Change is in the air at the Royal City Musical Theatre Company.
Valerie Easton, RCMT’s artistic director, has announced she’s retiring from the position she’s held for more than a decade.
“After taking on the role in 2010, Valerie has led RCMT with vision, dedication and care,” said a RCMT news release. “A significant fixture in the Vancouver theatre community, Valerie started with RCMT choreographing for multiple productions before coming on in a more permanent role as choreographer for artistic director Lloyd Nicholson in 2005.”
The news release said Easton gracefully moved into the role of artistic director, director and choreographer for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2010 after Nicholson’s sudden death of Nicholson.
“Her legacy of excellent musical theatre will leave an indelible mark on our community both for audiences and RCMT alumni alike,” said RCMT.
Easton’s retirement from the AD role marks the beginning of a transition period for the New West- based theatre company. She will be staying on as co-director and choreographer, while Chris Adams will be stepping into the role of interim artistic director and will be co-directing the company’s spring 2025 musical.
After taking on the role of artistic director in 2010, Easton directed and choreographed numerous RCMT productions including Crazy for You, Singin’ In The Rain, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Oklahoma, Hello, Dolly! and The Will Rogers Follies.
Easton, who was inducted into BC Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2017, has also directed and choreographed other productions in venues across Canada, including the Arts Club Theatre, Bard on the Beach, Theatre Under the Stars, and Western Canada Theatre.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as artistic director of Royal City Musical Theatre. RCMT has been an artistic home for me the past several years, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” Easton said. “I am confident that the theatre is in good hands with Chris Adams as interim AD, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive in the years to come.”
Royal City Musical Theatre expects to announce its 2025 production in the near future. It presented Mary Poppins at the Massey Theatre in the spring of 2024.
The news released noted Adams comes to the position with a long history of supporting RCMT both on and off the stage.
“Chris is a seasoned producer, director and theatre educator, and we know that he will work with Valerie to support RCMT with the same care and passion,” said the RCMT news release. “This interim period will allow us to plan strategically for the future while ensuring a robust search and a smooth transition for our next artistic leader.”
Adams is a Jessie Richardson Award-nominated director, an Ovation Award-winning actor, and a Jessie Richardson Award-winning producer. The Vancouver resident studied Musical Theatre at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City. Chris currently resides in Vancouver, BC.
“Assuming the role of interim artistic director for Royal City Musical Theatre is a tremendous honour for me. My journey in musical theatre began here 21 years ago with my first musical The Sound of Music, and RCMT has been a significant part of my life ever since,” Adams said. “I am dedicated to collaborating with the board, staff, and Valerie to ensure continuity and growth during this period. The future of RCMT is full of potential, and I am thrilled to engage with our community’s talented artists.”
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