Dennis Garnhum

Dennis became the new Artistic Director at the Grand Theatre in the fall of 2016. The move was a coming home for Dennis. Growing up in London, his theatre career began at the Grand with a role in Antler River at age 13.

Since arriving in London, Dennis created several new programs: COMPASS, 100 Schools, and 1000 Seats, plus formed a new partnership with Sheridan College Music Theatre Program to expand the High School Project.

The 2017/18 Season is the first at the Grand programmed by Dennis and is the biggest season in the theatre’s history; one that doubles the number of actors on stage, features the world premiere of Silence, the North American premiere of Chariots of Fire and a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which represents Dennis’ directing debut at the Grand.

Dennis has also worked across North America, directing plays, musicals and operas at a number of companies, including Vancouver Opera, National Arts Centre, Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Florida Grand Opera, American Conservancy Theatre (A.C.T.), Bard on the Beach, Pacific Opera Victoria, Belfry Theatre, and Neptune Theatre. His co-adaptation (with author Cathy Ostlere) of Lost – A Memoir was nominated for a 2012 Governor General’s Literary Award.

Before coming to London, Dennis was Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary from 2005 to 2016. During his tenure, eight world premieres were developed and staged. Many of these plays have gone on to further productions across Canada and the United States. Dennis has directed nearly 20 productions for Theatre Calgary, including the world premieres of Lost – A Memoir, Beyond Eden and Timothy Findley’s The Wars. His final production at Theatre Calgary which he directed was the world premiere of the musical adaptation of The Little Prince.

Dennis is a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and a Calgary Award for Community Achievement in Arts.