ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ron Ulrich

March 31, 2008 – Hamilton, Ontario… Philip Lowry, Chair of the Board of Directors, announced today that Ron Ulrich will succeed Max Reimer as Managing Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton’s regional professional theatre.

"We are very excited and honoured to have Ron Ulrich join Theatre Aquarius as our new Managing Artistic Director,” said Lowry. “Ron is one of the most experienced and well respected theatre directors in Canada. He will be able to continue on with Max Reimer's legacy and ensure that Theatre Aquarius will continue to maintain its status as one of the most dynamic regional professional theatres in this country," Lowry concluded.

Ron Ulrich has been Artistic Director of Neptune Theatre in Halifax, NS, since 2000. In his time there he has re-established the company as an integral part of the community, brought its subscription base and attendance to the highest levels in its 44-year history, and restored fiscal health by eliminating its operating deficit.

“I am very excited by my new position as Managing Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius, one of Ontario’s premiere regional theatre companies,” said Ulrich. “I look forward to working with an excellent team, to continue building on the success that outgoing director Max Reimer has achieved and to create exciting theatre in the area. Most especially I look forward to being a part of the Hamilton community and of getting to know its audiences,” Ulrich concluded.

Prior to Neptune Theatre Ron Ulrich was Executive and Artistic Director of the Mayfield Theatre in Edmonton, AB (1994-2000); Artistic Director of the Muskoka Festival, Gravenhurst, ON (1992-1994); Artistic Director of Stage West Canada (1985-1993); and Artistic Director of Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, ON (1983-1985).

As a guest director Mr. Ulrich has directed shows across Canada at the Bastion Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre New Brunswick, Kawartha Festival, Bathurst Street Theatre, Press Theatre, Persephone Theatre, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Sunshine Festival, Guelph Centre for the Arts, Oakville Centre for the Arts, Teller’s Cage, as well as the Ensemble Theatre in Cincinnati, and the Thorndyke Theatre in England. For Theatre Aquarius he appeared in Ghosts during its first season in 1973 and directed Who’s Under Where? in 1996.

Mr. Ulrich holds a Bachelor of Arts (with Great Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan and is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada. He has won the Canada Council, Theatre Ontario, and Saskatchewan Arts Awards.