Stu Gilchrist - Founding Director

Stu Gilchrist has dedicated his life to education, children and the arts. Simply mentioning the word Mr. Dressup brings a beaming smile to the faces of Canadians who grew up watching the show and opens a tickle trunk of wonderful childhood memories. He served as producer of The Friendly Giant, Butternut Square, Barney Boomer and Swing Town. Gilchrist was also invited to be a partner in the creation of Sesame Street on PBS in the late 1960s. He worked hand-in-hand with visionaries such as Fred Rogers producing and consulting on a number of his shows. It was through his work on Mister Rogers Neighborhood that he met a young puppeteer named Ernie Coombs - who Canada would grow to love as Mr. Dressup. Gilchrist’s impact on Canadian youth through his creation of Mr. Dressup and his valued contribution to shows like Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street, and through Suitcase Theatre as its Founding Director are examples of his dedication to children and the arts - and his lasting impact on the lives of generations of Canadians.

Now in his mid-80s, he remains engaged and involved in inspiring the next generation of children to discover their creativity through imaginative play and the arts.