Alberta Theatre Projects director Stroich stepping down

Alberta Theatre Projects is losing another leader.

As of March 16, Vicki Stroich is stepping down as executive director, a post she has held for four years. After what she insists was much deliberation, Stroich felt this was the best time to make her exit.

“ATP is in a period of transition. I’ve certainly thought about when I should leave the company and a transition period seemed to be the best time,” Stroich says.

This is the second high-profile loss for the theatre group, as former artistic director Vanessa Porteous left in July.

ATP plans to combine both roles in a new artistic producer position and will launch a nationwide search.

Stroich has been with ATP in various positions for 16 years, starting as a University of Calgary intern in 1999. She was hired as a dramaturg in 2001 and subsequently acted as a season programmer and led new play development as the artistic associate for ATP’s annual Enbridge playRites Festival.

“I have always been a champion of new works. There is no greater thrill than being in a room and watching artists make great discoveries and great decisions and then see how they play out for an audience.

“My work as a dramaturg will always be a highlight of my career at ATP and it’s something I will continue to pursue,” says Stroich, who has already been contracted to host a playwright’s retreat with Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong, B.C., and to work on new play development with Calgary’s Ghost River Theatre and the Nakai Theatre in Whitehorse.

As executive director, Stroich had to shepherd the company through a critical period as it dissolved the Enbridge playRites Festival and faced a 77 per cent decrease in corporate sponsorship. She led a successful 2017 fundraising campaign, which raised more than $400,000.

“Vicki poured her heart, mind and soul into ATP, including leading as executive director through difficult times for the arts in Calgary,” said ATP board chair Anne Brown. “Whether representing the company here at home, on the national scene or beyond our borders, she brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the task.”

Stroich says the company is financially stable, but it is always a case of looking ahead and being cautious.

“As an administrator, I had to think every day where resources were coming from. My goal was always to be honest. It’s not easy to ask for money but it is easier if you are upfront about it.”

Looking at her career with ATP, Stroich says she is “very grateful.”

“This was an amazing career place to grow up in. It’s been my home, but everyone has to leave the nest eventually and my time is now.”

There will be a formal celebration to honour Stroich, with details announced at a later date.