The Board of Directors of Shadow Theatre is proud to announce a change in artistic leadership. John Hudson, our founding Artistic Director, is retiring after a multi-decade career — and stepping into the role is Lana Michelle Hughes.
John and Lana are serving as co-Artistic Directors for the 2025/26 season, each directing two productions. On July 1, 2026, Lana begins her tenure as Artistic Director. John will continue on as an advisor to the company.
John is a co-founder of Shadow Theatre, with productions starting at Edmonton's Fringe Festival. After three consecutive successful Festival productions, he took the reins of the company. When the Fringe moved 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 fiercely loyal audience.
He also served as Executive Director of the Varscona for 25 years, and was the driving force behind the venue's 2015/16 refurbishment. In 2017 he was inducted into the City of Edmonton's Cultural Hall of Fame. A MESSAGE FROM JOHN
When we started thirty 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.
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 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
Lana is an accomplished director, actor, playwright, sound designer, and producer based in Edmonton. A champion of local theatre, she has contributed to professional companies across the city for well over a decade. She designed and brought to Shadow Theatre the Artistic Director Fellowship Program for Women and Gender-Marginalized people, and in 2024 was named Shadow Theatre's first Associate Artistic Director.
In the spring of 2026, Lana makes 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. 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.
Looking forward to what's to come, Lana
