4th Line Theatre is excited to announce that award-winning Canadian actor, writer and composer/musician Beau Dixon has joined the theatre as an Artistic Associate. Dixon will assist 4th Line in further developing its inclusivity and diversity initiatives and strategies. 4th Line Theatre’s objective, with Dixon’s assistance, is to establish a talent bank of racialized artists; uncover local racialized stories; and liaise with racialized community partners. Dixon’s research, and the relationships he forges during this project, will aid in future artistic programming and play development. Dixon’s deep ties to Peterborough and area will allow him to delve deeply into the issues of inclusivity and diversity, to ensure lasting strategies for the theatre.

Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell explains, “I am thrilled to welcome Beau back to 4th Line. He has a long and rich creative history at the theatre. When I decided to create a formal strategy to address inclusivity and diversity at 4th Line, Beau was the first call I made, to ask for his input.”

Blackwell continues, “Beau is one of the busiest actors in this country, having strong associations with Stratford, Shaw, Tarragon, Soulpepper, Neptune and many other theatres from coast to coast. The pandemic’s effect on Beau’s career in the short term, has allowed 4th Line to access his expertise and creative energy.”

Dixon most recently collaborated with 4th Line as the playwright of Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable, produced at the theatre in July 2019 and directed by Kim Blackwell. Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable was developed as part of the theatre’s New Play Development Program. He has appeared as an actor/musician in several past 4th Line productions, most recently playing Elijah McCoy, in Andrew Moodie’s The Real McCoy, as part of the 2013 summer season. 

Beau Dixon states “I'm excited to be joining the 4th Line team as an Artistic Associate, because it will allow me to contribute to bringing new stories and ideas to Peterborough's artistic community, while giving me the opportunity to discover and research untold stories found within the racially diverse communities around the theatre. I will explore the creation of new forms of storytelling and share other people's history, that have been embedded in the Peterborough and Kawartha region for centuries.”

Photo: Beau Dixon.