From the Artistic Director's Desk

I consider it a tremendous honour to be stepping into the Artistic Director position for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. I began attending the Festival as a University drama student who eventually ended up performing in late-night shows over in the old Billy Tent. Since those “early” years, I have kept returning to the riverbank as a Shakespeare-loving patron; as an actor; and on a couple of occasions, as a director. Being a part of last year’s 40th anniversary season was a gift, and the generous support that I witnessed from patrons, volunteers, artists, sponsors, and donors was both moving and inspiring. I want to thank Kayvon for laying so much of the groundwork for our upcoming 2026 season, and for being such a tremendous partner last summer. I will strive to build on the work done before me by Gordon, Henry, Mark, Will, Yvette, and Kayvon. I’m excited to be working with Terresa, the familiar faces in the office, the Board of Directors, and the entire Festival staff this summer.

I have a quite a few wishlist projects that I hope to bring to the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan stage in the years to come (I might not get to all of them!). In order to achieve some of those dreams, I plan to build on the excitement of this past summer and to gain your trust as audience members, artists, and all those who support this festival in many ways, so that when it comes time for me to pass on the torch, we all will have left behind a body of work that everyone can be proud of.

Let the work begin!

-Skye Brandon