Boomer Stacey to step in as Interim Managing Director following 2026 Festival as Annie Clarke begins Parental Leave

January 21, 2026

As the 2026 Festival opens this week, you’ll see a new face around PuSh! Boomer Stacey, who has served on PuSh’s board for the past year, is preparing to step in as Interim Managing Director this spring. Managing Director Annie Clarke will take a one-year parental leave from her position while she and her husband welcome their first child. Annie will continue to co-lead PuSh alongside Artistic Director Gabrielle Martin until the end of March. 

“The past year at PuSh has been such a joy,” Annie says. “It’s a privilege to work alongside Gabrielle, our wonderful board of directors, dedicated staff, and incredible community of partners and artists. The 2025 Festival felt like a triumph in so many ways, and I’m so proud of the work that’s gone into ensuring that PuSh 2026 will be just as memorable and rich in what it offers our audiences. I’ve never been more convinced of the vital role PuSh holds, and of the power of bringing the stories and artists PuSh programs to the forefront of our cultural conversations. I can’t wait to experience PuSh 2026 and am thrilled to know that PuSh 2027 will be in phenomenal hands with Boomer.” 

Boomer is an experienced arts leader who has served as Executive Director of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and Artistic Director of the Milk International Children’s Festival of the Arts at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. Most recently, he was the Producer for local company Boca del Lupo. 

Boomer has worked closely with Annie and Gabrielle in his capacity as PuSh board member, in particular throughout the Future Planning process that will culminate in the public sharing of a ten-year Future Plan for PuSh in Spring 2026. He will take a leave of absence from the board in order to serve as Interim Managing Director, and will be present throughout the 2026 PuSh Festival (January 22-February 8)—please say hello if you see him!