Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia
Michal, Ray
Director and co-founder of City Stage, born 1937, died 1991 at the age of 54.
Raymond G. Michal studied math and physics at the University of Manitoba, and worked in a number of non-theatre jobs as well as some amateur theatre in Winnipeg. He took a postgraduate theatre course at the University of British Columbia and directed student productions at UBC's Frederick Wood Theatre. He began a professional directing career in 1968 as artistic director of Holiday Theatre Repertory Company in Vancouver which toured plays for young people in BC. He also directed works for other Vancouver companies, such as the Arts Club Theatre.
In 1972, Michal co-founded City Stage Theatre Centre with George Plawski. He was the managing director of the company and directed most of the productions while creating a quasi-ensemble of then-unknown but highly talented artists.
After the closure of City Stage in 1987, he continued to produce and direct works for other Canadian theatre companies and toured Tonight... Piaf, which had been a success for City Stage since its debut in 1978.
He also acted for television and film.
In his honour, the Jessie Richardson Awards created the Ray Michal Prize for Outstanding Work and/or Body of Work by an Emerging Director, awarded annually.
Source: Ray Michal Professional Records, City of Vancouver Archives
Last updated 2018-03-01
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