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Derek Ritschel

lighthouse festival theatre iPhoto caption: The cast and creative team of Cinderella at Lighthouse Festival Theatre. Photo courtesy of Lighthouse Festival Theatre.

Lighthouse Festival’s holiday pantomime returns for a second year of family-friendly fun

As per panto tradition, Cinderella will feature audience call-and-response, topical zingers, and loving nods to the local community, framed by an irreverent retelling of a classic fairytale. Playwright Ken MacDougall will once again pen the script for the show.

By Nathaniel Hanula-James / Nov 6, 2024
lighthouse festival iPhoto caption: Jane Spence and Derek Ritschel. Photo courtesy of Lighthouse Festival.

Lighthouse Festival announces shake-up in artistic director role

“I couldn’t have imagined how great this theatre would become, thanks to the support of our incredible community and the unwavering dedication of our team,” says Derek Ritschel, who will pivot to a new role as the company’s director in residence. Jane Spence will step into the role of artistic director in November.

By Aisling Murphy / Jul 11, 2024
mary's wedding iPhoto caption: Derek Ritschel, director of Mary's Wedding and artistic director of Lighthouse Festival Theatre.

Mary’s Wedding promises to pack an emotional punch at Lighthouse Festival Theatre

“I liken it more to poetry than I do to your standard text of a play,” says Derek Ritschel, the director of Mary’s Wedding and the artistic director of Lighthouse Festival.

By Nathaniel Hanula-James / Jun 21, 2024

‘Just bring your joy’: Inside Lighthouse Theatre’s new all-ages holiday pantomime

“I don't think there's anything more powerful than seeing three generations of a family laugh together in a theatre,” says artistic director Derek Ritschel.

By Nathaniel Hanula-James / Nov 24, 2023