Vanessa Porteous, ATP Artistic Director Designate

A big - HUGE - congratulations to Vanessa Porteous on being named the new artistic director of Alberta Theatre Projects. Just their fourth in almost 40 years of history.

I couldn't be happier. Vanessa is a fantastic woman and the absolute best person I could possibly think of for the job. Aside from her skills as an artist and planner - she headed ATP's play development department for 4 years or so - I don't think she'll take any guff from anyone. (And she'll do it bluntly but somehow allowing you to maintain your respect for her.)

I had the chance to work with Vee for the first four years I was at ATP back when I first graduated from University. She was always there when I had a question about something I didn't know and was always prompt to help out on something, even when she had about 100 other things on the go.

Congratulations again, Vanessa. As they said at the announcement, I have no doubt you will change ATP, Calgary and the country. I wish you all the very best!

(On a side note, I'm happy to see a woman - a young one at that - take over such a prestigious theatre. Great news.)