Studio Theatre Perth is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Richardson as its new Artistic Director, bringing to the role more than 25 years of experience in Canadian theatre, television and creative production.
Richardson, who makes his home in Almonte, has worked in professional, regional and community theatre as an actor, director, stagecraft specialist and creative project manager. He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and television director whose career has taken him from the theatre stage to international television production.
A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Theatre School, Richardson began his professional theatre training as an apprentice to Gord McCall, Artistic Director of Montreal’s Centaur Theatre. His television career later saw him direct and shoot The Kayak Fishing Show around the world, following the success of his feature documentary Game On, which became an episodic television series for NBC and Fox Sports.
Since returning to theatre, Richardson has worked extensively throughout the region as an actor and director. His recent credits include Groundhog Day the Musical, Annie, The Wizard is… Odd?! and Matilda the Musical. He also teaches acting and stagecraft to aspiring performers throughout the Ottawa Valley and looks forward to bringing his workshops to Perth.
“………I am delighted to welcome Will Richardson as our new Artistic Director,” says Robert Hawkins-FeDuke, Chair of the Perth Theatre Project. “Will brings an exceptional depth of experience, talent and passion for live theatre. His energy, creativity and commitment to our theatre will inspire our volunteers, our audiences and the entire theatre family. For me, this appointment represents an exciting new chapter for Studio Theatre. I look forward to working alongside Will as the theatre continues to grow and create memorable experiences for our audiences.”
Richardson succeeds Grace Main, who stepped down as Artistic Director in May after two highly successful seasons. Studio Theatre Perth is grateful for everything Grace brought to the role. Her energy, creativity and commitment helped make those seasons such a success, and she leaves the position with the theatre in a strong place for its next chapter. Fortunately, this isn’t goodbye. Grace will continue to be part of the Studio Theatre community — as an actor, director, advocate, or wherever she feels she can contribute.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Artistic Director for Studio Theatre Perth,” says Grace. “It has been an honour to work with the dedicated volunteers and to support the productions in this way. I look forward to continuing to be involved with Studio Theatre in other capacities.”
For Richardson, the opportunity represents a return to the kind of theatre he loves most: theatre that brings people together. “I’m thrilled to be joining Studio Theatre Perth,” he says. “There is so much talent, enthusiasm and creative energy in this community. I’m looking forward to working with the performers, volunteers and audiences who make this theatre what it is — and to seeing what we can create together.”
The next act for Studio Theatre Perth is about to begin.