New lead for Canadian College of Performing Arts in Oak Bay

Caleb Marshall takes the lead at Canadian College of Performing Arts this month. He starts as managing director of the Oak Bay-based school on April 20.

Marshall was unanimously chosen after a national-wide search led by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society board of directors and co-founders, Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning.

“Caleb is an artist and manager, who brings a wealth of professional arts experience to the college and is committed to the growth and development of both the college and of emerging Canadian artists. We are excited to have him join us in this leadership position as we expand the scope, depth and impact of the school on the western Canadian and the national arts and culture sectors,” said Clayton Baraniuk, acting chair of CHAS.

Marshall’s 25-year theatrical career spans producing, directing, writing, teaching, acting, administration and cultural advocacy. He has produced over 80 theatre productions, taking his career across the nation and around the globe. Most recently he spent three seasons as the artistic executive director of The Sudbury Theatre Centre and the previous six seasons as the artistic producer for Theatre New Brunswick.

“The college has always been national in scope and Mr. Marshall brings to CCPA a vibrant and current knowledge of the range of classic and contemporary performing arts opportunities for emerging young professionals, in every region of our nation,” said Lemay. “His vision and artistic integrity promise to be refreshing and inspiring. I feel confident he will lead the college into our next 20 years of excellence in professional arts training.”

Marshall holds a BFA Honours in Acting from York University, and an MFA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University, London, UK. He has won several awards including the Christopher Plummer Fellowship Award, The Stratford Festival’s Eliot Haze Playwright Development Award and was recognized by the New Brunswick Arts Board with an Excellence Award in the Arts.

“I look forward to crafting the college’s vision for the future in collaboration with the board of directors, everyone at CCPA, its alumni and the broader community to ensure its impact continues to be felt in local, national and international venues,” Marshall said.

Supporters of CCPA can meet Marshall during his first public appearance at CCPA’s year-end production Working at the McPherson Playhouse April 26 to 28. Tickets are available at rmts.bc.ca.