SASKATOON – After nearly four years with Persephone Theatre, executive director Breanne Harmon has announced her resignation as she prepares to begin the next chapter of her career at Vertigo Theatre in Calgary.
“Breanne’s leadership has had a profound impact on Persephone Theatre,” said Charlene Scrimshaw, Chair of the Persephone Theatre Board of Directors. “Her vision and deep commitment to the needs of the theatre helped guide the organization through an extraordinary period of recovery and renewal. We are so grateful for her clear decision-making, and we know she will continue to make meaningful contributions at Vertigo Theatre.”
Harmon joined Persephone Theatre in September 2022, partnering with Artistic Director Heather Cant to help steer the organization’s artistic and operational direction. Joining the organization as it emerged from the pandemic, and uncertainty, Harmon worked closely with staff on initiatives to welcome audiences back to the theatre.
“Serving as executive director at Persephone Theatre has been a true privilege,” said Harmon.
“Over the past four seasons, I have witnessed the strength, passion and resilience that make this organization so vital to the community. Persephone is an incredibly special organization, I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished, and am excited to see it continue to grow and evolve as it enters its 52nd season. I leave with deep gratitude for the staff, board, and community, and great confidence in the future ahead. My time at Persephone has been a career highlight.”
During her tenure, Harmon played a key role in advancing a major capital campaign to replace the theatre’s roof, working tirelessly connecting with sponsors, donors and funders, which included securing a number of sizable donations and grants, which were critical in helping the project move forward.
Through her leadership, Persephone Theatre was also able to establish a new stabilization fund for the theatre to ensure long-term financial health and stability.
In addition to looking into Persephone’s financial future, Harmon also championed accessibility improvements, getting an accessibility audit for the theatre, as well as securing funds to undergo significant renovations to the theatre’s lobby and bathroom, making the theatre more accessible to all who attend.
“Breanne has been a formidable partner these past four seasons. Stewarding Persephone’s desire to be a more accessible and inclusive theatre has been a shared passion, and I know she’ll be taking that enthusiasm with her to her next adventure,” Cant said.
“Persephone has made great strides during her time with us and she is departing leaving a lasting imprint on Persephone. The staff and I will certainly miss her, but we are equally excited to see her pursuing a new opportunity that excites her.”
Another area Harmon worked tirelessly in was both local and national theatre advocacy efforts. She brought more attention to Persephone and arts in Saskatoon to not only City Council, but also to local MLAs and MPs. During her time at Persephone, she also was appointed to the board of directors for the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) as Advocacy Co-Chair, and attended many national events to elevate the profile of theatre.
“Breanne has been a strong voice for theatre in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” Scrimshaw said. “Her passion for advocacy and her ability to build connections has raised Persephone’s profile on a national scale. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with her, and I know she’ll continue to be a leader in the sector.”
A national search for Persephone Theatre’s next executive director and a detailed job posting and application timeline will be available on the organization’s website in the coming weeks.
