All of us, from the Board to the organizers and staff are international seasoned comedic performers.
All focus their talents on bringing joy to those around them with a collective common thread of love for
humanity, and a drive to make this world a better place. We travel worldwide;
We've performed in Egypt, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Costa Rica, China, South Africa, and others.
The Board of Directors
HUNTER GATES
Chief Executive Officer
Our founder, Hunter Gates is a director, actor, stuntman, theatre-maker, and educator. She specializes in movement as well as devised theatre performance. Hunter has more than 30 years of experience in professional and community theatre, film, and television. She trained in physical theatre at the School of Physical Theatre in Toronto. She holds a Ph.D. in theatre philosophy, a pedagogical certificate in Physical Theatre, and a certificate in stunt performance and teaching. Hunter also has extensive experience in stage combat.
Her performance and teaching experience abroad includes work in Egypt, Greece, South Africa, and the Caribbean. She has also performed and taught across Canada. She launched her post-university theatre career in Montreal at the Just for Laughs festival. She was the founding artistic director (1996 to 2016) of The Hunter Gates Academy of Physical Theatre, a school specializing in training, new-play creation, and international collaborations. Dr. Gates provides artistic innovation and dedication to the voice and spirit of the community. Hunter specializes in the creation of programs for seniors, adults, and at-risk youth.
Vicki Stiles
Treasurer
Vicki has a BA in Accounting and Finance from the United Kingdom and holds her CPA and ACCA designations.
Vicki has over 20 years of experience working in various finance, accounting, and business management roles across multiple industries including Financial Services, Retail, and Real Estate. She has spent her career working in both the UK which is where she grew up and Canada which is now where she calls home.
Outside of accounting, Vicki has experience working with vulnerable individuals at Soup Kitchens and on SOS buses (support to those whose wellbeing is threatened by illness or injury, emotional distress of other vulnerability). She has also held the role of Treasurer for other not-for-profit organizations in Canada.
Let’s keep people smiling and laughing!!!!
Jennifer Townsend
Secretary
Born and bred in Fort McMurray AB, Jennifer graduated from Keyano College with a diploma in performance, going on to receive a BFA in Performance Creation from Concordia University in Montreal. She specializes in directing and devised creation, stage performance, dramaturgy, workshop design and leadership, and stage management. She truly is a Jenn-of-all-trades! In the past, Jenn has worked for RuminariLive Arts in Beaumont, Geordie Theatre in Montreal and Theatre; Just Because in Fort McMurray. She has a special interest in site-responsive performance and socially responsible works. She brings with her a history of teaching and coordinating community programming.
Join our Board of Directors!
Comedy for Communities is seeking members to join its Board of Directors. Board members will support Comedy for Communities in executing its mission to engage communities world-wide through performance-related activities through comedy. Comedy for Communities believes community engagement in the art of comedy leads to significant health benefits, an overall sense of well-being and a marked increase in social and civic engagement.
We are seeking candidates with a strong interest in theatrical arts, community arts, and/or the comedic sector. Knowledge and skills in accounting, fundraising and development, legal, and marketing are an asset. We are recruiting board members for a two-year volunteer-based term. The board of directors meets monthly.
A Comedy for Communities Board Member:
● Regularly attends board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
● Stays informed about board matters, prepares for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports.
● Participates actively in the board’s deliberations and decisions in the matters of policy, finance, and programming.
● Participates in strategic planning, fundraising, outreach and audience development.
● Protects assets and provides proper financial oversight.
● Ensures legal, fiduciary, and ethical integrity.
● Upholds our mission, vision, goals and objectives, and champions the organization within their community
Open until filled.
Please send a statement of interest (max. one page) to our Chief Executive Officer, Hunter Gates
Potential applicants are invited to contact us in advance of submitting their applications if they have any questions regarding Comedy for Communities and/or board member requirements and duties.