Persephone Theatre Announces New Executive Director

Persephone Theatre is pleased to announce Breanne Harmon as its new Executive Director. Her tenure at Persephone will begin September 1.

“After a nation-wide search, the Board is thrilled to have Breanne Harmon emerge as the successful candidate,” President Nikki Hipkin said on behalf of the Board of Directors. “We are looking forward to Breanne stepping into the role as Executive Director and working alongside Artistic Director Heather Cant to continue producing and presenting excellent theatre at Persephone. The Board extends its gratitude to the specially convened search committee of theatre professionals from across the country for their efforts toward ensuring we found the successful match we have in Breanne.”

Harmon will be relocating from British Columbia, where she has been an active member of the Vancouver theatre community, working as a professional stage manager for nearly 10 years before she moved into arts administration. She eventually joined the administrative team of Green Thumb Theatre and transitioned into her current role as their General Manager in 2018.

“Persephone is at a pivotal moment, and I am humbled to be part of this immense change and forward momentum within the organization as we work towards more equitable practices within the company and sector at large,” Harmon said about what draws her to Persephone. “I deeply admire and respect the commitment to self-reflection, the community, and reconciliation Persephone’s Board of Directors and staff have demonstrated these past two years.”

Harmon is ready to continue to propel the theatre organization to a great future, building on the forward momentum created by the current and past leadership and board.

“It is clear Persephone is a beloved theatre in Saskatoon,” Harmon added. “I am excited to join Heather in stewarding Persephone Theatre into this next chapter, and look forward to joining the dedicated Board of Directors and staff this fall.”

In addition to her experience as a general manager, Harmon brings expertise in other areas of theatre, like touring and Theatre for Young Audiences, which will benefit Persephone’s existing programs. As well, Harmon is heavily involved with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). She is a Founding and Core Member of Rising Tides and Open Door, a national initiative for the advancement of

IBPOC and equity deserving arts managers. She also sits on the ASSITEJ Canada Communications & Membership Committee.

“Breanne is deeply involved in our national theatre scene and I am excited to welcome someone with her passion for our art form and commitment to bettering Canadian theatre to Persephone and Saskatoon,” Artistic Director Heather Cant said. “We are going to be a great collaborative team to lead this organization into its next stage of life.”

Harmon is looking forward to becoming a part of the arts community in Saskatoon and making the community her family’s home.

“I am truly excited to get to know the Saskatoon arts community, and to play a role in producing and creating exceptional theatre at the Remai Arts Centre.”

To learn more about Harmon, please find her bio HERE