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The Astor Theatre Society welcomes Jerri Southcott as new Executive Director



The Astor Theatre Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerri Southcott as its new Executive Director.

Jerri has decades of experience in radio and television, the arts, and government communications. She is the founder of South Shore Summer Theatre, a non-profit musical theatre program for youth which presented two highly acclaimed Broadway musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar and Pippin, at the Astor Theatre in 2022 and 2023. She is a professional actor providing voiceover talent for animated series, commercials, and documentaries. Recently, Jerri worked in a variety of leadership roles at Health Canada and several other federal departments. Prior to that, she worked for CBC Television as a lifestyle host, and a journalist at CBC in Ottawa and Nova Scotia.

“I’m honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this role,” said Southcott. “It’s not often that you get the opportunity to combine your skills with your passion, and I’m especially passionate about giving young people an opportunity to show off their acting, singing and dancing skills.”

She grew up in a theatrical family; her parents ran a renowned music theatre program for young people in North Bay, Ontario, that is still going strong after more than 40 years. Working with the Astor’s dedicated staff and volunteers, she will be overseeing the full range of cultural activities that the Astor offers for South Shore audiences. “From the first time I set foot in the Astor Theatre, I knew it was special, both a beautiful heritage building and a state-of-the-art production facility and gallery space,” added Southcott. “I’m really looking forward to meeting our current patrons and attracting new visitors to this jewel of the South Shore.”

John Simmonds, Board Chairperson said, “We welcome Jerri to the Astor and are excited to have her share her expertise and leadership with us, as we move forward as an organization and hub of arts and culture on the South Shore.”

Southcott assumes the role of full-time Executive Director on February 5, 2024.