Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 10, 2008
• Invested on: December 12, 2008

Paul Thompson has had a profound influence on Canadian theatre. Former artistic director at Toronto's Theatre Passe Muraille, he produced over 170 new plays during his tenure. He has also been credited by well-known actors, writers, directors and playwrights with launching their careers. He is known for taking theatre to the people, and, with The Farm Show, proved that theatre can happen anywhere, even in barns. As well, he has developed "collective creation", where a script evolves by incorporating the actors' research and improvisations. Now a freelance director and producer, he continues to bring the voices and stories of both ordinary and extraordinary Canadians to the stage.