Olga Cwiek, Board Chair of the Capitol Theatre, Port Hope, announced on January 4th the hiring of Susan Ferley as Artistic Director and Mike Forrester as Managing Director.

Says Cwiek, “Susan brings a rich history as a director and artistic director. She has worked in theatres across Canada including Stratford Festival and Shaw Festival Theatre. Her work embraces a rich range of genres that includes comedy, drama, classics, musical theatre and theatre for young audiences. As an Artistic Director she has lead two professional theatres, The Globe Theatre, a unique theatre in the round in Regina Saskatchewan, and London Ontario’s Grand Theatre.”

Ferley recently returned from London England where she spent an “invigorating” year of study at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama enriching her work as an actor trainer, coach and theatre artist. She will begin work at the Capitol in mid February.

Says Ferley, “I am excited to begin this new adventure, and together with the Capitol’s board, staff and volunteers, building on the strengths of this beautiful and historically significant theatre. I love the beauty of Port Hope — an exquisite setting for this jewel of a theatre, and I am looking forward to becoming an active member of the community.”

Mike Forrester, the new Managing Director, will be relocating from Vancouver, following several years as the Executive Director of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, where he oversaw tremendous growth, incorporated a Foundation to support the organization, and prepared the company for its next ten years of operation. His background in arts management also includes nine years at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, most recently as Executive Vice President.

Says Forrester, “I am thrilled to join the staff, board and volunteers of the Capitol Theatre for the next chapter in the storied history of the venue.”

A one-time resident of Cobourg for several years, Mike worked in local radio. He and his family are delighted to be returning to Northumberland County and look forward to becoming enthusiastic and engaged members of the Port Hope community, and actively representing and growing the historic Capitol Theatre. Mike will begin work at the Capitol on January 14th.

Adds Cwiek, “The Theatre’s Board and I are very excited and confident that these two outstanding and talented individuals will allow the Capitol Theatre to continue its on-going journey of entertainment excellence. They were selected from a great number of worthy applicants — we are very impressed with their comprehensive theatre experience.”