The Virtual Stage Announces New Artistic Director
Outgoing Artistic Director Andy Thompson with Madelaine Walker, The Virtual Stage’s incoming Artistic Director
July 1, 2026
The Virtual Stage Arts Society is pleased to announce that Madelaine Walker has accepted the position of Artistic Director of The Virtual Stage. Following a search process conducted by the Board’s Artistic Director Search Committee, Walker was selected as the company’s next Artistic Director. Founded in Vancouver in 2000 by Andy Thompson, The Virtual Stage has spent more than two decades exploring the intersection of theatre and emerging technologies. As Thompson continues to focus primarily on his film and television acting career, the company is entering a new chapter of artistic leadership. The Virtual Stage is thrilled to welcome Walker as she takes on artistic leadership of the company.
An emerging director, producer, and production manager with a BA in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing from UBC, Walker brings a strong background in theatre production, collaboration, and organizational leadership. Walker’s selected director credits include: IRIS (Assistant Director, Wunderdog Theatre), Plane and Simple (Brave New Play Rites), The New Margo (Seeing Things Festival), Wayne Gretzky Never Takes it Black (The Cascadia Project), and Saturdays for the Boys (Brave New Play Rites). She currently works as the Assistant Production Manager at The Cultch, her favourite theatre in Vancouver. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and tabletop game player.
Walker is delighted to step into this new role and looks forward to all that lies ahead. She shares, “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my production experience and passion for directing to The Virtual Stage. There are so many technologies available today that provide new modes of storytelling. I’m eager to explore those relationships with intentionality and imagination, while keeping theatre at the heart of our work. Theatre can reach into the audience’s hearts and minds, inviting them to dream with us. I can’t wait to welcome new audiences in and share our dreams with them.”
Thompson will support Walker through a transition period, offering mentorship in areas including grant development, organizational planning, and strategic growth as the company prepares for its next phase. He states, “I founded The Virtual Stage to create innovative work and to empower myself as an artist. Madelaine impressed us with her warmth, intelligence, ambition, and thoughtful approach to theatre-making. Supporting her now feels like a natural continuation of that founding purpose. I’m excited to see how her vision will shape the company’s future.”
Over the coming months, The Virtual Stage will begin organizational redevelopment, pursue new grant opportunities, expand its board, and begin planning projects under Walker’s artistic leadership.
More updates will be shared soon.