Executive director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Brenda Heatherington, leaving in June to spend more time with family.

City Hall media release:

BURLINGTON, ON  March 19th, 2013 –Brenda Heatherington, the first executive director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, announced today she will leave in June to spend more time with her family.

“I was brought in three years ago to open this incredible venue,” Heatherington said. “I have watched The Burlington Performing Arts Centre go from a hole in the ground to a theatre with exceptional life and vibrancy. It is a good time now to pass the reigns to someone else.”

Heatherington came to Burlington from The Arden Theatre in St. Albert, Alta. in May 2010.

Heatherington brought great experience in finding the talent that draws audiences into theatre seats.  That talent is going to be hard to replace.

“I am truly grateful to everyone who has welcomed me here in Burlington, from the staff and volunteers to the board of directors, members of City Council, the arts community and the many people who have been part of The Centre,” Heatherington said. “It is a privilege to work with you all, and I will miss you as I refocus my time and energy on new adventures and on my family.”

The executive director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre reports to the board of directors. The Centre will begin a search for its second executive director to replace Heatherington.

“Brenda brought to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre solid community experience, energy and enthusiasm, helping give The Centre its best possible start,” said board chair Allan Pearson. “On behalf of the board, I want to offer my sincere thanks. We will continue The Centre’s  positive momentum, presenting high-quality shows, excellent rental opportunities and leading theatre performance and education programs.”

In 2012, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre attracted 68,542 visitors. The Centre won the Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Design from the March of Dimes and received LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for new construction from the Canada Green Building Council, CaGBC.

“The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is recognized as an excellent venue for culture and entertainment,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “Brenda and her team, together with the board of directors, have done a tremendous job of making The Centre a place where the performing arts thrive and where people can meet and enjoy a lively downtown experience.”

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s mission is to provide the people of Burlington with a broad range of excellent performance opportunities that will both inspire and delight, delivering diverse, world-class arts and entertainment to the community and showcasing Burlington and its arts community to the world.

Editors note:

The Performing Arts Centre has been under consistent criticism by citizens of the city and some members of city council for the revenue short falls.  While council approved the budget for 2013 they also required both the Performing Arts Centre and the Burlington Art Centre to undergo full business plan reviews in the fall of 2013.

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1 comment to Executive director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Brenda Heatherington, leaving in June to spend more time with family.

  • Debbie Bradock

    Name me one community performing arts centre that is profitable or EVEN revenue neutral?!? Good luck finding one.