In a media release, The Improv Centre (TIC) has announced that Catherine Ballachey will take over the role of managing director.
“This team has worked hard to pull themselves out of a challenging time after an extended closure during the pandemic and working through leadership changes. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to build on their momentum and contribute to such a beloved and community-centred company. – Catherine Ballachey
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the company and the improv community,” says Ballachey in the release. “This team has worked hard to pull themselves out of a challenging time after an extended closure during the pandemic and working through leadership changes. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to build on their momentum and contribute to such a beloved and community-centred company. I’m looking forward to TIC’s programming and bringing the joy of improv to new audiences.”
Most recently, the administrative director for Vancouver’s French-language theatre company, Théâtre la Seizième, Ballachey has worked in the Vancouver and Ottawa arts and culture communities for the last 14 years.
Ballachey takes over the role from outgoing managing director Angela Galanopoulos, who joined The Improv Centre in 2013 as an ensemble member, teacher, and corporate trainer. Galanopoulos became managing director in July 2021 alongside Cindy Reid to help navigate the challenges of the theatre’s 17-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ten years ago, this theatre changed my life,” says Galanopoulos. “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.”
Galanapoulos will continue performing as an ensemble member at The Improv Centre and take on the lead facilitator role for its Improv for Business program.
Originally established as The Vancouver TheatreSports League in 1981, The Improv Centre presents improvisational theatre productions and presentations from its 186-seat theatre on Granville Island. Visit theimprovcentre.ca for more information.