The Board of Directors of Original Kids Theatre Company has announced that after the exemplary display of leadership and management in his interim role as acting Artistic Director, Mr. Andrew Tribe has been appointed Artistic Director of the Company for a fixed term of not less than five years.
"The Board consulted with staff and reflected on the possibility of advertising the position for public application, but after Andrew's performance and achievements during this currrent season, we collectively decided that the interests of the Company and its Members will be best served by making Andrew's appointment permanent," said Original Kids Board chair Harj Mann.
"Andrew's energy has reinvigorated the Company and improvements in show quality, success and participation, general communication and internal process are already apparent. We're pleased to formally welcome Andrew to the Company."
Tribe was named interim Artistic Director for the 2012-2013 season on Sept. 14, 2012.
A London native and longtime Original Kids cast member, Tribe is a graduate of the University of Toronto/Sheridan College Theatre & Drama Studies Program and holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Western University.
He was an Original Kids main cast member for eight years beginning in 1998, when OKTC operated at Museum London, and attended 14 summers at Camp OK as camper, counselor, artistic staff and administration. Last year, he served as the camp's Leadership Coordinator.
This current season, Tribe directed productions of "How to Succeed in Business...Without Really Trying" and Monty Python's "Spamalot." He will direct the company's annual Alumni Show, a production of Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q," running June 20-29 at the Spriet Family Theatre in Covent Garden Market. He also recently directed "Spring Awakening" and "13, the Musical" for Original Kids.
"Original Kids made a significant contribution to my life, not only as an artist but as an individual; a place where I made some of my closest friends who I am still connected to," said Tribe.
"Now, 15 years after first starting with Original Kids, I look forward to sharing these experience with the next generation of young people and through the arts, foster creativity, confidence and self-expression. I couldn't be more excited about leading this spectacular group of talented and enthusiastic young people.
"And just wait for all the excitement in store as we begin our 23rd season!"
As an actor/director/producer he has worked with Fountainhead Theatreworks, Passionfool Theatre Company, Pacheco Theatre, Solar Stage Children's Theatre, Fly By Theatre, Toronto Youth Theatre, Horizon Arts Camp, The Grand Theatre and serves as a faculty member with the Toronto Youth Music Theatre Company.
For 22 years Original Kids Theatre Company has enriched and celebrated the lives of young people through the arts, providing them with opportunities to mature and learn positive values through a variety of theatre experiences in a safe and challenging environment.
Original Kids welcomes applications for any full-time staff position and anyone who wishes to be considered as a candidate in the future should not hesitate to submit their resume, which will be kept on file and considered when necessary or appropriate.
For more information, visit
www.oktc.ca
