Setting the stage: Liz Gilroy

Liz Gilroy, artistic director at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, shares her unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful career

London Inc. is proud to present its second annual look at area women making a transformational difference in their fields. Sharing their secrets for success, these 31 women are making a significant impact across various industries. Their stories are about resilience, creativity and the power of passion; they break barriers, shatter stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.

Liz Gilroy
Owner Artistic Director
Port Stanley Festival Theatre
psft.ca

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AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the renowned Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Liz Gilroy leads with vision, heart and an unwavering commitment to Canadian talent. Programming six productions each summer, she curates a dynamic season that showcases and celebrates homegrown talent and production.

“I still find it hard to believe that people are surprised that a woman is in charge; it is an ongoing uphill battle. I overcome that challenge by offering opportunities and leadership positions to women whenever I can”

“My role as artistic director is to lead the artistic vision, program our season, cast all actors, choose all plays, premiere new works, lead the Playwrights’ Festival and champion our mandate of 100 per cent Canadian plays and talent,” Gilroy explains. “Bringing top Canadian stories and talent to our theatre is imperative.”

After a successful career as a triple-threat performer (acting, singing, dancing) working at all of Canada’s major theatres, Gilroy transitioned into choreography, directing and ultimately artistic leadership.

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“I took my first step by just asking to assist any female directors that I knew — and they usually said yes,” she says. “I knew that I could lead a company, I just needed the mentors, experience, training and the opportunity.”

Firmly committed to paying that support forward, Gilroy is a passionate advocate for women in leadership, mentoring emerging female artists and providing opportunities often denied to them elsewhere. “I still find it hard to believe that people are surprised that a woman is in charge; it is an ongoing uphill battle,” she says. “I overcome that challenge by offering opportunities and leadership positions to women whenever I can.”