The Belfry Theatre announces Michael Shamata’s retirement as Artistic Director.

Victoria, BC, Monday, May 12, 2025…the Belfry Theatre’s Board of Directors announced that it has reluctantly accepted Michael Shamata’s decision to step down as Artistic Director after 18 years of leadership. He has agreed to continue at the Belfry until September 2026.

In acknowledging Michael’s decision, Richard Brownsey, Past President of the Board said “Michael has been a remarkable artistic director. He is an amazing artist, programmer, and leader. He is also a gentleman—firm when needed, but always thoughtful, sensitive and open to the perspectives of others. Michael will be missed and will not be easily replaced.”

Michael has held the position since December 2007 and has been a key contributor in enhancing the Belfry’s national profile as one of the country’s leading producers of Canadian plays—including numerous commissions and first productions, such as Home is a Beautiful Word, Gracie, Forget About Tomorrow, The Ministry of Grace, As Above, the English-language premiere of And Slowly Beauty, and the Canadian premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking.

During his tenure, the Belfry has maintained its healthy financial reputation. Working side-by-side with former General Manager Mary Desprez, the Belfry survived the 2008 recession. Together with former Executive Director Ivan Habel, they kept the Belfry’s presence alive through the pandemic and into a solid recovery.

Isaac Thomas, current Executive Director said, “It has been an amazing experience collaborating with Michael, bolstering the Belfry’s artistic and financial strength. We have faced several complex situations together and we could not have navigated them without his openness, honesty, and good humour. I will miss Michael tremendously,”

Michael began his career 50 years ago, on the stage crew at the Shaw Festival. ​ He became a Stage Manager at the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, before moving into direction. ​ He and his productions have won a number of awards. ​ He counts as important mentors John Hirsch, Bill Glassco, and Douglas Campbell.

Michael spent over five seasons as Artistic Director of Theatre New Brunswick, and four in the same position at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. ​ He returned home to Toronto, where he worked as a freelance director for nine years before moving to the Belfry.

As a writer, he is best known for his adaptation of A Christmas Carol, He has also adapted other literary classics for the stage, including Griffin and Sabine (with Nick Bantock), Great Expectations, The Wind in the Willows and The Secret Garden (with Paula Wing). Most recently, he co-created with Tobin Stokes I Think I’m Fallin’: ​ The Songs of Joni Mitchell and If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot.

“My career to date has been filled with blessings, and none more rewarding than being gifted the opportunity to take a long theatrical journey at the Belfry with the most intelligent, open, and curious audience in the country, working side-by-side with the best staff and production teams in the world. My thanks to our 200+ volunteers and our generous donors and partners who have helped make this theatre what it is. While I am retiring from the Belfry, I am looking forward to future artistic challenges” ​ Michael.

The Belfry’s Board of Directors has engaged Martin Bragg & Associates to conduct a national search for its next Artistic Director. Additional details will be posted to the theatre’s website this summer.