| Shannon McKenzie LeBlanc, Artistic and Technical Director, Ex Officio Member Shannon McKenzie LeBlanc (she/they) is a queer settler living and creating in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough). A multidisciplinary artist, performer, and experienced arts worker, Shannon has contributed to and worked alongside local organizations on over 50 productions, including Electric City Culture Council, New Stages Theatre, Public Energy, The Peterborough Theatre Guild, and The Theatre on King (TTOK). In 2025, Shannon became the Artistic Director of TTOK. With nearly a decade of experience in stage management, production, front-of-house, and arts administration, they bring a deep understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that sustains independent theatre. Alongside their theatre work, Shannon is also a fibre artist, exploring tactile forms of expression. |
Current BOARD MEMBERS
| Matt Gilbert, Chairperson Matt Gilbert has been involved in the Peterborough arts scene since 1992. He has participated in over 130 productions in the Peterborough area. Aside from acting he has served on an artistic board with 4th Line Theatre (1997-2001), the Union Theatre Collective (1994-1996), Peterborough Theatre User Group (2002-2009), and the Mysterious Entity Board (2011-2014). |
| Yvonne LaRose, Treasurer Yvonne is a member of the Rapids End improv community. You may have seen her at TToK, battling it out in the Ball Pit or waxing Shakespearean with the Lady Bards. Her day job is Office Manager, CUPE Local 3908, where she works with sessional faculty and student academic workers at Trent U. She has experience with grassroots community groups and non-profits, including housing co-ops, tenants rights organizations and charities. |
| Lisa Dixon, Secretary Lisa lives in Peterborough with her life partner and many dogs. She has three adult kids and sits on two boards that focus on the Arts in her beloved city. Her main work is as a consultant of Food Literacy, Menu + Kitchen Planning and teaching Culinary Arts. She is proud and honoured to be directing for Theatre Guild 2025/26 Season! |
| Ryan McLean Purdon, Fundraising Chair Ryan Purdon is a multi-disciplinary artist, DJ, and community builder whose work has spanned music, visual art, and immersive experiences. He founded Otonabeats, a local dance music organization dedicated to growing and sustaining the Peterborough/Nogo music community through events, workshops, and outreach. A former organizing member of the Peterborough Arts Collective, Ryan has collaborated on projects that connected artists and audiences across disciplines. Drawing on his experiences as both a social worker and bartender, he has seen firsthand the transformative power of art and the importance of quality nightlife culture in bringing people together in meaningful and impactful ways. |
| Thomas Payne, Communications Director Thomas Payne (he/him) is a stageman and actor of the arts with a background in live community theatre. Hailing from the Durham Region, with a newfound home in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough), he has worked to tell stories, share laughter, and pass knowledge on to others alongside the Trent Film Society, Rapid’s End Improv, and Beech Street Theatre Company. Thomas is an undergrad student of Anthropology & English at Trent University, and is often onstage performing or backstage greeting audiences at TTOK. |
| Chelsea Day, Board Member-at-Large |
ALumni
| Ryan Kerr, Founder, Artistic and Technical Director, 2013 – September 2025 TTOK was and remains Ryan’s idea and Ryan’s passion. His vision was to provide Nogojiwanong/Peterborough with a place performing artists (and artists from all disciplines) can afford to fail: in other words, to experiment, try new things, go out on a ledge, and live dangerously in a safe space. For 12 years he managed the place with blood, sweat and tears, overseeing artistic decisions, providing technical mentorship and know-how, and managing rental bookings. |
| Kate Story, Executive Director 2013 – September 2025 Kate Story is an award-winning writer and performing artist. As Executive Director, Kate provided leadership and oversight of all administrative activities, supporting TTOK’s Board of Directors and Artistic Director developing a vision and strategic plans for the organization. |
