A Fond Farewell to Tim Chapman

By Carol Beauchamp, Executive Director

“Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”  William Shakespeare, Romeo And Juliet

Tim during his acting career as a member
of the cast of the Montreal Theatre Lab
production of Solzhenitsyn, 1978
Photo by Don Bytone

It is with 'sweet sorrow' that we bid a fond farewell to Tim Chapman, who is retiring this week after seven amazing years as Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Coordinator.  I have been privileged to work closely with Tim for the past two years, and I have been humbled by the passion, commitment, and dedication that he brings to Theatre Ontario.  Tim’s lifelong love of theatre and genuinely compassionate nature shines through every single day he walks through the door of our offices!

Each area of Tim’s portfolio, which includes administering Showcase, the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival, the Professional Theatre Training Program, the Youth Theatre Training Program, and ASTRO (Association of Summer Theatres ‘Round Ontario), has received his diligent care and attention, however, I especially never cease to be amazed by how Tim goes to bat to counsel and mentor emerging artists and self-producing artists to make connections or to improve their applications for funding.  Tim is truly committed to helping people find a way to develop and sustain a financially viable and artistically rewarding career in theatre.  He displays a father's pride when people he has mentored land great gigs and move onto successful careers in theatre.

The staff of the Arbor Theatre, 1983.

I sometimes think that Tim is a walking encyclopedia of the Ontario theatre scene; it seems that there are very few people that he hasn’t either worked with or mentored over the years.   I will personally miss Tim’s loyalty, wisdom, and insights, but am reassured that he is only an email away!  We are fortunate that Tim’s commitment and belief in mentorship are so strong, that he will be mentoring his successor later this summer.

The Board and the Staff at Theatre Ontario wish Tim a long and healthy retirement (although a little bird tells me that you might bump into him from time to time at the AGO!)  Good luck Tim, and thank you for everything you have done for Theatre Ontario’s members over the last seven years—we will miss you!


"Thank you for all your years at Theatre Ontario and of course, your tremendous contribution to the Tarragon in so many offices. Your work with our theatre community has been invaluable."  Richard Rose, Artistic Director, Tarragon Theatre

"Tim has made a great contribution to the theatre. He will be missed!"  Jim Warren, Director

"Happy trails Tim, and thanks for all you did at Theatre Ontario."  Margo Charlton, Theatre Officer, Toronto Arts Council

"Thank you so much for your energy, dedication and compassion for artists and administrators trying to figure it all out!"  Matt White, General Manager, Necessary Angel

"I know Theatre Ontario will miss Tim desperately, and I have always valued his commitment to the organization, his work and his friendship."  John Goddard, former Executive Director of Theatre Ontario

"Tim is the glue!"  Colin Doyle, actor and producer

Tim: The angelic member of the staffs of Theatre Ontario,
TAPA, and Playwrights Guild of Canada
at the opening of our new office, 2013.