The Fools

Kate Smith - Artistic Director

Kate Smith (she/her) is an award-winning theatre creator, director, and performer. She is Artistic Director of a Company of Fools, Ottawa’s longest-running professional Shakespeare company offering the largest outdoor tour of its kind in Ontario. As founding Artistic Director of Skeleton Key Theatre from 2010-2024, she specialized in immersive and environmental new work creation. Kate holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre from Dalhousie University’s Acting Program. Selected directing credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth by William Shakespeare (a Company of Fools), Beowulf in Afghanistan by Laurie Fyffe (Great Canadian Theatre Company), Machines and Moss by Sanita Fejzić (National Arts Centre, NAC Podcasts), Deluge by Kate Smith and Scottie Irving (National Arts Centre, Grand Acts of Theatre), and Me, Vivien Leigh and the Roller Rink by Lucy van Oldenbarneveld (undercurrents festival), among others. Kate is a member of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA), Playwright’s Guild of Canada (PGC), and ACTRA

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Caity Smyck - General Manager

Caity Smyck (she/they) is a creator, actor, and director originally from Calgary, Alberta. She is currently based in Ottawa after completing her BFA in Acting at the University of Ottawa. She is the current Artistic Director of Skeleton Key Theatre, General Manager of a Company of Fools and the co-founder of Levity Theatre, an emerging non-men queer led theatre company. As a passionate advocate for the growth of independent theatre in Ottawa, she co-created and manages the Ottawa Arts Database, a free website to connect local arts workers, and where they can post opportunities and events.

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Michelle Gendron - Marketing and Development

Michelle Gendron (she/her) is an Ottawa-based musician and performer, and the Development Officer for a Company of Fools. When she isn't charming you with a song or convincing you to support the arts (you should totally donate today!) , she is sitting outside with a hot coffee and her cat. 

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Vanessa Imeson - Resident Designer

Vanessa Imeson is an award winning Theatre Artist. She holds a combined BA Honours degree in Dramatic Art and English from UofW, MFA in Theatre Design from UBC and diploma for Makeup Design for Film and Television from VFS. She designs costumes, make-up, wigs and puppets for a variety of collegiate programs and professional theatre companies across Canada and the US while simultaneously acting as Head of Wardrobe for the GCTC. Vanessa is also a Core Artist and resident Designer with Ottawa's own a Company of Fools. See more of her work @www.vanessaimesondesign.com

Our Board of Directors

  • A woman with white curly hair in a denim jacket and colorful scarf holds a bouquet of flowers while standing in a field of vibrant flowers.

    Jennifer Covert

    CO-CHAIR

  • Person with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a dark top, standing in front of a wooden cabinet.

    Laurie Fyffe

    CO-CHAIR

  • Illustration of a person with a question mark thought bubble, symbolizing confusion or inquiry.

    Ewa Celinski

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Smiling man in a suit and glasses against a plain background.

    Matt Conley

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Headshot of a woman with short, dark hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a navy blouse with ruffled collar and a dark maroon cardigan, against a plain green background.

    Christine Hecker

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Image of a man in glasses tapping his index finger to his temple.

    Axandre Lemours

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Mitch Charness

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Daniel Braun

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Dr. Sid Sudiacal

    MEMBER AT LARGE