Quebecer Manon Gauthier tapped as Segal Centre's new Executive Director

Segal Centre for Performing Arts: Montreal's thriving, first-class performing arts destination

MONTREAL , Jan. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Building on its reputation as Quebec's leader in English theatre, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts has become a vibrant meeting place for all performing arts through theatre, music, dance, cinema, and youth programming. Since its inception in the summer of 2008, the Segal Centre has been steered by the vision and commitment of accomplished businessman and philanthropist, Alvin Segal C.M. As a result, the Centre is experiencing tremendous growth and recognition, thus further elevating its leadership position in the cultural landscape of Montreal . According to Mr. Segal , the appointment of Manon Gauthier as the new Executive Director, combined with the creative leadership of Artistic Director Bryna Wasserman, assures that the thriving, first-class performing arts destination stays on course and sees further growth and success.

"Manon Gauthier emerged as the executive best suited to take the Segal Centre to the next level. Her achievements in the arts and business worlds are remarkable and her values align extraordinarily well with our vision of rapprochement and diversity through the arts," said Alvin Segal , C.M., president of the Board of the Segal Centre for Performing Arts and Chairman and CEO of Peerless Clothing.

Earlier in her career, Ms Gauthier worked in the arts and entertainment industry under the guidance of her mentor, distinguished producer Jacques Primeau , who is currently the vice-president of the Quartier des spectacles Partnership. In recent years, she held executive positions at leading international communications agencies where she provided strategic counsel to top-tier clients, including key players in the arts and culture industry.

A committed advocate of the arts, Ms. Gauthier views the arts as a universal language that advances intercultural dialogue. She has also long claimed their recognition as an important economic driver.

"In harmony with the cultural ambition of Montreal , the Segal Centre for Performing Arts is playing a leading role among the country's cultural institutions. Arts are a key driver for the economic development of the city, the artistic development of its youth, and the creation of its cultural legacy. The Segal Centre is living proof that the union of philanthropy, business and arts is a sustainable investment," Manon Gauthier concluded.

Segal Centre Dream Team: Building Bridges Through the Arts

As part of the accomplished Segal Centre executive team, Manon Gauthier will build on the business, intercultural and artistic relationships established by Alvin Segal C.M., and the Centre's award-winning Artistic Director, Bryna Wasserman.

Bryna Wasserman has paved the artistic trail by forging ties with some of Quebec's leading French language theatres. This season for example, the Segal Theatre and Théâtre du Rideau Vert are co-producing Jon Marans' Old Wicked Songs, which is currently playing in French at Théâtre du Rideau as Une musique inquiétante. Émile Proulx-Cloutier and Jean Marchand will also co-star in the English production at the Segal Theatre from March 7 - 21, 2010. Also worth mentioning is the production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, performed by 'The Other Theatre' in French and Haitian Creole. It will be performed in the Studio, the Segal Centre's second stage, starting April 7, 2010 .

Inspired by these accomplishments and the invigorated relationship between philanthropy, the arts and the business sector, Ms. Gauthier is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

About the Segal Centre for Performing Arts

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts is one of Montreal's leading, multi-disciplinary performing arts organizations. It is comprised of five pillars: The Segal Theatre, an award-winning, professional, English language theatre; the Academy, educating artists and audiences of tomorrow; The Studio, an intimate, inspiring venue, presenting the next generation of performing artists; CinemaSpace, a boutique screening room showcasing the best of Montreal and world cinema; and the award-winning Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre, celebrating over fifty years of dramatizing the Jewish experience and building intercultural bridges through the arts.

    
    Dream Team Bios
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/Dream_Team_Bios.zip

    Dream Team Photos by (Paul Ducharme)
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/Dream_Team_Photos.zip

    Segal Centre Fact Sheet
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/FACT%20SHEET%20Segal%20Centre.doc

    Segal Centre Programming
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/Programming%20Segal%20Centre.doc

    Video (English)
    http://www.youtube.com/user/SegalCentre#p/a/u/1/LpAHCdSUzoo

    Video (French)
    http://www.youtube.com/user/SegalCentre#p/a/u/0/iSq0eoVrM7g

    Press Release
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/SEGAL_CENTRE_RELEASE_JANUARY_2010.doc

    Press Package
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2111475/Kit%20de%20presse%20-%20Press%20Kit.zip
    

For further information: or interview requests contact: Suzanne Shugar, Director, Public Relations, [phone] ext. 8302, [email protected]; Émilie Hervieux, Media Relations, [phone] ext. 8365