Globe Theatre’s long-time Artistic Director, Ruth Smillie, has announced her retirement as Artistic Director of Globe Theatre, effective June 30. Ruth will retire from the dayto-day role of Artistic Director and will assume the honorary position of Globe Theatre Artistic Director Emeritus. She will focus her efforts on advising the Globe Theatre on the redevelopment of the Prince Edward Building, guiding the changeover to the new Artistic Director and directing Cinderella in the 2019/2020 season.
“Although I am retiring from the full-time day-to-day position as Artistic Director, I am not retiring from professional theatre. I am looking forward to devoting my time to the Globe Theatre Redevelopment Project and, of course, bringing Cinderella to the stage in November 2019. It will be exciting for me to have the time to say 'yes' to other professional opportunities.
I have loved every minute of my time working at Globe Theatre. I am proud of the theatre’s many successes and achievements during my tenure. Notably, more than doubling the audience base for Globe Theatre’s productions, the creation of the Globe Theatre School and the Actor Conservatory Training Program, completing two capital campaigns in support of upgrades to our facility, and making significant progress on the $29 million capital campaign to completely refurbish Globe’s home in the Prince Edward Building. Over the past two decades, Globe Theatre’s annual operating budget has grown from $1.1 million to almost $5 million. More than 70% of the operating budget is derived from ticket sales. My heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of artists, staff members, and volunteers who I have been privileged to work with over the years.”
“Ruth’s devotion to Globe has been steadfast,” stated Kerry Lumbard, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Ruth’s leadership and artistic vision have elevated Globe Theatre on the local, provincial and national arts stages year after year. Ruth has also been unwavering in her quest for the redevelopment of the Prince Edward Building into a state-of-the-art theatre that the community needs and deserves. We are pleased to have Ruth continue to work alongside Executive Director, Jaime Boldt, and the project team of professionals in the months ahead.”
Select Organizational Highlights during Ruth’s tenure at Globe Theatre include: • As Globe Theatre’s Artistic Director, Ruth Smillie conceived and produced Lanterns on the Lake, an annual outdoor celebration of art and community that was a signature event for the City of Regina for six years. • Ruth also initiated the Sandbox Series, which develops and presents new work and experimental theatre created by Saskatchewan artists. Two productions developed as part of the Shumiatcher Sandbox Series, Governor of the Dew by Floyd Favel and The Velvet Devil by Andrea Menard. They were showcased at the National Arts Centre in the fall of 2002. • In 2006, the Globe Theatre School was launched and in 2008 the Globe Theatre Actor Conservatory Training Program began. Close to 1,000 students take part in theatre school
programs each year. The Actor Conservatory Training Program graduated 51 Saskatchewan Artists over ten years. • In 2010, Globe Theatre’s production of Elephant Wake, written and performed by Joey Tremblay, was featured as part of the Culture Olympiad before touring across Canada. • Ruth has directed more than 30 productions for Globe Theatre including: Around the World in 80 Days, Mary Poppins, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sexy Laundry, A Christmas Carol, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, Just So, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Old Wicked Songs, Wit, Twelfth Night, The Secret Garden, The Velvet Devil, A Man for All Seasons, Amadeus, Elizabeth Rex, Honk! and The Wizard of Oz (with Michael Kennard). Ruth was also instrumental in bringing Making Treaty 4 to the 2019 main stage. • As a playwright, Ruth Smillie authored Globe Theatre’s productions of Robin Hood, Sleeping Beauty and The Snow Queen. • Ruth Smillie was presented with the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Award in 2000, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the YWCA Women of Distinction Arts Award in 2004, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. In 2008, Ruth was named as one of ten "Women of Influence" by SaskBusiness magazine. In 2011, Ruth Smillie received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit - the province’s highest honour.
“As Artistic Director, Ruth has showcased socially and culturally significant productions as well as bringing to stage the beautiful and entertaining blockbusters you know and love. Through the development of the Globe Theatre School, Conservatory and by creating a culture encouraging professional artistic development, Ruth has acted as significant mentor and role model to many,” expressed Executive Director, Jaime Boldt. “I look forward to working with Ruth in the months ahead as our team restores the Prince Edward Building and ensures Globe’s success for future generations.”
A celebration to honour Ruth will be held during the 2019/2020 season. Details will be announced at a later date.
Globe Theatre will be announcing the appointment of an Interim Artistic Director in September 2019.
A search committee comprising members of the Globe Board of Directors has launched the extensive search process to have a new Artistic Director in place in the new year.
