Axis Theatre Company, currently in its 39th season of creating and touring physical theatre plays for audiences of all ages, is pleased to announce that Mr. Chris McGregor will become the new Artistic Director. Mr. McGregor begins as Interim Artistic Director in early September 2014 sharing responsibilities with outgoing Artistic Director, Wayne Specht for the 2014‐15 season. Chris will direct his first Axis Theatre Company production – HAMELIN: A NEW FABLE – which is touring to BC elementary schools and local theatres starting this coming February 2015. In September of 2015, Chris will assume the full time position of Artistic Director.
Axis Theatre Society President Gerald Longson made the announcement today noting that it was an extremely challenging process to select a new Artistic Director for Axis Theatre as there were over 20 outstanding applications from across Canada. “We were impressed by the calibre of applicants seeking the position and thank all those who took the time and made the effort to express their interest in the job.” stated Mr. Longson.
A well‐established and respected member of the Vancouver Arts Community, Mr. McGregor holds a BA in Drama from Bishop’s University, an MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of British Columbia and has an impressive career as a performer, writer, director and teacher. He was Co‐Artistic Director of Theatre Bagger from 1993‐2014, Artistic Director of Theatre Under the Gun from 1998‐ 2004, Dramaturge at the Playwrights Theatre Centre 2001‐2003 and Co‐Artistic Director at Carousel Theatre for Young People from 2000‐2006. Chris has directed for many theatre companies in the Lower Mainland, most recently THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and THE KING AND I for Richmond’s Gateway Theatre.
Founding Artistic Director Wayne Specht is thrilled that Chris McGregor is joining the Axis team. “I have been a friend and colleague of Chris for over 20 years and have admired his commitment to theatre for young audiences and adult mainstage. Chris’ directorial work has always been influenced by his familiarity with diverse theatrical styles be it clowning, mask, spoken word or music (as in musicals). He is at an excellent point in his career to carry Axis Theatre Company forward on new theatrical adventures yet has a keen grasp of our history, which will be a resource for his own theatrical explorations with the company.”