(Fredericton) After three seasons with the company, Thomas Morgan Jones will be leaving his position as Artistic Director of Theatre New Brunswick in July 2018.

Jones joined the TNB team in January 2015. Over the past three seasons, Jones made onstage diversity and equity a priority on the TNB stage. Together with a minimalist approach to storytelling and a keen interest in developing the work of new and emerging playwrights, Jones made a dramatic impact on the company and provincial audiences.

“It has been a great joy and privilege to have been with Theatre New Brunswick these past three years,” said Jones. “Both professionally and personally it has been one of the greatest honours of my life to be among these artists, educators, audiences, and especially our staff and Board of Governors.  I will miss them all dearly.”

Jones has accepted a position at Prairie Theatre Exchange in Winnipeg.

“Thomas’ three years as Artistic Director of Theatre New Brunswick have seen us make major strides in our return to touring the province with thought provoking, exciting works,” said Deborah Burns, chair of the TNB Board of Governors.  “Under Thomas’s artistic direction, TNB has continued to grow and we want to thank him for sharing his extensive talents with us.  We wish we could extend his time at TNB, but other opportunities have beckoned him and his family.  The Board regretfully sends him off with all good wishes and we will continue to follow his future career with great interest.”

The news of Jones departure coincidentally follows that of General Manager Susan Ready who will be leaving the company in May.

“This is certainly an unfortunate coincidence,” said Matt Carter, TNB’s director of communications and development. “Thomas and Susan are both moving on to new adventures. Susan is about to embark on an exciting new chapter in her life, and it was really only a matter of time before another theatre company came calling for Thomas. His selfless drive, inclusionary vision and soft-spoken demeanor both on and off stage are unparalleled. We will miss them both and will remain inspired by their leadership as we work to write the next chapter in TNB’s history.”

In the months ahead, both Jones and Ready will continue planning the company’s 50^th anniversary season and will oversee the official launch on April 26.

“The coming season will continue to see New Brunswick playwrights on our stages, our continued commitment to touring New Brunswick, as well as special relationships with theatres from outside our borders,” said Jones. “TNB is a vital part of the New Brunswick and national theatre ecology, and I will be sending love and support from Winnipeg for the company’s next 50 years!  To all those who have made my family’s life so special during our time here in New Brunswick, thank you, a million times.”

Media: Interviews with the company can be arranged by contacting Matt Carter (Director of Communications and Development) at communications@tnb.nb.ca