Marshall Button
Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for High Achievement in the Arts
2024 Performing Arts Award’s laureate
Actor, director, and playwright Marshall Button has been a freelance theatre professional for more than 44 years. His best-known creation Lucien premiered at Theatre New Brunswick in 1986. The five full-length Lucien plays have been performed more than 2,500 times internationally, and in every Canadian province.
Marshall founded The Comedy Asylum in 1981 and served as its artistic director until 1986. He was artistic director of The Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg, Ontario from 1987 to 1996.
In 1997 he founded The Capitol School Academy —a year-round bilingual theatre training program for children and adults. Currently Artist-in-Residence at Moncton’s Capitol Theatre, Marshall is president and co-founder of The HubCap Comedy Festival. Founded in 2001, the bilingual festival has a mandate to feature and develop Canadian professional comedy and has evolved into a major cultural event in Southeastern New Brunswick.
Marshall has been recognized, notably, with The Order of New Brunswick and The Order of Moncton and has received an honorary doctorate from St Thomas University. He lives and works in Moncton, New Brunswick.
What led you to become an artist?
I was born with an intense desire to amuse. My parents were animated and funny, as were plenty of my relatives. I became enamoured with getting laughs.
How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama from Bishop’s University, and I’ve been studying how to be a better artist ever since. I learn on my feet, by being obligated to stand on a stage and entertain thousands of people.
What stimulates you most about your practice?
I must make a living. I have no other source of income. It’s a great motivator when you have a family to support.
What motivates your creativity?
Collaborating. Meeting new artists and being surprised by their work.
How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?
It has been everything to me. I love working in a bilingual arts community and mentoring emerging artists. I’ve also enjoyed inviting New Brunswickers to come back home to work after they’ve had to move away to be able to pursue a meaningful career in professional performing arts.
Do you have a specific ritual or routine that you follow before stepping onto the stage or during rehearsals?
Yes. I’m like a baseball player who has to lace up my shoes the same way every time.
What is your long-term vision and what do you hope to achieve?
Happiness.
What have you learned about yourself and the artistic community through your work?
People love to laugh. Some people show disdain for those who have been successful making others laugh. I’ve enjoyed being on stage in Francophone and Anglophone professional settings, and also serving on boards for both.
What do you think is the impact of artists' work on communities?
It’s why we live. It’s how we identify ourselves as a complicated province.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
Making opportunities for others. Helping to raise three children who are now successful adults, and while none work in the arts, they have a lifelong appreciation for them.
You've been working with Moncton's Capitol Theatre for many years. Have you had any projects with them that you particularly cherish?
Collaborations with Tony Delgado, Tutta Musica ensemble, and the creation and success of our Capitol Theatre Academy.
What would your dream project look like?
A new musical that defines our province that would play to full houses in every corner of our province.
Tell us more about your next project? (if you’re able to share)
Directing a huge production of the Addams Family musical.
Learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for High Achievement in the Arts, visit: https://artsnb.ca/web/awards/lieutenant-governors-awards/
