James MacDonald is no longer the creative head of Western Canada Theatre, following his departure from the local theatre company in late January.

MacDonald’s absence comes in the midst of Western Canada Theatre’s 2024–2025 season, just days before the debut of its latest production, Liars at a Funeral. Four more productions are scheduled before May, when the season ends.

One of those productions, Pride and Prejudice, was set to be directed by MacDonald. Scott Bellis, who directed WCT’s Elf The Musical and Educating Rita, will step in to fill that role.

Following his arrival for the 2017–2018 season, MacDonald has taken the directorial reins on a number of big WCT productions, including Glory, Vimy, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek and Jesus Christ Superstar.

MacDonald’s time at WCT included its survival during the pandemic, with several streamed performances in lieu of live audiences, and the company’s transition to its new rehearsal, office, and education space at Kelson Hall. He also sits on the board of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, an organizing group for the planned performing arts centre.

When he was hired in 2017, WCT’s founding artistic director, Tom Kerr, praised the decision, calling MacDonald “an excellent choice.”

In a press release from the company, WCT board president Chrystie Stewart called MacDonald a talented actor and director and wished him well. The release did not include a statement from MacDonald, and acknowledged that his absence “will leave a palpable space.”

Upcoming productions include Little Red Warrior and his Lawyer, which will run from Feb. 20 to March 2, and Juliet: A Revenge Comedy, which will debut on March 4.