Galen Simmons is a Southern Ontario–based arts writer with over seven years of experience reviewing theatrical productions at the Stratford Festival. With a background in journalism and a deep respect for the artistic process, Galen has built a reputation for insightful, fair, and generous criticism—always striving to highlight the strengths of a production and celebrate the effort behind each performance.

Rooted in Stratford, Ontario—a city internationally known for its contributions to theatre—Galen has spent much of his career immersed in one of Canada’s richest cultural landscapes. His reviews are grounded in knowledge, empathy, and curiosity, seeking to understand what each play sets out to achieve and to honour the creative risks behind it.

In 2025, Galen was invited to begin reviewing productions at the Blyth Festival, a milestone that reflects his growing recognition as a respected voice in regional arts criticism. Through Northern Arts Perspective, he brings this voice to a broader audience, offering reflections on theatre across Southern and Southwestern Ontario.

Whether reviewing a world premiere or a Shakespearean classic, Galen approaches each production with an open mind and a belief that there is always something worth celebrating on stage. His writing invites readers to see theatre not just as entertainment, but as a living conversation—one rooted in passion, possibility, and the power of story.

Galen is currently accepting review invitations from festivals and arts organizations for the upcoming season. He is also available for book-editing projects. For professional inquiries, please contact him at GalenSimmons19@gmail.com.