Former Kamloops theatre director sues over ‘unwarranted’ firing

A former artistic director with the Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops is taking his former employer to court, claiming he was wrongfully terminated last year.

James MacDonald, who was the artistic director for more than eight years, said he was the subject of “unwarranted attacks” on his character which lead to the end of his job with the theatre company.

According to his notice of claim in BC Supreme Court, the theatre’s board president interfered with “operational matters” within MacDonald’s role.

He raised concerns and, soon after, president Chrystie Stewart “unduly” influenced the board to terminate his employment, according to the claim.

What claims about him were made to the board isn’t clear as they were not detailed in court documents, but he claims they were “motivated by personal antagonism” from Stewart.

On Jan. 6, 2025, his termination letter was called an “opportunity to resign,” provided he sign non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements.

MacDonald said after he was terminated from his $90,000 per year position, allegedly without cause, he didn’t receive a $67,500 severance he would’ve been entitled.

His eight-year tenure as artistic director at Western Canada Theatre was one of success, he said.

According to his claim, he reversed six years of annual deficits, turning the theatre around to a successful non-profit theatre, nearly doubling ticket sales in his time.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to Western Canada Theatre, but did not receive a response.

None of the claims have been proven in court.