Mary Dennis spent 10 years as a professional musician throughout the Maritimes and Ontario before returning to Summerside, PEI in 1996 to find a new theatre being built in her hometown. She joined the team that opened Harbourfront Theatre that year, and has been there ever since, serving in various key capacities, mostly as Director of Operations, and assuming the role of Executive Director in January 2023. 

With her small but mighty team of 4 full time and 10 part time employees, Mary brings an unwavering passion for the performing arts and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for audiences. She is dedicated to strengthening community ties through collaboration with other organizations, while advancing Harbourfront’s mission to be a driving force in the nurturing, development, and appreciation of the performing arts. Under her leadership, Harbourfront continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub and long-standing member of APA. Now serving on the APA board, Mary brings insight and perspective amassed from nearly three decades in the performing arts, that she is eager to contribute in support of the organization’s ongoing goals and vision. 

Mary’s other passion is the team she leads along with her husband, Denton – a busy family of 2 grown children, 6 grandchildren, 5 grand-dogs and the star of the show, her Cavapoo puppy, Pepper. When she’s not booking the latest show for the Harbourfront stage, Mary enjoys swimming, cooking, walks with Pepper, and getting behind the microphone for an occasional musical performance.