Who We Are

OUR

MISSION

We produce theatre that illuminates the vast Jewish experience in order to inspire dialogue about Jewish culture and intersectionality in the community at large.

Vision

The Jewish Experience

The Human Experience

On Stage

Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (WJT) is the only professional theatre company in Western Canada exclusively dedicated to Jewish stories, culture, and voices. Over the decades, WJT has grown into a vital arts organization in Manitoba and beyond, commissioning, developing, and producing new Jewish-Canadian works, while also providing creative opportunities for artists in theatre and related disciplines.

WJT strives to integrate the particularity of Jewish narratives with the universality of human stories. In alignment with Tikkun Olam  (repairing the world), WJT aspires to foster empathy, connection, and cultural understanding through theatre.

 

Dina - The Band's Visit

Values

WJT embraces these foundational values in its work and operations:

INGENUITY

We approach theatrical challenges creatively and innovatively, pushing boundaries in storytelling, form, and production.

VITALITY

We commit to dynamic, energetic art and community life that feels alive, relevant, and responsive to the times we’re living in.

CURIOSITY

We remain open to learning, exploring new ideas, voices, and intersections, centering dialogue and discovery.

COMMUNITY

We believe theatre is a gathering place, for artists, audiences, funders, and communities, where relationships and shared experience are key.

In the Fall of 2024, the WJT Board of Directors and Senior Leadership voted to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, affirming our commitment to confronting hatred and prejudice in all its forms. This framework guides our artistic choices, educational programs, and community partnerships, ensuring that our stage remains a place of empathy, understanding, and truth. Through our work, we strive to combat antisemitism not only by naming it, but by illuminating Jewish life, culture, and resilience for audiences of all backgrounds.

WJT acknowledges that it operates on Treaty One Territory, the land of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anishininew, Dakota and Dene and the Red River Métis Nation.

Staff

Dan Petrenko - Artistic and Managing Director

Dan Petrenko

Artistic & Managing Director

Etel Shevelev - Company Manager

Etel Shevelev

Company Manager

Julia Kroft - Head of Marketing

Julia Kroft

Head of Marketing

Barry Miller

Accountant

Board of Directors

Miriam Kohn

Board President

Don Katz

Treasurer

Kerrie Halprin

Secretary

David Brickwood

Director

Becky Chisick

Director

Belle Jarniewski

Director

Sam Kroft

Director

Gaelyn McGregor

Director

Alissa Schacter

Director

Bev Aronovitch

Founding Artistic Director

David Cohen

Founding Board President

Cindy Lazar

Honorary Solicitor