There will soon be a new man behind the shows at the Grand Theatre.
It was announced Wednesday that Dennis Garnhum is the new artistic director at the Grand. He will replace Susan Ferley, who will be stepping down at the end of the 2015/2016 season.
Garnhum has spent the last 11 years as artistic director of Theatre Calgary but is a London native. At the age of 13, Garnhum began his theatre career with a role in the Grand's production of Antler River and in 2004 was wed to his husband, Bruce, 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,” says Twee Brown, president of the Board of Directors. “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.”
Garnhum has directed 20 productions while in Calgary including 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). He has also 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.
“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,” says 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.”
Garnhum's first day with the Grand will be October 3.
