The People Behind Freewill
“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.”
— William Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII (Jaques)
Every great production starts long before the curtain rises.
Meet the people who bring Freewill to life, onstage and behind the scenes.
The People Who Run the Show
Shannon Jones
Managing Director
md@freewillshakespeare.com
Shannon Jones joined Free Will Players in October 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience in arts and nonprofit administration. As Managing Director, she oversees the organization's finances, administration, fundraising, staffing, contracts, and festival operations. Her work helps provide the organizational foundation that allows Freewill's artists and creative teams to bring Shakespeare to Edmonton audiences each summer.
David Horak
Artistic Director
ad@freewillshakespeare.com
David Horak is an award-winning Edmonton-based director, actor, and educator who has served as Artistic Director of Freewill since 2020. He holds a BFA in Acting and an MFA in Directing from the University of Alberta and has worked extensively across Edmonton's professional theatre community. At Freewill, David guides the artistic vision and programming, collaborating with theatre artists to bring imaginative interpretations of Shakespeare to the stage.
Delia Barnett
Assistant Managing Director
dev@freewillshakespeare.com
Delia Barnett joined Free Will Players in February 2025, bringing a background in theatre, producing, and event coordination. Her experience includes creative leadership with House of Hush Burlesque and Send in the Girls, as well as work with Trickster Theatre. At Freewill, she supports fundraising, sponsorships, donor and patron relationships, special events, festival staffing, and on-site operations.
Josiah Hiemstra
Production Manager
pm@freewillshakespeare.com
Josiah Hiemstra is a technical theatre professional with experience in production management, technical direction, and lighting design. As Freewill's Production Manager, Josiah helps coordinate the technical and production elements that bring the festival to life. His work on the 2026 festival included production management, technical direction, and lighting design for both Much Ado About Nothing and SOMETHING ROTTEN!.
Behind the Scenes:
Our Board of Directors
Behind every great production is a team helping to make it possible. Free Will Players is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight to support the organization's long-term success.
Bringing together individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, our Board works alongside the Managing Director and Artistic Director to uphold our mission, strengthen community relationships, and ensure Freewill continues to thrive.
Their work may take place behind the scenes, but their commitment helps keep the curtain rising year after year.
CHAIR
Mary-Ellen Perley
VICE CHAIR
Sandra Johnston
TREASURER
Jill Stuchlik
SECRETARY
Helen Henriquez
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Kathy Howery
Qian Ye
Vita W
Joyanne Rudiak
Gabriel Sader
Catherine Jevic
Shalene Williams
Landon Bucholz
ARTISTIC ASSOCIATES
Nadien Chu
Troy O'Donnell
Molly Pearson
EX OFFICIO
Shannon Jones
David Horak