Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum to step down after 11 seasons of excellence

After 11 seasons, Theatre Calgary’s Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum will be stepping down from his post on September 9, 2016, to take over the role of Artistic Director at The Grand Theatre in London, ON.

“The last decade has been an absolute thrill ride for me here at Theatre Calgary,” says Garnhum. “I am deeply grateful for the outstanding team who has always shown incredible support for my dreams and aspirations for the company. And what has made all this imagining possible has been our extraordinary audiences who have supported us, trusted us, and cheered for us. I leave with great sadness, however it is evident to me, and I trust all Calgarians, that the future for Theatre Calgary is oustanding.”

During his tenure, the theatre has proudly presented seven world premieres, including Timothy Findley’s The Wars, Lost – A Memoir, Beyond Eden, and The Little Prince –The Musical, along with works by Canadian playwrights including Liberation Days, and Jake and the Kid. Dennis has also been committed to the cultivation and growth of emerging artists of Alberta through our new play development program, FUSE, and our summertime Shakespeare by the Bow program. These, along with an astonishing growth to 10,600 subscribers, a 58% increase in single ticket revenue, and 11 consecutive years of surpluses during his artistic leadership, speak volumes to the legacy he will leave behind.

The Board of Directors will immediately begin the implementation of a succession and transition plan. With Theatre Calgary’s reputation for artistic excellence and strong fiscal management at the forefront, the search for a successor will be extensive.

For more information, please click here.

Photo: Dennis Garnhum in 2005, 2007, and 2015. Photos by Trudie Lee.