Alex Fancy

2015—Arts Builder

Alex Fancy

Scholar, actor, playwright, director, and mentor: Alex Fancy has been all these to multiple generations of young people in Sackville and across the Maritimes.

Born in Pictou County, NS, he graduated from Mount Allison in 1961 and returned as a member of faculty in 1965. He was convinced that by building confidence and clarity of expression he would engage his students in an effective learning experience. To this end, collaborative theatre became his preferred teaching medium. Since 1968 he has written and/or directed more than 94 productions. In 1982, he founded the bilingual theatre company Tintamarre, whose creations have reached well over 100,000 spectators. His achievements have earned him the 3M National Teaching Fellowship, the Paul Paré Medal of Excellence, the Lieutenant-Governor’s Dialogue Award, and many other honours. In 2014 his impact was recognized in the naming of the Motyer-Fancy Theatre.

His personal enthusiasm and exemplary dedication have encouraged hundreds of young men and women to pursue careers in education and performance, thereby enriching the cultural and social fabric of Canada.