Artistic Director Emeritus Honoured with Creation of Christopher Newton Interns Program

Artistic Director Tim Carroll revealed today that Artistic Director Emeritus Christopher Newton's contributions to the Shaw Festival and Canadian theatre at large would be recognized through the newly creaTed Christopher Newton Interns program. The program was announced following Mr. Newton's appearance as part of the Deeper Dialogue series.

Christopher Newton retired from his position as the Shaw Festival's Artistic Director in 2002 after 23 years of service, but continues to be a major contributor to Canadian theatre. During his tenure, Mr. Newton shaped the Festival into a world-class theatre company that attracts the finest artists and craftspeople from across the country to the Niagara region each season. He is known for his dedication to the development of artists and young theatre practitioners.

Long-time supporters of The Shaw, and passionate supporters of the arts, Marilyn and Charlie Baillie gifted $1 million to the Shaw Festival Foundation to establish these new Christopher Newton Interns. Each season, the Festival welcomes interns and young artists across the organization: in the acting ensemble and in directing, conducting, design, production and creative management. This endowed gift will underwrite two such artists each year in the Shaw Festival's programs in perpetuity.

"Thanks to the generous support of the Baillies, the Christopher Newton Interns program is an investment in the future of the Shaw Festival," says Tim Jennings, Executive Director and CEO of the Shaw Festival. "Beginning in 2018, the Christopher Newton Interns program will ensure the sustainability of The Shaw in the development of artists and craftspeople - young people who are the future of theatre in Canada. I couldn't be more excited to see Christopher's legacy honoured in this way."

About the Shaw Festival

The Shaw Festival celebrates the life and spirit of Bernard Shaw by creating theatre that is as entertaining and provocative as Shaw himself. For more information, please visit www.shawfest.com.

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