Jeremy Webb Appointed as Artistic Director at Neptune theatre

Director, producer, actor and writer Jeremy Webb will be Neptune Theatre's new artistic director. The announcement was made today at a news conference in Halifax.

Webb's appointment to a five-year term was approved by the Board of Directors of the Neptune Theatre Foundation after an extensive national search led by former Neptune president and longtime patron David Fountain. The search committee was supported by executive recruitment firm, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette and included several board directors and an active member of the local theatre community.

"Our search for a new Artistic Director for Neptune Theatre was blessed with interest shown by a large number of individuals from across this great country," said David Fountain. "I feel that this reflects well on the level of respect that Neptune commands throughout the national artistic community. I am confident that Neptune Theatre will continue to thrive, as both a producer of superb theatrical productions and as a leader within our local arts community, under the stewardship of Jeremy Webb."

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jeremy assume the role of artistic director at this important time in Neptune Theatre's history," said Rebecca Hiltz LeBlanc, President of the Neptune Theatre Foundation. "Our goal was to find a dynamic artistic leader who understood the importance of this theatre to the community and the need to work collaboratively to engage diverse partners and audiences in presenting work that resonates in Atlantic Canada and across the country."

Over the last 19 years, Webb has become one of Nova Scotia's most creative, versatile and entrepreneurial artistic leaders, creating a body of work through his own companies, Off The Leash Creative and WillPower Theatre.

Currently the artistic producer of Eastern Front Theatre, Webb's shows have toured throughout the Maritimes and the United States since 2003. He has performed in over 20 Neptune productions, under three previous artistic directors, most recently reprising his role as Cogsworth the Clock in the theatre's production of Beauty & The Beast.

Webb won the Merritt Award for Outstanding Direction (2017) for Little Thing, Big Thing with Festival Antigonish; the Best Actor Merritt Award for his portrayal of Iago in Othello for Shakespeare by the Sea (2009); the Atlantic Presenter's Association Touring Artist of the Year Award (2014); the Creative Arts Nova Scotia Established Artist Award (2013) and the Mayor's Award for Achievement in Theatre (2010).

"When I came to Halifax 19 years ago, this community embraced me and gave me wonderful opportunities to do what I love - working, learning and growing in live theatre. Where once I was a newcomer, now I am grateful to call Halifax home," said Webb. "I am honoured, humbled and excited to have the opportunity to give back to Halifax as Neptune Theatre's new artistic director. My vision for Neptune Theatre is to provide a place where we can stage some of Canada's best theatre, built in part on a strong foundation of collaboration with Atlantic Canadian actors, playwrights, and theatre professionals."

Webb has been instrumental in the programming of award-winning stories of diverse communities such as Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story and Lullaby: Inside the Halifax Explosion.

Webb will officially begin his new role on January 1, 2018. Over the next several months, he will honour his existing commitments at Eastern Front Theatre and ensure a smooth transition with outgoing artistic director George Pothitos, who extended his engagement with Neptune until December 31, 2017, to oversee the successful completion of renovations to Fountain Hall.

Webb will program his first complete season with Neptune beginning in the fall of 2018.

"George is leaving me with a dynamic line-up of shows to bring to the stage this season," said Webb. "I am very excited to get to work on Mamma Mia next spring!"

"Neptune Theatre is grateful for the eight years of leadership George Pothitos provided as artistic director," added Hiltz LeBlanc. "During his tenure, George oversaw some of the most magical moments in Neptune's 54-year history. We appreciate the legacy of great theatre he has left for Neptune as we prepare for our next act."

Congratulations to Jeremy Webb! Throughout the years I have heard nothing but outstanding reviews on your work. All of us in Halifax are eagerly awaiting what you have in store for Neptune Theatre.

*News Release by Michael Browne
*Photo Credit: Zane Woodford

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