Walter Learning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Learning
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Walter John Learning
November 16, 1938 Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland
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| Died | January 5, 2020 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Director, Actor, Broadcaster, Playwright |
Walter John Learning (November 16, 1938 – January 5, 2020) was a famous Canadian theatre director and actor. He also started a theatre company called Theatre New Brunswick. He was honored with the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick for his amazing work.
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Walter Learning's Early Life and Education
Walter Learning was born in 1938 in a small village called Quidi Vidi in Newfoundland. He went to school at Bishop Feild College in St. John's. Later, he studied at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.
He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Then he received special scholarships to continue his studies. He even worked on his PhD in Australia! Walter came back to Canada in 1966. He taught drama and philosophy at different universities.
Starting Theatre New Brunswick
In 1968, Walter Learning moved back to Fredericton. He became the manager of the Beaverbrook Playhouse. While there, he had a big idea: he wanted to start a professional theatre company.
So, he founded Theatre New Brunswick (TNB). Their first play was shown in January 1969. For the next 40 years, TNB was special. It was Canada's only full-time touring regional theatre. This means they traveled all over to perform plays.
Walter was the Artistic Director of TNB for ten years. During that time, TNB put on more than 85 different plays! It was the first professional theatre company in New Brunswick. Today, it is one of the oldest in Canada.
Working with Alden Nowlan
While at TNB, Walter Learning became good friends with a famous Canadian poet named Alden Nowlan. They worked together on many play scripts. Some of their plays included Frankenstein and The Dollar Woman. They also wrote A Gift to Last and The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca.
Walter Learning's Career Journey
After his time at TNB, Walter Learning moved to Ottawa in 1978. He took a job at the Canada Council for the Arts. This organization helps support artists and arts groups in Canada.
In 1982, he moved to the west coast. He became the Artistic Director of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. After five years, he returned east to Prince Edward Island. There, he led the Charlottetown Festival, a famous musical theatre festival.
From 1992 to 1995, Walter worked as a freelance artist. He was a broadcaster, writer, actor, and director. Then, from 1995 to 1999, he went back to Theatre New Brunswick. He worked as the Executive Producer.
Directing and Acting
Walter Learning directed plays at many famous theatres. These included the Stratford Festival, where he directed a play called A Man for All Seasons. He also directed at Neptune Theatre and the Dallas Theater Center. He even directed plays in Australia.
Besides directing, Walter was also an actor. He performed in many plays across Canada. He also appeared in TV shows and films. For example, he played a hockey pioneer named Charles Hay in the mini-series Canada Russia '72. This film was about the famous 1972 hockey series.
Awards and Recognition
Walter Learning received many awards for his contributions to the arts. In 2011, he won the Playhouse Honours award. This award celebrates people who make a big difference in the performing arts.
In 2018, he became a member of the Order of New Brunswick. This honor recognized his achievements in theatre. It also celebrated his work for the theatre community.
On June 27, 2019, he received one of Canada's highest honors. Governor General Julie Payette announced that Walter Learning was appointed to the Order of Canada.
His special interviews are kept in Theatre Museum Canada's Legend Library. This video series helps remember and celebrate Canada's performing arts history.
