works for children and families.”
Corben Kushneryk is one of the city’s most exciting emerging director/producers, known for his work with his local indie company Impossible Mongoose who have developed and produced the critically acclaimed Prophecy, as well as featured roles as an actor and singer at theatres including the Citadel, the Arts Club, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Concrete Theatre and many others.
“I am absolutely delighted to return to Concrete Theatre, this time in the exciting new position of Co-Artistic Director! I couldn’t be happier to team up with the warm-hearted and sharp-minded Tracy Carroll, as we continue dreaming up relevant and engaging theatre for young audiences,” said Corben. “For Concrete, I’ve worn the hat of performer, facilitator, stage manager, and director, and each new experience has provided me an opportunity for personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the guidance of outgoing AD, Mieko Ouchi, and I am happy to have her join the ever-supportive Caroline Howarth as one of our Artistic Associates. As we continue to grapple with so many social and public health issues, I look forward to connecting with more world-class artists and helpers in our community.”
The Board and Staff at Concrete are absolutely thrilled to welcome Corben and Tracy to the Concrete Theatre family, and will be working alongside Mieko Ouchi on the transition of leadership over the upcoming few months.
Interview contact:
Tracy Carroll tracy@concretetheatre.ca
Corben Kushneryk corben@concretetheatre.ca