Our Leadership

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Daryl Cloran (he/him) began his tenure with the Citadel in September 2016. Originally from Ontario, Daryl came to Edmonton after six years as Artistic Director of Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops, B.C. Daryl is a nationally recognized director, having directed at theatres across the country, including at the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach, Theatre Calgary, National Arts Centre, Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, and Neptune Theatre. For the Citadel, Daryl has directed: A Christmas Carol, Matilda, Shakespeare in Love, The Silver Arrow, The Candidate & The Party, Jane Eyre, The Fiancée, Network, Almost A Full Moon and Made in Italy. Daryl’s Beatles-infused, award-winning, musical adaptation of As You Like It has played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Chicago and Milwaukee, and this year will be produced in Calgary and Washington, DC.

Daryl was the Artistic Director of Theatrefront in Toronto, known for its unique international theatre collaborations in countries such as South Africa and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which played nationally and internationally to much acclaim. Daryl is also the co-creator and director of DRUM! a musical extravaganza featuring the music and culture of Nova Scotia. DRUM! has toured across North America and has been featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Toronto’s Massey Hall, and Dollywood. Daryl has served as the New Play Development Coordinator of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, where he also worked as Assistant Director to Artistic Director Des McAnuff.

As Artistic Director, Daryl has built strong international connections for the Citadel, and has grown the Citadel’s reputation as a world-renowned theatre, including a feature in the New York Times, and three Citadel-associated shows currently playing on Broadway: Hadestown (winner of 8 Tony Awards and a Grammy Award), SIX: The Musical (winner of 2 Tony Awards and 4 Drama Desk Awards) and Peter Pan Goes Wrong. The Citadel has premiered new work by Canadian playwrights in each season since Daryl’s arrival. Daryl has opened the doors of the Citadel to collaborations with many local theatre companies and artists, as well as striving to ensure our stages are a place where everyone feels they belong.

“My passion as a theatre-maker and Artistic Director is community. It is my job as Artistic Director of the Citadel Theatre to be a contributing part of Edmonton’s artistic community and to provide opportunities for local artists,” says Daryl. “I believe the Citadel must maintain a high-profile leadership role within Edmonton and continue to figure prominently as part of the international theatre scene. As Artistic Director, I pursue partnerships and opportunities to showcase the Citadel’s work on international stages. While the Edmonton community will always be our primary audience, audiences across the world should see our fabulous productions.”

“I value theatre that asks questions important to its community; I value creative risks,” he says. “The Citadel is an incredible theatre company with a history of innovation, high production values and important contributions to the Canadian theatre landscape. I want to build on this success, honour its traditions and also take appropriate risks to lead the Citadel into the next phase of its artistic growth.”

Daryl lives in Edmonton with his wife Holly, and their sons Liam and Jack.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jessie van Rijn (she/her) brings over two decades of dynamic experience in the Canadian theatre sector to her role as the Citadel Theatre’s Executive Director. Hailing from Southern Alberta, Jessie is a seasoned arts leader with a fervent dedication to driving transformative organizational change and fostering community engagement.

With over 20 years of experience in theatre, film, and television across Alberta and British Columbia, Jessie has held roles in various arts organizations, including the Chemainus Theatre Festival, Carousel Theatre for Young People, Vancouver Creative Space Society, Electric Company Theatre, Boca del Lupo, Neworld Theatre, and the Citadel Theatre. Her expertise spans a diverse array of theatrical genres and forms, reflected in her expansive portfolio. She has successfully produced works for Fringe festivals, touring productions, theatre for young audiences, summer repertory festivals, site-specific performances, large-scale mainstage productions, dance, and has engaged in unique collaborations with independent creators.

Throughout her tenure as Citadel Theatre’s Producer from 2017 to 2024, Jessie curated and oversaw the production of over 150 live, digital, and streaming projects. Her leadership also contributed to securing over $24 million in funding, demolishing barriers, and implementing policies to enhance the building’s accessibility and creating a more welcoming place to connect artists and audiences. Collaborating closely with Artistic Director Daryl Cloran, Jessie played a pivotal role in steering the Citadel towards its ambitious vision. She spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, fostering innovation, and engaging the Edmonton arts community and beyond. With a sharp focus on cultivating meaningful partnerships, Jessie has a proven track record of successful collaborations at the local, national, and international levels, solidifying the Citadel’s position as one of Canada’s premier regional theatres.

As a steadfast supporter of emerging artists, creators, and smaller independent organizations, Jessie has dedicated over 15 years to mentoring new arts professionals and early career producers. She is a passionate advocate for youth arts education and takes pride in being the parent of a Foote Theatre School student.