The Staff

Annette Loiselle
Artistic Director

Annette is one of the founders of and 25 year Artistic Associate of Edmonton’s much beloved, Freewill Shakespeare Festival. She is equally proud now to be one of the founders of SkirtsAfire, herArts Festival. She is passionately committed to bringing audience and artists together and making all art forms accessible. Annette has been a professional actor and instructor for over 25 years. Some favorite roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Sterling Nomination), Elizabeth in Richard III, both for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, The Last Train, Shadow Theatre, Rabbit Hole ATP Calgary, her own play, The Passion of Mary, Strike The Musical, Workshop West Theatre and A Christmas Carol for The Citadel Theatre, and The Mothers for SkirtsAfire, herArts Festival.

Brianne Jang
Managing Director

Brianne was born in Edmonton, Alberta and has been involved in the theatre world since she was young. After graduating from the Theatre Arts Program at Grant MacEwan University, Brianne was fortunate to have the opportunities to travel around the world. She is co-founder of Poiema Productions, a local non-profit theatre company that has kept her busy writing, producing, and acting. The company also hosts Fashion For Freedom, an annual event in support of a different charity each year. She is also the co-founder of the photography company, BB Collective. She continues to love learning more about each aspect of the creation process as she takes on different roles in the community, and is so excited to be on board with SkirtsAfire Festival since 2016!

Vanessa Wilson
Partnerships & Festival Coordinator

Vanessa is a musician, actor, and arts administrator, performing and serving many different roles in the Edmonton arts community. She sings in a variety of musical projects including her folk duo Wren, Keat Aaron and the Swells, and with Halley’s Club house bands, The Million Dollar Dreamers and The Architeks. Alongside Vanessa’s passion for performing is her work in arts administration – this is her second year as Partnerships Coordinator with SkirtsAfire, and she has also worked administratively with Theatre Network and Silver Skate Festival Society. Vanessa co-runs a monthly songwriter series, Sunhouse Sessions, and in 2019, co-founded Headspin Theatre alongside two collaborators. Through this operative, she’s been able to take the role of actor, vocalist, playwright, and producer. She’s excited to continue to find innovative and creative ways to make art and tell stories.

Betty Hushlak
Technical Producer

Tara Wright
Infection Mitigation Consultant

Tara Wright is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with over eight years’ experience in a variety of industries. She is experienced in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health and safety management systems including hazard and risk identification, assessment, and control; incident investigation and follow up; course development and facilitation; and emergency response planning. She works as a Safety Consultant with organizations including the Edmonton Public Library and is currently working with the City of Edmonton to develop and implement COVID-19 safety precautions and response procedures.