Board of Directors
The Obsidian Board of Directors is a diverse group of professionals that is passionate about theatre and supporting Black artistic excellence in Canada. As a board we believe in the power of Black artists and their work; the intrinsic value of mentorship; and that artsworkers should be paid a living wage. We help to facilitate the fulfilment of the mission and mandate of Obsidian Theatre through good governance, collaboration, and meeting the goals of strategic initiatives. We are fierce stewards dedicated to ensuring the sustainable growth and continued presence of Obsidian as a gathering place for Black artists for many generations to come.
We are currently seeking additional members to join the Board. To get in touch please contact the Board Chair at: chair@obsidiantheatre.org
Beverley Thomas-Barnes
Board Chair
Board member since 2020
Walter Gibbons
Treasurer
Board member since 2004
Stacey Norton
Stacey Norton
Secretary
Stacey Norton has been a Toronto-based theatre producer and consultant since 2006. In 2013, her journey took a unique turn, as she transitioned into the world of Audit Quality & Risk Management and now, Audit People & Culture at a professional services firm. Today, Stacey serves as the Senior Manager of Global Audit People and Culture, where she champions innovation in the people space.Her passion lies in leveraging technology, centralization, automation, and thoughtful design to drive success across all areas that support professionals achieving their goals; learning and development, technology, and service tools to name a few. Stacey believes enhancing the ‘people experience’ is integral to achieving sustainable success.Stacey is a proud member of two award-winning not-for-profit boards: Obsidian Theatre Company and bluemouth inc.
Ashima Chopra
Ashima Chopra
Director
As an advocate for innovation and a living embodiment of resilience, Ashima is a first-generation lawyer turned angel investor. Challenging the status quo, Ashima has carved out her own path to success and believes in inspiring others to do the same. Her mission to democratize access to capital, champion women, and cultivate spaces for the world’s troublemakers and truth-seekers is fundamental to her ambitions. This through-line comes to life across venture, business and tech in her roles as Community Manager at Toast, Board Member of two award-winning organizations, Obsidian Theatre Company and hEr VOLUTION, and the founder of a holistic wellness company. Embodying “the sky’s the limit” ethos, Ashima is drawn to supporting heart-centered teams with goosebump-y missions.
Kevin Hanchard
Director
Board member since 2018
Alistair Hepburn
Alistair Hepburn
Director
Alistair Hepburn (he/him) is the Executive Director of ACTRA Toronto. Alistair is proud of the work he does, but more so of the work done by the incredibly talented ACTRA membership. A lifelong theatre junkie, he is extremely rewarded by the work done as a small part of the team at the Obsidian Theatre Company.