Carousel Theatre

Carousel was founded in 1974 by Elizabeth Ball, who served as Artistic Director until 2001,[3][8][9][10] when she stepped down and was replaced by Chris McGregor, who departed in 2006, and Carole Higgins until her departure from the company in July 2020.[2] Currently, the company is under significant artistic leadership changes and board reform. In its early years, Carousel garnered attention for its adaptations of Shakespeare in modern dress.[2] Later, it shifted its focus to adaptations of classical stories and new works by Canadian playwrights.[2] Carousel first mounted its productions in Vancouver playhouses such as the Arts Club Theatre Company's old Seymour Street theatre and the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.[2][3] In about 1993, it relocated to Granville Island, where it has administrative offices and three rehearsal halls.[3] Its administrative and rehearsal space is located across the street from the Waterfront Theatre, which Carousel helped to build and is where it mounts many of its productions.[2][3] When Higgins took over as Artistic Director, Carousel Theatre rebranded itself as Carousel Theatre for Young People, in order to signify its focus on children and youth.[3]

Carousel has mounted premieres of several productions, some of which it had commissioned and developed.[2] Currently, a typical mainstage season for Carousel consists of four or five productions.[3] It offers public performances on weekends and matinees, primarily for schools, during the week.[3]

Canadian plays that premiered at Carousel Theatre include A Christmas Carol - The Musical by Mavor Moore (in 1998),[11] Dying to be Thin by Linda A. Carson (in 1992), and Basically Good Kids by Mark Leiren-Young (in 1993). Carousel also mounted an original production of Pierre Berton's fable The Secret World of Og, adapted under commission by Governor General's Award-winning playwright Kevin Kerr. Other Carousel productions have included Seussical[12] and Kim Selody's adaptation of The Hobbit.[13] Many Canadian theatre artists, including Roy Surette, and Anna Cummer have worked for Carousel Theatre in the decades since it was founded.

In July of 2020, following a petition alleging the theatre company had a toxic workplace, Carousel Theatre parted ways with longtime Artistic Director Carole Higgins.[14]

In addition to producing and staging theatrical performances, Carousel operates a theatre school for young people from the ages of 3 to 17 years old.[2] The company also operates a "Teen Shakespeare Program" for young people aged 13 to 17 during the months of July and August,[15] culminating in a production staged by the teen actors.[2][3]

Carousel Theatre and its artists have been honoured with a number of awards.

• Carousel Theatre
• Vancouverplays.com