Stage Door News
Stage Door News
London, ON, October 22, 2015 — After 15 remarkable years as Artistic Director of London’s Grand Theatre, Susan Ferley has announced that she will step down at the end of the 2015/16 season. She is the longest serving Artistic Director in The Grand Theatre’s 42-year history as a professional theatre.
Ms Ferley joined The Grand in 2001 and, during her tenure, directed some of the theatre’s most notable productions while establishing several innovative initiatives. Most significantly, Ms Ferley spearheaded the annual programming of The Grand Theatre High School Project (HSP) – the only program of its kind in North America. She directed 16 HSP productions as well as mentored and inspired hundreds of students, many of whom went on to professional careers in theatre. It’s a program she is so dedicated to that The Grand is proud to welcome her back as guest director for the Fall 2016 High School Project, Les Miserables School Edition.
Ms Ferley’s commitment to cultivating and mentoring theatre artists included the development of a variety of innovative apprenticeship programs that, in addition to The High School Project, established The Grand as a teaching theatre. She founded the PlayWrights Cabaret showcasing new works by local writers, the High School PlayWrights Cabaret for aspiring playwrights, and The Grand Academy, a week-long musical theatre intensive offered twice a year.
Ms Ferley’s commitment to creative collaborations with artists and creators from across the country were instrumental to many successful years at The Grand and included such significant productions as Intimate Apparel, Other Desert Cities, and A Streetcar Named Desire. Ms Ferley also established the annual tradition of The Grand Theatre holiday production, which became a seasonal family favourite.
“Susan leaves an extraordinary legacy of great theatre, strong leadership, generosity of spirit, and a fierce commitment to artists and the art of theatre,” said Deb Harvey, Executive Director of The Grand Theatre. “With her guidance, we enjoy a healthy arts and business partnership that has focused on growing audiences and celebrating live professional theatre in this beautiful space. We look forward to this coming season as we celebrate Susan’s incredible legacy in Grand style.”
Ms Ferley’s contributions to theatre span 30 years and have touched creative communities across Canada.
•Born in Winnipeg, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the Drama Department at the University of Alberta.
•Early in her career Ms Ferley was inspired by mentors Christopher Newton, Michael Dobbin, Bernard Hopkins and David William.
•She worked as an actor in The Diary of Anne Frank (Carousel Theatre), Glass Menagerie (Western Canada Theatre Company), and If We Are Women (Globe Theatre) to name a few.
•Ms Ferley taught in various theatre training programs across the country including Studio 58, Banff School of Fine Arts, Drama Department at the University of Alberta, Theatre Program at the University of Regina and the National Theatre School.
•She was Artistic Director of the Globe Theatre in Regina 1990-1998.
•And she served on the Board of Directors of Canada Council for the Arts 1998-2001.
Ms Ferley will program the 2016-2017 Grand Theatre season, celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
“I have been honoured to serve as Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre. Theatre is a collaborative art form and any success that has been realized is the result of many working together. Thank you to the staff, crew, Board of Directors, volunteers, and audiences for their support and encouragement. I have been endlessly inspired by artists as well as the young people involved in our youth programs here at The Grand,” said Ms Ferley.
Added the Board of Directors President, Twee Brown: “Susan’s contributions have been instrumental in our success these last 15 years. We look forward to a seamless transition with a new Artistic Director who will lead us in new ventures.”
The Board of Directors will immediately begin the process of nominating a Search Committee to identify Ms Ferley’s successor, who will assume leadership for the 2016/17 season this summer.
“The time is right for new leadership and as the theatre sets off on a new adventure, I too will be off on new theatrical adventures directing, teaching, and perhaps returning to school,” said Ms Ferley.
About The Grand Theatre
Based in London, Ontario, The Grand Theatre celebrates its 42nd season as a professional theatre that strives to inspire, enrich, engage, and entertain by bringing artists and communities together to share stories through meaningful theatre experiences. The Grand is committed to creating a dynamic theatre that addresses the unique needs of our evolving community and region.
Photo: Susan Ferley. ©2015 Derek Rutan.
2015-10-22
London: Susan Ferley to step down as Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre after 15 years