The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) has announced the appointment of Annemieke Wade as the organization’s new Executive Director. She succeeds outgoing Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen, who announced that she’d be stepping down from the role she held for 21 years earlier in 2024.
Knaapen states, “Annemieke’s dedication to the arts and her extensive experience make her a good match for TAPA. She will be an invaluable addition to the team and a strong advocate for our community.”
Annemieke officially assumes the role on January 6, 2025. She brings many years of experience working in the field of theatre and culture, including roles as past Executive Director at Roseneath Theatre and Theatre Direct, and as Company Manager at Tarragon Theatre. She has established a reputation for promoting accessibility and diversity in the arts.
TAPA represents 119 professional theatre, dance, and opera companies across Toronto.
Anniemieke Wade
Michael Sinclair, TAPA Board President, comments, “As Chair of the hiring committee, I am delighted with the appointment of Annemieke as the new Executive Director. With over 15 years experience in the performing arts sector, she brings a deep knowledge and insight to the position along with a unique understanding of TAPA, having served on the TAPA Board for over six years, including four as Board Secretary.
“In her new role, she steps into a legacy shaped by outgoing Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen, whose leadership has earned TAPA a stellar reputation not only in this city but nationwide. The Board and committee are confident that Annemieke will build on this legacy and has our full support.”
Annemieke Wade is a Torontonian by choice. She is a native of St. Albans, Vermont, and first came to Ontario in 1994 to study art. She graduated rom the University of Toronto Mississauga/Sheridan College joint Theatre and Drama Studies program in 1998. She returned to the US to complete an MBA from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, but came back to Toronto, and became a Canadian citizen in 2013.
Her experience in the theatre industry extends to roles both on and off stage, including a seven year stint touring North America as a performer. She has been an active member of TAPA for several years. She served on the TAPA Board of Directors (2016-22) and Eligibility Committee (2022-24), and was a contributing member of the PGC/PACT contract negotiations working group (2022-23). Annemieke currently sits on the TAC Theatre Committee (since 2023).
Based in Toronto, Roseneath a not-for-profit production company that presents touring versions of youth-oriented shows. As the outgoing Executive Director (2016-2024), Annemieke was an outspoken advocate for inclusivity in the arts.
She was recently nominated as a Woman of Influence for the 32nd RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
Annemieke Wade talks about her new role with TAPA, “I’m honoured to be trusted with this immense responsibility, and I know that I am standing today on the shoulders of giants who have advocated so fiercely for the performing arts and are every part of the TAPA story and legacy. I am deeply grateful to my partner at Roseneath Theatre, Andrew Lamb, whose unwavering support has been invaluable.
“And to my family — my husband, Cam, and our children, Vesper and Lyric, who are my heart and my joy — you are my everything, and it’s because of your love and encouragement that I’m able to pursue this work that means so much to us all. I made my home in Toronto many years ago and found a warm and welcoming community that embraced and nurtured me, and I am exhilarated to follow in Jacoba Knaapen’s footsteps serving the artists of the city that has offered me more than I could have imagined was possible.”
Chris Goddard, President of the Performing Arts Information Services (PAIS) Board, adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Annemieke at this pivotal time for our community. Her proven track record in the arts sector and her commitment to the TAPA mission will guide us forward, strengthening the critical role that TAPA plays in advocating for vibrant theatre, dance, and opera communities in Toronto.”
Congratulations all around!
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