Theatre Calgary artistic director steps down for opportunity in Ontario
'The last decade has been an absolute thrill ride for me here at Theatre Calgary,' Garnhum says
Theatre Calgary's longest serving artistic director is leaving the company for an opportunity at The Grand Theatre in London, Ont.
After 11 years at the helm, Dennis Garnhum is moving back to the city "where as a child, I first discovered my passion for theatre," he said in a statement.
During his tenure, Theatre Calgary audiences grew to 10,600 subscribers, with a 58 per cent increase in single ticket revenue and 11 consecutive years of surpluses.
Under Garnhum's direction, the organization 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.
"The last decade has been an absolute thrill ride for me here at Theatre Calgary," Garnhum said.
"I will miss Calgary acutely, as I have come to adore this city and its thriving, energetic arts community," he said.
Last day Sept. 9
"I leave with great sadness; however, it is evident to me, and I trust to all Calgarians, that the future for Theatre Calgary is strong."
In a statement, board chair Chadwick Newcombe praised Garnhum for his leadership and vision.
"We express our utmost respect and gratitude for all the work that he has done in advancing the arts in Calgary, making us one of the nation's leading theatre companies, and garnering international attention," Newcombe said.
"This opportunity for him to work at The Grand Theatre, in the city where he grew up, was one that he simply could not refuse."
Garnhum will officially step down on Sept. 9.