John Hudson at the theatre

Founding Artistic Director to Retire

The Board of Directors of Shadow Theatre is excited to announce a change in artistic leadership. John Hudson, our founding Artistic Director, is retiring after a multi-decade career. Stepping into the role of Artistic Director is Lana Michelle Hughes.

John and Lana are serving as co-Artistic Directors for the 2025-26 season. Together, John and Lana have programmed the season, each directing two productions. On July 1, 2026 Lana begins her new role as Artistic Director. John will continue on as an advisor for Shadow Theatre.

John is a co-founder of Shadow Theatre, with productions starting at Edmonton's Fringe Festival. After three consecutive successful Festival productions, John took the reins of the company. With the Fringe Festival moving out of what was the original Varscona Theatre in 1993, John and the Shadow team grew the company, producing full seasons of plays and building a loyal audience.

John also served as the Executive Director of the Varscona for 25 years, and was the driving force behind the refurbishment of the venue in 2015/16. He was inducted into The City of Edmonton's Cultural Hall of Fame in 2017.

John Hudson

Founding Artistic Director

John Hudson

"When we started 35 years ago, we had no idea the impact we would have on the Edmonton, Alberta, and Canadian theatre scene. We had a passion for stories about the human experience, and audiences have grown to expect an exciting, engaging, and entertaining evening with every production. I know Lana shares our vision of plays that hit your heart and open your mind, and will continue to tell those profound and relevant tales with enthusiasm and vigour."

"We started from scratch, learning as we went. The most gratifying aspect of it all is that our audiences were willing to come along on the journey. When we first started selling subscriptions, we had 32 people sign up, and we were thrilled! I can't thank you all enough for your ongoing support. The only reason we do this is for you, our audiences."

"I am moving on as it is the right time in my life to do so, but Lana has my full confidence. She is going to be an outstanding artistic leader, and you can be confident that the high quality productions you've come to expect will still be found at Shadow Theatre. I am so pleased that the board of directors had the wisdom and vision to see what Lana can bring to the company."

"I will still be around, lending my support and directing a show here and there. Maybe even acting in one or two. So please feel free to come up and say hello when you see me at the theatre."

With my deepest gratitude, John

Incoming Artistic Director

Lana Michelle Hughes

Lana Michelle Hughes

Incoming Artistic Director

Lana is an accomplished director, actor, playwright, sound designer, and producer based in Edmonton. She is a champion of local theatre and has contributed to professional theatre companies across the city for well over a decade. She designed and brought to Shadow Theatre the Artistic Director Fellowship Program for Women/Gender Marginalized people, and in 2024 was named Shadow Theatre's first Associate Artistic Director.

After being deeply entrenched in Shadow for the past 2 years, Lana is ready to take the next step in the organization. The combination of her vision for the future, a decade of experience as a theatrical Managing Director, and her well developed leadership skills means she is the ideal candidate for Shadow Theatre: a company with a dedicated subscription base, a commitment to Edmonton artists, and a passion for new plays.

In the spring of 2026 Lana will be making her regional theatre debut directing Casey and Diana by Nick Green, a co-production between Calgary's Alberta Theatre Projects and the Citadel Theatre.

"The foundation that John and the Shadow team have created is truly remarkable. It's a privilege to step into this opportunity, and one I don't take lightly."

"I trained here, and grew up in the Edmonton theatre community. In fact, among a small box of treasured keepsakes from my early years as an artist, I still have the program for The Memory of Water, from Shadow's 2000/01 season. That production was a touchstone for me—an experience that shaped my young artist self and showed me what theatre could be: intimate, profound, and deeply human. To now be entrusted with carrying forward that same spirit feels both humbling and exhilarating."

"I'm eager to serve the theatre community in this new role, supporting the company's growth while honouring the incredible artists who have shaped one of Edmonton's flagship theatres. As we look ahead, I am excited to champion new Canadian work, uplift emerging artists, and deepen our ties with the community. Shadow has always been a home for intimate, human stories that matter, and I cannot wait to build on that foundation with curiosity, courage, and joy."

"Theatre thrives because of its people—you, our audiences, artists, and supporters. I look forward to meeting you in the lobby, in rehearsal halls, and in conversations that shape what's next. Together, we'll continue to make Shadow Theatre a place where people gather to experience exceptional storytelling."

"I am deeply grateful to John for his support and for guiding such a thoughtful succession process. It is a rare gift to have a champion like John—not only for me, but for theatre itself, and for all of Edmonton's artists he holds so dearly. His tireless work has strengthened our community in ways that words can scarcely capture. Finally, I want to thank the board for entrusting me with the leadership of this remarkable company."

Looking forward to what's to come,

Lana

2025-2026 Season

Shadow Theatre's 2025-2026 Season starts October 15 with the World Premiere of the Canadian Celtic musical, Morningside Road, directed by Lana Hughes, dramaturgy by John Hudson, and written by Mhairi Berg, with music by Simon Abbott and Mhairi Berg.

2025/26 Season Subscriptions Now On Sale

Our next season is right around the corner! A sweeping Celtic musical, an exciting adventure with a poet, a theatrical gathering of 4 powerful women during the French revolution, and sisters reuniting for a shot-gun wedding. It's a season full of music, laughs, heart, and adventure!

Media Enquiries

Josh Semchuk: joshua@bottomlinepro.com