Toronto ON — It is with sadness that Theatre Passe Muraille (TPM) announces the departure of Managing Director Régine Cadet. While we will miss her, we are excited to see her take on her exciting new role.
“TPM has been my home since I moved to Toronto in 2013 and has been a real source of joy and fulfillment. I’m very proud of the work that I have accomplished during these 8 years. I am confidently leaving TPM in a better position than I’ve found it, not only financially but structurally and in terms of accessibility, equity, and inclusion. It has been a privilege to lead this great institution and be part of its legacy. With more IBPOC representation on stage, in staff, and in board composition, TPM is in good hands with a strong team and guided by strong leaders.”
Régine Cadet | Outgoing Managing Director, TPM
Régine, the first Black woman and the first Francophone woman to co-lead Theatre Passe Muraille, is leaving the organization in a strong financial position. With renewed sponsorship from TD Bank and BMO in support of accessibility and community engagement initiatives, the organization is also receiving new funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Trillium foundation to undergo the Digital Transformation Project, which includes a year-long Digital Creators Lab and the Backspace renovation.
Appointed in January 2014 after a national search, she worked the first 6 years alongside former Artistic Director Andy McKim, where she produced over 30 productions while administering successful tours such as ELLE by Severn Thompson and Sound of the Beast by Donna-Michelle St.Bernard. In particular, Life Death and the Blues by Raoul Bhaneja and Divine Brown toured across 5 Canadian cities for over 100 performances.
“Regine was an astonishingly good Managing Director for Theatre Passe Muraille. She provided strong creative management and a commitment to the values of our organization. Plus she was a leader within our community. And for me personally she was the most extraordinary organizational partner anyone could hope for. I will miss her, TPM will miss her and Toronto will miss her.”
Andy McKim | Former Artistic Director, TPM
Under Régine’s leadership, TPM strengthened our overall commitment to accessibility — both through offering ASL interpreted, Audio Described, and Relaxed Performances for our audiences as well as supporting more inclusive practices for disabled artists. Other highlights include support for Deaf artists such as producing Ultrasound (2015 co-production with Cahoots Theatre) and Crying Hands (A 2019 Theatre Passe Muraille Presentation of Theatre Manu Production) which was performed entirely in American Sign Language and had a sold-out run.
In addition, the organization also undertook major capital projects increasing accessibility under Régine’s guidance. She worked with the City of Toronto to extend and level the sidewalks, and relocated our offices to a more spacious and wheel-chair accessible building.
In 2019, TPM celebrated our 50th year anniversary — bringing back beloved shows such as Drawer Boy, Alien Creature, and Pyaasa. During this time, Régine welcomed the new Artistic Director Marjorie Chan, working with her during perhaps the most challenging two years for live performance. Régine was rigorous in maintaining a fiscally sound TPM, and ended the 20.21 year with a surplus, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She was instrumental in exemplifying a spirit of collaboration when working with the Artistic Director Marjorie Chan, through the myriad of unexpected changes, postponements and cancellations as TPM “Navigated the Now”.
“Régine has always brought her humanity to the challenging work of negotiating resources to support artistic practice, filling conversations with humour, and tact.With her background as an artist, Régine knew how to place the art at the forefront, even while balancing a budget. It was a privilege to have spent these past few years working alongside her, and I am pleased now to call her a friend. TPM was very lucky to have her, and now many more will benefit from her wisdom in her new role.”
Marjorie Chan | Artistic Director, TPM
In addition to the innovative artistic experiences offered during the pandemic, Régine also embraced this time for new strategic thinking and rejuvenation. As part of that, Régine established a new permanent position of a Community Engagement Coordinator, following TPM’s vision to take a more active approach in reaching our communities. Additionally, together with the Board of Directors, Artistic Director Marjorie Chan, and the TPM staff, she facilitated the accountability framework and our commitment statement — outlining the goals that TPM staff and Board will undertake to promote and advance the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) artist, patrons, and community partners.
Régine has played a vital role not only within TPM’s community of artists, audiences and arts administrators, but also within the entire city of Toronto. As the Chair of the TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts) Board of Directors for the past 3 years, she has worked tirelessly in advocating with municipal and provincial governments for the live performing arts sector, especially during the very challenging months of the pandemic.
“Régine’s passion and commitment has contributed to making Theatre Passe Muraille an industry leader in equity and inclusion in our artistic programs, administrative spaces and on the board. The Board of Directors wishes her all the best and we know she will thrive in her new position at the Canada Council.”
Sue Moellers | Chair, TPM Board of Directors
After an incredibly influential 8 years in Toronto’s arts and cultural scene not only as our Managing Director but also as the Board President of Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and board member of Museum of Caribbean and African Arts (MACA) — we are absolutely thrilled to witness the change and inspiration she will bring at a national level. Régine’s last day with Theatre Passe Muraille will be November 5. We invite the community to join us online at 4pm to wish her goodbye.
The search process for new administrative leadership will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, please look out for our 21.22 programming announcement as we prepare to re-open our red doors and embrace the future.
About Régine Cadet
Originally from Haiti, Régine moved to Canada and founded the Montreal-based dance company EKSPRESYON that focuses on Afro-Haitian dance. Before joining TPM, she worked for 12 years at MAI (Montréal, Arts Interculturels), a multidisciplinary presenter and incubator for the development of intercultural and culturally specific work, where she held the position of Artistic and Executive Director for seven years. As a mentor and advocate, Régine has been an integral member of the arts community in Montréal and in Toronto.
About TPM
Founded in 1968, TPM is Canada’s original alternative theatre company, currently developing and producing new Canadian plays. TPM is striving to articulate a distinct Canadian voice that reflects the complexity of our intercultural society. TPM believes there should be a more diverse representation of artists, audience members, and stories in our theatre. TPM aspires to be a leader locally, nationally and internationally in establishing, promoting, and embracing collaborative and inclusive theatre practices. We do this so that we can support and ignite the voices of unique artists, communities and audiences.
Media contact
Emily Jung | Marketing Manager | media@passemuraille.on.ca