Company History
Founded in 1993 by Mary Vingoe, Gay Hauser and Playwright Wendy Lill, Eastern front theatre was a collaboration of nationally recognized talent. Mary Vingoe brought to the company a lengthy career in theatre, including her experience as a founder of two other innovative Canadian theatres, Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro and Nightwood Theatre in Toronto. Gay Hauser, who led the administration of the company for seven years, brought with her a wealth of experience gained over a thirty-year acting career. Wendy Lill, who has received numerous awards for her writing, including two ACTRA’s, a Golden Sheaf, three nominations for the Governor General’s Award, a Chalmers Award and a Gemini, and has also served two terms as a Member of Parliament for Dartmouth, was also instrumental in Eastern Front’s inception.
In 2002, Mary Vingoe departed Eastern Front Theatre to pursue the establishment of her fourth theatre company, the Magnetic North Theatre Festival.  Gay Hauser is now general manager at Live Art Dance Productions in Halifax. Eastern Front continues to enjoy the benefits of association with these exceptional theatre artists.
Hans Böggild served as artistic producer from 2002 to 2006. During his four years as artistic producer he brought numerous new works from Atlantic Canadian theatre artists to the stage and expanded Eastern Front Theatre’s audience. He had a direct hand in developing many of Eastern Front Theatre’s hit productions including Portia White – First You Dream by Lance Woolaver, The Satchmo’ Suite by Böggild and co-writer Doug Innis, and BUMP! by Richard Merrill.
In September 2006, Scott Burke assumed the role of artistic producer. He is an award-winning director, playwright and producer. While artistic producer of Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro from 1998 to 2003, Burke was responsible for the revitalization of the company and played a leading role in the conception and development of a new $2 million theatre facility. Some of Burke’s acclaimed productions include Singalong Jubilee – The East Coast Sound Celebration; The Parrsboro Boxing Club; Chairmaker the Musical; Mary’s Wedding and Kilt.
Now in its 17th year, Eastern Front’s eleven day SuperNova Theatre Festival plays an extremely important dual role in the dissemination of Canadian and Nova Scotian theatre. The festival brings professional touring theatre productions from across the country to the Halifax Regional Municipality, providing us with a window to share theatrical practice and performance styles from a national perspective. Also, the presentation of other professional Canadian theatre company’s productions in the festival allows them to showcase their work which often leads to regional and national touring.
Eastern Front Theatre was the resident company of the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth from May 1999 to March 2009. Prior to that, productions were staged in various locations such as Neptune’s Studio Theatre, the Sir James Dunn Theatre of Dalhousie University and the Alderney Gate Library. This season, Eastern Front Theatre embarked on a relocation strategy that has the company engaging various traditional and non-traditional venues for performance on the vibrant Halifax penninsula.
Eastern Front Theatre has produced a number of world premiere plays, many of which have gone on to be performed across Canada. The creative focus of producing new work by Atlantic Canadian playwrights is perhaps the company’s most important legacy.
Eastern Front Theatre’s key creative staff and our Board of Directors are dedicated to continuing the company’s mission and building on the fine reputation and excellent success of one of Atlantic Canada’s most important theatre producing organizations.
