Mario Crudo steps down as artistic director at Magnus Theatre after 23 years

Magnus Theatre’s long-time artistic director is making an exit, stage right.

Mario Crudo on Monday announced he is stepping down from a role he’s held for the past 23 years to return to a life of freelance directing across Canada.

Crudo first joined the Magnus in 1992 and over the past quarter of a century helped strengthen the theatres ties with the community.
In a release, he said he timed his departure to ensure a smooth transition.

“Magnus Theatres is embarking on a new era with the search for the company’s next artistic director. The future for Magnus will be an exciting one, with significant decisions, challenges and opportunities,” Crudo said.

“It has been said that Magnus Theatre is a cultural jewel in the city of Thunder Bay and the region. I couldn’t agree more. It is positioned well, locally and regionally as a leading arts organization and th time is right for a new artistic director.”

Crudo spoke fondly of his time at the helm.

“I’ve cherished my time here and look forward to watching the next phase of Magnus Theatre’s development with great affection and many happy memories,” he said.

Kathleen Lynch, president of the Magnus Theatre board of directors, said the troupe is losing a talented man.

“He has made an enormous contribution to the overall success of Magnus Theatre and can list many accomplishments, not the least of which was providing the artistic leadership to realize a new home for Magnus Theatre in Waverley Park,” Lynch said.

We look forward to working with him and general manager Norma Chuchmuch over the next few months to secure a successor for his position. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.”

Application to replace Crudo are open until March 7.