Barbara Tomasic is an award-winning theatre director whose career has hopscotched across Canada, leaving a trail of dazzling productions and probably a few confused airport staff in her wake. Known for her ability to collaborate across disciplines—directing, acting, producing, developing new works, and possibly conjuring musical numbers about jungle animals out of thin air—Barbara is essentially a one-woman performing arts Swiss Army knife. Musician, educator, singer, dancer, actor… at this point, we’re just waiting for “lion tamer” to be added to the list.
Her work has earned her two Jessie Award nominations and three Ovation Awards, and she now works as Executive Artistic Director at Gateway Theatre, steering the artistic vision with equal parts brilliance and boldness.
Outside the rehearsal hall, Barbara is her own category of unstoppable. She’s a certified horse girl (the chic adult kind, not the chaotic middle-school variety) and finds her joy in the saddle. She also maintains a legendary and borderline academic devotion to potato chips—if it’s been fried and salted, odds are she’s tried it, reviewed it, and stocked a backup bag. Barbara is fiercely loyal, the friend who answers late-night existential spirals and plans spontaneous road trips with enough snacks to sustain a small village.
As a mentor, Barbara is passionately dedicated to shaping the next generation of artists. She spent eight years on the faculty at Capilano University and has taught at UBC, Studio 58, and CCPA. Whether guiding young performers or caring for the people and animals she loves, Barbara approaches everything with the same trademark blend of warmth, wit, and constant energy.
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Which ’hood are you in?
Mount Pleasant! I’ve been in my new place since June of this year, but moved into the neighbourhood in 2008, so clearly love the area. I live near the new Lost Creek Rainway, which was spearheaded by my neighbours – a good reminder of the power of community.
What do you do?
I am a theatre director and the Executive Director of Gateway Theatre in Richmond, as well as a friend, sister, daughter and lover of all animals and coffee.
What are you currently working on?
I’m directing Little Women at the Arts Club Theatre, which is opening on December 3rd at the Granville Island Stage, as well as planning the 26-27 Season for Gateway Theatre.
Where can we find your work?
On stages in the Lower Mainland and across Canada, and as of December 3rd, onstage at Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage with Little Women, and then throughout the season at Gateway Theatre, where I work with an amazing team to create theatre and events to serve the community.
