Vancouver's Carousel Theatre for Young People announces new co-artistic and managing directors
Jennica Grienke and Dave Deveau share the roles, say TYA is in their blood
Dave Deveau (left) and Jennica Grienke.
AFTER A NATIONAL review, Carousel Theatre for Young People has announced new artistic leadership and management.
Jennica Grienke and Dave Deveau are the company’s newly appointed co-artistic and managing directors.
Grienke has worked as an actor, producer, and director with TYA companies across the country, joining Carousel after four years as an artistic a
Deveau is a playwright and producer whose work has toured all over North America and Europe; Deveau also serves as associate artistic director at Zee Zee Theatre.
The new appointments come after a lengthy organizational review and restructuring at the company.
On June 28, 2020, it put out a statement saying it had been reflecting on its “actions and inactions that may have upheld a culture of oppression”. Then on July 8, 2020, the organization publicly referred to backlash stemming from that statement, noting in a statement on its website that “it is clear from those responses that there are problems with our organization that are having a negative impact on our community.”
Subsequently, Carousel put out a statement saying it had parted ways with former artistic director Carole Higgins.
Grienke and Deveau shared a message about their new roles, effective September 27, on Carousel’s website. It reads:
“We are thrilled to join Carousel Theatre for Young People in its 46th year to shepherd it into a promising new future. Theatre for young audiences has the capacity to stimulate community, encourage growth and inspire minds in a unifying experience. Both of us have dedicated our careers to creating intelligent and imaginative work for young people, Jennica as an actor, director, and producer, and Dave as a playwright and producer.
“TYA truly runs in our blood, and we cannot wait to bring the relationships we have with fellow TYA companies across Canada and the world to Carousel. As a new leadership team of white settlers, we acknowledge the privilege that holds and will continue to leverage it, and include and advocate for IBPOC voices, as we build an equitable and inclusive future.
“In collaboration with the Carousel staff and Board of Directors who are a strong assembly of smart minds, we look forward to continuing to build our education program as a vital resource for young people and early career professionals, to champion the development of local new works, and to foster collaboration with other companies locally, nationally and internationally.
“Carousel has the capacity to be a hub for creative collaboration as we return to in-person gathering and the renourishing of our artistic souls. Even in these immensely challenging and ever-changing times, we are dedicated to ensuring young people experience transformative live artistic work as we create meaningful connections and build genuine relationships. We look forward to developing an organization full of imagination and bring joy and magic to every possible facet.”
For more information, see Carousel Theatre for Young People.
Related Articles
