Showplace Performance Centre has hired Scott Lale as its new executive director, the not-for-profit organization announced on Wednesday (October 25).
Born in Brampton, the 55-year-old Lale has over two decades of experience in theatre operations and management, primarily in the City of Brampton where his roles included artistic director and executive producer, arts and culture manager, and supervisor of cultural and community engagement.
In his arts and culture manager role, Lale was responsible for Rose Theatre, Lester B. Pearson Theatre, Heritage Theatre, and Shakespeare in the Square, which he founded. He also has experience as a member of the board of directors for the Guelph Arts Council and the City of Guelph’s Cultural Advisory Committee.
Lale became a professional actor at the age of 15 and has performed in and directed many shows. In 2002, he was accepted as a member of the Shakespeare’s Globe International Fellowship in London, England, where he received the Christopher Plummer International Fellowship from Shakespeare’s Globe Centre of Canada. In 2014, he was inducted into Brampton’s Arts Walk of Fame, alongside four others including actor Michael Cera, a Brampton native who credits Lale for helping him with his acting.
“Scott is just what Showplace needs right now to take it to the next level as a performing arts centre as we launch our audience development and strategic planning process,” says Showplace board chair Ken Doherty in a media release. “His experience as a classically trained performer, director, producer, and instructor is a bonus.”
As Lale transitions into the new role, which he began on Monday, he is working closely with Showplace’s interim general manager Wayne Bonner.
“I am honoured and incredibly excited to be working in this beautiful space with such an energized team and focused board,” Lale says. “I am feeling very lucky. Peterborough has such a vibrant and active arts community. Engaging with these folks is going to be so exciting.”
Lale replaces former general manager Emily Martin, who left Showplace in April after nine years to assume the position of artistic and administrative coordinator of Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre.
