Brian Markinson (Henry Lehman), Nigel Shawn Williams (Emanuel Lehman), and Celine Stubel (Mayer Lehman) in The Lehman Trilogy by Stefano Massini, Adapted by Ben Power / Photo by David Cooper / Shawn Kerwin – Set & Costume Designer / Leigh Ann Vardy – Lighting Designer

Victoria, BC…This morning, Joni Steinman (Belfry Board President) and Elaine Calder (Search Committee Chair) announced that Nigel Shawn Williams has been appointed as the Belfry Theatre’s new Artistic Director. Nigel will take the artistic reins of the company in September 2026, when current Artistic Director Michael Shamata steps down.

In a career that spans over 35 years as a theatre artist, Nigel Shawn Williams has distinguished himself as a director, actor, dramaturg, and educator. He will be familiar to Belfry audiences from his direction of Intimate Apparel and Serving Elizabeth, and his memorable performance in The Lehman Trilogy.

“I am deeply honoured that the board of directors has selected me to serve as the next Artistic Director of the Belfry Theatre. The Belfry has been dear to my heart for many years, and I am excited to help lead the company into the next chapter of growth. I look forward to working alongside Isaac Thomas, the Board, and the extraordinary staff at the Belfry. I’m thrilled to immerse myself in this vibrant arts community and to make Victoria my home.” Nigel Shawn Williams

Nigel is the former Co-Artistic Director of Toronto’s Factory Theatre, and the director of artistically and critically successful productions across the country, including Othello, To Kill a Mockingbird (Stratford Festival), Disgraced (Alberta Theatre Projects), The Merchant of Venice (Bard on the Beach), The Mountaintop, Art (Grand Theatre), and The Monument (Obsidian Theatre).

He has played leading roles during six seasons at the Stratford Festival, four seasons at the Shaw Festival, and productions in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver. He has starred in premiere productions including Harlem Duet and Belle, as well as the Canadian premieres of Six Degrees of Separation, Angels in America, and Topdog/Underdog, among others.

Nigel has been deeply invested in new play development, working as an actor, director or dramaturge on over 40 new plays. As an educator, he has taught at Toronto’s York University, the University of Windsor, and the National Theatre School in Montreal.

He is a four-time winner of Toronto’s Dora Mavor Moore Award as an actor and director, winner of Halifax’s Merritt award, and has garnered numerous nominations from Calgary’s Betty Mitchell Awards and Montreal’s English Critics Circle Awards.

“Nigel Shawn Williams is no stranger to our theatre as both a director and an actor, and he brings many years of experience working in Canadian theatre at the highest level. His thoughts on season planning sparked a great discussion when we met with him in person, and he shared his enthusiasm for the Belfry and our community in Victoria with real passion and conviction. The committee was unanimous in recommending him to the Board, and we greatly look forward to working with him over the coming years.” Joni Steinman, Board President

“I have known Nigel since he was a theatre student. I could tell then that he was destined to make a significant mark on the Canadian theatre scene.I am delighted to entrust the care of this very special theatre into the hands of this talented, passionate, and empathetic artist and administrator. The journey ahead for the Belfry and our exceptional audience is certain to be both thoughtful and exciting.” Michael Shamata, outgoing Artistic Director

“It was gratifying that over 80 people from across the country applied for this position. It took our search committee a considerable amount of time and thought to develop a short list, and then to determine who could best fit the Belfry’s current needs and creatively address new opportunities. The committee took care to ensure that the evaluation process was fair and exhaustive, as we considered many gifted individuals from our region, our province and from across the country. We are grateful to everyone who was interested in joining us as our next artistic director.” Elaine Calder, Board Member and Search Committee Chair