Jonathan Church Appointed Stratford Festival’s Next Artistic Director

The Stratford Festival has announced Jonathan Church as its next artistic director, ushering in a new chapter for North America’s largest classical repertory theatre. He will assume the role on November 1, 2026, succeeding Antoni Cimolino, who concludes his tenure after the 2026 season.

Church, a dual Canadian–British citizen, is an acclaimed director with more than 50 productions to his name across the West End, international tours, and repertory theatres. From 2006 to 2015, he led the Chichester Festival Theatre, overseeing a $41 million renovation and acclaimed seasons that boosted the theatre’s profile.

His connection to Canada runs deep: in 2002, he directed the U.K. premiere of Timothy Findley’s Elizabeth Rex, commissioned by Stratford. He also fondly recalls summers spent canoeing in Algonquin Park, which gave him what he calls “the perfect J-stroke.”

Stratford Festival board chair David Adams described Church as a visionary with rare expertise. “Jonathan’s mastery of the repertory model and the thrust stage made him a natural choice. His appointment marks a thrilling new chapter for Stratford,” Adams said.

Church has been signed for an initial five-year term and will begin collaborating with the festival in March 2026 to shape the 2027 season, his first as artistic director.

Church will gradually step back from Jonathan Church Theatre Productions (JCTP), which he founded in 2019 under Trafalgar Entertainment. While he moves to Stratford, JCTP will continue operations under executive producer Becky Barber, ensuring continuity of projects developed with Trafalgar.

Looking ahead, Church has signaled openness to experimenting with Stratford’s traditional repertory model, potentially inviting international guest stars for shorter engagements and expanding Stratford’s reach abroad. “I’d hope some of the work we do might be seen more regularly in the U.K. and U.S.,” he said.

The appointment has sparked both excitement and debate. While many praise Church’s global stature and proven leadership, some in Canada’s theatre community have expressed disappointment that the role did not go to a Canadian—possibly a woman or person of color.

Adams emphasized that the nine-member search committee consulted widely with artists, donors, and staff. The goal, he said, was to select a leader capable of guiding Stratford into the future while honoring its traditions.

With his appointment, Church inherits a festival that presents more than a dozen productions each season across four venues, with a special emphasis on Shakespeare. He follows Cimolino, whose leadership brought both stability and artistic distinction, including his upcoming farewell production of The Tempest.

Church’s vision will shape not only Stratford’s programming but also its place on the international stage, balancing its Shakespearean roots with fresh possibilities. His tenure promises a bold and adventurous new era for the festival.