Armand Marchand Obituary: A Legacy of Theatre and Community
The community of New Bedford, Massachusetts, is mourning the loss of Armand Marchand, a towering figure in local theatre whose creative spirit and leadership forever transformed the cultural landscape of the region.
As the founder and long-time Executive Producer of New Bedford Festival Theatre (NBFT), Marchand passed away recently, prompting an outpouring of tribute from community members, colleagues, and admirers across the arts world .
A Life of Theatre and Education
Marchand’s journey began as a dedicated English teacher and drama advisor at New Bedford High School. Alongside his partner George Charbonneau, he directed over 60 productions for the school’s Drama Club between 1972 and 2001, helping cultivate budding theatre talent. Their leadership extended into the Zeiterion Theatre, where, starting in 1983, they served as co-directors of summer musicals—most notably across 15 productions through 1989 .
New Bedford Festival Theatre
In 1990, Marchand founded New Bedford Festival Theatre, establishing a professional, non-profit company housed within the Zeiterion. Over 30 summers, NBFT produced a wide variety of musical theatre, from La Cage aux Folles to Les Misérables and Mary Poppins, and received multiple Moss Hart Awards, including for Les Miserables (2008), Hairspray (2012), and Mary Poppins. The company also gained acclaim for recent productions like _Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat_, sweeping Broadway World Boston awards .
Summer Academy
Under Marchand’s guidance, NBFT also launched its Summer Academy, offering high school students hands-on training in performance, stage management, and design. Many alumni pursued successful careers in the arts, carrying forward lessons learned under his mentorship. The Summer Academy has become a vital part of NBFT’s mission, providing opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and passion for theatre .
Accolades and Legacy
Marchand, along with Charbonneau, received numerous accolades, including Chancellor’s Medals from UMass Dartmouth in 2015 for their contributions to regional culture and arts education. Their 50-year legacy was celebrated in a 2022 event, “Welcome to the Theatre!”, recognizing a half-century of impact on New Bedford’s performing arts scene .
Tributes and Remembrances
Tributes from the Zeiterion Theatre reflect deep loss: “Armand’s warmth, creativity, and generosity of spirit left an indelible mark”—a sentiment echoed by countless students, performers, and collaborators moved by his passion. Jared Rivet, a former student, described Marchand as deeply influential in his life: “They taught me how to be an actor… to see the world through a wider, more compassionate lens.” Rivet noted how film-score discussions with Armand expanded his artistic appreciation and shaped his identity .
Impact on the Community
Armand Marchand’s death extinguishes a guiding light in the South Coast theatre community. His legacy endures not only in the productions that graced the stage but in the generations of performers and artists he nurtured. New Bedford Festival Theatre, the Zeiterion, the Summer Academy—these living institutions stand as testament to his vision, perseverance, and heartfelt belief in the transformative power of theatre .
Conclusion
The loss of Armand Marchand is a significant blow to the community, where he was respected and admired for his contributions to theatre and arts education. However, his legacy will continue to inspire others, and his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. As the community mourns his passing, they also celebrate his life and the impact he had on the world of theatre .
