Board of Directors – 42nd Street Productions

meet our board of directors

HAILEY SURTEES

PRESIDENT

Hailey is a dedicated and accomplished professional with business acumen, a passion for the performing arts, and a commitment to the community. With a unique blend of skills and experiences, Hailey brings invaluable expertise to the role of Board President at 42nd Street Productions.

As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Hailey has a strong foundation in financial management and accounting principles. Her years of experience in the financial sector have given her a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility and business operations. Hailey also holds a Bachelor of Commerce. This degree has given her a comprehensive understanding of organizational management, marketing strategies, and strategic planning. Her combined expertise enables her to provide insightful guidance to 42nd Street Productions to ensure sustainable growth and maximum community contribution.

Beyond her accounting background, Hailey has a deep-rooted passion for the arts, particularly in ballet and musical theatre. She is a certified ballet teacher by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), having dedicated many years to both the art form and its education. Her love for dance and theatre drives her commitment to supporting 42nd Street Production's mission.

Hailey is actively involved in various community organizations in Calgary, Alberta, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and cultural enrichment. As Board President, Hailey is dedicated to advocating for the growth and sustainability of 42nd Street Productions. Hailey firmly believes that the arts play a vital role in shaping society and is committed to ensuring that the organization continues to thrive, creating outstanding productions and providing opportunities for aspiring artists to shine.

With nearly two decades of involvement in dance and theatre, Will Myers has been an unwavering supporter of the arts, fueled by his role as a proud father to two children who have passionately pursued dance. As a dedicated "dance dad", Will has always been a pillar of support for his children and their studios, readily stepping up to meet their needs and ensure their growth in the performing arts. His firsthand experience with the dance world and its transformative impact on young artists has given him a unique perspective, making him an invaluable asset to the board of 42nd Street Productions.

Over the years, Will has honed his leadership skills and gained valuable insights through servicing on multiple boards. Now, he eagerly looks forward to bringing his wealth of experiences to support 42nd Street Productions as it forges its path on the vibrant Calgary arts scene. Drawing from his past board experiences, Will is keen to contribute to the company's strategic decisions and collaborative efforts, fostering an environment where artistic excellence can thrive.

As a board member, Will Myers is a catalyst for positive change within 42nd Street Productions. His unwavering commitment to the performing arts, coupled with his insights from both the parent and board member perspectives, ensures that his contributions are both heartfelt and strategic. With Will's involvement, 42nd Street Productions is poised to embrace a future filled with creativity, growth, and a continued passion for enriching lives through the magic of live theatre.

WILL MYERS

SECRETARY

KATHY AARON

TRESAURER

Kathy Aaron is a lover of the Arts and a believer that creativity is the nourishment of our souls. The proud mother of a daughter who is now living her dreams as a dancer in Europe, Kathy spent many hours behind the scenes of dance and musical theatre productions put on by Drewitz Dance Production (DDP) where she met and worked closely with Scott Drewitz. Prior to working with DDP she was the parent liaison, Board member and interim General Manager for one year with Alberta Dance Theatre for Young People (ADT).

Now an empty-nester, she is stepping into the next phase of her life in pursuing her own creative dreams as an aspiring actor and producer. Two years ago, she fully transitioned from her corporate job of integrating business processes and accounting systems to becoming a full member of the Director’s Guild of Canada (DGC) by working in the Accounting Department of movie and television productions including Under the Banner of Heaven and Wind River: Rising.

She is excited to be joining the Board of 42 nd Street Productions, where she can integrate her business skillsets with her love for theatre and give back to the Arts Community..

Bill hails from Red Deer where he is an instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic. He has varied board experience, having served with faculty, tennis, Scouts, 4-H, post-secondary student, and music associations. His love and appreciation of live theatre and music runs deep as a past performer in school musicals and a piano and guitar player. He holds a Grade 8 Royal Conservatory piano designation and his performance in school musicals was in his K-12 years. His sons both participated in school band programs and Bill was actively involved as a Music Parents Society Board Member, helping with operations including fundraising, during their band tenure. One of his sons was involved with dance and musical theatre and is now pursuing a career in music. Bill was excited to be asked to be part of Board with the resurgence of 42 nd Street Productions and is looking forward to utilizing his prior board experience to assist in moving forward the mission and vision of this organization.

Bill PETROSENK

BOARD DIRECTOR

ALYSHIA CHOBOT

BOARD DIRECTOR

Alyshia is a dynamic and passionate individual who grew up embracing the arts scene in Regina, Saskatchewan. With a lifelong love for the performing arts, Alyshia has been actively involved in various musical theatre and dance productions throughout the years and is thrilled to be involved with 42nd Street Productions.

Equipped with a degree in Business Administration with a major in entrepreneurship, Alyshia brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the board. Her educational background has nurtured her flair for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and fostering innovation. Her interests in supporting the arts and technology sectors led her to help previous board positions on SaskTech and the Creative City Centre, based in Saskatchewan.

Alyshia is currently a Manager on the Professional Services at the unicorn technology company, Benevity. In her spare time, you will find her attending a local music show, having fun at a dance class, or volunteering time for a variety of causes. Her genuine love for the arts is not only evident in her professional pursuits, but also in her personal life