Regina’s Globe Theatre artistic director taking on new role

Regina’s Globe Theatre could have a different feel next season.

After 21 years as the artistic director, Ruth Smillie is taking a step back.

As of the end of June, Smillie is retiring from the role of artistic director and will move into the new, honorary position of artistic director emeritus.

That means Smillie will advise the theatre on the redevelopment of its building and will help guide the search for a new director. She will still direct the theatre’s presentation of Cinderella next season.

In a media release, Smillie said she has loved her time at the theatre and is proud of its many successes over the years, like nearly doubling the audience base for the productions, the creation of the theatre’s school and actor training program, and progress on the capital campaigns.

“My heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of artists, staff members, and volunteers who I have been privileged to work with over the years,” Smillie said.

Smillie directed more than 30 productions for the Globe, authored several as well, and initiated the Sandbox Series.

According to Smillie, though she’s retiring from the day-to-day operations, she’s not retiring from professional theatre altogether.

“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,” she said in the release. “It will be exciting for me to have the time to say ‘yes’ to other professional opportunities.”

An interim artistic director will be appointed in the fall, and a new permanent director is expected to be in place in the new year.