ted witzel has been announced as the next artistic director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
The appointment follows a five-month search by the company’s board of directors. Over 40 applicants from across Canada applied for the position, according to a press release from the company.
Since 2020, Buddies in Bad Times has undergone a significant internal transformation, including strengthened processes around pay equity, work-life balance and development practices. witzel joins Buddies at a pivotal moment in its history as the company breaks ground on its 45th season.
“Buddies made me the artist I am today, and I think that’s true for a lot of queer artists in this city and beyond,” said witzel in the media release. “Buddies is built on the principles of queer liberation — it’s a space for chasing freedom, as communities, and as artists…this is a place for encountering radical queer creativity and all its transgressive sexy possibilities. Our job is to enable artists exploring the edges of queer art: now and into the future.”
“He brings the artistic energy and leadership skills to ensure Buddies continues to thrive as a home to queer voices of all kinds – one that is equitable, vibrant, and brazen in its creativity,” said board chair Brendan McMurty-Howlett in the release.
witzel is a queer, Canadian theatre-maker and cultural leader with over 15 years of experience as a director and arts leader. Recently witzel was a guest curator for the 2023 SummerWorks Festival, and last year completed a four-year tenure as artistic associate and laboratory director at the Stratford Festival, where he oversaw the company’s research and development programs. He is also a member of the Theatre Committee at the Toronto Arts Council.
witzel will officially step into the new role on October 10.
You can learn more about Buddies in Bad Times Theatre here.
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