Vancouver, BC - After more than eight years at Green Thumb Theatre, and serving as Green Thumb’s Artistic Director since January 2021, Rachel Aberle will be departing from Green Thumb Theatre. The Board of Directors, staff, and the entire Green Thumb company wish Rachel the very best and thank her for her dedication and work with Green Thumb.

Rachel joined Green Thumb in 2015 and quickly demonstrated her passion and dedication to youth performing arts.  In 2021, she assumed the position of Artistic Director, succeeding Patrick McDonald after his retirement.

During her time at Green Thumb, Rachel has brought an extraordinary level of creativity, leadership, and vision to the company.  Her guidance allowed the company not only to navigate the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to thrive.  Rachel skillfully pivoted Green Thumb’s programming when touring became unfeasible while ensuring that the company continued to provide its audience with engaging and thought-provoking productions.  Her artistic dedication and unwavering commitment to Green Thumb Theatre have made an enduring impact on the company.

Robert Kosnica, Chair of the Board of Directors says “While we will miss her creative artistic leadership, we also understand and respect her decision to prioritize her personal well-being and that of her family.  The Board wishes her the very best in her personal and professional pursuits.”

Shannon Maung, General Manager for Green Thumb Theatre adds, “Working alongside Rachel is a joy – she’s been an integral part of what’s made my first year with the company a wonderful experience, and I am going to miss her tremendously. As she moves into her next chapter, I cannot wait to see what she does next.”

For this release, Rachel Aberle has penned a very special message to the Community:

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‍“To the Green Thumb Theatre Community,

I write to you today to share significant news. After what has been a very challenging year for me personally, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Artistic Director at Green Thumb Theatre as of December 31st, 2023. While I love the work we do at Green Thumb dearly, it’s become clear to me that my primary focus right now needs to be on my family and my health.

I have been on staff at Green Thumb since 2015, but it has been my creative home for over 14 years. I made my professional acting debut playing Maggie in Souvenirs by Michele Riml in the fall of 2009, I was put on my first play commission with Still•Falling in 2013, and I directed my first play, Not So Dumb by John Lazarus in 2017. This is where I learned dramaturgy, grant writing, and truly what it takes to be a leader. Green Thumb holds a huge place in my heart, and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned here close as I move forward.

I want to thank the staff, board, and my predecessor and mentor Patrick McDonald for their incredible support during my time as Artistic Director. I have held this role during a time of immense challenge in the theatre industry, and their efforts, intellect, and heart have made all the difference.

And of course, I want to thank the artists. I have worked with hundreds of you during my time here. I have watched emerging artists grow into established professionals, and had countless opportunities to pay forward the mentorship and guidance that Green Thumb provided to me. I hope that I have been able to provide a fraction of the joy you all provided me, and I can’t wait to see where all of your careers and lives take you next.

With gratitude, love, and deep respect,

Rachel Aberle”

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The Board of Directors will commence the search for Green Thumb’s new Artistic Director in January 2024. Details of the recruitment process will be shared soon.

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