#426 – Iain Moggach

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About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Iain Moggach, former Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay in Barrie, Ontario. In this thoughtful conversation, Iain shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to actor, administrator, and ultimately artistic director, reflecting on what it means to build theatre outside of a major city centre. He speaks to the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Barrie, and the importance of creating space for regional stories.

This episode explores:

Iain’s journey from law studies to theatre leadership
The role of mentorship and community in his career path
The challenges of running a theatre company outside major urban centres
Building partnerships and engaging new audiences in Barrie
The importance of perseverance, adaptability, and curiosity in theatre-making

Guest: 🎭 Iain Moggach Iain Moggach is an award-winning theatre producer, director, and performing arts educator based in Barrie, Ontario.

Iain was the Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay from 2018-2024, where he received numerous awards including the Barrie Business Award for 'Young Professional of the Year' in 2019, and the Barrie Arts Award for 'Contribution to the Community' in 2024. Some highlights of his time there include launching the Simcoe County Theatre Festival, expanding the company's Indie Producer Co-op into a national program, and commissioning several world premieres including 'Icemen' by Vern Thiessen, as well as new plays by Chloé Hung and Colleen Murphy.

As a director, Iain has directed professional theatre productions in seven cities across Canada, working in diverse styles including musicals, Shakespeare, contemporary drama, historical storytelling, and world premieres of new Canadian plays. Most recently, his production of Vern Thiessen's 'Bluebirds' at Theatre on the Ridge received tremendous acclaim from critics and audiences.

As a theatre educator and mentor, Iain has developed programs for emerging directors and producers, facilitated workshops for arts organizations, and championed the growth of regional theatre across Ontario. His work reflects a deep commitment to the future of Canadian theatre and to building inclusive, supportive spaces for the next generation of performing artists.

In the last year, Iain has also found himself working as a Consultant; supporting organizations such as the Huronia Symphony Orchestra, the Kingston Theatre Alliance, and Art and Water Cultural Group with strategic growth.