PACT is pleased to present the annual Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award to long-time PACT supporter and Managing Director of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Hugh Neilson. The award was presented at PACT's virtual AGM which was held earlier today. Central to the MGLA is a component of mentorship and the passing of knowledge and skills and so Neilson has chosen Celina Hawkins, Company Manager at Great Canadian Theatre Company, as his protégé.
Says, Mike Payette, PACT's Vice-President, on the process of the selection committee "The scope of Hugh’s generosity and presence in the national theatre landscape is undeniable. His commitment to advocacy and evolving our sector’s voice in all areas from mentorship to administration to his tireless efforts in labour discourse has made him one of our community’s most valued members; representing an identifiable philosophy of his that fosters, supports and encourages his colleagues from a multitude of generations and skill-sets. Within his dedication to PACT and its members, Hugh, with humour and kindness, is available to listen and to offer; all components that echo the cherished legacies of past Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award recipients. It is among these reasons why we are proud to honour his lauded historical contribution to theatre and his dedication to its continued growth today."
Hugh Neilson started working at the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) in 2001, and was the Deputy Director from 2003 to 2007. At PACT he was in charge of the Professional Development and Labour portfolios, and was influential in setting national standards and conditions for both theatre artists and administrators across Canada.
He joined GCTC in 2014 as Managing Director where he helped to eliminate a large capital debt and further developed a robust youth program. As General Manager at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon, he forwarded their building project and revamped the theatre's annual fundraising campaign. While in Saskatchewan he was one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals and was that organization’s first President.
As Managing Director at Young People's Theatre, Hugh led the company in the development and implementation of strategies to help double development revenues and strengthen the brand of the organization.
As General Manager at Theatre Passe Muraille he oversaw the company through a difficult time and was instrumental in eliminating its accumulated deficit and leading it into three years of surpluses.
He is active in the community and volunteers his time consulting with emerging artists and companies and continues to advise theatre practitioners across the country. He has sat on various committees for PACT, including as chair of the Labour Relations Committee. He has participated as a team member or acted as chair on various negotiating teams, negotiating or supporting five Canadian Theatre Agreements, three agreements with ADC, three with PGC and was part of the first team to negotiate an agreement with l'APASQ, the union that represents designers in Quebec.
Says Neilson on receiving this award, “I can’t possibly convey what an unexpected honour it is to receive this award. I am one of the lucky ones who got to know Mallory really well, and benefitted from her wonderful, firm and passionate commitment and volunteerism to ensuring this industry remained healthy, strong and vibrant. We became good friends over the years, and I miss her dearly, which makes this honour even more poignant and fulfilling.
I have chosen as my protégé a young up-and-coming powerhouse who channels many of the Mallory qualities that we loved and benefitted from – providing sage leadership, respected amongst her peers, and inspiring others to do better. Celina Hawkins started with GCTC in the box office and is now the Company Manager, and I know that she has such a promising future ahead."
