About Us

At Artists' Collective Theatre, we believe in the power of diverse storytelling. Our productions encompass a wide range of genres, including plays, musical theatre, site-responsive theatre, and touring shows. We strive to create engaging and thought-provoking performances that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.

Collaboration is at the heart of our artistic endeavours. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other local artists and organizations, fostering a sense of community and enriching the cultural landscape. Over the years, we have successfully partnered with esteemed groups such as DIY Theatre, Theatre Canmore, & Pine Tree Players, and were instrumental in founding the Canmore Summer Theatre Festival.

Artists' Collective Theatre has garnered recognition for our outstanding work. We have been nominated for and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Best Overseas Production accolade from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. These accolades serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the performing arts.

In addition to our mainstage productions, we are passionate about arts education. We have developed touring shows for schools and collaborated with educational institutions to offer theatre programs that inspire and nurture young talent.

Our goal is to showcase the abundant talent on the island and cultivate a thriving theatre scene that attracts artists and audiences from across the province. We envision Artists' Collective Theatre as a sought-after destination for both emerging and established artists, where creativity flourishes.

Mandate

Artists’ Collective Theatre is an award-winning Vancouver Island-based theatre company and non-for-profit society founded by Artistic Director Amanda Liz Cutting in 2012.

Our mandate:

-  To produce fresh, innovative, and provocative theatre.

-  To showcase and develop Artists in an ensemble context.

-  Mentoring of emerging artists.

ACT plays an important role in the Nanaimo theatre community by supporting new and emerging artists providing them with opportunity to hone their craft by learning from a dedicated crew of experienced volunteers that take pride in passing on their knowledge. We are thankful for everyone involved in ACT’s world and look forward to supporting the arts community for years to come.

Artistic Director

Amanda Cutting is an award winning actor and director with an impressive career spanning over two decades. Throughout her extensive time in the industry, she has honed her craft in both professional and semi-professional theatre, earning a reputation for her exceptional talent and dedication. Her passion for the stage has driven her to tackle a diverse range of roles and productions, bringing depth and authenticity to each performance. As a director, Amanda has demonstrated a unique vision, shaping compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences. With her wealth of experience and commitment to the arts, she continues to contribute significantly to the theatre community, pushing the boundaries of creative expression and inspiring the next generation of performers and directors.

Artistic producer

Ben Francis is a talented actor, writer, and theatre professional, known for his extensive involvement in ACT’s productions. His performances have earned recognition for their depth and versatility, with Ben excelling in a variety of roles across different genres. As a writer, he brings creativity and compelling storytelling to the stage, crafting works that resonate with audiences. Whether performing on stage or contributing behind the scenes, Ben is dedicated to his craft and remains a respected figure within the theatre community, continually refining his skills and making a meaningful impact on the art form.

Board of Directors

Jan Francis - President

Charlotte Leoppky - Vice President

Nigel Francis - Secretary

Terra Hooyberg - Board Member

Amanda Cutting - Board Member

Adam Muegge - Member-at-large

Erik Hope - Member-at-large