Founding Artistic Director

David Barnet, the founding artistic director of GeriActors, is a professor in the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta, where he specializes in community-based and ensemble theatre, and acting Shakespeare. He is the founding artistic director of Catalyst Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, and has extensive experience in Popular Theatre and Theatre for Development in Africa and Asia. He is a 3M National Teaching Fellow.

In developing GeriActors and the practice of intergenerational theatre and creative aging, David Barnet has been influenced by the work of Stuart Kendall and Stagebridge in Oakland, California; Arthur Strimling and Roots and Branches in New York; ESTA (Elders Share the Arts) in New York; Susan Pearlstein (founder of the National Centre for Creative Aging) in Washington, DC; and Pam Schweitzer, the founder of Age Exchange in London, UK.

Associate Director

Edith has three university degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (Specialization in Drama); LLB (Law) and Bachelor of Education. Professionally, she worked as a theatre administrator and actor with a number of local theatres and television companies. Most recently, she retired from the Edmonton Public School Board after working as a high school Drama teacher and director, having directed over a dozen theatre productions.  She was awarded a  District Recognition of Merit.  Her relationship with the GeriActors & Friends stems from creative, joy filled collaborative projects between the GeriActors and Jasper Place High School Drama students. She wrote a Teaching Manual which documents their memorable collaborations.  Facing the Day- 2026 marks her second year as Associate Director of GeriActors & Friends. Edith is grateful to be able to work again with this positive, life-changing community.

Headshot by: Edith Mitchell