Catherine Richer Makes History as First Woman to Lead Montreal’s Conservatoire d'Art Dramatique
Catherine Richer’s appointment as the first female director of the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal marks a historic moment in Quebec’s theater world. Known as a prominent cultural journalist and former actress, Richer steps into this role as a transformative figure with a fresh vision for the future. The news of her appointment, announced by Quebec’s Conservatoires network, highlights a breakthrough for women in theater leadership, as she becomes the first woman to hold this position since the Conservatoire’s founding in 1954. Set to take over in January, Richer succeeds interim director Suzanne Lantagne, who had taken on the role after Geoffrey Gaquère’s recent departure to lead the Thé'stre du Nouveau Monde.
Richer’s journey in the arts is rich and multifaceted. After studying theater at the Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe and the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal, where she graduated in 2008, she transitioned from acting to journalism, working with Ici Première since 2017. Her deep familiarity with the field, combined with her extensive media background, provides her with a unique perspective on the Conservatoire’s operations and objectives. Richer’s atypical path—a mix of performing arts education, industry insight, and media savvy—is seen as a strength that can bring a fresh, dynamic approach to her new role. She has also expressed her belief that this combination allows her to bring a distinct distance from the everyday pressures of the acting profession, allowing her to approach the role from a strategic vantage.
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Richer’s appointment comes at a time when theater is evolving in response to social and cultural shifts. She is eager to continue the Conservatoire’s recent efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, one that embraces diverse perspectives and prioritizes accessibility. Richer openly acknowledges that the institution has, in the past, struggled with a reputation for rigidity but notes that these standards have changed significantly. She is committed to maintaining these progressive strides and aims to expand access to those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. To achieve this, she envisions a strategic communication plan to reach all communities, using her media expertise to elevate the Conservatoire’s visibility and attractiveness to emerging talent.
In her new role, Richer also hopes to amplify feminist dramaturgy within the Conservatoire, bringing forward the voices of women playwrights whose works have historically been marginalized. She has previously received the prestigious Grand Prix Judith-Jasmin for her work on La symphonie silencieuse d'Antonia Nantel , highlighting her dedication to celebrating overlooked figures in Quebec’s cultural history. Richer is clear that her appointment is more than a personal achievement; it symbolizes a step forward for women in theater and signals an opportunity to promote gender equity and inclusive storytelling at the Conservatoire.
As she prepares to take the helm, Richer reflects on the significance of her new role. For her, leading the Conservatoire is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that she hopes will inspire future generations of artists and leaders.
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