Michael Shamata to exit The Belfry Theatre.
After 18 years as artistic director of The Belfry Theatre, Michael Shamata has announced his retirement, effective September 2026.
Shamata began his 50-year theatre career as a member of the Shaw Festival’s stage crew, became stage manager at the Shaw and Stratford festivals and ultimately moved into writing and directing productions at many of Canada’s most famous theatres.
Since taking on the Belfry role in December 2007, he has helped build the theatre’s reputation as one of the country’s leading producers of Canadian plays, including numerous commissions and first productions. And he has done it all while helping the Belfry maintain a healthy financial reputation despite the 2008 recession and COVID pandemic.
In announcing his departure, Shamata said, “While I am retiring from the Belfry, I am looking forward to future artistic challenges.” We hope that means there’s still more to come.
The Belfry will conduct a national search for its next artistic director. Details at belfry.bc.ca.
