Overview

• Church will serve as artistic director designate alongside Antoni Cimolino, then assume sole leadership on Nov. 1, 2026 for an initial five-year term.
• He will unwind commitments from his production company during the designate year and begin regular travel to Stratford ahead of relocating.
• The appointment followed a global search that drew 101 applicants, with interviews narrowing the field to three finalists selected by a nine-member committee.
• Stratford leaders cite his thrust-stage repertory expertise and his oversight of an approximately $41 million Chichester renovation as valuable for upcoming infrastructure needs.
• Officials acknowledge questions about his limited long-term Canadian roles, noting his dual citizenship and Toronto ties through Mirvish-presented productions.