Episode 5: HATs off to Cape Breton Island: Innovation in the Arts, building out of Covid-19 with Wesley. J Colford

In this episode, I speak with one of our country’s leaders in the arts sector, Wesley Colford. They have an impressive resume that brought them to Toronto, but they returned home to Cape Breton to bring their talents to a local stage. A playwright, actor, singer, dancer, and more. Wesley is the artistic director at the Highland Arts Theatre, also known as the HAT.

Wesley transformed the nine-teen hundred St. Andrews United Church into a breathtaking theatre in the downtown of Sydney, Cape Breton, that showcases the talents of many emerging and seasoned performers. They host their own shows and invite performers from all around the world to grace the stage.

When the world started to shut down, the theatre world was very much affected. Wesley and his team did the unimaginable. They launched a Radical Access campaign during the pandemic to become the first community-funded theatre in Canada, and they achieved it. Audience members get to watch any main stage show for free because of the community’s support.

Wesley has brought so much life into Cape Breton during such a hard time for many. I am looking forward to sharing their story and shining some light on the arts industry!