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Western Canada Theatre has a new executive director.
In a news release, the Kamloops-based theatre company announced Leslie Biles, who most recently held the position of vice-president of operations for Calgary’s Art Commons, was hired after an extensive national search.
Biles joined the WCT team on Monday.
WCT board president Beverley DeSantis said Biles brings “an abundance of experience, commitment and vision” to the role.
“We know that the organization will thrive and evolve under her experienced leadership and collaborative stewardship,” DeSantis said in the release.
According to WTC, Biles has management experience, a passion for business and the arts and a vast knowledge of theatre production, having worked in the industry for over two decades.
During her tenure at Arts Commons in Calgary, Biles led a team responsible for venue booking and sales, client and patron services, production, facilities and security.
As the previous general manager of Calgary’s Lunchbox Theatre, Biles raised $1.6 million and oversaw the development of a new theatre facility.
Biles said she is “delighted” to join James MacDonald, WCT’s artistic director, as the theatre company implements its new strategic plan.
“WCT has a reputation for being a dynamic, inclusive and sustainable company with a strong track record of creating outstanding new Indigenous and Canadian works. I am eager to build on these successes and advance the next phase of growth,” Biles said in a statement.
“As we come out of these challenging times, I very much look forward to championing the relationship between arts, culture and community and helping to contribute to the great quality of life in Kamloops.”
MacDonald said the team at WCT is excited to welcome Biles, who he described as a passionate arts leader who will help the theatre company launch its strategic plan.
“I look forward to working with Leslie as my leadership partner, and I know she will be a terrific addition to WCT, to the Kamloops arts community, and to our city,” MacDonald said.
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