Chelsea Dickie (she/her) – Chair
Chelsea Dickie is a multifaceted arts manager and educator based out of Kjipuktuk/Halifax (originally from South Maitland, NS).
Chelsea works all across Mi’kma’ki with different theatre companies in a wide array of roles. Stage and production manager, arts administrator/manager, drama educator, and outreach coordinator. 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, Chelsea has been a go-to stage manager around Kjipuktuk/Halifax, having worked with such companies as 2b theatre, Neptune Theatre, Nestuita’si Storytelling, 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.
Chelsea has also spent over a decade volunteering and contributing to boards and committees around town, and is incredibly grateful and proud to have sat as the previous chair of the board for the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op. She is thankful to be back, and feels incredibly energized at what lies ahead for this beautiful co-op!
Mo Phùng (they/them) – Secretary
Mo is a photographer and visual artist based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). Born in Kespukwitk (Yarmouth), they hold a complex institutional and creative background in Marine Biology, Ocean Technology, visual arts, and photography. They currently work as an Alchemist of Ancestral Services at Future Ancestors Services Inc., providing consulting, strategic planning, policy auditing and organizational training services. Their creative work processes extend into documentary portraiture, archival exploration, on land/underwater film photography.
Allison Watkins (she/her) – Treasurer
Allison Watkins is a senior accountant with Grant Thornton. She graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and completed her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation a few years later. Throughout high school and university she was an avid ballet dancer. During her time in Calgary she continued to be involved in the dance community by volunteering at a dance studio for autistic children. Since moving to Halifax in 2019, Allison has enjoyed supporting the local arts community and is excited to combine two of her passions…numbers and the arts!
Koumbie (she/they)
Koumbie is an award winning actor, director, writer and producer based in Kjipuktuk/ Halifax, Nova Scotia. In front of the camera they have appeared in a number of local productions with reoccurring roles on shows including YTV’s Aquateam, CBC’s Mr. D, Studio Black, Diggstown, Moonshine, and the final season of Outtv’s Sex & Violence. Since going behind the camera, Koumbie has directed a number of award winning short films, including the Short Film Face-Off winner Hustle & Heart, a 1k wave film, Ariyah & Tristan’s Inevitable Break-Up, and an episode of Studio Black S2. In 2016 she was named a “One to Watch” by Sea in Be Scene, in 2018 she was selected as a Five in Focus – Atlantic director and in the same year won a Telefilm Talent to Watch grant. In 2022 Koumbie received a Wave Award for their dedication to the industry and was named by Atlantic Business as one of their top 30 under 30. As an advocate and community member she serves as Vice President on ACTRA Maritimes Council, chair of WIFT-Atlantic and on numerous other boards and committees. Their passion for equity, safety and inclusion has also led them to become one of the first Intimacy Coordinators in Atlantic Canada. Her feature film bystanders recently premiered at Atlantic International Film Festival where is took home The Best Atlantic Script Award. Koumbie is drawn to stories that feature new voices and perspectives.
Keith Morrison (he/him)
Keith Morrison is a Co-instigator and the Show Pope of Lions Den Theatre. He is a graduate of Cape Breton University (BA, Certificates in Theatre Arts & Heritage Studies) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.Ed). Keith has worn many artistic hats with several companies and organizations since 1991 when he skipped a tennis lesson in favour of a drama class. Over the past few years, he’s focused on creating digital audio content with Lions Den Audio Theatre and collaborators throughout the world. Keith is a firm supporter of making “the arts” extremely accessible to all who want to experience it. “Anyone can do it, anywhere can be a space, anything can be art.”
Cat MacKeigan (they/them)
Dr. Cat MacKeigan is Faculty for the graduate Non-Profit Leadership program in the School of Business and Creative Industries at NSCC and an experienced arts management and cultural policy expert with leadership experience in performing arts and public sector organizations in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. They hold a BA(H) from Bishop’s University, an MPA and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from Dalhousie University, and have taught on themes such as leadership, management, cultural policy, and creative industry at several universities. They also serve as a consultant, board director, and advisor to various non-profit organizations and governing bodies. Cat’s areas of expertise include organizational management, public policy, arts and events management, institutional relations, and equity and inclusion practices. They have presented their research at national and international conferences, highlighting the interplay between the creative sector, government policy, and civil society. In their free time, Cat enjoys hiking and participating in canine agility sports.
Jason Edwards (he/him)
Jason is a Halifax/Kjipuktuk lawyer practicing in the areas of labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. He primarily represents employees and unions, though he also represents some employers, mostly not-for-profits and small businesses. In his not-for-profit practice, Jason provides advice and representation to societies on matters such as organizational governance, policy development, and employment. Jason is a founding member of the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre and coordinates its legal information and support clinics. He enjoys live theatre, comedy, and all the performing arts.