His multi-faceted contribution to Canadian professional theatre as a director, actor and writer has spanned three decades and three provinces. He served as Artistic Director of both Theatre Calgary and the Vancouver Playhouse before moving to the Shaw Festival. There, as Artistic Director, he has inaugurated progressive programs including a research and development affiliate, known as "The Academy", and a permanent acting ensemble which enjoys an international reputation.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2018-11-19
Invested on: 2019-07-04
Christopher Newton, O.C.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Over the course of a stellar career spanning five decades, Christopher Newton has distinguished himself as one of Canada’s foremost artistic directors. An actor, stage manager and playwright, he is the founder of Theatre Calgary and was the art director of the Vancouver Playhouse. For nearly a quarter century, he led the Shaw Festival, where he established an internationally recognized acting ensemble and a distinguished design department. In retirement, he continues to direct both opera and theatre, and generously shares his time mentoring students and supporting arts institutions.
This is a promotion within the Order.