Micheline Chevrier Named Imago Theatre's Artistic Director

After 13 years at the helm, Clare Schapiro will be stepping down as Imago Theatre's Artistic and General Director at the end of this season and Associate Director Micheline Chevrier will take over the reins of the company in July 2013.

In 2000, Clare Schapiro was named Artistic & General Director of Imago Theatre, bringing to the company her 20 years of experience in the performing arts, principally as founder and director of Montreal's Créations Etc. (1978-1990), a unique bilingual theatre company developing and producing original works by young people, and as co-founder of Théâtre 1774 (1988-1993), whose works then addressed Montreal's linguistic identity and the important role of language in our society.

During her tenure, Schapiro has led the process of rebuilding, restructuring and reinvigorating the company. Imago Theatre has gone from almost having to close its doors 13 years ago, to now being firmly rooted as one of Montreal's top Anglophone theatre companies. Under her leadership, Imago Theatre has showcased the work of daring contemporary playwrights, and worked with Montreal's finest actors, directors and designers.

A SHARED VISION
In 2009, Schapiro invited Micheline Chevrier to direct Champ de Mars: A Story of War. Through this collaboration, they developed a strong artistic relationship which led to Chevrier becoming the company's Associate Director. Since then they have worked together along with the Board to renew Imago Theatre's vision and to develop long-term plans for the company, including its succession. "I am thrilled that Micheline Chevrier, one of our country's most talented and respected artists, has accepted to take on the leadership of this small company with big plans. She is committed to continue building Imago's reputation locally, nationally and internationally. Most importantly, Micheline is passionate about the art form and is a highly regarded positive force in our community."

For over thirty years, Chevrier has worked across Canada as director, dramaturge and artistic director. She has directed at such theatres as the Shaw Festival, the National Arts Centre, Citadel Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, Theatre Calgary, The Globe Theatre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Canadian Stage, Théâtre français de Toronto, Young People's Theatre and Theatre New Brunswick.

In Montreal, Chevrier has had the great fortune of working at Centaur Theatre (Intimate Apparel, Doubt) and Geordie Productions (Andersen's Inkwell, A Thousand Paper Cranes, I don't Like Mondays). From 1995 to 2000, she was the Artistic Director of the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa. She has also directed and taught at The National Theatre School, Concordia University, McGill University, York University, Dalhousie University and the University of Alberta.

Chevrier is looking forward to her new position, "It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of the spirited, indefatigable and inspiring Clare Schapiro. From the moment Clare and I engaged in conversation, we learned of our common passion for the theatre and the importance of putting women's stories on stage, and supporting female artists, be they playwrights, directors, actors or designers. We shared our passion for Canadian and Québécois voices... les paroles de chez nous! And finally, we both expressed our love for this city and how much we desire to make it a better place to live for its theatre artists."

Schapiro's final programming choice as the company's Artistic Director is the upcoming production of Carole Fréchette's Thinking of Yu, translated by John Murrell, and directed by Micheline Chevrier, which will be playing at Centaur Theatre from April 24 to May 5, 2013.

SCHAPIRO'S CONTINUED ROLE
Schapiro has accepted the invitation to continue overseeing The Group of 5+ building project (a coalition of six professional Montreal theatre companies who are planning a permanent space for creation and performance), and will remain on Imago's Board of Directors. She will also be making her return to the stage as she joins the cast of Imago Theatre's fall production of If We Were Birds by award winning Canadian playwright Erin Shields.

Founded in 1987, Imago Theatre is one of Montreal's longest running independent English-language theatre companies. Imago produces thought-provoking works that reflect women's voices and stories of our times.