UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State alumnus Darcy Evans has been named the new artistic producer of Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP). Evans’ role will combine the duties of the artistic director and executive director, and he will manage both artistic and administrative functions for ATP.
ATP is a nonprofit professional theater company based in Calgary. The company celebrates the art of live theater and produces hows with a focus on idea-driven new works, plays by Canadian playwrights, and contemporary theater from around the world.
Evans has more than two decades of experience in theater across North America, including directing at theaters across Canada and off-Broadway in the United States; serving as an associate director on Broadway and for U.S. national tours; and spending nine seasons at the Stratford Festival. His productions received nominations for two Dora Awards, and 14 Broadway World Awards.
“ATP was searching for a leader with new energy and a bold vision for contemporary theater in Calgary,” noted Anne Brown, chair of the ATP board of directors in a release announcing Evans’ hire. “As we head toward our 50th anniversary season, we believe that Darcy Evans will bring fresh ideas and innovative new ways to tell stories.”
Evans received his master of fine arts in theater and his postbaccalaureate certificate in fundraising leadership at Penn State. The certificate in fundraising leadership program helped him learn about the areas of development and fundraising in a professional setting.
"The certificate program helped prepare me for my dream job of running a theatre company by providing high-level, cutting-edge training in fundraising, integrated marketing, and communications and leadership strategies for nonprofits,” said Evans. “Interacting with other fundraising professionals online through discussion papers and case studies brought real-world insight and exposed me to wide-range of current practices in the development world. One-on-one mentorship from my professors, Dr. Sophie Penney and Dr. Raymond Lombra, took my leadership skills and strategies to the next level. Their support and guidance during my job search was instrumental in landing multiple job offers prior to graduation.”
Students in the certificate program can use their knowledge of fundraising, leadership and communications to pursue positions including development or fundraising director, nonprofit executive director, capital campaign manager and major gifts officer. The program is offered online through Penn State World Campus, and the courses are taught by faculty members from the College of the Liberal Arts. To learn more about the program, visit www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-fundraising-leadership-certificate/overview.