Carousel Theatre

Carousel was founded in 1974 by Elizabeth Ball, who served as Artistic Director until 2001,^{[3][8][9][10]} when she stepped down and was replaced by Chris McGregor, who departed in 2006, and Carole Higgins until her departure from the company in July 2020.^[2] Currently, the company is under significant artistic leadership changes and board reform. In its early years, Carousel garnered attention for its adaptations of Shakespeare in modern dress.^[2] Later, it shifted its focus to adaptations of classical stories and new works by Canadian playwrights.^[2] Carousel first mounted its productions in Vancouver playhouses such as the Arts Club Theatre Company's old Seymour Street theatre and the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.^[2][3] In about 1993, it relocated to Granville Island, where it has administrative offices and three rehearsal halls.^[3] Its administrative and rehearsal space is located across the street from the Waterfront Theatre, which Carousel helped to build and is where it mounts many of its productions.^[2][3] When Higgins took over as Artistic Director, Carousel Theatre rebranded itself as Carousel Theatre for Young People, in order to signify its focus on children and youth.^[3]

Carousel has mounted premieres of several productions, some of which it had commissioned and developed.^[2] Currently, a typical mainstage season for Carousel consists of four or five productions.^[3] It offers public performances on weekends and matinees, primarily for schools, during the week.^[3]

Canadian plays that premiered at Carousel Theatre include A Christmas Carol - The Musical by Mavor Moore (in 1998),^[11] Dying to be Thin by Linda A. Carson (in 1992), and Basically Good Kids by Mark Leiren-Young (in 1993). Carousel also mounted an original production of Pierre Berton's fable The Secret World of Og, adapted under commission by Governor General's Award-winning playwright Kevin Kerr. Other Carousel productions have included Seussical^[12] and Kim Selody's adaptation of The Hobbit.^[13] Many Canadian theatre artists, including Roy Surette, and Anna Cummer have worked for Carousel Theatre in the decades since it was founded.

In July 2020, following a petition alleging the theatre company had a toxic workplace, Carousel Theatre parted ways with longtime Artistic Director Carole Higgins.^[14]

In addition to producing and staging theatrical performances, Carousel operates a theatre school for young people from the ages of 3 to 17 years old.^[2] The company also operates a "Teen Shakespeare Program" for young people aged 13 to 17 during the months of July and August,^[15] culminating in a production staged by the teen actors.^[2][3]

Carousel Theatre and its artists have been honoured with a number of awards.