About me
Most folks know Mr. Grafton as the “Drama Guy” at Medicine Hat High School. He has been helping to shape theatre in Medicine Hat since 2012, directing dozens of shows with a special focus on Canadian Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, Classical Theatre, and Broadway Musicals. He founded the new MHHS Theatre Company, the Pilot Lights Theatre Festival, Whose Lunch Is It Anyway? and several Laugh Locally Comedy Nights. His plays include MADLY OFF IN ALL DIRECTIONS, THE SWORD IN THE STONE, and PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE: THE PLAN GOES WRONG!!
Richard is the Artistic Director of The Paperback Stage, a local Medicine Hat theatre troupe creating new adventures for audiences of all ages! Their work includes Short Form and Long Form Improv, as well as developing new plays for young audiences. Their show, THE SWORD IN THE STONE, recently produced at the 2024 Edmonton International Fringe Festival.
As an actor, Richard has appeared on stage across Alberta, including The Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Alberta Drama Festival, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, Firehall Theatre, Thesbos Theatre, Foothills Alliance, The Empress Theatre, The University of Lethbridge, Red Deer College, and Desperate Jester Improv Theatre.
Richard also represents Zone 7 in the Alberta High School Drama Festival council, and served on the Board of Directors for Theatre Alberta (2016 -2018), supporting and encouraging theatre across the province!
Richard holds a B.F.A/B.Ed (2007) in Dramatic Education from the University of Lethbridge.
When he's not making theatre, Richard is off on adventures with his wife and two sons. You'll probably find him paddling his canoe down a river, wandering off on a camping trip, or travelling to theatres across the country.