Native Earth Performing Arts Announces Philip Jonah Logan Geller as New Artistic Director

Photo of Philip Geller by Aria Evans

(October 19, 2026, Tkaronto)

The Board of Directors for Native Earth Performing Arts is happy to announce theatre creator and educator Philip Jonah Logan Geller (they/them) as the new Artistic Director of Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. As previously announced, Joelle Peters will step down from her current role as Artistic Director to refocus on her personal artistic practice after four years of artistic leadership with the company. Philip will officially step in the role on a part-time basis in early November 2026 and go full-time in January 2027, with Joelle supporting a smooth transition before formally concluding her tenure in mid-December 2026.

“I’m honoured to be passing the AD torch to an artist and community leader whose heart and passion for the arts is undeniable. While I don’t remember the moment I first met Philip Geller, I’m almost certain it was somewhere within the orbit of Native Earth,” said Joelle Peters. “Since our paths crossed, I’ve watched them take on projects and lead initiatives with grace, humility, and immense drive. I’m greatly looking forward to seeing what Philip brings to Native Earth, and for the Toronto community to become better acquainted with their artistry.”

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be stepping into the role as Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts. I walk into this role inspired, playful, curious, and ready to listen to the emergent needs of our communities,” said Philip Jonah Logan Geller. "As I write this, I sit on the banks of the Red River, Treaty 1 and the homeland of the Red River Métis where my relations and kinship ties run deep. I think about the comings and goings of the river and waterways and how that reflects the deep history of Native Earth, a place that represents the past, present, and future of Indigenous storytelling. A place where great art, vision, and storytelling flow, meet, grow, and develop. A place that has etched an undeniable mark on “Canadian” and Indigenous storytelling and storymaking. Holy! I am so deeply humbled and grateful to be stepping into this important legacy, especially in this moment where Indigenous stories are seriously needed to dream beautiful, playful, and sustainable worlds!”

Philip Jonah Logan Geller (they/them) is Jewish (Ashkenazi) and Red River Michif (Métis) with Logan, Dupuis, Dease, Vandal ancestors, and roots to the historic Métis community of Rooster Town. They are a citizen of the MMF.

As a storyteller they have worked across Turtle Island as a performer, director, dramaturg, producer, clown, creator, and community worker with companies and festivals including Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Native Earth Performing Arts, The Stratford Festival, The National Arts Centre, OFFTA, Tangente, Gwaandak Theatre, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Winnipeg, Centre for Indigenous Theatre, and The Paprika Theatre Festival.

For two-years Philip has been the Co-Artistic Producer for the Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival in Winnipeg, MB. They have been an Associate Producer at the National Arts Centre for #ReconcileThis and Programing Director for Indigenous Arts Knowledge Exchange. They are a graduate of the U of A BFA Acting Program and York University MFA Directing Program.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we’re thrilled to welcome Philip as Native Earth Performing Arts’ new Artistic Director. Following an extensive search and a strong pool of candidates, the Board was drawn to Philip’s vision, collaborative approach to leadership, and commitment to building meaningful relationships with artists and communities,” said Bob Crawford, President of the Board. “Philip brings a distinctive perspective to the role, and we are excited by the possibilities ahead as they join Native Earth at this important moment in the company’s history.” 

From the Community

Photo of Philip Geller by Aria Evans

“It is with the utmost enthusiasm that I write to applaud Philip Geller’s installation as Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts (NEPA). Philip’s focus (as an artist, scholar and educator) on decolonizing theatre practice and reconfiguring the spaces in which artists come together to make theatre will undoubtedly carve out space and opportunity for exciting initiatives dedicated to the uplift and development of emerging Indigenous theatre makers. As a director, playwright, performer and devisor, Philip has amassed a body of work that is not only ingenious, innovative and exciting but also inextricably bound to the 7 Grandfather Teachings—teachings that live in NEPA’s very ‘bones. Throughout its existence, Native Earth Performing Arts has been blessed with strong leaders—leaders with vision, leaders with good hearts, leaders who strive always to serve our communities. And as Philip Geller joins their ranks, I look forward with great excitement to witnessing the continued flourishing of Indigenous performing arts under their leadership.” - Dr. Jill Carter (anishinaabe/ashkenazi) dramaturge and scholar

“Excited to hear the announcement of the talented Philip Geller taking on the role as the new artistic director of NEPA. Grounded in community values, youth empowerment and humour we shift into an era filled with wonder and amazement. -Christine Friday (Temagami First Nation) dancer, community worker, artistic director of Friday Creeations.

“Congratulations to Philip Geller! On behalf of the Centre for Indigenous Theatre, I want to express how delighted we are to support and see what Philip will bring to the spirit and stages of Native Earth Performing Arts, as their new Artistic Director! We know Philip’s practice to be rooted in building relationships with artists and community. They have the rare ability to lead without dominating, which leads to trust and the ability to bring people together through meaningful artistic process. Significantly, we know Philip to be a strong director with a profound commitment to play, so we are all looking orward to what comes next!” - Rose C. Stella, Artistic Director and Principal, Centre for Indigenous Theatre

~

Tickets for the Native Earth Performing Arts' 2026-2027 Season are available now at www.nativeearth.ca. 

Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. Now entering its 44th season, Native Earth is dedicated to nurturing Indigenous storytelling. We develop, produce and present Indigenous art. We champion talent. According to the Seven Sacred Teachings, we do what we do and fulfill our purpose with Debwewin (truth), Dabasendiziwin (humility), Manaaji’idiwin (respect), Zaagi’idiwin (love), Gwayakwaadiziwin (honesty), Zoongide’ewin  (bravery), and Nibwaakaawin (wisdom). Visit nativeearth.ca or on Instagram at @nativeearthperformingarts.

Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca