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Former STC artistic director passes away

Former Sudbury Theatre Centre artistic director David Savoy passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning, Sept. 2. Savoy worked as the STC artistic director from 2009 to 2014 before stepping down due to his battle with multiple sclerosis.
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Former Sudbury Theatre Centre artistic director David Savoy passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning, Sept. 2. File photo.
Former Sudbury Theatre Centre artistic director David Savoy passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning, Sept. 2.

Savoy worked as the STC artistic director from 2009 to 2014 before stepping down due to his battle with multiple sclerosis.

STC communications director Callam Rodya worked with Savoy for three years, from 2012 until Savoy's retirement in 2014 and has fond memories of his time working alongside the artistic director, as well as his interactions with him outside of a working relationship.

“David was a really warm and gentle artist, he was incredibly humble but still commanding and clear in his leadership,” said Rodya.

“He had just an incredible bond with his audience in particular and filled the entire theatre with warmth.”

Savoy has been in the theatre business for more than 30 years, and had previously been the artistic director at Showboat Theatre in Port Colborne and St. Lawrence Stage Company in Brockville.

After retiring from his position with the STC, Savoy moved back to Toronto.

Rodya explained that what he really appreciated about Savoy's directorial style was that he was always accessible and open for discussion.

“He was such an accessible person and often times the person who is a leader of an artistic organization, they're not always the most accessible person, but David always made himself available to young up and coming artists and theatre students and he was always willing to sit down and talk shop,” said Rodya.

Savoy's accessibile and approachable demeanour are something that Rodya experienced first hand from his time as theatre student at Thorneloe University at Laurentian.

“I had several opportunities to meet with David and audition for him and he was always very gracious in his advice and really supportive,” said Rodya.

“My graduating class we all had opportunities to interface with David, the artistic director at the STC and we were always very excited for that opportunity.”

The Sudbury Theatre Centre will be accepting donations in David’s name for The Actors’ Fund of Canada, which provides emergency financial aid to assist cultural workers in recovering from an illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship.

If you would like to pass on cards or notes of condolence to David’s family, the theatre will forward them on your behalf. Drop them off in person at the STC Box Office or email them to [email protected].

Funeral arrangements have not be finalized yet, but check www.benjamins.ca for details.

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