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After tumultuous year, STC hires new executive director

John McHenry got his start at STC in the 1980s
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Sudbury Theatre Centre has announced John McHenry is its new artistic director, effective Jan. 1, 2018. (Supplied)

Sudbury Theatre Centre has announced John McHenry is its new artistic director, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

People are invited to meet McHenry at an invitation-only event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23.

McHenry's hiring comes after a tumultuous year for the theatre company. Last spring, Scott Florence, STC's former general manager, and Caleb Marshall, its former artistic director, announced they were leaving the company.

This occurred in the wake of the theatre centre's financial problems. Greater Sudbury city council recently voted to give STC $200,000 to pay down some of its outstanding bills.

A press release from the theatre said McHenry’s professional theatre career began at STC in 1986 as a performer in Show Boat directed by then artistic director, Tony Lloyd. 

This was followed in subsequent years by Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, and Christmas in the Land of Oz, also with Lloyd. He became STC’s director of marketing in 1989 during Mark Schoenberg’s tenure as artistic director followed by working with Gord McCall at the beginning of his time at STC. 

He has worked at theatres across the country as a marketer and publicist: Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius, the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver, and most recently, the Blyth Festival. While in Hamilton he was also president of the Hamilton Fringe Festival Board of Directors, invigorating that company for three years. 

“The Sudbury Theatre Centre holds a very dear place in my heart,” said McHenry, in a press release. “Who’d have thought 31 years ago, when I was here in Show Boat that I would be coming back as Artistic Director? Naturally, I’m thrilled that the Board has entrusted me with the artistic future of STC.” 

“With the continued support of our patrons, volunteers, the larger community, the arts councils and the City of Greater Sudbury, this is a time of renewal for our Home for the Performing Arts. Our season continues with many spectacular and moving productions.”  

Before McHenry takes the reins as artistic director, he is directing STC’s holiday show, A Christmas Story, Philip Grecian’s stage adaptation of the 1983 classic movie. 

“As I begin planning 2018/2019, I promise a season full of music and laughter that includes some of the hottest shows and playwrights on stages across Canada today; it will be a season to entertain and uplift your spirits.” 

“We are thrilled to have John joining us at the helm,” said board chair Gerry Copeman.

“His return to Sudbury is inspiring and a true testament of STC’s role in professional theatre in the North! His talent is a welcome addition to our team, and we look forward to continue entertaining Sudbury in the years to come.”


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