CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Andrea Surich was ready for a new challenge, so she leapt at the chance to take over as general manager of the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.
Surich assumed her new role two weeks ago, taking over from Dean Constable, who had been with the centre the previous 16 years.
“I’m ready for a new challenge, and this is a big challenge," Surich told The Guardian in an interview on Wednesday, referring to the impact of COVID-19 public health restrictions. “Theatre, in general right now, at this time in our world is facing change because we have to think differently. The whole idea of not being able to assemble is like a knife in our back.
“To have to figure that out – how we are going to be creative; how we are going to continue to tell stories within these (public health) restrictions – is a big challenge. That’s actually part of why I wanted to come here, knowing that we’re in a moment of change, and I would love to be part of that change on a larger scale."
Those restrictions cancelled the 2020 Charlottetown Festival and put the centre’s signature show, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical on the sidelines for the first time in its history.
Surich, who served as general manager of the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico the past five years, and her staff are currently in the process of planning for the 2021 festival. There will be one – and announcements are forthcoming – but exactly what it will look like is uncertain right now.
Did you know?
Here is some previous work experience for Andrea Surich, the new general manager of the Confederation Centre of the Arts:
- General manager of Watermark Theatre in North Rustico.
- Production manager at the Grand Theatre in London, Ont.
- Technical director at the Stratford Festival in Ontario.
The Chief Public Health Office announced this week that the centre’s capacity can increase from 150 people (three pods of 50 people) to 300 people (six pods of 50 people). However, this number could change, depending on what is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surich said discussions involve the type of content they will be able to provide and what will be possible considering the capacity limit.
The centre won’t commit to Anne in 2021 or any show, for that matter. The reality is the limit of 300 people in the Homburg Theatre will affect the budget the centre will be working with. Reducing the audience size changes what the centre can afford to do. And, the Atlantic bubble affects who it can bring in.
“Knowing those restrictions will decide what we can actually achieve,’’ Surich said, adding that dealing with the world as it is right now is about theatres thinking about their place in the community and the importance of what they do.
“I’m a risk-taker. I’m an adventurer, so the thought of being a part of that is, for me, really exciting. We don’t know what it looks like. It’s scary, but it’s also beautiful."
Steve Bellamy, CEO of the centre, said Surich is the right person to lead the theatre department.
“She has achieved great things for Watermark and comes to us with three decades of national leadership in theatre production,’’ Bellamy said. “Together with (artistic director) Adam Brazier, Andrea will lead the ongoing growth of our theatre department and help explore new horizons in live and digital offerings for Confederation Centre of the Arts.’’
Robert Tsonos, artistic director of Watermark Theatre, agrees.
“Andrea has had an incredible impact on our company and is a major reason why the theatre is in such great shape, both artistically and financially,’’ said Tsonos.
Surich is optimistic about the future, despite the immediate challenges.
“Theatre is an ever-changing world," she said. “The goals are constantly changing in terms of the kinds of stories that you’re telling and how you’re telling them. It’s definitely the storytelling that drives me. I don’t think there’s any question theatres will hold on. They have for thousands of years. That’s the beauty of this art form. It will pivot."
Dave Stewart is The Guardian's culture reporter.
