Q: Who founded The Grand Theatre and when?
A: Ambrose J. Small, a Toronto theatrical entrepreneur. With Colonel C.J. Whitney of Detroit, Small purchased land on the west side of Richmond Street, next door to the Western Hotel, and on September 9, 1901, opened the new Grand Opera House.

Q: How many artistic directors have there been at The Grand?
A: There have been 11. Our current Artistic Director is Susan Ferley, who came to The Grand in 2001. Her predecessors are: Peter Dearing 1957-1968; Heinar Pillar 1971 –1976; William Hutt 1976 – 1980; Bernard Hopkins 1980 – 1983; Robin Phillips 1983-1984; Don Shipley 1984-1986; Larry Lillo 1986-1988; Martha Henry 1988 – 1995; Michael Shamata 1995 – 1999; Kelly Handerek 1999 – 2001.

Q: What is an Artistic Director?
A: The Artistic Director is The Grand’s artistic leader. In consultation with her advisers in the company and on staff, she selects the yearly playbill, sets the major casting and often directs two or more of the productions. In addition, she works with the Executive Director to set the course for The Grand's major projects and education initiatives.

Q: What is an executive director?
A: Under The Grand's current structure, both the Artistic Director and the Executive Director, who oversees finance, human resources, operations and administration, report to the Board of Directors. Our current Executive Director is Deb Harvey.

Q: How many people, overall, work at The Grand Theatre?
A: During any given season, The Grand employs an average of 55 actors. Close to 300 people work for The Grand over the course of a year. Of those, about eight are employed in our wardrobe department making costumes, hats and jewellery. The rest work as designers, directors, stage managers, backstage technicians, props makers, set builders, front-of-house staff, building maintenance, box office representatives, marketing, sponsorships and fundraising.