Rotary Program Sept. 11, 2008

Posted by Russ Mann 
 
Bob Baker graduated from the University of Alberta, Department of Drama, in 1974 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) Honors degree. In 1972 he co-founded and was co-director of Edmonton's Alberta Barter Theatre. From 1974 to 1979 he was in the Acting Company of The Stratford Festival in Ontario. In 1979 he became a faculty member of Vancouver Community College and taught Professional Acting Classes in Vancouver and Edmonton. In 1982, he was appointed Artistic Director of Edmonton's cutting-edge Phoenix Theatre.

 

The years 1987-1989 saw Mr. Baker directing around the world in places such as The Shaw Festival, Alberta Theatre Projects, The Vancouver Playhouse, The Canadian Stage Company, The Wilbur Theatre (Boston), and Harbourfront Theatre in Toronto, The Edinburgh International Theatre Festival, The National Arts Centre, The Cleveland Playhouse and The Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. In 1989 he became a member of the faculty at Ryerson Theatre School in Toronto.

 

In 1990 he was appointed Artistic Director of The Canadian Stage Company in Toronto where for eight years he led a team that achieved one of the most successful turn-arounds in Canadian theatre history.

 

In June 1999 Mr. Baker became the first Edmonton-born Artistic Director in The Citadel's long and distinguished history. Since that time there has been a significant rejuvenation of the company. Programming has expanded to include theatre for young audiences, a family series, and a series of provocative contemporary theatre in the Rice Theatre. The Mainstage Series has grown more diverse and daring and audience numbers have increased in all areas while a renewed commitment to the development of new work has led to an unprecedented number of world premiere productions. The Foote Theatre School has expanded dramatically, now boasting an annual festival celebrating theatre presented by and for local teens entitled Teens At the Turn. Mr. Baker has directed 24 plays for the Citadel and his production of A Christmas Carol has become a beloved Edmonton family tradition.

 

Mr. Baker has received four Dora Award (Toronto) nominations for Outstanding Direction (Breaking the Code; Into the Woods; Angels in America Part I and Angels in America Part II) and received the award for directing B-Movie, The Play. Locally, Mr. Baker has three Sterling Awards (Edmonton) for Best Director (Popcorn, Cabaret and The Pillowman) and three nominations for Best Director for "Art"; Measure for Measure and West Side Story.