Antigonish, N.S. — The Board of Directors of Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST) and Theatre Antigonish is incredibly pleased to announce that Caleb Marshall will join both companies as the new Managing Director effective June 26th, 2024.
After an extensive national search led by Martin Bragg & Associates, Caleb was unanimously chosen by the Search Committee for the skill, insight, and leadership he displayed throughout the process and for his extensive career as an accomplished leader in both the theatre and education sectors.
“We were extremely impressed by Caleb’s ability to articulate and suggest a clear path forward as we look to meeting the needs of our community and audience into the future, including programming growth, facility upgrades and expanding our reach across the province and beyond,” expressed Board Co-Chairs Dr. Minoli Amit and Dr. Peggy Gallant. “It was also clear that Caleb’s track record for progressive and equitable work aligned with the work FAST has been doing and that he and Andrea would make a strong partnership,” they added.
Artistic Director Andrea Boyd echoed her enthusiasm, “I am thrilled to have Caleb join our team! His wealth of experience in Canadian theatre will help ensure that Festival Antigonish remains strong and vital in the coming years. His experience mentoring students and developing educational programs will be a boon to both Festival and Theatre Antigonish, and his passion for community building will ensure a welcoming place for all.”
Originally from New Brunswick, Caleb Marshall will be returning to his Maritime roots after having held senior leadership roles at arts organizations across the country. He has currently been serving as the Managing Artistic Director of the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) in Victoria, B.C, since 2018. He saw the College through the pandemic without layoffs and installed all the necessary infrastructure to be among only 20% of Canadian programs to successfully return in-person in September 2020. The College community has described him as an ‘agent of change,’ who despite the pandemic, refined the curriculum, expanded community engagement, and implemented college-wide EDIA and Wellness Initiatives.
Caleb’s near 30-year theatrical career has spanned producing, directing, administration, teaching, acting, writing and cultural advocacy. He has produced over 100 theatre productions, working
across Canada and in Europe. Prior to CCPA he spent three seasons as the Artistic Executive Director of The Sudbury Theatre Centre, and six seasons as the Artistic Producer for Theatre New Brunswick, where he oversaw the operations of both companies’ professional, emerging, and educational branches. His commitment to community saw the highest number of regional artists employed in both companies’ histories.
“Personally, and professionally, I couldn’t be more thrilled to return with my family to the region, people, music, and stories that fuel our soul. Antigonish is like no other arts community I know of, the two companies, working collaboratively, are a unique bridge, offering theatre and mentorship for all age and experience levels. It is truly a theatre ‘hub’ for everyone in the region! I look forward to crafting a vision for the future in collaboration with Andrea, the staff, Board, and broader community to ensure the incredible impact continues to be felt locally and is celebrated across the country.”
The Board of Directors is profoundly grateful to Artistic Director Andrea Boyd, and the staff for their exceptional and tireless work managing the company over the past year preparing for this transition. Former long-time Managing Director Reema Fuller, who has stayed closely connected to the companies, is supporting the transition process, “I am excited about this next stage for FAST and believe that the organization will reach new heights under Caleb’s leadership. His experience, background, energy, warmth, intuition, and vision will be tremendous assets for the team,” said Fuller.
“As we enter this exciting new chapter, we look forward to growing even stronger relationships with St. Francis Xavier University, the community of Northeastern NS, and our many generous patrons, sponsors and volunteers,” added Co-Chairs Amit and Gallant. Community members will be able to meet and welcome Caleb Marshall during his first public appearance at the launch of the summer 2024 festival, July 4th on opening night of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson at the Bauer Theater. Tickets are available at festivalantigonish.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director
andrea@festivalantigonish.ca
902-318-3624
About Festival Antigonish:
Established in 1987, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST) has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence and community unity in Northeastern NS, for over three decades. Each season FAST, offers three professional summer productions, one geared for Young Audiences, as well as concerts, and the popular Maritime Kitchen Party. The company’s impact resonates across Nova Scotia and beyond, drawing on average 6,000 patrons and more than 30 artists each year to share a tapestry of stories that not only entertain but also foster introspection, nurturing a deeper understanding of Canadian identity and our interconnectedness with the world. Based out of the beautiful and historic Bauer Theatre on the Saint Francis Xavier University Campus, the company successfully maneuvered COVID creating enchanting large-scale outdoor productions drawing together the entire community as it’s stage. The FAST Theatre Academy offers a range classes, camps and workshops for all age and experience levels. Led by professional teaching artists, The Academy creates a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth through theatrical expression. Festival Antigonish isn’t merely a theatre; it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, compassion, and change, where every performance, class and mentorship are testaments to the enduring power of the arts to ignite imaginations, nurture empathy, and transform lives.
About Theatre Antigonish:
Founded in 1974, Theatre Antigonish is a professionally led community theatre organization, offering high-quality productions at the Bauer Theatre during the fall and winter months. As a non-profit organization, operating in partnership with Saint Francis Xavier University, Theatre Antigonish brings together students and local community members to work collaboratively with professional mentors on all aspects of each production, including acting, design, production elements, stage management and promotion. With an average of 10 presentations each season and 2,000 participants, Theatre Antigonish provides a diverse array of programming including concerts, mainstage comedy, Holiday offerings, Green Room Cabarets, Improv and Open Mic Nights, all enriching the cultural richness of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.