Our Team:
Kenn McLeod - Executive Director
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Originally from Treaty 4, now living and creating on Treaty 6 territory, Kenn is an award-winning performer, director, educator, intimacy director, dramaturg, and Clown. He received his BFA in Acting at the University of Regina and his MFA in Directing from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kenn has directed over 40 productions across North America and beyond. As a performer, he has worked most recently with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 1985” and “The Tragedy of Richard II” .
He has taught Clown and Acting for the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, University of New Mexico, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Tricklock Theatre, as well as at the National Hispanic Cultural Centre in New Mexico. Kenn has trained with Vancouver Circus School (Vancouver), Dell Arte International School of Physical Theatre (California), Old Trout Puppet Workshop (Alberta), NIPAI (Austria), and The Manitoulin Center for Creation and Performance (Ontario). He has been the dramaturg and/or clown consultant on several shows including Creepy Boys & Something in the Water (Scantily Glad Theatre), The Newcomer (Ay Caramba Theatre), Identity Crisis (Prism Productions) and Half Breed Vaudeville (Sorry/Grateful).
He is a sessional lecturer at the U of S Drama Department, the Executive Director of Saskatoon Summer Players, and the current First Vice President of CAEA. He is a D&D enthusiast, a proud father, and thrilled to be a Saskatchewan Artist. Cheers.
Cynthia Olson - Operations Manager
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Cynthia (she/her) is her own woman, first and foremost. She is also a wife, mother, family member, friend, artist and teacher. She has completed three degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, including her Master’s in Education (Curriculum Studies, specializing in Assessment). She has been involved with theatre, both as cast and creative team, on and off for over two decades. Beyond the stage, Cynthia enjoys travel, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with those most important to her.
Lately, she has been focusing on her health and family. Cynthia is excited to be taking on this new challenge as Operations Manager for Saskatoon Summer Players. SSP has a warm place in her heart and she looks forward to her work within the organization.
Liz Whitbread - Operations Manager
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Liz Whitbread (she/her) is a queer theatre artist born and raised on Treaty One Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A graduate of the University of Winnipeg Honours: Acting Program, her work has taken her across the Prairies, to Toronto and back again. Liz identifies as a Prairie Artist, reflecting the unique perspective that those who grew up in the region have. They are (in her general experience) practical, sturdy, stubborn, and community-focused.
Liz works as an actor, director, dramaturg, vocal and audition coach, and arts administrator. You may have seen her work recently as part of Live Five Independent Theatre, on stage at Persephone, or by the river with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. When she’s not performing or directing, she works as the Communication and Programs Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals.
Liz is absolutely thrilled to be joining the SSP team. Her first experience of the Saskatoon theatre community when she moved to SK was as Vocal Director for SSP’s Beauty and the Beast, and she was overwhelmed by the talent, kindness and community she found at SSP. She can’t wait to support the amazing work this organization creates.
When not making theatre, Liz loves hanging out with her collection of houseplants and teaching herself 90’s pop songs on the ukulele.
Rachel Snider - Operations Manager
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