KAMLOOPS — A prominent member of the arts community in Kamloops is moving on.
Lori Marchand, executive director of Western Canada Theatre, has been hired by the National Arts Centre as managing director of its new Indigenous Theatre.
The job is a homecoming of sorts for Marchand who grew up in Ottawa while her father Len Marchand Sr. was an MP in Ottawa.
“I will be working alongside Kevin Loring who is also, of course, well known to our community here,” she told CFJC Today. “He is the first artistic director. He’s a distinguished alumni from Thompson Rivers University and his play ‘Where the Blood Mixes,’ that we developed and commissioned and produced here, went on to win the Governor General’s Award for Drama.”
She says her new job will be “very much a continuation of the work” that she’s been doing at the WCT.
“I cannot say enough about this company and this community in terms of playing a really pivotal role developing Indigenous work and artists.”
Marchand, who spent 18 years at WCT, says it will be very difficult to leave WCT and Kamloops but notes she looks forward to being able to continue the work started in Kamloops and “creating a broader impact on the national stage.”
WCT Board President Tim Rodgers says while he’s “very excited” for Marchand, she will be greatly missed.
“Obviously after 18, almost 19 years of working with Lori, we’re sad to see her go.”
What will he remember about her most?
“Her dedication to the community and her passion not just for WCT but theatre for people in Kamloops and providing the best possible productions for the people of Kamloops.”
The search for Marchand’s successor will start in January, and she will leave for Ottawa in April.
