Beyond the Spotlight: The Women Shaping the Flato Academy Theatre
By: Robyn James [Kawartha Lakes Weekly Feature]
For generations, the Flato Academy Theatre has been a gathering place where stories unfold, memories are made, and local talent emerges. But long before the curtain rises, there are some exceptional women working behind the scenes to make those moments possible. In honour of Women’s History Month, we’re profiling three women whose leadership, creativity, and technical skills are helping to shape this community’s theatre experience.
Victoria Shepherd: General Manager
Having recently moved from Toronto to Kawartha Lakes, Victoria says that her role feels like destiny. A theatre lover since the age of seven, she had already built a career in arts leadership before seeing the posting for the Academy position. “When I saw it, I thought, ‘This is the mother ship! Someone is calling me home. This is where my soul will soar’” she recalled. “Twenty-year-old me would have thought I was the coolest person in the world – and honestly, I feel that way every day.”
Victoria’s work blends passion with years of experience. Running a small-town, not-for-profit theatre with charitable status requires strategic thinking, strong partnerships, and constant problem-solving. “We’re trying very hard to bring world-class entertainment to this community.” she says
At the heart of Victoria’s leadership philosophy is respect. “Everyone here is treated with compassion. Everyone’s voice is heard. And we’re all aligned to the same mission”.
Jess Spagnolo: Marketing Coordinator
For Jess Spagnoloa, the theatre is a canvas. With a background in music and graphic design, she sees her role as both creative outlet and community connector. “It matters to me how people perceive the theatre,” she says. “When they see a campaign and connect with it - that means everything.”
One standout moment came during the marketing campaign for A Christmas Story. “It was so fun to come up with ideas,” she recalls. Photography sessions popped up in unexpected places around town with local sponsors, opening the door to more imaginative, outside-the-box thinking. “As a visual person, having that freedom meant a lot.”
Jess believes strong leadership is about collaboration. “Great leadership looks like someone walking beside you,” she says. Patience, creativity, and a willingness to learn from others (including the theatre’s board) has shaped how she approaches her work.
Aura McKay: Lighting Technician
In the technical booth, precision is everything. For Aura, the path began with a different dream. “In high school, I wanted to be a makeup artist. I loved colour theory and making people feel good about themselves,” she says. That instinct now guides her work in lighting and sound. “When I start matching lighting with songs, performers feel like they can do anything up there.”
Her goal is simple: “I want people to go home with a smile on their face.” Whether it’s a packed house or a smaller event, she treats every show like a major production.
Aura is especially proud of her place in a field that remains male-dominated. After eight years in the role, she sees her presence as part of something bigger. “I want to show other women and girls that there’s a space for them.”
Beyond the spotlight, these women are building more than productions. They are building a theatre rooted in community, creativity and care.
