Saskatchewan Express announced Danny Balkwill as its new artistic director, effective January 16, 2017. Danny, an alumnus of the touring musical revue, is an accomplished and energetic performer with an impressive resume of performing credits from the past two decades.
“I am completely thrilled to be back in my home province to lead the next generation of Saskatchewan Express,” said Balkwill. “The experience I gained from my tenure with the Express introduced the commitment it takes to be successful in this business. I’m really looking forward now to giving back and I can’t wait to dig into this opportunity to develop homegrown Saskatchewan talent.”
As Balkwill begins his new role in 2017, he will be immersing himself in the day-to-day operations of the organization, while setting the future artistic and strategic direction for the organization, including the touring summer and winter productions, the Expressions and Mini Express performing groups, as well as the musical theatre studios in both Regina and Saskatoon.
Balkwill will also work alongside Saskatchewan Express founder and incumbent Artistic Director and General Manager, Carol Gay Bell, in the months ahead. Bell’s final show as Artistic Director will be the 2017 summer production and tour, Oh! Canada, a tribute to Canada’s 150th birthday.
“It has been my life’s work and passion to foster the growth of talented young people from across this province through Saskatchewan Express,” said Bell. “This is why it is especially gratifying to see one of our own come back to take the organization into the future.”
Currently, Saskatchewan Express is in its final preparations for its annual winter production, on-stage at the Saskatchewan Express Theatre in Regina on December 10 - 11 and 14 - 18.
Saskatchewan Express is presented by PotashCorp, with the support of Saskatchewan Lotteries through SaskCulture.
