This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes annemieke wade, Executive Director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA). annemieke shares insights from her first six months in the role, her vision for TAPA’s future, and her deep commitment to building frameworks of care and collaboration in Toronto’s arts sector. From revitalizing artist support programs to reimagining rehearsal and performance norms, this conversation highlights the evolving landscape of Canadian theatre and the importance of intergenerational dialogue.
This episode explores:
- The challenges and steep learning curve of succeeding a 21-year ED at TAPA
- The role and scope of TAPA, from the Dora Awards to mentorship and training programs
- The B Street Arts Hub and its community resources
- annemieke's career journey from Vermont to Toronto and into arts leadership
- The impact of her late ADHD diagnosis and the power of self-understanding
- Her vision for more flexible, sustainable work practices in the arts
- The importance of bridging generational divides in the theatre community
Guest: 🎭 annemieke wade annemieke wade (she/her) is the Executive Director at the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in the arts. Originally from St. Albans, Vermont, annemieke headed to Ontario for school in 1994 and graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga/Sheridan College joint Theatre and Drama Studies program in 1998. Once on Canadian soil, she never really left! Despite a brief return home to complete an MBA from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, annemieke had fallen shamelessly in love with Toronto and became a citizen in 2013.
With over 20 years of industry experience both on and off stage, annemieke champions strategically undervalued communities through programming and engagement that prioritizes diversity and active representation. She previously served on the TAPA Board of Directors (2016-22) and Eligibility Committee (2022-24), was a contributing member of the PGC/PACT contract negotiations working group (2022-23) and currently sits on the TAC Theatre Committee (2023-26). annemieke was recently honoured with a nomination as a Woman of Influence for the 32nd RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
Connect with Annemieke: 📸 Instagram: @miekechu11 🌐 Learn more about TAPA: tapa.ca
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