New E.D. At GVPTA

The Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance (GVPTA), an association of more than 100 theatre companies and individual members who promote live theatre and foster a thriving environment for the continued growth and development of theatre in our region, is very pleased to announce the appointment of Eleanor Stacey as its new Executive Director. Ms. Stacey has been a fundraiser and arts administrator in theatre organizations in the United States and Caribbean, and since 2005 has been the Director of Development at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (The Cultch).

From GVPTA Board President Jay Ono: “We are so excited to have Eleanor lead the GVPTA to a new level building on the foundation that her predecessors left for her.  Eleanor has wonderful leadership skills and has a strong vision for our future.”

Ms. Stacey will join the GVPTA in November 2011, assuming management responsibilities for the organization, taking over for Sue Porter, who has led the GVPTA as Executive Director for the past three years.

On accepting the position, Ms. Stacey stated, "I am delighted to continue the work that has already been done to support theatres and theatre practitioners in our area.  There is such tremendous value in the role of the GVPTA for theatres and artists, and for encouraging audiences for theatre.  I am excited to now have this opportunity to take a leadership role in advancing theatre in our region through the work of the GVPTA.”

In New York City, Ms. Stacey has held the positions of Development Associate at Theatre Communications Group – North America’s largest professional theatre association and the producer of American Theatre Magazine – and Director of Development at Classic Stage Company.  In 2005, she returned to BC and joined The Cultch as Director of Development, managing a multi-faceted fundraising program, an array of special events, and the selection process for the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award. 

Originally from Nelson BC, Ms. Stacey’s love for theatre began in the Capitol Theatre, where she participated as a volunteer, designer, and later as a director of the Summer Youth Theatre.  She was the founder of the Anguilla Summer Youth Theatre Program in Anguilla, British West Indies, which she administered from 1998-2003, and again in Summer 2008.

Ms. Stacey holds a BA from Mount Allison University (New Brunswick) and an MFA in Performing Art Administration from Brooklyn College (City University of New York).  As a student, she gained professional experience with Landestheater Tuebingen (Germany), New York City Opera, and The Roundabout Theatre.