Jonathan Church announces ‘thoughtful transition’ to role at Stratford Festival in Ontario

Director and producer JONATHAN CHURCH has been named artistic director of Stratford Festival in Ontario, taking up the role next autumn.

Church currently heads up Jonathan Church Theatre Productions (JCTP), which he founded seven years ago as part of the Trafalgar Entertainment family of companies.

Trafalgar said that all JCTP projects will “continue uninterrupted” and that Church will work closely with the company, in coordination with JCTP executive producer BECKY BARBER, over the next year as he transitions into his new role.

Trafalgar Entertainment’s co-chief executive and creative director, Sir HOWARD PANTER, said the organisation was “excited” for Church, who previously served tenures as artistic director at Birmingham Rep and Chichester Festival Theatre, to return to his “roots in the subsidised sector”.

“We are proud of the work created since 2019 in partnership with Jonathan, under the Trafalgar Entertainment umbrella, and such theatrical development, production, and management will continue forward with JCTP’s creative and production partners,” said Panter, adding: “We see this as a new chapter in our collaboration with Jonathan and will be cheering on all his endeavours in Stratford”.

Church said he “treasured” his time collaborating with Trafalgar Entertainment and was “heartened” to know the company’s work will continue “in the safest of hands” with all existing stakeholders and creative teams.

“I’m dedicated to this thoughtful transition and together ensuring the continued success of all our projects,” he said.