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4 Questions With MASC Artist… Kate Smith

For just about anything that’s done on a stage, Kate Smith has probably done it. She is an actress, singer, director, playwright, theatre creator, Artistic Manager of Ottawa Storytellers; and, she is also Artistic Director for Skeleton Key Theatre. The independent theatre company creates and produces immersive theatrical experiences including the “innovative outdoor multi-disciplinary ambulatory piece Swan River” which was nominated for a Prix Rideau Award for Best New Creation in 2017. She has worked all over Canada but Kate and her family call Hintonburg home.

Kate Smith is a proud MASC artist. MASC is Wellington West’s charity partner this ARTS Season. The Ottawa-based arts organization represents a roster of 138 professional artists of diverse backgrounds, who offer workshops, performances, and artist-in-residence programs in all artistic disciplines to schools and communities across Canada.

Click here to learn more about Skeleton Key Theatre.

1. Tell us about some of the artistic work you’ve done in Wellington West:

We premiered our hit outdoor family show Swan River up the street at Remic Rapids Park at the Ottawa International Children’s Festival in 2017, and frequently visit schools in the area like Connaught Public School with our drama workshops, which are currently all being presented virtually. 

2. What do you find inspiring about Wellington West?

The creative vibe of the neighbourhood makes it the perfect place to plan all of our upcoming shows and projects, and we love being only minutes away from gorgeous parks and the Ottawa River as we often create work in the environment. Our offices are located on Hamilton Avenue North, just a few steps from all the wonderful culture, shops, and restaurants of Wellington West.

3. What are some of your favourite spots to visit when you’re out and about in Hintonburg and Wellington Village?

Prior to COVID, most of our artist meetings and writing sessions took place upstairs at Thyme & Again where we could enjoy some delicious treats while hashing out costume designs and script edits. We are also grateful to be so close to our friends at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, who generously offer us space, resources, and support when we need it.

4. What projects do you have coming up?

We recently premiered our concert-style show Deluge as a visual album at the 2021 digital undercurrents festival in March, which our local audiences as well as those across the country tuned into. We can’t wait to share this show live in-person once it is safe to do so. Deluge is billed as a rock concert on rising seas and is a musical journey that explores the impacts of climate change.

Last year, Kate was profiled in a series on Apt613, click here to read that interview.