ATP announces departure of AD VANESSA PORTEOUS after 2016-17 Season

Alberta Theatre Projects has announced that, after eight seasons, Vanessa Porteous will be stepping down as the company’s Artistic Director as of July 31, 2017. Porteous, who has worked with the Calgary-based, not-for-profit theatre company in various roles for over 19 years, made the decision to leave her position for personal and family reasons.

In a statement, Porteous explained, “Due to illness in my family, I regret that I will be unable to continue to provide artistic leadership to the organization that has been my home for nearly 20 years. Leaving the company under these circumstances is enormously difficult, but I have great faith in my colleagues, and I will remain their staunchest supporter after my departure. I will never get over the feeling of being at ATP, among friends, making magic. It has been the greatest privilege of my working life so far.”

“On behalf of ATP’s Board of Directors and staff, I extend our most sincere thanks to Vanessa for her longstanding leadership and service to ATP; I wish her and her family comfort and strength as they deal with the challenges ahead,” said Board Chair Anne J. Brown.

Following Porteous’ departure at the end of the 2016-17 season, ATP will be adopting a new, interim artistic leadership structure for the duration of the 2017-18 season. The company will continue to be led by Vicki Stroich, who has been with ATP since 1999, working as Artistic Associate and Dramaturg until she became the company’s Executive Director in 2013. Additionally, Stroich served as Interim Artistic Director for the 2012-13 season while Porteous was on maternity leave. She will be supported by newly appointed Director of Artistic Programming Laurel Green, as well as ATP’s full-time staff and Board of Directors.

The company is planning to celebrate Porteous’ legacy with an event honouring her before her official departure, the details of which will be announced at a later date.

To read the full release, please click here.