Al Whittle Theatre Announces New Vision for Growth and Launches Search for Executive Director
Al Whittle Theatre is embarking on an ambitious new chapter designed to strengthen its role as a cultural cornerstone of Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley. As part of this vision, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the launch of a search for a full-time, permanent Executive Director. The new position will provide expanded leadership capacity to support growth, strategic planning, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development.
The performing arts and cultural industries have undergone significant transformation in recent years. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving audience expectations, and rapid technological change have reshaped how cultural organizations operate and engage their communities. In response, the Al Whittle Theatre has been evaluating its future needs and opportunities to ensure it remains vibrant, sustainable, and relevant for years to come.
This new chapter represents the next phase of the theatre's five-year strategic plan and is being implemented during its third year. The decision to reorganize follows recommendations from independent organizational consultants engaged by the Board of Directors to assess the theatre's long-term sustainability, governance, and operational capacity. Their findings identified opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand organizational effectiveness, and position Al Whittle Theatre for future growth.
The Board wishes to recognize and thank Mary Harwell for her years of dedicated service as Theatre Manager. Throughout her tenure, Mary has supported the organization through periods of growth, challenge, and change while serving audiences, volunteers, artists, and community partners with commitment and care. Her contributions have played a significant role in Al Whittle Theatre's success, and the Board extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavors.
To ensure continuity during this transition, Jeremy Banks has been appointed Interim Executive Director while the Board conducts its search for new leadership. Banks will work closely with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to support ongoing operations and help advance the theatre's strategic objectives during this period of growth and renewal.
"The Al Whittle Theatre has always been a gathering place for creativity, conversation, and community," said Sheonagh McCullough, Chair of the Acadia Cinema Cooperative. "This transition represents an investment in our future. Acting on the recommendations of our strategic planning process and organizational review, we are positioning Al Whittle Theatre to deliver even stronger programming, deepen community engagement, and create exceptional experiences for audiences for years to come."
Banks added, "The Al Whittle Theatre has a remarkable history and an exciting future. We have an opportunity to build on the organization's strengths, embrace new possibilities, and ensure that our theatre continues to thrive as a home for film, performance, and community connection. I am honoured to support the theatre through this transition and the search for an Executive Director."
The Board of Directors will begin the recruitment process in the coming weeks and looks forward to welcoming a leader who can help guide the next chapter of the theatre's evolution.
Further information about the position and application process will be released shortly. Visit alwhittletheatre.ca for regular updates.
