Larry Desrochers

Larry Desrochers graduated from The University of Winnipeg in 1984 with a major in Theatre and Drama.  While still a student, his artistic talents were recognized by the Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC) and they recruited him to serve as Assistant Director on the Mainstage. He directed his first MTC Warehouse production at the age of 26 and a year later, MTC asked him to establish the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, described as one of the most important events in Manitoba theatre history.

As Associate Artistic Director of the MTC, Desrochers directed a number of productions, including the first play by a local playwright to be presented at the MTC Mainstage in 27 years. In 1999, Desrochers produced and directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

Desrochers has shown exceptional leadership as an arts administrator.  The Winnipeg Fringe Film Festival holds the record as having the most successful inaugural year of any Fringe in Canada.  As Executive Director of the Winnipeg Film Group, he revitalized their programming and virtually eliminated their accumulated debt. He led Manitoba Opera, as Director, through a renewal that resulted in balanced budgets, increased profile, and flourishing attendance.

His help in building and sustaining Winnipeg’s vibrant cultural community qualifies Larry Desrochers as a most worthy recipient of the October 2003 University of Winnipeg Distinguished Alumni Award.