Ship’s Company Theatre Announces New Artistic Producer
Ship's Company Theatre
Matthew Tiffin
PARRSBORO, NS - Ship’s Company Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Tiffin as the next Artistic Producer, following a national competition.
“Our Selection Committee was overwhelmed by the volume and caliber of applicants that applied for the position,” says David Beattie, Chair of Ship's Company Theatre. “There were a number of candidates who could have successfully steered Ship’s Company on the next stage of the journey, but after careful consideration the unanimous choice was Matthew Tiffin.”
Matthew Tiffin is a director, author, and actor, hailing originally from Ottawa. He has trained and worked in New York, London, Edinburgh, Montreal, Quebec City, Stratford and Toronto. He has staged many award-winning productions, including The Tempest; Critic;the five-hour saga, Kali Yuga; Christofer’s Story and Rhinoceros, among others. While at the Stratford Festival, he was Assistant Director for The Merchant of Venice, and Pentecost. His first book, The Actor’s Guide to Performing Shakespeare, is sold internationally, and is used in universities and drama schools. As an actor, Tiffin has appeared in film and television roles, including Tripping the Wire; 15/Love; The Day After Tomorrow; Terry; Audrey Hepburn, and Heart: The Marilyn Bell Story. He is a graduate of the Stella Adler Conservatory, the London Academy of Performing Arts, and the Birmingham Conservatory at the Stratford Festival. Tiffin has won several awards for his work, including two Montreal English Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Director.
Tiffin will be on hand at Ship’s Company Theatre on July 3rd to meet and greet the community as the season launches with the opening of Ivor Johnson’s Neighbours. The transition of leadership will happen in the fall with Tiffin spending time acclimatizing with outgoing Artistic Producer, Pamela Halstead, and taking over the helm officially in November. He will take up residence in Parrsboro in January 2010.
Of his appointment Tiffin comments, “I feel very blessed and am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Ship’s Company Theatre has an important and inspiring legacy, and I’m committed to continuing Pam’s extraordinary work. I look forward to serving the people of Parrsboro and Cumberland County, and am honoured to be able to work with the great artists of Nova Scotia.”
Ship’s Company Theatre is committed to the development and production of new Canadian work with an emphasis on Atlantic Canadian stories and artists. In 2009, Ship’s Company will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary, with the last six seasons under the artistic leadership of Pamela Halstead. During her tenure, Ship’s Company Theatre produced a record number of World Premiere productions, and expanded the season through September to include an increased offering of theatre, concerts, drama camps and reading series.
“We have been very pleased with Pam's leadership and artistic direction over the past six years, and will be sad to see her leave.” said Beattie. “Pam has continued the tradition of excellence at Ship's Company Theatre and she leaves us stronger than ever as we head into the future. We wish Pam great success with her new endeavors, and welcome Matthew and look forward to introducing him to Parrsboro”.
