Actor and director Geoffrey Gaquère will lead the Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Arts from January 9, the establishment announced on its Facebook page. He will replace the current director, actor Benoît Dagenais, in office since 2012, who has announced his retirement.
Geoffrey Gaquère has been in charge of the artistic direction and co-general management of the Espace libre theater since 2014. He announced his departure last June. His replacement will be announced shortly. Under his leadership, Espace libre’s funding doubled, while its audience grew by 25%.
Originally from Belgium, Geoffrey Gaquère studied acting at the Brussels Conservatory before continuing his training in Quebec at the National Theater School, then directed by André Brassard and Alice Ronfard. He will therefore work under the orders of Marc Hervieux, who is the director general of the Conservatory.
In 2018, Espace libre received the Andrée-Daigle award for its civic actions. In 2019, Geoffrey Gaquère was a finalist for the Charles-Biddle Prize, which highlights the contribution of immigrants whose commitment has contributed to the artistic development of Quebec.