In my first profile of Iain Moggach during the height of the pandemic, I mentioned how other personnel from the theatre industry have described him with terms like whip-smart, astute, talented, and clever. These are just a few of the descriptors. He’s also one of those artists who makes you feel comfortable and at ease when you speak with him.

He says he’s extremely honoured by the accolades many have showered him with over the years. Moggach recognizes how people in the theatre industry pour their blood, sweat, and tears to make theatre happen in Canada, often without due credit, so he can’t help but be very touched that his work has been recognized. The messages of support and encouragement are motivating.

Moggach is also a modest fellow:

“I am very aware that most of the awards did not come from my work alone. It truly takes a village. I have tried my best to make sure that credit is provided and express gratitude to people whose work has helped make such accolades possible happen.”

He remembers the many artists and volunteers, juries, sponsors, and donors who made realizing the vision of various projects possible. He received the ‘Contributions to the Community Award’ last fall for the Barrie Arts Awards.

Much has changed significantly since he departed as Artistic Director at Barrie’s Theatre by the Bay. We’ll discuss that bombshell shortly.

Change is inevitable in the artistic career. He feels the artist must learn to embrace it fully when that occurs.
Ironically, for many years, Iain couldn’t even envision what life outside Barrie’s Theatre by the Bay would look like. Now that he is experiencing a different life, he discovers there is so much to learn, experience, and do. A philosophy or cause can also help keep an artist grounded during inevitable changes. Iain has ultimately realized that he has a desire to help people. As an Artistic Director, he aims to support local artists, enable the community to see itself more clearly, and understand itself from important perspectives.

Change in the way audiences respond to theatre is also inevitable. Iain embraces this change in the industry. He wants to help actors deliver their best performances, allowing the playwright to perceive their work in new ways without sacrificing the authenticity of what has been written. Moggach aims to assist designers in crafting worlds they can take pride in while aligning with a cohesive vision. His desire to help embodies what working actors are all about.

In return, being surrounded by inspiring and hardworking people inspires Moggach to work hard to help them. He has a loving network of family and friends upon whom he can lean during the challenging days ahead after what happened at Theatre by the Bay.

Iain says there have been incredibly emotional days since leaving Theatre by the Bay:

“ It has been a roller coaster, to say the least…it was not the way I could have imagined going out, but I stand behind the decision to leave and am the better for it. I put a third of my life into Theatre by the Bay and achieved many wonderful things, met amazing people, and created art I thought was interesting, important and creatively engaging.”

As every theatre artist knows, the work in the industry can be and is very hard.

Even before he decided to leave, Moggach intended to take a mental health break because he wasn’t sure how much he had left in his cup to give. Now he’s getting a chance to heal, realign, and refocus. He feels healthier, happier, and more aligned. Plus, he’s doing work that he finds fulfilling. Moggach can be a better husband and dog dad – all important and lovely things.

During the upcoming summer season of 2025, Iain will direct one of the three plays for Port Perry’s Theatre on the Ridge. Artistic Director Carey Nicholson is thrilled to have him on board.

Iain shared his past connection with Theatre on the Ridge.

After graduating from George Brown, one of his first directing projects was a production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ that Moggach and actor Landon Doak adapted as a musical at Port Perry’s Old Flame Brewery in 2015. At that time, Theatre on the Ridge was known as Theatre 3x60. Nicholson saw the show.

In 2017, he participated in a week-long directing workshop led by Philip Akin. One of the participants was Nicholson, who recognized Iain and knew he had seen the previous 3x60 productions of ‘Peter Pan’. During that week, the two became friends and kept in touch, occasionally making calls and meeting. Nicholson viewed Theatre by the Bay as an example of the type of company she wanted Theatre on the Ridge to become.

She was also among the first artistic directors to reach out to Iain professionally after he stepped down from Theatre by the Bay. It felt like the time had finally come for them to collaborate.

Iain values Carey’s work in the Port Perry arts community and beyond. Her passion and results are extremely impressive and inspire support. Port Perry is where Moggach felt his career truly began. Now he’s back as his career starts anew.

Iain will direct playwright Vern Thiessen’s ‘Bluebirds’ at Port Perry's Scugog Shores Museum and Village this summer.

It is a beautiful and powerful play about three Canadian nurses who bond during their service in World War One. Canadian nurses were in a league of their own and were called " bluebirds " for their iconic blue uniforms. The play presents a fascinating glimpse of Canadian history wrapped in a touching and engaging story.

Although it is still early, Moggach sees ‘Bluebirds’ as both evocative and a very physical play performed in the round, with as much of the music and other elements presented live by the three actors as possible.
For those who saw Iain’s work at Old Flame back in the day, 'Bluebirds' should capture the ensemble feeling with nothing hidden from the audience. This is his favorite way of working when it makes sense. He is looking forward to rehearsals because it should be very special and worth the trip.

Moggach also adds:

“With everything going on in the world, ‘Bluebirds’ story about the dedication of nurses, and (more generally) of the burdens women carry during times of crises feels quite topical right now.”

With tension lingering between Canada and the U.S., how does he view the future status of the Canadian theatre industry?

For a long time, Iain has believed it is important for Canadian theatre companies to present Canadian work. He has built his career on that belief and has also witnessed the benefits that come from that work.

However, as an Artistic Director, Moggach also understands budgeting, audience interest and engagement. While there are benefits that come from presenting Canadian story work live:

“Survival and convincing increasingly strapped audiences and donors to see shows and give money is going to be the priority. I can’t help but respect that decision. If Canadian work makes sense for your community and audiences, as it did with Theatre by the Bay,…then absolutely do it. But at this point we have to respect companies that do musicals, pantos, American and British classics and whatever else to get butts in seats right now.”

What lies ahead for the entrepreneurial theatrical Moggach?

Right now, he is consulting extensively for arts organizations, which includes creating strategic plans, corporate restructuring, and developing fundraising strategies. This work has been rewarding and serves as a great way to stay engaged before the next big opportunity arises. He is also applying for various jobs and opportunities to see what yields results.

Even if he doesn’t get that big flashy job somewhere, Iain is happy in the lane of directing, consulting, doing some advocacy work and trying to live a healthier, more wholesome life.

He concludes our online conversation:

“In this world filled with so much noise and anxiety, maybe that is enough. But my favourite project is always the next one, so I am ready and excited for whatever is next.”

To read my first conversation with Iain, go here: https://www.onstageblog.com/profiles/2021/3/22/theatre-conversation-in-a-covid-world-with-theatre-by-the-bays-artistic-director-iain-maggoch?rq=iain%20moggach

To learn more about the summer 2025 slate at Port Perry’s Theatre on the Ridge, go here:
https://theatreontheridge.ca/