Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity names Amiel Gladstone as director of theatre arts
The widely published and produced playwright-director regularly mentors with The Cultch and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre
Amiel Gladstone. Photo by Fabrice Grover
AMIEL GLADSTONE IS currently directing a stellar version of Arnold Wesker’s The Kitchen at Studio 58, which runs to April 9. Three days later, he will assume his new role as director of theatre arts at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Gladstone will oversee and guide various theatre programs that support artists at every career level on campus and in their future careers at the renowned centre, which was founded in 1933. He has spent time at the centre in the past as a playwright and a dramaturg at the Playwrights Lab; during a Fleck Fellowship residency; and as stage director for opera in the 21st century.
“Banff Centre has always been the most exciting place to travel to and create, throughout my career,” Gladstone says in an April 6 release. “I am thrilled to begin the next chapter working with the team to create new programming that will inspire and innovate the artists that come to this special place in the Rocky Mountains. I am eager to take on the challenge of beginning to look at what opera, dance, and theatre can achieve as we begin to gather again.”
Gladstone has worked extensively with theatre and opera companies across Canada and beyond, including Alberta Theatre Projects, The Arts Club Theatre, Belfry, Catalyst Theatre, The Cultch, Factory Theatre, National Arts Centre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Theatre Replacement, Theatre SKAM, Tarragon Theatre, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver Playhouse, and PuSh Festival. His plays have been published by Coachhouse Press, Playwrights Canada Press, and Samuel French. He has held artistic associate positions at the Caravan Farm and Belfry Theatres and was a founding member and artistic director of Theatre SKAM and interim artistic director of Touchstone Theatre.
Gladstone was the leader/dramaturge of the Vancouver Playhouse Youth Playwrights and regularly mentors with the Cultch, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, and Place des Arts. A long-time board member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada, he has taught at Langara College and the University of Calgary.
“I am thrilled that Amiel has accepted this position," Banff Centre dean of arts and leadership Mark Wold says in the release. "We believe he is perfect for this important role. Amiel brings the qualities of a thoughtful and intentional leader. With his artistic and leadership background, enthusiasm for arts and education, and overall success and vision within the theatre arts fields, Amiel brings the ability to bridge various communities and advance our Theatre Arts programming.”
