CANDIDATES

Candidate name: Peter (Spike) Lyne
Current position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors: Director-at-Large

Company/Organization: National Arts Centre
Work title: Production Manager for Theatre, and Technical Director for the Indigenous Theatre Department
Province: Ontario      
Membership Category: Organizational Not-for-profit

Why are you interested in continuing in a position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors?

I feel that my first term was an important period of listening and learning—about the role of the Board, the work of CITT/ICTS, and its place within the current Canadian theatre landscape. I am eager to build on that experience, apply what I have learned and reflected on, and contribute more actively to helping the Board and CITT/ICTS grow while continuing to support our membership and Canadian theatre as a whole.

What skills, experience, or interests do you bring that you feel are valuable to the Board?

I believe my experience in both professional and educational settings has provided me with strong insight into what the industry is looking for, as well as what students need to successfully enter the field. Additionally, through my work with the Indigenous Theatre Department at the National Arts Centre, I bring an understanding of how to support one of the fastest-growing areas of theatre in Canada, and how to help decolonize traditional theatrical practices that can often create barriers to success.

Bio notes

Peter (Spike) Lyne (he/him) is a Métis Production Manager, Technical Director, Lighting Designer and Educator. Highlights of his four-decade career include 25 years as PM, TD and Designer for the Just for Laughs Festival, PM for comedian Russell Peters, and designing lights for many theatres across Canada. He has coached/taught at McGill, Concordia and Windsor Universities, as well as the National Theatre School of Canada. He currently works as PM for Theatre at the National Arts Centre, as well as TD for their Indigenous Theatre Department. Spike actively seeks ways to encourage more individuals (especially from under-represented communities), and fosters an inclusive environment, in the arts. He upholds that mentorship extends beyond its designated period: it marks the start of an enduring relationship and commitment. Spike believes that mentorship serves as both catalyst for the growth of up-and-coming creative minds, and an opportunity to open doors on their behalf.

Candidate name: Debbie Richardson
Current position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors: Director-at-Large

Company/Organization: IATSE Local 680
Work title: Vice President and Call Steward
Province: Nova Scotia
Membership Category: Organizational Not-for-profit

Why are you interested in continuing in a position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors?

I have been honoured to serve as a Director at Large for CITT/ICTS since January of 2024. When I joined the Board, CITT/ICTS was in the process of going through some big changes. I am really pleased with what we have achieved so far but I am asking for your support to continue this work for another term. 

What skills, experience, or interests do you bring that you feel are valuable to the Board?

One of my focusses is and will continue to be growing CITT/ICTS in the Atlantic Provinces hopefully to the point that we can make it an official Section again.

Bio Notes

Debbie is a member of IATSE Local 680 since 1991. She is currently serving as its Vice President and Call Steward. She is the District 11 Co-ordinator for the IATSE International Women’s Committee and is a member of the IATSE Canada Health Plan committee. Debbie is currently the President of the Halifax Dartmouth and District Labour Council, General Vice President representing Unions with Membership under 1000 with the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and sits on the Canadian Council of the Canadian Labour Congress representing Labour Councils in Atlantic Canada. Debbie is the Board Chair of the Mayworks Halifax Festival and serves on the board of the Halifax Workers Action Centre.

Candidate name: Jess McNabb

Company/Organization: Optics Lighting and Controls
Work title: DMX and Production Lighting Specialist
Province: Alberta
Membership Category: Individual

Why are you interested in a position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors?

To contribute to the growth and development of our industry and our membership.

Your skills, experience and interests that you believe would be of value to the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors:

Active in the industry for 20 years. Board experience- Secretary for IATSE 300, Heart of Riverdale Community Centre- Board Member, Yukon Women in Trades- Board Member, Breakdance Yukon Society- Board member, chair of Festival Committee. EOS console trainer Former JHCS member - committed to safe work practices.

Bio Notes

Trained at then-called Ryerson University. In Toronto, worked at the Betty Olyphant Theatre and Canada's Wonderland. In 2012 relocated to Whitehorse, Yukon and worked at the Yukon Arts Centre as their head of lighting. Relocated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2019 and worked at Persephone Theatre as their head of lighting. Relocated to Alberta in 2022 to work at Optics Lighting and Control as their ETC Specialist where I am still in Calgary. My work consists of commissioning and programming for architectural systems, design of theatrical lighting systems, providing training on topics such as colour, DMX control, Stage Lighting Systems, troubleshooting and programming for DMX systems.

Candidate name: Jason Vergnano

Company/Organization: IATSE
Work title: International Representative
Province: Quebec
Membership Category: Organizational Not-for-profit

Why are you interested in a position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors?

I have been involved with CITT/ICTS since 2015, when I first attended Expo-Scène as an International Representative for IATSE Canada. At that time, the IATSE would participate in CITT/ICTS events as regular Conference attendees, and we typically limited our involvement to sponsoring IATSE-branded notebooks. Many of you who have been around for a while probably still have one or two of those kicking around! I immediately recognized the many ways in which the two organizations were aligned. Training, safety standards, mentorship; these are all important pillars to a sustainable industry. The IATSE became more involved, supporting CITT/ICTS by becoming an exhibitor. We began participating in roundtables and discussion panels, and giving presentations on available resources to industry workers. Our shared values became even more apparent during the COVID shutdowns, where we found ourselves to be natural allies, working side-by-side to lobby policy makers to do the right thing and ensure that critical, targeted supports were created for entertainment industry workers. This important work resulted in the Canadian Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund where the IATSE secured over $1,300,000 in funding for theatrical craft and skills based training, and delivered that training to hundreds of members, non-members, and theatre students across the country. The IATSE was also proud to allocate some of that funding to sponsor more than 17 trainings for CITT Ontario's CONNECT 2023 conference in Toronto. In recognition of the personal stresses on industry workers, important work was done to make free mental health and financial health training available to the workers who needed it. This work continues today, both in terms of lobbying government as well as concrete investments into the IATSE Training Hub, which now runs annually in conjunction CITT/ICTS Rendez-vous. I believe there is great potential to continue to build a stronger and more resilient industry and would be honoured to help play a role in building that future as a member of the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors.

Your skills, experience and interests that you believe would be of value to the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors:

Years of experience in the industry as a worker, trainer, advocate and general theatre geek.

Bio Notes

Jason Vergnano is an International Representative of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), based in Montreal, Quebec. A member of the IATSE for over 25 years, Jason comes from a stagecraft background specializing in arena and theatrical rigging and has toured throughout North America and Europe. Jason served as the Business Agent of IATSE local 56 for 7 years before joining the IATSE International's Canadian staff. Among Jason's many responsibilities, is assisting IATSE locals with training initiatives and craft-based skills development through the IATSE Entertainment and Exhibition Industries Training Trust Fund.

Candidate name: Kyla Werrett

Company/Organization: A.C. Americas (Canada) Ltd.
Work title: Marketing Manager
Province: Ontario
Membership Category: Contributing

Why are you interested in a position on the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors?

I am interested in learning more about theater marketing in Canada, becoming a leader in our industry, and taking on a bigger role. I have been working in AVL since 2005, and am a member of AVIXA's Women's Council and InfoComm Advisory Committee. I have a lot to offer the board from a corporate perspective and as a marketing and business person.

Your skills, experience and interests that you believe would be of value to the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors:

Strategic Marketing Manager in the AVL industry. Expert in branding, events, digital, and partner enablement. Data-driven, collaborative, and passionate about growth and innovation. I lead teams that create our tradeshow presence, including booth design, logistics, and collaboration with the show staff. I have excellent organizational and planning skills, and I understand what your corporate clients want and need from events, training and membership organizations.

Bio Notes

Kyla Werrett is a Marketing Manager at A.C. Americas, where she plays a central role in driving brand strategy, product marketing, and major North American tradeshow initiatives. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, she collaborates closely with sales, brand managers, technical, and executive teams to execute high‑impact campaigns, strengthen brand presence, and support the launch of leading professional lighting, control, and AV technologies. Known for her organization, creativity, and cross‑department leadership, Kyla manages everything from product storytelling and digital content to event logistics and dealer communications. Her work consistently reflects a commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and elevating the visibility of A.C. Americas’ portfolio across the industry. In her personal time, Kyla enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, biking, spending time with her family, vacationing in new countries, and reading a great book.