LONG-time Canberra Theatre Centre director Bruce Carmichael is to retire in late November.

He has been with the Canberra Theatre Centre for 34 years, starting as a mechanist before providing production management for three NationalFestivals of Australian Theatre, under the artistic direction of Robyn Archer.

He moved on to become the Centre’s production manager and then operations manager, a position in which he played a key role in designing The Playhouse, now celebrated as one of the nation’s finest venues of its size.

Mr Carmichael became Director of the Centre in 2007.

Cultural Facilities Corporation CEO Harriet Elvin says: “Bruce has made an immense contribution to the performing arts not only in Canberra but also nationally, and indeed internationally.

“During his time as director, Bruce has overseen a major increase in patron numbers and income levels. Through his leadership and vision, the Canberra Theatre Centre’s programming has retained its reputation for high-quality drama and dance but has also extended into a greater focus on comedy, contemporary music and major commercial productions.

“This wider range of programming has had a direct beneficial impact on the night time economy of Civic, and on Canberra’s economy more generally.”

 Ms Elvin said that the director role would be advertised nationally in the near future.