LESLIE LESTER

Leslie Lester has been working actively in the Toronto performing arts community for the past 22 years, producing a wide array of award-winning theatrical productions.

Leslie’s background includes producing over 15 multi-media works for VideoCabaret (1991-98) and interdisciplinary performance pieces for Froth Productions.  As Producer for Nightwood Theatre (1994-2001), she guided the creation of over a dozen productions including the world premieres of Anything That Moves by Ann-Marie MacDonald (Dora Award for Outstanding Production), Harlem Duet by Djanet Sears (Dora Award for Outstanding Production) and Random Acts by Diane Flacks. In 2000, Leslie produced the world premiere and national tour of Beatrice Chancy: The Opera for The Queen of Puddings Music Theatre Company. In addition, she produced the PEN Canada Benefit at the Princess of Wales Theatre in 1995 and 1996 and has sat on juries for the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council.

As Executive Director for the Soulpepper Theatre Company for the past seven years, Leslie has been an integral contributor to the company’s success.  Her portfolio has included the strategic development and growth of Soulpepper’s administration, as well as the building of the Young Centre, for which she was Project Manager for the construction and chief liaison with George Brown College.