The Grand Theatre Announces Dennis Garnhum as Next Artistic Director
LONDON, ON, June 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Twee Brown, President of the Board of Directors, today announced the appointment of Dennis Garnhum as the next Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre in London. Garnhum, currently Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary, will officially begin his tenure at The Grand at the start of the 2016/17 season on October 3, 2016.
Relocating to London to take the helm as Artistic Director will be a coming home for Garnhum. Growing up here, his theatre career began at The Grand with a role in Antler River at age 13. Later he was an usher, stage manager and eventually, in 2004, he and his husband Bruce Sellery (also from London) married in the balcony of The Grand.
"Our Search Committee has dedicated the last six months to interviewing candidates from across Canada. We are thrilled to have attracted Dennis, whose outstanding experience and passion for theatre and the creative process is renowned for bringing stories to life," said Brown. "Our excitement in welcoming Dennis to The Grand Theatre is surpassed only by his own excitement in coming home to London. With his understanding of our community and his artistic craft, our region can look forward to exciting and innovative theatre in years to come."
Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary since 2005, Garnhum directed 20 productions there, including the world premieres of Lost – A Memoir, Beyond Eden, and Timothy Findley's The Wars. His recent projects include King Lear (co-production with Bard on the Beach), The Philadelphia Story (in partnership with the Shaw Festival), and Major Barbara (co-production with American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco). This past winter he directed Theatre Calgary's world premiere musical adaptation of The Little Prince.
Beyond Theatre Calgary, Garnhum has directed plays, musicals, and operas at companies across the country and internationally including Florida Grand Opera, Vancouver Opera, National Arts Centre, Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival, and Tarragon Theatre, among many others. His co-adaptation (with author Cathy Ostlere) of Lost – A Memoir was nominated for a 2012 Governor General's Literary Award.
"I am excited to work with Dennis as we take The Grand on its next artistic journey. He started his journey here in London, and, since then, his bold and exciting artistic vision has taken him to theatres around the world. To this leadership role at The Grand, he brings an exceptional repertoire of success," said Deb Harvey, Executive Director of The Grand Theatre.
"The Grand was my first exposure to professional theatre. Every time I walk into that building I feel overwhelming excitement – and beautiful memories of powerful theatre flood my mind," said Garnhum. "For the past decade I have enjoyed the vibrancy of making theatre in Calgary with an extraordinary team at Theatre Calgary and I will miss that. However, there is no doubt that I am deeply honoured and completely thrilled to be coming home."
About The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre, a leading and innovative regional theatre, is located in the heart of Downtown London, Ontario. The Grand season runs from September to May. The 2016/17 season is on sale now.
Editor's Note: Full release and bio, click here. Photo available upon request.
SOURCE Grand Theatre
For further information: Kate Rapson, Communications Manager, The Grand Theatre, [email protected], 519-672-9030 ext 247
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