Rosebud welcomes new artistic director
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Rosebud Theatre and School of the Arts is kicking off 2025 by welcoming the new Artistic Director Craig Hall.
Hall comes to Rosebud with over 25 years in the artistic industry with an impressive resume, including 10 years as Artistic Director for Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre.
Hall is transitioning into his new role with his predecessor Morris Ertman easing into a semi-retirement. Ertman served as Artistic Direct with Rosebud for 23 years, a footprint with Rosebud that will not be forgotten.
“I feel very excited and I feel like I’m about to start a new adventure,” said Hall of his new role. “What I’m really looking forward to is capitalizing on the rich soil that exists and actually bringing a new perspective in and just growing the great programs and the theatre that they (Rosebud) already have.”
Hall grew up in Brooks, so he is very familiar with Rosebud as it’s just short drive from many local communities.
“I know what the place is all about,” said Hall. “It’s a destination theatre. When you go there it’s an experience. The Hamlet is so quaint and everything that’s there kind of seems to revolve around that theatre.”
He describes Rosebud as a mini-New York in a way.
Hall will be overseeing both the school portion and also the theatre aspects in his new role. He is also excited to be teaching some classes at the school.
Hall said with a major centre like Calgary so close, many students from Rosebud find work there.
“That is something I’d like to do more actually is get some of Rosebud’s actual work to Calgary,” he said. “It’s a destination theatre but I think that a lot of our audience comes from (Calgary) and I think an opportunity to bring their friends and family to a Rosebud production inside of Calgary has lots of potential.”
Hall said he has been in constant contact with Ertman and is looking forward to picking his brain as he knows he has some high expectations to live up to.
“I think he’s (Ertman) looking forward to seeing a new perspective and so on as much as everybody else,” said Hall. “It took a long time to build something – now what’s next?”
He explained that one of the luxuries he has coming into this role at this time is that the season shows have already been set for the main stage.
“It gives me time to get a really good understanding of the audience and to really get to know the place – get to know what the stakeholders want and love and everything else before I have to make any big choices that way,” he said.
Hall hopes that people will come to a show whether it’s a main stage show or one of the student performances.
“If you haven’t gone you should – especially if you’re in Strathmore. It’s a hop, skip and a jump and it’s an experience,” said Hall. “Instead of driving all the way to Banff and dealing with the crowds, it’s quaint and lovely and you still get good art.”