President's Welcome
Hello everyone, it is Contact East 2026. My name is Raisa Lalani and I’m the President of the Atlantic Presenters Association and I am so glad you are joining us this year. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathering in Monagwisk on the traditional, unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Passamaquoddy Nations.
We recognize and honor their ongoing presence, stewardship, and contributions. Contact East is such a special gathering because it brings together artists, presenters, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond to connect, share, and imagine what’s next. At its core, it is about relationships.
Building relationships, strengthening relationships, and creating space for new ideas and collaborations to emerge. Through APA, we work to support and strengthen the presenting sector across Atlantic Canada by advocating for members, encouraging collaboration, and helping to create opportunities for artists and presenters to engage with audiences. Thank you so much for being a part of this community and I hope you have a wonderful Contact East.
See you there!
(0:00) Hello everyone, it is Contact East 2026. My name is Raisa Lalani and I’m the President (0:07) of the Atlantic Presenters Association and I am so glad you are joining us this year. (0:13) I would like to acknowledge that we are gathering in Monagwisk on the traditional, (0:17) unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Passamaquoddy Nations.
(0:23) We recognize and honor their ongoing presence, stewardship, and contributions. (0:29) Contact East is such a special gathering because it brings together artists, presenters, (0:34) and industry leaders from across the region and beyond to connect, share, and imagine what’s next. (0:40) At its core, it is about relationships.
Building relationships, strengthening relationships, (0:45) and creating space for new ideas and collaborations to emerge. Through APA, (0:51) we work to support and strengthen the presenting sector across Atlantic Canada (0:54) by advocating for members, encouraging collaboration, and helping to create (0:59) opportunities for artists and presenters to engage with audiences. Thank you so much for (1:04) being a part of this community and I hope you have a wonderful Contact East.
See you there!
SHOWCASE HOST Sarah Hagen
Award winning classical pianist & humorist Sarah Hagen is delighted to be participating again in this year’s Contact East as emcee. Described by the Charlottetown Guardian as “one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform,” she writes a completely uneducamated wine blog, “ARTIST WINES! – Uncorking musician-priced cellar secrets.”
ATLANTIC PRESENTERS ASSOCIATION Equity Action Advisory Committee
In 2020, as a response to the lack of diversity in the artists selected for past Contact East showcases, APA reached out to our networks to assemble a committee of individuals with ties to Black, Indigenous, racialized, disability and Mad arts, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Atlantic Canada.
The paid work of the Equity Action Advisory Committee (EAAC) has included giving APA resources and guidance on how to welcome more artists and arts leaders from these identified communities. They have taught APA much in this process and their continued input, guidance and advice is helping APA create accessible and equitable pathways to connect artists with presenters and their communities. The work that APA and the EAAC have done is reshaping the presentation of performing arts across Canada. We give deep thanks and respect to the EAAC for their ongoing commitment, generosity and knowledge.
Meet the EAAC!
Kelly Li
Kelly is an arts administrator and filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk (known colonially as Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the Managing Producer at the Prismatic Arts Festival, an annual, multidisciplinary arts festival that solely showcases the work of Indigenous artists and artists of colour. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema and Media Studies from Dalhousie University.
Liliona A. Quarmyne
My body is a conduit, a link to past and to future generatios.
It takes me back, it takes me forward, it carries the present.
My body is story.
Based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), on the powerful, unceded and unsurrendered land of the Mi’kmaq people, Liliona is a dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, community organizer, and activist. Originally from Ghana and the Philippines, she has an eclectic background that has taken her through many performance styles on four different continents. Liliona performs across the country and internationally, creates original works as an independent artist, facilitates community programming, and is the Artistic Director of Kinetic. The scope of Liliona’s artistic work is broad, but is particularly focused on the relationship between art and social justice, on the body’s ability to carry ancestral memory, and on the role the performing arts can play in creating change. Liliona loves to work in collaboration and community, and is mom to two wonderful kids.
Melissa Samms
From and of Katalisk, Ktaqmkuk, Liss (they/them) is a writer and multidisciplinary artist, with a focus on watercolour, ink, found object art, and textiles – specifically knitting, weaving, and embroidery. They are L’nu of Ktaqmkuk and Gaspegewagi, with Nlaka’pamux ancestry rooted in Lytton, BC. Liss has a background in business administration and political science.
(Photo credit: Megan Samms. Melissa is wearing one of Megan’s weaving pieces. She usually makes 1 wearable textile to sell every year, and that was last 2022’s)
Santiago Guzmán
Santiago (he/they) is an award-winning playwright, dramaturge, performer, & director originally from Metepec, Mexico, now based in St. John’s, NL. They are the Artistic Director of TODOS Productions & the Artistic Associate for Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre.
Santiago’s work puts local, under-represented narratives and characters on the frontlines, whilst inviting audiences to appreciate the vibrancy of Newfoundland and Labrador from a diverse perspective.
His play ALTAR was produced by the Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company in 2021 and toured across high schools in NL as a digital offering, as well as national presentations at Prismatic Arts Festival, (NS) and Aluna Theatre’s RUTAS Festival (ON). ALTAR will receive a second production by Theatre New Brunswick in 2023 and tour their province alongside the world premiere of his new TYA play, S.T.O.P.
Santiago’s play Urn received the Senior Dramatic Script Award of the NL 2022 Arts and Letters Awards & was shortlisted for the NLCU Fresh Fish Award 2022. Most recently, Santiago has been awarded the inaugural John Palmer Award 2022 through the PGC for being a change-maker in the theatre industry with their advocacy in the arts regarding equity, diversity, and anti-racism.
Santiago’s work is very gay, very brown, and very real.
Take a Bow!
Contact East would not happen without the incredible hard work, dedication, knowledge, humour and love of the Atlantic Presenters Association staff, volunteers, partners and collaborators. Hats off to each of these fine folks who worked tirelessly to produce an exciting, insightful and fun conference and showcasing event in beautiful Charlottetown, PEI! Here’s to all of us and to you, the delegates, for showing your support by showing up!
Huge thanks as well to our venues- the Confederation Centre, the Mack, The Guild, the Rodd Hotel, the Delta Hotel, Ponyboat Social Club, and all their incredible staff! And to Phil Pater Audio for making sure all our PD sessions look and sound fabulous!
Very special thanks to our incredible Contact East volunteer corps for your hours of doing everything that needed doing to keep this event running smoothly! Cheers to each and every one of you!
ATLANTIC PRESENTERS ASSOCIATION Board Executive
Raeesa Lalani
President
Raeesa Lalani
Vice PresidentRaeesa Lalani (she/her) is an arts professional flourishing as the Artistic Director of the Prismatic Arts Festival. After an extensive volleyball career, the arts industry called her back as a professional, as Raeesa has long been active as an actress, singer and has been known to tickle the ivories too.
Some of her performance credits include: Tammy Fae – Cinderelly (Shakespeare by the Sea, Theatre), Titania/Hippolyta – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare by the Sea, Theatre), Gillian – Dinoasipen (BBC Worldwide, TV), Host – Ocean Playground, Season 1 & 2 (Eastlink, TV).
Passionate about all things fine art and communications, she earned an Arts degree from Dalhousie University and a graduate Journalism degree from the University of Kings College.
Raeesa feels immensely fulfilled being part of an organization that has enabled her to grow personally in the arts but also be a part of a greater cause that continually strives to help the growth of Indigenous and culturally diverse artists. She believes in the importance of supporting the arts sector, and cares about making a difference and enriching the lives or her colleagues, ensuring that ALL voices are heard!
She is active as a board of director for multiple non profit organizations, with the intention of giving back her time to support members of the community. Raeesa is determined, focused, and passionate in all facets of her life, which has propelled her to be the successful young professional she has become.
(Photo credit: James MacLean)
Janet Larkman
Past President
Janet Larkman
PresidentJanet Larkman (she/her) is honoured to serve as President of APA — an organization that challenges, inspires, and enriches what we do as presenters. She is grateful to live in the Kespukwitk region of Mi’kmaki/Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, where she has worked in community and the arts for the past 30 years. Janet is Executive Director of King’s Theatre, a 220-seat historic venue that uses contemporary technologies to present a packed schedule of year-round programming. Her work with both King’s Theatre and APA is focused on diversity, community engagement, and a passion for the performing arts. She loves being a part of the APA ecosystem, where all things are possible.
Darcy Campbell
Treasurer
Darcy Campbell
Darcy Campbell is returning to the Atlantic Presenters Association Board, bringing with him many years of steady involvement in the region’s presenting community. He previously served on the APA Board from 2003 to 2012, including a term as President, and has continued to participate in APA programs and gatherings in the years since.
Darcy’s professional foundation is rooted at Confederation Centre of the Arts, where he built a multifaceted career shaped by front‑line experience, strategic leadership, and a commitment to exceptional guest engagement. He began their journey at the Centre working in Front of House and Box Office roles, gaining firsthand insight into audience experience and the operational heartbeat of a national arts institution. Over time, Darcy advanced to become Director of Guest Services, a role in which he oversaw customer service strategy, visitor experience, and cross‑departmental coordination for one of Canada’s most prominent cultural centres.
Darcy has also represented the Centre in broader industry settings, including serving as an export buyer and Director of Programming for national and regional music and arts events. Throughout his career, he has been known for his practical approach, collaborative style, and steady support for artists and presenters.
His return to the APA Board reflects a continued interest in strengthening connections across Atlantic Canada and supporting the organizations that bring live performance to communities of all sizes.
Cathy Green
Secretary
Cathy Green
SecretaryCathy (she/her) has over 13 years experience in the Sport and Entertainment sector. In her current role as Assistant Manager of Jack Byrne Regional Sport & Entertainment Centre, she is involved in the financial management, marketing & communications, human resources and special events programming for the facility. Cathy has served on multiple committees within her community and is currently Treasurer of the Atlantic Presenters Association. With her two boys pursuing their post secondary education, Cathy was inspired to return to Memorial University full time to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
APA BOARD MEMBERS Directors at Large
Mary Dennis
Director at Large
Mary Dennis
Mary Dennis spent 10 years as a professional musician throughout the Maritimes and Ontario before returning to Summerside, PEI in 1996 to find a new theatre being built in her hometown. She joined the team that opened Harbourfront Theatre that year, and has been there ever since, serving in various key capacities, mostly as Director of Operations, and assuming the role of Executive Director in January 2023.
With her small but mighty team of 4 full time and 10 part time employees, Mary brings an unwavering passion for the performing arts and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for audiences. She is dedicated to strengthening community ties through collaboration with other organizations, while advancing Harbourfront’s mission to be a driving force in the nurturing, development, and appreciation of the performing arts. Under her leadership, Harbourfront continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub and long-standing member of APA. Now serving on the APA board, Mary brings insight and perspective amassed from nearly three decades in the performing arts, that she is eager to contribute in support of the organization’s ongoing goals and vision.
Mary’s other passion is the team she leads along with her husband, Denton – a busy family of 2 grown children, 6 grandchildren, 5 grand-dogs and the star of the show, her Cavapoo puppy, Pepper. When she’s not booking the latest show for the Harbourfront stage, Mary enjoys swimming, cooking, walks with Pepper, and getting behind the microphone for an occasional musical performance.
Lesandra Dodson
Director at Large
Lesandra Dodson
Lesandra Dodson is the Programs Manager at the Playhouse, a premiere 709 seat multi-disciplinary performance venue in the east coast of Canada – Fredericton, New Brunswick. She oversees six different education, residency, and outreach programs including the flagship multi-disciplinary Spotlight presenting series, curating up to 35 international & national artists each season. Lesandra serves on the APA and CAPACOA boards.
A former professional dancer from Vancouver, Lesandra is an independent contemporary choreographer/director with 25 years of experience in arts administration – before the Playhouse she was Executive Director of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, an educator in the Fine Arts Department at Saint Thomas University, and co-artistic director of the coop- a physical theatre company. Throughout her cross-country career she has been committed to creating key initiatives and opportunities that support, and mentor emerging artists.
Danny Everson
Director at Large
Danny Everson
Director at LargeDanny brings a unique creative management style and perspective to the APA Board of Directors with broad experience in managing international productions and leading large creative teams of artists, technicians, designers, and directors.
Danny holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Producing for Film & Theatre from the California Institute of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Tampa. He has garnered almost two decades of arts management experience in the US and in Canada. Danny currently fills a creative leadership position as the Executive Director for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and Creative Producer of MermaidTV. His background includes professional theatre, television and film experience in creative development, financial administration, post-production, and producing. Danny has worked at NBC/Universal, Shine-Reveille Productions, Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, and Holland America Line prior to his leadership role at Mermaid.
Danny is a current board member for the Windsor Elms Village (long-term care facility) and is a PACT Human Resources committee member. He is also a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, Atlantic Presenters Association, International Performing Arts for Youth, Theatre Nova Scotia, and invited delegate of Contact East, CINARS, IPAY, ISPA, and APAP.
Travis Ford
Director at Large
Travis Ford
Travis Ford (He/Him) is a proud Inuk in his second year as the Manager of the Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL. He has had 10+ years experience in health education, recreation and sport before coming into the Arts sector. He’s been a life-long volunteer in sport, and community-based programs in his area, and currently sits on the board of the Atlantic Presenters Association. In his free time you can find him on the sidelines coaching the high school male basketball team, or spending time with his 3 golden retrievers. Travis has thoroughly enjoyed his transition into the arts sector, and is excited to be a part of the APA board.
Christian Gallant
Director at Large
Christian Gallant
Christian Gallant, founder and owner of Triquetra Entertainment, has two decades of experience in event production and event management. A graduate of the Music Industry & Performance program at the College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville, Newfoundland, Christian has played an important and fundamental role in both developing and fostering the artistic and cultural scenes of Prince Edward Island and beyond.
Over the years, he’s played an integral role as part of the senior management team of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) and has worked on an impressive number of major artistic and cultural events including Cirque du Soleil, Canada Games, the Royal Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to name but a few.
In 2008, he developed the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series and has been its Artistic Director since its inception. Over the years, this concert series has presented over 150 shows which have showcased thousands of musicians, dancers and comedians. This concert series quickly found its rightful place in the artistic and cultural community of Prince Edward Island and continues to thrive, expand and grow on a yearly basis.
Pilvi Keto-LeBlanc
Director at Large
Pilvi Keto-LeBlanc
Pilvi Keto-LeBlanc (FIN/CAN, she/her) is an arts admin, artist, and curator who believes in facilitating and nurturing community and knowledge exchange via artistic experiences, collaboration, and dialogue.
Before migrating to Norris Point, NL, Keto-Leblanc developed and promoted international arts and culture collaboration projects in Lapland, the northern part of Finland, under the umbrella organization Lapland Artists’ Association. Keto-LeBlanc is a co-founder and curator-producer of the Young Arctic Artists Exhibition and Network platform and was part of the border-crossing X-Border Art Biennial production team.
Keto-LeBlanc holds a BA of Arts and MA studies in Audiovisual Media Culture from the University of Lapland (FIN) and has studied Photography & Film Studies at Concordia University (CAN) and Fine Arts at Grenfell Campus of the Memorial University of Newfoundland (CAN).
Liliona A. Quarmyne
Director at Large
Liliona A. Quarmyne
Director at LargeMy body is a conduit, a link to past and to future generatios.
It takes me back, it takes me forward, it carries the present.
My body is story.
Based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), on the powerful, unceded and unsurrendered land of the Mi’kmaq people, Liliona is a dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, community organizer, and activist. Originally from Ghana and the Philippines, she has an eclectic background that has taken her through many performance styles on four different continents. Liliona performs across the country and internationally, creates original works as an independent artist, facilitates community programming, and is the Artistic Director of Kinetic. The scope of Liliona’s artistic work is broad, but is particularly focused on the relationship between art and social justice, on the body’s ability to carry ancestral memory, and on the role the performing arts can play in creating change. Liliona loves to work in collaboration and community, and is mom to two wonderful kids.
Bethany Stout
Director at Large
Bethany Stout
Director at LargeBethany (she/her) is the Assistant Executive Director at Imperial Theatre. She has been with the Theatre since 2015 and manages Marketing & Communications as well as Programming. She prefers dogs to cats but realizes cats are also pretty cool, just not her first choice.
She agrees she has a whole lot to learn and values the incredible team of presenters and arts nerds in Atlantic Canada because they are so generous with their knowledge and experience. She works with a wonderful team at Imperial Theatre and strives to continue to connect her home town and artists through quality live and/or virtual entertainment.
CONTACT EAST/ATLANTIC PRESENTERS ASSOCIATION Staff
Laurie Gillis (she/her)
Executive Director
Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS
Lisa Gleave (she/her)
Director of Operations & Programs
Rose Bay, NS
Crystal Laffoley (she/her)
Block Booking Manager
Bathurst, NB
Kai Bryan (they/them)
Logistics Manager
St. John’s, NL
Sylvia Bell (she/her)
Showcase & Pitch Producer
Shelburne, NS
Clifton Cremo (he/him)
Indigenous Presenter Network Manager
Eskasoni, CB
Dani MacDonald (she/her)
Communications Coordinator
Ottawa, ON
Laurie Gillis
Executive Director
Lisa Gleave
Director of Operations & Programs
Crystal Laffoley
Block Booking Manager
