Gateway Theatre announces Barbara Tomasic as new executive artistic director
The artist’s experience includes work with Arts Club Theatre Company and Firehall Arts Centre, among other organizations
Barbara Tomasic.
AFTER A NATIONAL search and in a unanimous board decision, Barbara Tomasic has just been named Gateway Theatre’s new executive artistic director.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Tomasic has contributed to theatres across Canada as an artist, producer, administrator, and leader, with organizations such as Arts Club Theatre Company, Soulpepper Theatre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and Firehall Arts Centre. She was the co-artistic director of Musical Theatreworks.
With Gateway Theatre, Tomasic has served as the artistic associate and founder of the New Play Reading Series, as an instructor in the Academy, and as director of numerous productions. With a passion for collaborative leadership, Tomasic has been director of artistic programs at Gateway Theatre since 2018.
“I am honoured to accept this position and am grateful to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this new leadership direction,” Tomasic says in a release. “Thanks to the past direction of Camilla Tibbs, the board and staff, Gateway is in a great position to move forward in these challenging times. I am thrilled to lead this vision and continue the work towards making Gateway Theatre a leading arts organization in Richmond and beyond.”
The newly created role is part of restructuring at the Richmond arts organization. As part of the new leadership structure, Caitlin Fysh has been promoted to executive producer, and Gateway Theatre is now seeking a general manager.
“Barbara’s strong focus on community building, on supporting the arts and artists, and on leading by example are just some of the qualities that led us to recognize Barbara Tomasic as Gateway’s next Executive Artistic Director,” Gateway Theatre board chair Diane Purvey says in a release. “I’d like to thank all members of the search committee for their dedication and insights, and to Jeanne Lesage and LeSage Arts, for their invaluable assistance and perspective, as well as ensuring the search process was equitable and inclusive.”
Gateway Theatre is about to mount Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, from December 14 to 31.
See Gateway Theatre for more information.
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