PSFT: Simon Joynes
The Port Stanley Festival Theatre is enormously saddened to announce the loss of longtime Artistic Director Simon Joynes.
He passed peacefully at his home with his family at his side, wife Daniele, daughter Fiona and canines Ruby and Sammy on Sunday February 4, 2024.
“As an artist, Simon was what you would call in the industry, a “Triple Threat”. He was a prolific playwright, an exceptional director, and a superb actor.” – Liz Gilroy, PSFT Associate Artistic Director.
Simon Joynes joined Port Stanley Festival Theatre as Artistic Director in the Fall of 2005, and built on the successes of his predecessors. Some of his triumphs at Port Stanley Festival Theatre include making the theatre a Professional Equity company in 2007, beginning off-season music programming and developing on-going processes of strategic planning.
In 2010 he heralded an “all Canadian” mandate for the summer season, as well as committing the theatre to the development of new work as a touchstone priority with the establishment of an annual Playwrights’ Festival. He endorsed an ambitious $2 million renovation project over 8 years, which included a totally refurbished performance space, new production workshop, administration offices, and backstage facilities, along with an art gallery, new lounge space, and a roof top patio overlooking the harbour. 2019 brought with it the theatre’s highest attended season ever.
Following such an incredible season were the harsh realities of the pandemic. Simon weathered the storm with a dedicated core team and a committed Board of Governors, halting production for only one season in the summer of 2020, then returning with a reduced 2021 summer program of three shows. Simon then persisted to bring back full seasons in 2022/23 and was elated to see patrons filling the seats of the Grace Auditorium once again.
Simon played an instrumental role in mentoring many Canadian playwrights, directors, actors, designers and technicians throughout his career. Simon had a passion for sharing his love for theatre with many different people in the theatre industry. Of the many artists that have come through the doors of the Port Stanley Festival Theatre and been mentored by Simon, many have become highly successful and critically acclaimed in their fields.
Simon always appreciated patrons for coming through the doors, for being there year after year, and for giving the theatre a reason to do this thing he loved.
“Simon has been a friend to the community of Port Stanley for over 18 years. Aside from his love for theatre, Simon had a passion for sailing. So, it only seemed fitting that the bulk of his professional career was here in Port Stanley. His keen sense of humour left our stomachs in knots with all the great laughter we shared in the office.” – Tony Sclafani, PSFT General Manager.
The theatre will continue moving forward with the professionalism and high quality that audiences and artists alike have come to love. Simon, along with Associate Artistic Director Liz Gilroy have lined up a fabulous season of entertainment for this upcoming summer.
The 2024 Summer theatre season is dedicated to the memory of Artistic Director Simon Joynes.
A Celebration of life for Simon Joynes has been planned for Sunday, February 25th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover.
There will be something to celebrate Simon at Port Stanley Festival Theatre at a later date.
