Susan Ferley, Grand Theatre Artistic Director, to Step Down After 15 Successful Seasons

LONDON, ON, Oct. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - After 15 remarkable years as Artistic Director of London's Grand Theatre, Susan Ferley has announced that she will step down at the end of the 2015/16 season.  She is the longest serving Artistic Director in The Grand Theatre's 42-year history as a professional theatre.

Ms Ferley joined The Grand in 2001 and, during her tenure established several innovative initiatives.  Most significantly, Ms Ferley spearheaded the annual programming of The Grand Theatre High School Project (HSP) – the only program of its kind in North America. It's a program she is so dedicated to that The Grand is proud to welcome her back as guest director for the Fall 2016 High School Project, Les Miserables School Edition.

Ms Ferley's collaborations with artists and creators from across the country were instrumental to many successful years at The Grand and included such significant productions as Intimate Apparel, Other Desert Cities, and A Streetcar Named Desire.

"Susan leaves an extraordinary legacy of great theatre, strong leadership, generosity of spirit, and a fierce commitment to artists and the art of theatre," said Deb Harvey, Executive Director of The Grand Theatre. "We look forward to this coming season as we celebrate Susan's incredible legacy in Grand style."

"I have been honoured to serve as Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre. Theatre is a collaborative art form and any success that has been realized is the result of many working together.  I have been endlessly inspired by artists as well as the young people involved in our youth programs here at The Grand," said Ms Ferley. 

The Board of Directors will immediately begin the process of nominating a Search Committee to identify Ms Ferley's successor, who will assume leadership for the 2016/17 season this summer.

About The Grand Theatre
Based in London, Ontario, The Grand Theatre celebrates its 42nd season as a professional theatre that strives to inspire, enrich, engage, and entertain by bringing artists and communities together to share stories through meaningful theatre experiences. For more information, visit grandtheatre.com.

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SOURCE Grand Theatre

Kate Rapson, Communications Manager, The Grand Theatre, [email protected] / 519-672-9030 ext. 247