Al Whittle Theatre Announces Andrew Chandler as Inaugural Executive Director
Wolfville, Nova Scotia (October 26, 2026) — Al Whittle Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Chandler to the role of Executive Director starting November 16, 2026.
Al Whittle Theatre’s search for its first full-time, permanent Executive Director was announced earlier this year, as an effort to strengthen leadership and organizational effectiveness, as well as position the theatre to enact its current strategic plan.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Andrew Chandler most recently served as Executive Director of the Chester Playhouse from 2021-2026, where he oversaw the theatre’s rebuild after a devastating fire, managed a traveling “Playhouse Without Walls”, and led the re-opening and sustained growth of the theatre in the following years. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, and a Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance from Sheridan Institute. As an actor, he performed across North America, including roles with Two Planks and a Passion Theatre, Ship’s Company Theatre Neptune Theatre, and Shakespeare by the Sea. He was founding artistic producer of Kick At The Dark Theatre Co-operative, whose inaugural production won the 2016 Merritt Award for Outstanding Production by a New or Emerging Company. He has also served as administrator for Halifax Theatre for Young People, tour manager for Xara Choral Theatre, and as a board member for Theatre Nova Scotia and The Bus Stop Theatre Co-op. He has directed 8 plays, and served by times as a playwright, dramaturge, musical director, teacher, and administrator for various projects.
In his capacity as Executive Director of Al Whittle Theatre, Chandler will oversee the theatre’s strategic direction, increase operational capacity, and program a wide variety of arts experiences in-house.
"Al Whittle Theatre is a community space dedicated to the arts, to learning, and to fun," said Sheonagh McCullough, Chair of the Acadia Cinema Cooperative. "Bringing Andrew Chandler on as Executive Director ensures that will continue to be our reputation and legacy. We are thrilled to have Andrew Chandler join our community.”
”I’m delighted to oversee this exciting time of renewal for the Al Whittle Theatre," says Andrew. "With the help of the dedicated board of directors and talented staff, we’ll continue to serve our community as the go-to space for films and hosted performances. We’ll work hard to build upon past successes, expand our capacity, and find new ways to bring people together to celebrate the very best in the performing arts and film. I’m excited to tackle the challenges ahead, and my family and I look forward to joining this vibrant community!”
Acadia Cinema Cooperative, the volunteer-run organization that owns and operates Al Whittle Theatre, is holding its Annual General Meeting on Monday, December 7, 2026, which will also serve as an opportunity for the Annapolis Valley to officially welcome Andrew Chandler.
Photo of Andrew Chandler taken by MJPHOTOGRAPHICS
