Theatre Outré names Brett Dahl as new artistic director

Dahl takes over the role from Theatre Outré co-founder Jay Whitehead, who stepped away from the position earlier this year to explore different opportunities. Deonie Hudson has been serving as the interim artistic director since Whitehead’s departure.

Dahl told Pattison Media that Whitehead leaves behind big shoes to fill, but they are looking forward to carrying on his legacy. Dahl remarked that Whitehead is not only a friend of theirs but has always been a mentor and collaborator.

“He [Whitehead] gave me an opportunity at a time when queer work, especially in Alberta, was not as popular and queer artists weren’t seen as often in theatres and on stages, so he gave me a huge platform and voice for me to gain confidence in myself as a performer, to kind of hone my artistic voice and experiment, you know, [with] new forms,” Dahl said.

They added that their first play was produced with Theatre Outré, and the company gave Dahl the chance to direct a show for the first time.

Dahl said, “I really want to create that same platform and those same opportunities for other artists.”

CREATING CONNECTIONS

Outré’s new artistic director is currently based in Edmonton but said they have lived and built connections across the province. Dahl told Pattison Media they have spent a lot of time in Lethbridge. For the foreseeable future, they plan to split their time between Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge.

They said, “I think this is an opportunity for me to really utilize my connections across Alberta to really showcase the artists in Lethbridge everywhere else and bring Outré to more venues across Alberta.”

Dahl is also excited to bring their style to Outré’s future projects, while building on what Whitehead and the company’s team has built over the last decade.

In a news release, Whitehead said, “Brett has been a beloved member of our ‘family’ since our very first season and we’ve watched them grow into the accomplished, confident, vital, and queer force that they are today in Alberta’s theatre industry.”

Whitehead added, “I watch with anticipation to see how Brett takes Outré to the next level and what stories they will tell through their unique voice, but also through the voices of so many others who need the platform Outré is poised to provide them with.”

President of the Theatre Outré Society, Lorraine Hebert said the search for Whitehead’s successor saw many diverse candidates. Hebert stated, “When we started the search process, we were uncertain as to who would be willing to come forward and continue the legacy that Jay has so brilliantly developed.”

“Yet through every single application, one thing shone through, which was the love and admiration for the incredible works that Theatre Outré has done throughout the years.”

Hebert stated, “Through the interviews, the one unifying theme was that there were more stories to tell, that Theatre Outré and the shows they produce are more relevant than ever, and that there is such a passionate community ready to make it happen.”

UNIFYING THE COMMUNITY

Dahl believes Theatre Outré can continue to be a place that brings the community together.

They noted that it’s been encouraging to see the growth of events like Lethbridge Pride Fest.

Dahl remarked, “Not that that’s all because of Theatre Outré, but I think our presence and visibility in the community has been a huge catalyst for other queer individuals, not just artists, but community members, to feel safe and have a home.”

“We’re still a small company but we’ve had a mighty impact and I think the community has really needed us, and we’ve needed them as well.”

Dahl recently directed the play Strange/Familiar. The show was the last performed by Theatre Outré at Didi’s Playhaus in Lethbridge, which has served as the company’s main hub since its inception.

Additional performances of Strange/Familiar are in Edmonton from June 22 to 24, 2023.

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by Justin Goulet

Theatre Outré names Brett Dahl as new artistic director

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