This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being an Executive Director’ with the brilliant, Claire Sakaki.
Claire Sakaki is the Executive Director of Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, where she oversees organizational leadership, strategic planning, and the alignment of artistic vision with sustainable operations. With a background spanning Soulpepper Theatre Company, Toronto Dance Theatre, the Canadian Opera Company, and Weston Playhouse, Claire brings a deep understanding of how leadership, culture, and structure intersect in large arts organizations. A recipient of the national John Hobday Award in Arts Management and the 2025 Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award, Claire is a respected advocate for artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive theatre practices across Canada.
CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.
