Celebrating Outstanding Leadership in Canadian Theatre: The Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award

April 27, 2026

Awarded to Tim Jennings

Protégé Melissa Novecosky

Toronto, Ontario. (April 27, 2026) – The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is pleased to announce that Tim Jennings, Executive Director of Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) is the 2026 Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award recipient, recognizing his administrative and managerial leadership and commitment to the theatre sector.

Jennings has selected Melissa Novecosky, Associate Executive Director, Shaw Festival as his protégé.

Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award Recipient: Tim Jennings

“Tim Jennings stands out as a leader who fosters collaboration, empowers others, and leads with empathy and wisdom” said Owais Lightwala, nominator, Assistant Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University and Director of the Creative School Chrysalis, The Creative School. “It is a rare and admirable quality in a leader to prioritize teaching and supporting others, especially when faced with such demanding responsibilities.”

“Tim Jennings exemplifies the very qualities that the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award seeks to recognize. He is a visionary leader, a mentor, and an arts advocate who has made a lasting impact not only on the Shaw Festival but on the wider arts community. I can think of no one more deserving of this prestigious recognition” said Novecosky.

“I am honoured to have been named this year's recipient of the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award. Mallory was a truly wonderful example of a caring, passionate and dedicated arts leader and to be considered in her sphere brings me great joy. After 41 years of continuous work in the live arts, I thought nothing could really surprise me anymore - but this did and what a lovely surprise it was. Thank you to all of my peers for this. It means a lot,” said Jennings.

Tim Jennings is a respected and awarded performing arts manager celebrating his 41st year of continuous work in the live arts. Jennings is a passionate social advocate known for his creativity, financial acumen, leadership skills and energy. He joined the Shaw Festival as its executive director in the fall of 2015.

Following his initial career in technical theatre and production management, Jennings moved into producing full time in 1999 and has held executive leadership roles at Toronto’s Roseneath Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre and the Tony Award-winning Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis (CTC) – the world’s leading family theatre - as well as producing and touring theatre and other live arts to over 40 countries, every province and every state.

During his time at these organizations, Jennings increased revenues, built endowments, created new business alliances to enhance the reputation and scope of the companies, improved artist and artisan working conditions and supported the visionary work of his artistic partners.

Jennings has taught Theatre Production and Arts Management at several universities, has served on more than a dozen industry and charitable boards, including the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) – the national organization for the American theatre – where he held the position of Treasurer for seven years - and was a founding member of TCG’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Institute (established in 2013). He is board member of Ontario Culture Days, and is a member of several regional and industry tourism task forces. He regularly advises on arts and culture tourism across North America.

Jennings was honoured with the 2024 Spirit of Niagara award for business leadership, and the Shaw was honoured that same year for outstanding leadership in Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion efforts by the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award Protégé: Melissa Novecosky

“Melissa is a wonderful example of the kind of emerging leader that I am excited to work with and everyone else should be as well. I am so fortunate to have her as the Associate Executive Director here at The Shaw,” said Jennings “She is hard working, kind and thoughtful about her colleagues, her work and our audiences. Her own dedication to the art and to ensuring the best possible results for everyone, no matter the task, makes her a perfect person to shine this light on. I have no doubt she will soon be running one of Canada's largest arts institutions, but hopefully not too soon. I like her here!”

“I’m honoured to be chosen as Tim’s protégé, as his support has been essential to my growth as arts administrator. His thoughtful mentorship and council allow me to broaden my skills and knowledge while contributing meaningfully to the Shaw's current transformation and capital expansion. My deepest thanks to Tim, PACT and the Mallory Gilbert selection committee for allowing me this opportunity” said Novecosky.

Melissa Novecosky is a respected and dedicated arts administrator with over 15 years of experience in arts and culture leadership. She joined the Shaw Festival’s executive team in 2024 and oversees the general management of all areas at the Shaw Festival and publicly represents the organization when needed.

Prior to joining The Shaw, Novecosky oversaw the fundraising goals and managed a successful team at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. She began her theatre career as an Equity Stage Manager working at theatres across the country before transitioning into theatre administration and teaching stage management at the University of Winnipeg.

A proven fundraiser who ably balances donor needs with organizational goals, Novecosky is also a trusted educator and mentor in the greater arts community. She is committed to 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy and creating a thriving theatre environment through collaborative and inclusive practices.

About the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award

Launched to mark PACT’s 30th anniversary, the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award has recognized 18 recipients, and 21 protégés. The Award is named in honour of Mallory Gilbert. Gilbert was General Manager of Tarragon Theatre for 34 years, a founder of PACT, served 20 years on the PACT Board, and mentor to countless aspiring arts administrators.

We express our gratitude to the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award Selection Committee for their time and thoughtfulness. We also thank all the nominators for highlighting the amazing leadership in the Canadian theatre community.  

About PACT 

PACT is the collective voice of professional Canadian theatres, a leader in the performing arts community, and a devoted advocate of the value of live performance. PACT represents over 170 professional English-speaking theatre companies operating in communities across the country, ranging from the largest performing arts organizations in Canada, to smaller theatre companies that serve their audiences in a wide variety of communities; from rural to urban, commercial to independent, theatre for young audiences, culturally specific companies, and everything else in between.

www.pact.ca

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Media Contact:

Ainslee Jessiman

Membership & Communications Manager, PACT

ainsleej@pact.ca

416-595-6455 ext. 1519

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