The Rozsa Foundation is pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Derek Stevenson. Derek joins us as Arts Leadership Manager, and will be keeping our arts leadership programs running robustly while our Arts Leadership Director, Geraldine Ysselstein, takes time to welcome her own new addition during her maternity leave.
Originally from Lethbridge, AB, Derek began his career in the arts as a performer, appearing in over twenty-five theatre productions across Southern Alberta. While pursuing a combined degree in Finance and Theatre at the University of Lethbridge, Derek was given the opportunity to manage the student run theatre company, TheatreXtra, as the Artistic Director/General Manager. After one of the most successful seasons in TheatreXtra history, Derek recognized his passion, not only for performing, but also for the managerial side of the arts.
Following graduation, Derek joined the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge to work on various community projects including Lethbridge Arts Days, 2012 Alberta Summer Games, Performing Arts Centre Advocacy, and the grand opening of Lethbridge’s new community arts centre, Casa. After seeing this project to completion, Derek was looking for new opportunities to further his career.
In 2014, Derek was one of 14 students accepted into the second cohort of the Masters in International Arts Management program offered jointly by the Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas), HEC Montreal (Montréal, Québec), and the SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, Italy). Derek focused his studies on sustainable models for municipalities to fund arts and cultural organizations.
Upon completion of this program, Derek returned to Lethbridge to complete his thesis. Derek was recruited as the General Manager of Lethbridge’s only professional theatre company, New West Theatre. In his time as the GM of New West Theatre Derek has initiated several successful new projects, fundraisers and has helped guide the company through many challenges and hurdles.
In addition to his passion for theatre, Derek loves fashion, hockey and travel. He looks forward to continuing his career supporting the arts through the Rosza Foundation this upcoming year.
Work with Derek through our 2018 Arts Leadership programs, apply today!
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