An award-winning director and Saskatchewan native will take over the helm of the Grand Theatre this fall.
Rachel Peake was named Friday as the new artistic director of the downtown theatre. She replaces Dennis Garnhum who held the position for the past seven years. Garnhum announced plans to step down in January, launching an "extensive, international search" for his successor.
"From a substantial pool of strong candidates from all corners of the globe, Rachel stood out as a creative, inclusive, collaborative leader, with an undisputable track record as a director, dramaturge, and creator of new work," said George Kerhoulas, president of the Grand Theatre Board of Directors. "The search committee, consisting of a diverse assemblage of Grand Theatre stakeholders, community advocates, and representatives from the culture sector, hold great confidence that Rachel will build upon the successes and legacies of her predecessors while making an indelible mark on the Grand Theatre’s next chapter.”
Peake comes to London after having served as the associate artistic director at the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver for the past three years. Prior to that she was the associate artistic director of the Citadel Theatre and was instrumental in the theatre's new play development initiatives. Her past experience also includes work with Calgary and Vancouver operas.
Earlier this year, Peake won the Ovation Award for Outstanding Direction for her work on Theatre Under the Stars' production of Something Rotten!
"Being the artistic director of the Grand Theatre is a dream job,” said Peake. “Two theatre spaces with such vibrant history and extensive recent renovations allow for the full breadth of programming I love – plays that spark joy, from the intimate to the spectacular."
Peake added that she is excited to move her family to London.
"To settle in, explore, and get to know this amazing community," said Peake. "We are living in challenging times, and I look forward to facing those challenges with energy, vision, and in partnership with the incredible team at the Grand.”
The Grand kicks off its new season on September 19 with the High School Project's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic The Phantom of the Opera.
Peake's first day in her new role will be October 2.
