Catherine Ballachey replaces Angela Galanopoulos at The Improv Centre helm
Granville Island hub also launches the return of its improv education programs
Catherine Ballachey
Angela Galanopoulos
THE IMPROV CENTRE on Granville Island has announced Catherine Ballachey as its new managing director.
Ballachey recently held the position of administrative director at Théâtre la Seizième, and has been working in the Vancouver and Ottawa’s arts and culture communities for the last 14 years. “I’m looking forward to TIC’s programming and bringing the joy of improv to new audiences,” she said in the press announcement today.
She replaces outgoing leader Angela Galanopoulos, who joined the team in September 2013 as an ensemble member, teacher, and corporate trainer, and then took on the role of managing director in July 2021 (with Cindy Reid). Galanopoulos helped steer the organization out of an extended pandemic closure, with the aim of cultivating a healthy and sustainable work environment, restoring the theatre's financial stability, and expanding programming.
"Ten years ago, this theatre changed my life,” Galanopoulos said in the announcement today. “My hope in taking on this position was to help shape The Improv Centre so that it could change the lives of future performers and continue to be a vital part of Vancouver's arts, culture, and comedy fabric. I'm beyond proud with what we have achieved and am truly excited for what the future holds for TIC.”
Galanopoulos will continue performing as an ensemble member at The Improv Centre and take on the role of lead facilitator for the organization’s Improv for Business program.
At the same time today, The Improv Centre announced the return of its improv education courses, launching Improv 101 on September 15 and 16 and Improv 102 on September 22 and 23, followed by TIC’s 200-level and 300-level courses later on. Courses are open to the public and available for all skill levels.
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