ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Heather (she/her) is an accomplished professional theatre director and playwright with special interests in musical theatre, new play development, large ensemble physical performance, theatre for young audiences and devised theatre. With a portfolio boasting over 50 productions across North America, Heather brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role at County Stage.

Heather has held key upper management roles in the performing arts sector from artistic director and company manager, to tour coordinator and producer. Most notably, she has served as the Artistic Director of The Stephenville Theatre Festival since 2017.

Heather also extends her passion for the theatre to the next generations of performing artists as a director and instructor for post-secondary institutions including St. Lawrence College in Brockville and The Randolph Academy in Toronto. She actively contributed to Canada’s theatre community, representing Newfoundland and Labrador with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatre (PACT) and chairing professional development on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador (APTNL).

Excited about her vibrant future with County Stage Company, Heather is grateful to the company’s Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to live performance in The County, and she looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm and talents with the flourishing cultural landscape of Prince Edward County.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Kristen Leboeuf (she/her) is a distinguished theatre creator and administrator currently residing near Kingston, Ontario. With a strong technical background, Kristen completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Stage and Screen at Queen’s University. She further honed her expertise at the Banff Centre, specializing in Technical Direction in 2016.

Transitioning from technical roles into arts leadership, Kristen pursued a Master of Arts in Arts Leadership at Queen’s University, graduating in 2020. Since then, she has established a thriving career in producing and artistic management within the arts sector.

Kristen's passion for theatre is evident through her extensive experience and commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration within the arts community.

Kristen has been working with County Stage since 2017 when she began as one of our festival technicians. She was promoted to Production Manager in 2019, then Producer in 2021, and is now taking on the leading role of Managing Director.

PRODUCER, Seasonal

Bethany Schaufler-Biback (she/her) holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies where she is currently continuing her studies in the PhD program.

As a theatre practitioner, Bethany’s specialties include stage management, production management, technical direction, and accessibility coordination. She has had the opportunity to work internationally, most recently as a stage manager at Achura Karpra in Bogotá, Colombia.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, Seasonal

Skyler James (they/them) is a theatre creator and scenographer working across Ontario, specializing in technical direction as well as projection and sound design for both theatre and installation art.

They have recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Media and Performance Production from Queen's University and will be returning there in the fall to pursue a Master's degree in Screen Cultures and Curatorial Studies.

Skyler also dabbles in radio, film, and music production, including being a radio host on CFRC 101.9FM and their directorial film debut being showcased at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival.

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER & CREW, Seasonal

Austen Mascarenhas (He/Him) is thrilled to be returning to County Stage for his third season!! Currently studying Studio Art and Theatre at the University of Guelph, Austen has a deep love for theatre production, and has been involved in programs in the County since he was a kid. 

Austen's experience involves working, both on and off stage, with the Marysburgh Mummers, Nicholson Catholic College's drama club, and set and prop crew with the University of Guelph's Curtain Call Productions. Hes worked in a wide variety of roles, from head of sound design to playing the lead role in his highschools musical. He's excited to be a part everything this season has to offer!!