It was the "right career opportunity at the right time", as the stars certainly aligned for Crystal Spicer.
Spicer couldn't be happier returning to Stratford Summer Music after accepting the role as executive director last month.
"My wife grew up in Stratford. We have a young son. Coming back home to Stratford, where we have family was a big pull for us. And being able to make that career advancement, stepping into an executive director role with a company that I have always held close to my heart...it's a meaningful job to take on," Spicer told StratfordToday.
Spicer worked in production at Stratford Summer Music from 2013 to 2015. Her performing arts experience is extensive, including Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Regina’s Globe Theatre, and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingston.
Before taking on her current role of production manager for the 65-person Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Spicer spent eight years as technical director, English theatre at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Her family moved from Ottawa to Cochrane, Alta., in the Calgary metro area, less than a year ago, but they have found a house back in the Stratford area, she said.
"We are just getting our ducks in a row."
Spicer said she had some preliminary discussions with artistic director Mark Fewer and looks forward to working with both Fewer and the board of directors in person when she arrives back in the area. She officially starts Nov. 13, replacing Kendra Fry, who spent three seasons in the role, before leaving to focus on her church re-purposing consultancy practice.
The executive director is the senior administrative officer of the organization, responsible for financial, administrative, office management, personnel, marketing and promotions for the annual multi-week music festival that presents multiple events and artists at indoor and outdoor venues.
"It is special to step into a company that is held so close to the community's heart. And knowing that I am stepping into an organization that the community really values makes it that much more important, to ensure I do the community and the company proud."
Spicer admitted she is "crazy nervous" stepping into "big responsibility" but also confident that she can carry on a storied tradition in the Festival City.
“Crystal’s strong understanding of the artistic and production processes, along with her administrative and financial skills are a perfect combination to contribute to SSM’s continued success. I’m looking forward to partnering with her as we plan our upcoming seasons of bringing a rich variety of music to our dedicated and appreciative Stratford audiences,” said Fewer.
Spicer and Fewer have both signed five-year contracts with Stratford Summer Music.
"So we see a long and fruitful partnership with Mark and Crystal as they bring a variety of amazing live music performances to Stratford," said board chair Jean Anne McLeod.
"We are very much coming into this as a team," Spicer said. "I am very excited to work with Mark and support his artistic vision and work within the community. I am lucky to step into an organization that has a powerhouse board behind it that is so supportive. I think it will be a great learning opportunity."
She is looking forward to getting back out in the community to renew old connections and making some new ones and stopping into Revel in the downtown core for a cup of coffee.
"It was a little bit of a leap but it ended up that we are exactly where we want to be."
