The Board of Directors of Here For Now Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal L. Spicer as Executive Director, bringing more than 20 years of leadership and experience in the performing arts across music, dance, and theatre.

A graduate of Grant MacEwan University, Ms. Spicer has built a distinguished career with some of Canada’s most respected arts institutions, including Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Stratford Festival. Her leadership roles include serving as Technical Director at the National Arts Centre and Production Manager with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She also played a key role in the commissioning and opening of Queen’s University’s Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, a landmark cultural venue.

After returning to Stratford with her family in 2023, Ms. Spicer most recently served as Executive Director of Stratford Summer Music, where she was instrumental in guiding the organization through post-pandemic recovery. During her two seasons in the role, she helped secure new funding opportunities, strengthen organizational stability, and achieve a budget surplus.

Susan Moffat on behalf of the Board of Directors “We are delighted that Crystal has agreed to accept this role and reflects on the ongoing growth and success of Here For Now. Crystal brings a wealth of expertise in Administration and Production to this newly created position.”

Ms. Spicer brings a deep understanding of artistic production, administration, and the importance of strong community roots. This appointment marks a meaningful return to theatre, the discipline at the heart of her artistic journey, where her passion for the arts will continue to thrive, grow, and contribute to the cultural life of Stratford.

“I am excited to join Here For Now Theatre at such an exciting moment in its evolution.” said Ms. Spicer “Since returning to Stratford, I have admired the company’s remarkable trajectory, growing from the lawn at the Bruce Hotel (2020) to its beautiful new home at the Rose McQueen Theatre, a testament to its vision, community support, and artistic excellence. I look forward to working closely with Fiona and the team to build on this momentum and support the company’s continued artistic and organizational growth.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Crystal to the Here For Now team at what I believe is the perfect moment.” said Fiona Mongillo, Founder and Artistic Director “We are not yet a year into running our own building and so we’re still figuring things out—what the space can be, how it can best serve artists and the community, and how we sustain it—and Crystal’s extraordinary leadership skills and vast technical knowledge will be essential as we keep refining this vision. She brings a deep love of theatre, a serious commitment and work ethic, and a generosity that inspires people to do their best work. I can’t wait to work alongside her and to see how her care and expertise help Here For Now grow into a lasting, artist-driven home for independent theatre in Stratford.”

About Here For Now:

Here For Now is an independent feminist theatre company based in Stratford Ontario, that challenges and inspires its audiences by producing a bold annual theatre season comprising new or underproduced plays.

Website: www.herefornowtheatre.com.

Photo: Crystal L. Spicer.