Ghost River Theatre Society extends its gratitude to Executive Director Kate Stadel who left our organization at the end of February. Kate joined GRT in June 2018 and over her five-year tenure, she worked effectively to bring an innovative and thoughtful approach to the administration of GRT, focusing on financial stability, equitable human resource policies, and community engagement.
“Working on new, and experimental devised theatre is exciting and unpredictable, offering an excellent opportunity to allow yourself to plan, while challenging yourself to be flexible at the exact same moment. Ghost River Theatre has challenged me to stay nimble, while working on a foundation of flexible, equitable, and innovative practices within the arts sector, with some of the city's most talented artists.” - Kate Stadel, outgoing Executive Director.
Kate has been a tireless advocate for artists and arts workers, and in 2020, she was named one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 in recognition of this work. Some highlights of Kate's contributions include:
● Guiding GRT through the uncertainty and tumult of the pandemic with care and ingenuity.
● Overseeing the premieres of two of GRT's biggest productions: GIANT (2019) and STRUCK (2023). Other show and workshop credits include: SensoryBox, Gin and Wine Experience, Tomorrow's Child with Vertigo Theatre, Makambe Speaks, Sound Bath, So Dark the Sky, Extinction Song and a host of development workshops and training intensives.
● Establishing the Ghost River Theatre Endowment Fund through the Calgary Foundation to ensure the future stability of the organization – helping to raise $126,000 in the first five months.
● Securing new community partnerships and amplifying accessibility to the community through, as an example, a Pay-What-You-Can pricing model.
● Fostering safe and equitable spaces for Ghost River Theatre artists through a comprehensive, updated Code of Conduct and many human-first policies.
● Spearheading the renovation and upgrades of West Village Theatre's lobby and theatre space.
● Contributing to the broader arts sector through PACT advocacy committees and initiating Arts Admin Connect.
“Though I am sad to see Kate’s 5-year tenure at GRT come to an end,” says GRT Artistic Director Eric Rose, "I am also filled with immense gratitude for the incredible passion, expertise and dedication she has brought to our organization and the championing of arts in Calgary. Kate has left an indelible mark on myself and GRT, and we wish her the best with her future endeavors!”
Ghost River Theatre’s Board of Directors will commence a national search for our next Executive Director in the coming weeks. In the interim, GRT'’s Producer Christy Offer and artistic associate Marina Buston will be managing GRT’s operations. Please visit our website or sign-up for our e-newsletter to be kept up-to-date.
Thank you Kate!