Local arts leader stepping down after 4 seasons to pursue new artistic opportunities
Calgary-based, not-for-profit theatre company Alberta Theatre Projects has announced today that Executive Director Vicki Stroich will be resigning from her role on March 16, 2018. Stroich has served as the company’s Executive Director for four seasons. After a total of 16 years with ATP, she made the decision step down from her role to pursue new opportunities as theatre artist and arts administrator.
“I am very proud of my 16 years with Alberta Theatre Projects working with the artists, staff, volunteers and audiences that make ATP such a cornerstone of our vibrant local and national arts and culture scene,” said Stroich of her departure. “ATP has great opportunities ahead of it with the support of this community. I am looking forward to reconnecting to my work with artists and applying all that I have learned at ATP in my time as a dramaturg, programmer and, more recently, as Executive Director to new projects.”
Stroich began her career with ATP in 1999 as a University of Calgary intern following her graduation from the school’s theatre program. Stroich started a full time position as a dramaturg in 2001. As part of the company’s artistic team, she lead New Play Development as the Artistic Associate for ATP’s annual Enbridge playRites Festival, which during its 27 year run saw the premiere of over 115 new, Canadian plays.
Taking over the role of Executive Director from David Shefsiek in November of 2013, Stroich stewarded the company through a critical period in its history, including the dissolution of the Enbridge playRites Festival in 2013 and the successful Propel Us Forward fundraising campaign launched in the spring of 2017 in response to a 77 percent decrease in corporate sponsorship and an ensuing period of financial distress for the company.
In the summer of 2018, Stroich will be hosting a playwrights retreat with Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong, BC and working on new plays with Calgary’s Ghost River Theatre and Nakai Theatre in Whitehorse.
ATP will begin its search for an Artistic Producer to lead the company within the month. This new role will replace both Stroich’s position as Executive Director and former Artistic Director Vanessa Porteous, who left the company in July 2017. In the interim, the company’s senior leadership team will be taking over the executive leadership of the company until a suitable candidate has been selected.
ATP’s staff and board of directors extend their deepest gratitude to Stroich for her leadership and service to the company and wish her all the best as she enters the next stage in her career.
“Vicki poured her heart, mind and soul into ATP, including leading as Executive Director through difficult times for the arts in Calgary,” said Board Chair Anne Brown. “Whether representing the company here at home, on the national scene or beyond our borders, she brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the task. The ATP Board has appreciated having had an excellent working relationship with Vicki and wishes her every success in her future endeavours.”
A formal celebration honouring Stroich’s outstanding tenure with the company prior to her departure are currently in development, and will be announced at a later date via ATP’s website and social media channels.
