Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Stage Lights and Stories: 50 Years of Theatre Antigonish

We begin with the man who started it all: James Colbeck, hired in 1974 by St. Francis Xavier University as an Artist-in-Residence. At that time, he was the only employee of the newly formed Theatre Antigonish.

James envisioned a theatre where students could growthrough access to performance and mentorship — and that vision quickly expanded to include the wider community.

From Medea to My Fair Lady, he built a repertoire that laid the foundation for the company we know today. Speaking to us from his home in Stratford, Ontario, James offers a vivid recollection of those formative years, and of the spark that started it all.

In this episode, we hear from Jeannie MacKay-Smith, Artistic Director from 1977 to 1979. Her tenure may have been short, but it was nothing short of transformative.

Reached on a mountaintop in Mexico, Jeannie reflects on a time of artistic ambition and cultural controversy — most notably her production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was famously banned from the University Auditorium and later resurrected in the Parish Centre.

With support from the Sisters of St. Martha and Father Bauer, Jeannie championed bold choices, creative risk, and community dialogue — and she left an enduring impression on what Theatre Antigonish could be.

For our third episode, we welcome Addy Doucette, who led Theatre Antigonish through over 20 years of incredible growth and evolution.

Addy nurtured generations of emerging artists and cemented the theatre’s role as a gathering place for students, families, faculty, and volunteers. Her vision was expansive — and her impact, lasting.

Supported by administrator Marjorie MacHattie, and longtime collaborators Ian Pygott and Brent Bannerman, Addy oversaw not only the company’s flourishing programming, but also helped launch Festival Antigonish — the professional summer company that brought a new level of artistic vibrancy to the region.

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Thomason, who ushered in a new chapter for Theatre Antigonish. With a director’s eye for nuance and storytelling, Ed led the company in a more text-driven direction, moving away from the long tradition of annual musicals to explore different theatrical forms.

His thoughtful and intentional programming reflected acompany evolving — one that continued to embrace its roots in community and campus, while also broadening its artistic reach.

Ed’s time at the helm helped guide Theatre Antigonish into the new millennium with fresh perspective, creativity, and care.

Our final episode brings us to today, with Artistic Director Andrea Boyd. Andrea leads with empathy, integrity, and a strong commitment to equity and representation.

She champions Canadian voices, prioritizes female playwrights, and has made space for underrepresented stories to be heard on the Bauer stage.

In a time of transition and uncertainty, Andrea has held space for reflection, risk, and renewal — continuing the legacy of her predecessors while planting seeds for the future. Her leadership reminds us why Theatre Antigonish matters now more than ever.