County Stage Announces Graham Abbey's Departure

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 October 2023

County Stage Company Announces Graham Abbey's Departure

Toronto, ON – Anna Hardwick, the Chair of the Board of Directors of County Stage Company, announced today that Graham Abbey has decided to move on from his position as Artistic Director of the theatre following the end of the 2023 Season.

In 2016, Graham Abbey joined the company, bringing a new and ambitious vision to the company and attracting artists of national prominence to develop, present and perform. In 2019, The Toronto Star credited Festival Players for building a cultural infrastructure possibly rivalling the Stratford and Shaw Festivals as a “prestige arts-related tourist destination” noting his ability to bring some of Canada's most accomplished performing artists each season to The County.

“After performing with the company during Graham Abbey's first season, I was convinced of the potential of great theatre in The County. It was an honour to join the board some years later, to support Graham’s work bringing the best of live performance to an area I love so much. I have been deeply proud of every performance we've presented, and even more proud of our efforts towards representation, diversity and inclusion in our casting and programming. These are big shoes to fill, and we look forward to seeing who will step into the role of Artistic Director,” remarked Anna Hardwick, Board Chair.

In 2017 and 2018, Abbey’s initial seasons featured notable guest artists Torquil Campbell, Steven Page, Bruce Dow and included works by Daniel MacIvor, Rebecca Northan and Michael Healey’s “The Drawer Boy”, which Abbey directed.

In 2019, Abbey facilitated the acquisition of a new storefront studio theatre on Wellington Main Street that presented John Patrick Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar”, Duncan Macmillan’s “Every Brilliant Thing” and he worked with COC’s Johannes Debus on Wellington Water Week programming.

Marcel Stewart, Benedict Campbell, George Meanwell, Graham Abbey and John Dolan rehearsing The Drawer Boy, 2018.

It is always a bittersweet moment at the end of an Artistic Director’s tenure. It has certainly been one of the greatest privileges of my life having been given the honour of nurturing and developing this extraordinary company for the past seven seasons. I could not have done any of this without an extraordinary team of artistic leaders alongside me, a remarkable group of selfless creative spirits who have worked tirelessly to make County Stage the company it is today.

I firmly believe that theatre companies thrive best when the torch of creativity is passed on regularly, so that a new generation of artists and leaders can take the company to even greater heights. So it with extreme gratitude for the past and unbridled excitement for the future that I look forward to helping the new leadership team take over the reigns and carry this company body into the future.
– Graham Abbey

Over the past four years, Abbey and Managing Director Vikki Anderson have reinvented County Stage, not merely surviving but thriving during the pandemic. They introduced a new company model, including a unique partnership with The Eddie Hotel & Farm, the creation of a new outdoor pavilion stage, and a permanent home for the company. This season, Abbey expanded programming with another successful partnership, performing in new venues with Base31.

During the lockdown, Abbey, along with Associate Artistic Director Dylan Trowbridge, spearheaded the development of a new work about County poet Al Purdy. This project, titled "The Shape of Home: Songs in Search of Al Purdy," was commissioned and developed throughout the pandemic. It was presented at the Eddie Red Barn in the summer of 2022, toured to Crow's Theatre in Toronto, and received nine Dora Mavor Moore award nominations, including awards for Outstanding Musical Direction and Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role.

This season, Abbey co-created "About Face" alongside Karen Williamson, a new military arts therapy initiative for local military members, veterans, and their families. This program allows participants to explore their creativity and artistic abilities while building community engagement.

Graham Abbey.

Under Abbey and Anderson's leadership, incubating Indigenous theatre voices became an important part of County Stage's programming. In 2021, they inaugurated an annual partnership with the Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance, highlighting the work of Indigenous and BIPOC artists; and in collaboration with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, they created an Indigenous Playwright in Residence program.

Anderson, Managing Director, will also be transitioning, making way for Producer Kristen Leboeuf to assume her leadership position. Vikki oversaw the company's transition during and after the pandemic, working tirelessly to ensure the success of every season, from strategic development to hands-on work with volunteers and everything in between.

“Working with Graham and County Stage has been an amazing experience. Graham’s commitment to excellence, his ambitious fundraising and significant artistic partnerships gave me the ability to implement a historic growth in terms of staffing, programming and meaningful community outreach projects. I’m thrilled that my associate, Kristen will be taking up the reins to lead County Stage into a bright future as one of The County's signature cultural events,” noted Anderson.

This month, the Board of Directors will conduct a search process for the incoming Artistic Director.

For more information on the search, visit countystage.ca/hiring

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About County Stage Company

County Stage (formerly Festival Players) is a thriving performing arts organization located in the scenic region of Prince Edward County. With 17 seasons of experience, we bring together prominent Canadian artists to showcase their talents against the backdrop of The County's beautiful rural landscapes. Our work is deeply rooted in the community, inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of pride. We produce innovative and imaginative theatre for audiences seeking engaging experiences.

Since 2006, County Stage has presented over a hundred performances in unique venues, serving both local residents and cultural tourists. With values of responsibility, inclusivity, and respect, we aim to establish Prince Edward County as a nationally recognized centre for artistic excellence.